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Winter 2016 Issue 7 bristolchamber.com
Bristol, TN/VA Chamber of Commerce
Honoring Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey Christmas Parade
Chamber Events
New Members
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Winter 2016 Bristol TN/VA Chamber of Commerce
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Committee
Chairman Jim Maxwell, Bristol Herald Courier Chair Elect Janice Jones, United Southeast Federal Credit Union Past Chairman Chris Lee, Bill Gatton Automotive Group Vice Chair Community Leadership Mark Byington, Necessary Oil Vice Chair Gold Club Danny Carter, BELFOR Vice Chair Business Industry & Education William Burriss, III, BurWil Construction Co., Inc. Vice Chair Governmental Relations Clayton Dowell, Bristol Tennessee Essential Services Vice Chair Member Relations Jody Dutcher, Electro-Mechanical Corporation Treasurer/Vice Chair, Finance & Administration Janice Jones, United Southeast Federal Credit Union Jerry Kirk, Renasant Bank Vice Chair Convention & Visitors Bureau John Rainero, Permatile
Directors
Brad Adams, Johnson Commercial Development Jerry Caldwell, Bristol Motor Speedway Jack Dempsey, News 5 WCYB Fox Tri-Cities Charles Earhart, Earhart Campground Mark Esposito, PennStuart Jessica Flagg, Eastman Ed Gniewek, Bristol Compressors International, Inc. Keisha Gould, Courtyard by Marriott Chris Hall, BVU Authority Karen Hester, Cranberry Lane/The Southern Churn Bart Long, Bart Long and Associates Greg Neal, Bristol Regional Medical Center David Oakley, Strongwell Emily O’Quinn Brock Slone, Shearers Foods, Inc.
Bristol Mayors Chad Keen and Bill Hartley, along with Chamber President and CEO Beth Rhinehart present a key to the cities to Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey
Ex-Officio Board Members Christina Blevins, Believe in Bristol Dr. Gene Couch, Virginia Highlands Community College Tabitha Crowder, City of Bristol Virginia Dr. Janice Gilliam, Northeast State Community College Hon. Bill Hartley, Bristol Virginia Mayor Hon. Chad Keen, Bristol Tennessee Mayor Dr. Gary Lilly, Bristol Tennessee Public Schools Evelyn Rafalowski, Sullivan County Director of Schools Dr. Keith Perrigan, Bristol Virginia Public Schools Leah Ross, Birthplace of Country Music Bill Sorah, City of Bristol Tennessee Hon. Richard Venable, Sullivan County Mayor
Chamber Staff Beth Rhinehart - President & CEO brhinehart@bristolchamber.org Amy Shuttle - Senior Vice President, Member Relations & Organizational Development ashuttle@bristolchamber.org Matt Bolas - Vice President, Convention & Visitors Bureau mbolas@bristolchamber.org Alayna Holden - Member Care Specialist/ Keep Bristol Beautiful Coordinator aholden@bristolchamber.org Sarah Hutchinson - Director, IT & Graphic Design shutchinson@bristolchamber.org Karen Johnson - Controller kjohnson@bristolchamber.org Chelsea Ketron - Director, Government Relations/Education, Leadership & Workforce Development cketron@bristolchamber.org Veronica Miller - Member Care Specialist frontdesk@bristolchamber.org Lori Worley - Senior Director, Communications & Public Relations lworley@bristolchamber.org
The mission of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce is the unified voice of business advocating for a progressive, innovative and sustainable economic climate. Publisher Bristol Chamber of Commerce 423.989.4850 bristolchamber.com Photography provided by David Crigger, Bristol Herald Courier Reece Hill, Hill Photography Service Earl Neikirk, Bristol Herald Courier Andre Teague, Bristol Herald Courier Printed by Interstate Graphics, Inc.
CONTENTS
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From The Chairman President’s Report Gold Club Members Chamber Events America Recycles Day New Member Profiles Honoring Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey Around the Region LEAD Bristol! Bristol Youth Leadership Bristol Christmas Parade First Friday Business Briefing Awards and Achievements Ambassador of the Quarter
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Advertising Sales To purchase advertising in this publication, please contact Lori Worley at lworley@bristolchamber.org
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From The Chairman My two-year journey as Bristol Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman comes to an end in January, at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting. To serve one year as board chair was a privilege, to be asked to serve a second was an incredible honor. These two years have been filled with more positive things than I can list in this, my final column. Following in the tradition of the now retired David Letterman, from a soon to be retired board chair, I’ve come up with the Chairman’s Top Ten List from the past two years. Coming in at Number 10: So many grand openings, ribbon cuttings, business after-hours and Gold Club events... I’ve got to believe we are close to needing to replace the giant ribbon-cutting scissors – or at the very least sharpen the big blades. There are so many new members, both regular and Gold Club, it’s difficult to count them all. Each and every First Friday Business Briefing is memorable. I figure, with at least 40 door prizes given away at each meeting, multiplied by 20 First Fridays, during my tenure, we‘ve given away more than 800 door prizes! At number 9: The nearly completed merger between the Wellmont and Mountain States Medical organizations , which is a first of its kind business consolidation that will create a regional medical super organization. We should all benefit greatly from this marriage of major medical centers in our region. Number 8: Cabelas Grand Opening – how many ribbon cuttings have you seen where an archer in a tree stand slices a ribbon in two with an arrow with just one shot? It was great to see this store finally open, triggering the opening of The Falls at Exit 5 in Bristol, Virginia. Number 7: The release in 2015 of Orthophonic Joy – The Birthplace of Country Music’s remake of the history-making Big Bang of Country Music, 1927 Bristol Sessions CD, featuring many of Nashville’s elite performers, which brought the spotlight, once again, to our wonderful community. Number 6: The move of the spring NASCAR race at Bristol Motor Speedway from March to April. After decades of battling winter weather at our spring race, NASCAR finally made the move in April of 2015. This will be a game changer. Unfortunately the weather didn’t get the memo this year and we faced a postponement of the Sunday race to Monday. I am sure in the years ahead, the weather will cooperate! Number 5: While not a Chamber event or production, but one that has had and will continue to have a dramatic impact on branding, promoting and raising recognition of Bristol to the world, the now famous Bristol Geico commercial – do you live in Virginessee, or Tenneginia? Number 4: The 2016 Bristol Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting – the Battle at Bristol Tailgate Party – emceed by ESPN College Football and NASCAR announcer, Dr. Jerry Punch. Attended by numerous former players from both the University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech it was truly a spectacle – one of those events that are a “do you remember when” moments. Number 3: The Pinnacle – our nearly completed mega-retail center and a lot of wonderful grand openings and ribbon cuttings. This is a true regional retail destination and a metamorphic tax revenue generator for the city of Bristol, Tenn. and a real game changer in terms of economic impact on our community and our region. Number 2: Hiring Beth Rinehart as President and CEO of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce – a truly transformative leader who has refocused the organization regarding meeting the needs of our membership. Beth is from our community, she believes in our community and dedicated to the success of business in Bristol and the region overall. Her staff is a wonderful group of professionals who deliver results for our members. And finally at Number 1: Arguably the most significant event to take place in Bristol in recent history – Bristol Motor Speedway’s The Battle at Bristol, an epic, history-making, world-attention grabbing sporting event. Well, at the very least, it was the biggest, largest attended college football game in the history of mankind. It’s been a wonderful two years. I was humbled to be given the opportunity and privileged to have served as board chairman. I am honored and blessed. I leave the helm in the very capable hands of Janice Jones, President of United Southeast Federal Credit Union, a great leader, who I know will move the bar even higher during her term at the head of the table. All my best to you, Janice, and all my best to you, Bristol Chamber members. Together, we will continue to make Bristol a good place to live!
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Jim Maxwell 2015/2016 Chairman of the Board Bristol Chamber of Commerce Winter 2016
President’s Report
2016 has been a fantastic year for Bristol, and the Bristol Chamber of Commerce celebrates all of these successes with each of you! It has been a year of change, growth and new opportunities. At the core of these successes is our business community – a proud, loyal and driven group of business members and potential members. But we also face certain challenges, and they can be complex – often economic, social and political in nature. We are constantly striving to address problems such as i nfrastructure, healthcare, education/workforce and economic development. As unique as Bristol is, these problems are not unique to Bristol. Our partnerships with member businesses, city leaders and legislative representatives are part of the formula for achieving our goals in addressing these complex issues. Our ongoing success and competitiveness will be marked by our approach to solving these fundamentals as much as the end result itself. Sam Williams, author of The CEO as Urban Statesman, has earned a national reputation for harnessing the power of business leaders to make cities thrive, and has become one of the nation’s leading experts in urban competitiveness. Sam led the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce for two decades, and now works with cities and CEOs to form cross sector coalitions to tackle tipping point issues facing these cities. In his book, Sam recounts “how five cities have solved complex issues or captured opportunities with coalitions of leaders representing many viewpoints under the leadership of a highly respected CEO who has no personal gain from the outcome. These types of CEOs are all over the country and possess problem-solving skills and experience working with many groups who do not typically agree on issues.” Bristol has an abundant pool of leaders who fit this description – urban statesmen! I encourage our business members to encourage their organizational leaders to become involved in their communities because they recognize that their long-term prosperity is tied to the prosperity of the community in which the business resides. If you look at our many successes of 2016, they occurred because leaders got involved in the community. One of the most pronounced efforts of 2016 using this approach was the “hole-in-the-wall gang” and their efforts to tackle the hospital merger issue. This effort organized a coalition of CEOs and leaders to research, strategize, build support and promote an issue that was initially somewhat controversial, yet critically important to the economic vitality of our region. We need to continue this level of statesmanship on the other major challenges we face, and if we do, we will continue to prosper. In conclusion, I look forward to what 2017 holds – as I feel certain that it will only get better! Thanks TO EACH OF YOU for being a part of Bristol’s success! Without you, there would be no Bristol Chamber of Commerce, and our community would not be as vibrant and alive as it is today.
Beth Rhinehart President & CEO Bristol Chamber of Commerce
Gold Club Members
AtWork Personnel Services Bank of Tennessee BB&T BELFOR Bell Helicopter Ben Igou State Farm Agency Bill Gatton Automotive Group Birthplace of Country Music ® Branding Iron Bristol Compressors International, Inc. Bristol Herald Courier The Bristol Hotel Bristol Motor Speedway Bristol Regional Medical Center Bristol Tennessee Essential Services Brown Edwards & Company, L.L.P. Burke, Powers, & Harty, Inc. BurWil Construction Company, Inc. BVU Authority Charter Spectrum Cintas Corporation City of Bristol Tennessee Comfort Systems USA - Bristol
The Corporate Image Courtyard by Marriott Cranberry Lane Earhart Campground Eastman Credit Union Edward Jones - Rita Kiscaden Electric Sun Tanning of Bristol, VA Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. First Community Bank Food City The Friendship Family of Dealerships High Road Digital Hilton Garden Inn Holiday Inn Bristol Conference Center Holston Medical Group, PC J.A. Street & Associates, Inc. Johnson Commercial Development Keen Promotions KS Promotional Products Leinbach Services, Inc. Lighthouse Supply Company Massey Electric Company Mattern & Craig
Necessary Oil Company Neuro-Spine Solutions, P.C. News 5 WCYB/FOX Tri-Cities WEMT/ Tri-Cities CW Northeast State Community College PennStuart Pratt Industries Renasant Bank Sam’s Club SBS Services Second Harvest Food Bank of NE TN SESCO Management Consultants Shearer’s Foods Inc. Southern States Bristol Cooperative Strongwell The Summit Companies SW Services Inc. Thompson & Litton The Tombras Group The Virginian United Southeast Federal Credit Union Universal Printing, Inc. W-L Construction and Paving, Inc. Winter 2016 Winter 2016
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FRESENIUS KIDNEY CARE 1 Medical Park Blvd., Bristol, TN
United southeast federal credit union 1545 Bluff City Highway, Bristol, TN
KB’z Mobile Kitchen Bristol, VA
MRS. FIELDS & TCBY 408 Pinnacle Parkway, Unit 141, Bristol, TN
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Brew rebellion 1061 Old Abingdon Hwy, Ste 11-12, Bristol, VA
EVENTS
Oakmont at Gordon Park 401 Gordon Ave, Bristol, VA
Suntrust bank 2017 Mockingbird Lane, Johnson City, TN
Villas at lavinder lane 102 Bluff City Hwy, Bristol, TN
whiskey rebellion 520 State Street, Bristol, TN
Kacey’s Korner 1393 Volunteer Pkwy, Ste 4, Bristol, TN
Holston IT 750 Volunteer Pkwy, Ste 2, Bristol, TN
BRISTOLIANS TURN OUT FOR ANNUAL AMERICA RECYCLES DAY Keep Bristol Beautiful’s annual America Recycles Day was held Saturday, Nov. 19 and a number of Bristol residents took advantage of the event. Held at the old Ryan’s building on Euclid Ave., residents were able to get rid of various electronic products and also benefitted from the paper shredding service, with more than 400 pounds collected, all at no charge. The event also served as a free dump day for residents who were able to get rid of various household items, construction debris, etc. Gently used shoes were also collected at America Recycles Day and will go to those in need. Founded in 1997, America Recycles Day is an opportunity to make recycling bigger and better 365 days a year.
The Keep Bristol Beautiful America Recycles Day was sponsored by the cities of Bristol, Tennessee and Bristol, Virginia, the Bristol Herald Courier, Eastman Credit Union, Food City and Tennessee Valley Authority.
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NEW MEMBER PROFILES
SANDY BATES 115 Sprint Drive, Blountville, TN 931.572.6698 www.agero.com Agero is a leading provider of vehicle and driver safety and security services. For over 40 years, Agero has provided the safest, smartest solutions for clients and their drivers by assisting over 75 million drivers annually throughout the United States and Canada.
ALLISON MILLER 15 Heritage Drive, Bristol, VA 276.644.9480 www.childcarenetwork.com The team at Childcare Network strive to be more than just a safe provider of childcare; but also provide age appropriate educational programs and experiences specifically developed for different age groups.
BART LONG 333 Bluff City Highway, Bristol, TN 423.764.4732 www.bluecircleburger.com Blue Circle has been serving the original Blue Circle Burger (burger, bun, pickle, mustard, onion) since 1931. Blue Circle is a historic landmark and restaurant of Bristol TN.
BRANDON & TARA MATNEY 1061 Old Abingdon Hwy, Ste 8, Bristol, VA 276.644.3600 www.cryorxwbc.com Cryo Rx is the leading provider of non-invasive cold therapy focusing on athletic recovery, pain management, overall health, beauty and wellness.
JUSTIN BROWN 504 State Street, Bristol, TN 423.573.7804 The Bristol Tattoo Company is the Tri-Cities newest tattoo studio located in downtown Bristol. Their goal is to not only provide their clients with an amazing tattoo and experience, but to also raise the bar on cleanliness and sterilization within our community.
MICHELLE BOLLING 425 Shelby Lane, Bristol, TN 423.797.8080 www.dominionbristol.com Dominon Senior Living is an independently owned and operated group of Assisted Living and Memory Care communities. The facility offers 40 apartments and features laundry services, transportation, home-style dining, personalized care services, on-site medical assistance, therapy services, and more.
TAMMY ADOLPH 6045 Old Jonesboro Road, Bristol, TN 423.573.2375 www.lifestylefitness-bristol.com Lifestyle Fitness offers health and wellness services for everyone and their professional training staff is waiting to help you live well. Their motto is “Come as you are – leave as you want to be.” Come try before you buy with a 14-day free trial membership.
TAYLOR LINDSEY Abingdon, VA 276.964.6707 www.ebc-inc.net Employee Benefit Consultants is an employee benefits and insurance firm helping employers with solutions such as cost containment, HR consulting and support, HR administration and benefit technology, strategic planning and wellness.
AMY MUSICK 1567 N. Eastman Road, Kingsport, TN 423.247.8121 www.thebyrdhometeam.com The Byrd Home Team serves the entire Tri City TN real estate market including the areas of Bristol, Johnson City and Kingsport. Whether you are considering buying or selling a home or both, they know this area inside and out.
SHELLY SHAFFER 240 Falls Blvd., Bristol, VA 276.644.4920 www.buffalowildwings.com Buffalo Wild Wings is known for its mouthwatering wings, wide selection of premium, craft and domestic beers and the ultimate sports viewing atmosphere to local residents Buffalo Wild Wings’ newest location in Bristol, Va., Exit 5 at the Falls.
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KEN FABBRI & RYAN FABBRI 2151 Volunteer Pkwy, Bristol, TN 423.968.5971 www.thefallsbristolvirginia.com The Falls is one of many developments by Interstate Development, the ideal choice to select as developer of your commercial property. Completed projects range from 500 sq. ft. to well over 1 million sq. ft.
KACEY STOUT 1393 Volunteer Pkwy, Ste 4, Bristol, TN 423.217.1818 Kacey’s Korner offers a wide variety of fabric, sewing accessories, revamped furniture, home décor, handmade girl’s pillowcase dresses, fused glass jewelry, stained glass, vintage textiles & linens, and quilts.
New Member Profiles Respite RX, LLC HAZELLE HUBBARD Bristol, VA 276.646.2101 Respite RX, LLC offers private, full spectrum respite care, customized for primary caregivers and their loved ones. Licensed and insured. Non-medical support services. Experience the POWER of mindful Respite!
DAVID CROCKETT 207 Mockingbird Lane, Johnson City, TN 423.461.1181 www.suntrust.com As one of the nation’s largest and strongest financial services companies, Suntrust offers a full suite of products and services designed to meet the needs of the consumer, business, corporate and institutional clients.
LEN RICHARDSON 1928 Thompson Drive, Lynchburg, VA 434.455.2447 www.standup-inc.com Stand Up, Inc. provides training and support for individuals with disabilities who want to enter the workforce. Stand Up’s goal is to place the right person in the right job. The services that Stand Up provides are free to job seekers and to the businesses that provide opportunities to this pool of untapped talent.
BRISTOL LOSES TRUE CHAMPION IN FRANK LEONARD Bristol businessman Frank Leonard, who owned several local companies and was well known in the community for his philanthropic efforts, passed away Sept. 21. Leonard owned Electro-Mechanical Corporation, Line Power Manufacturing Corporation, Federal Pacific Transformer Company and several others. Over the years he donated millions of dollars to Wellmont, where several of the facilities have been named in his honor, as well as his family. Leonard, who was the founder and Chairman of Electro-Mechanical Corporation, attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering and Virginia Tech and served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He was also a member of the Lion’s Club and a former board member of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Electrical Apparatus Service Association.
BRISTOL BUSINESSES HOST WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT TOURS A total of 40 students from Tennessee High and Virginia High participated in Workforce Development Tours, organized by the Bristol Chamber of Commerce this year. The students toured Shearer’s Foods, Agero, Inc., BurWil Construction Company, Inc., and Federal Pacific learning about career opportunities at each business, as well as personal development skills. In January 2017, tours will be available at Bristol Compressors and Bristol Motor Speedway for students and in March they will have the opportunity to tour Strongwell Corp. and Bristol Regional Medical Center. Tennessee High and Virginia High both select students to take part in the tours, which are provided four times throughout each school year. Winter 2016
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Chamber President and CEO Beth Rhinehart and incoming Chair Janice Jones with Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey.
Ramsey Honored at Chamber’s Legislative Reception The Bristol Chamber of Conference held its annual Legislative Reception, which included a tribute to retiring Tennessee Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey, Nov. 3 at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. The event featured governmental updates from Tennessee U.S. Rep. Phil Roe, Tennessee Sen. Jon Lundberg, Rep. Timothy Hill, Rep. Bud Hulsey, Rep. John Crawford and Virginia Del. Israel O’Quinn before switching gears and focusing on Ramsey’s career. Ramsey, who spent 24 years in the Tennessee legislature, including the last 10 as Lt. Governor, announced his retirement earlier this year. The Bristol Chamber of Commerce and Roe presented Ramsey with a Martin guitar. Before handing the guitar over, however, Roe played “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” for Ramsey and those in attendance. Ramsey was also presented with a key to both Bristol cities, a rendering of the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and a photo of the Chamber’s iconic 20-foot tall guitar, which was signed by everyone in attendance. While all of the legislators spoke about Ramsey’s political legacy, other speakers talked about his many other contributions, including Leah Ross, Executive Director of the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, who said without Ramsey’s help the museum would never have been built. Other speakers included Tennessee Tourism Commissioner Kevin Triplett, Dr. Jeff McMillin, Chris Lee, Jim Bell, Bristol mayors Chad Keen (Tennessee) and Bill Hartley (Virginia). Ramsey’s daughters, Tiffany Goforth, Sheena Tinsley and Madison Light also spoke about their father, who, along with wife Sindy, wiped away tears several times throughout the tribute.
U.S. Rep. Phil Roe serenades Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey with “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.”
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There was also a video presentation with remarks from Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, U.S. Senator Bob Corker (Tenn.), U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander (Tenn.), East Tennessee State University president, Dr. Brian Noland and childhood friend Larry Shaver. The video ended with an appearance from Ramsey’s five grandchildren.
Ramsey, who had no idea the evening would include a tribute to him, was visibly moved. “I really didn’t know what to expect tonight,” he said. “But this has been a great evening and I’m truly honored. “I’ll be lieutenant governor until Jan. 10, then I’ll be home — that will be the first time in 24 years that I won’t have to be in Nashville. It’s been a great ride, but now I’ll get to spend time with my grandkids. It’s time to come home.”
Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey addresses the crowd a�er the tribute.
“I’ll be lieutenant governor until Jan. 10, then I’ll be home — that will be the first time in 24 years that I won’t have to be in Nashville. It’s been a great ride, but now I’ll get to spend time with my grandkids. It’s time to come home.” - Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey
Tennessee Senator-elect Jon Lundberg gives a legislative update.
Tennessee Tourism Commissioner Kevin Triplett spoke during Ramsey’s tribute.
Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey with Leah Ross, Executive Director of the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. Winter 2016
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“BELIEVE” PREMIERE TAKES PLACE AT PARAMOUNT; BOBBY FARRELLY ON HAND FOR PUSH FILM FESTIVAL The movie “Believe” held its premiere Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Paramount Center for the Arts as part of Bristol’s PUSH Film Festival. The movie, which was filmed in Bristol and around the region, was filmed last summer and features Ryan O’Quinn (“That Thing You Do”), who is from Grundy, Va., along with Issac Ryan Brown (“Blackish”), Shawnee Smith (“Anger Management”, “Grace Unplugged”), Danielle Nicolet (“Central Intelligence”, “The Game”), David DeLuise (“Hawaii Five-O”) and Kevin Sizemore (“Miracles from Heaven”). O’Quinn and Brown were present at the premiere, along with writer/director Billy Dickson (“One Tree Hill,” “Ally McBeal”). Mayor Chad Keen (Bristol, Tenn.) and Mayor Bill Hartley (Bristol, Va.) were also on hand. The holiday movie tells the story of community, struggle and miracles and focuses on a small-town business owner (O’Quinn) who tries to save the local Christmas pageant with the help of a 10-year-old boy (Brown) from the “wrong side of the tracks.” “Believe” will be released Dec. 2 in theaters across the country. For more information, visit www.Believe.Film. Opening night of the PUSH Film Festival, which took place Oct. 21-23, featured famed director/screenwriter/producer Bobby Farrelly, part of the famous Farrelly brothers (along with Peter). The brothers have made 11 films, including “Dumb and Dumber,” “Kingpin,”, “Me, Myself & Irene,” and “Fever Pitch. Bobby Farrelly took part in a meet and greet, as well as a question and answer session.
THE PINNACLE SPEEDWAY IN LIGHTS CELEBRATES 20 YEARS The Pinnacle Speedway In Lights Powered by TVA, one of the South’s largest holiday light shows, returned to Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway Nov. 18 and once again began collecting funds for Speedway Children’s Charities. In its 20th year, Speedway In Lights, a four-mile drive-through show that features more than two million lights and over 200 animated displays, gives visitors the opportunity to make a lap around the World’s Fastest Half-Mile and take a trip down Thunder Valley’s quarter-mile dragstrip. Cost for cars Sunday through Thursday is $12 and $15 on Friday and Saturday. Activity vans are $20 nightly and buses are $85 each evening. The Ice Rink presented by HVAC will open Nov. 17 this year and close Jan. 15, 2017. Cost to skate is $5 and there is a $2 rental fee for skates. While visitors to the holiday show enjoy seeing the colorful displays and lights, they’re also contributing to one of the largest charities in the area. Proceeds from Speedway Lights benefit the Bristol chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities, an organization BMS/Bristol Dragway owner Bruton Smith started when he purchased the properties in 1996. Prior to the start of this season of Speedway In Lights, which ends Jan. 7, 2017, the Bristol Chapter of SCC has raised more than $11 million for children’s organizations in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
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GEICO COMMERCIAL FEATURES VIRGINESSEE. OR IS IT TENNIGINIA? Bristol, which has gained plenty of national exposure due to the NASCAR events at Bristol Motor Speedway and the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, has reached an even broader audience now, thanks to a Geico Insurance commercial that was filmed here this past July. The commercial features Chris the Gecko standing on one of the famed brass markers on State Street that marks the Tennessee-Virginia border. Chris hops from one side to the other repeating, “I’m in Bristol Virginia and now I’m in Bristol Tennessee,” obviously emphasizing the fact that Geico can be beneficial to people in both states. The commercial concludes with Chris standing with one foot in each state, saying “I’m in Virginessee… or am I in Tenniginia?” The commercial was the brainchild of Bob Meagher, senior vice president and associate creative director at The Martin Agency, a Richmond-based creative services firm that handles the Geico Insurance account. Meagher, who plays the banjo, was at Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion in September of 2015 and saw the distinctive brass markers in the middle of State Street. “I remembered seeing the little plaques in the middle of the street,” Meagher told the Bristol Herald Courier. “It’s a very cool thing; you’re in Tennessee and take one step and you’re in Virginia in the middle of a beautiful main street USA kind of place. “I work on the Geico account and the gecko has been appearing in different places for the past several years. It’s time to do a new round of spots and, since Geico insures in both states, we thought this was a great opportunity.” The commercial began airing nationally in late September.
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LEAD BRISTOL! EMBARKS ON SIX COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS
LEAD Bristol! is an indispensable program for companies and organizations dedicated to helping their employees become leaders. The award-winning program is a nine-month course for adults, focusing on providing skills essential to leadership development. Available to all area businesses, LEAD Bristol! teaches participants skills that will help develop their careers and business relationships. LEAD also gives participants the opportunity to give back to the community by taking part in a service project. BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE MOUNTAIN EMPIRE The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mountain Empire is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. This LEAD! team will perform a “needs assessment” and develop a plan to recruit volunteers. They will also analyze the program areas and see which ones need the most volunteer help, as well as design marketing materials. Organization Contact: Elaine Rock Group Members: Adam Allen (Massey Electric), Walter Brown (Bristol Tennessee Police Dept.), T.J. DeWitt (Bristol Public Library), Dawn Friedman (Bristol Herald Courier), Nancye Rahn (King University).
BRISTOL, TN/VA EMERGENCY FOOD PANTRY
BRISTOL EMERGENCY FOOD PANTRY The goal of this ministry is to provide food for those in our community who are financially unable to meet the needs of their family due to job loss, unexpected medical/household expense, etc. This group’s project will use the Bristol Emergency Food Pantry as a case study for the Bristol TN/VA food security research and develop a traveling presentation to provide pertinent information to churches who participate in the program. A brochure and a plan to help recruit volunteers is also part of the project. Organization Contact: Jim White Group Members: Alan Howard (Bristol Tennessee Fire Dept.), Sarah Hutchinson (Bristol Chamber of Commerce), Anthony Lawson (Eastman Credit Union), Bart Poe (City of Bristol, Va.), Rene Rodgers (Birthplace of Country Music). BRISTOL PUBLIC LIBRARY Bristol Public Library’s mission is to expand minds and build the community. The library has asked its team to develop a new and effective marketing plan, which includes pamphlets, bookmarks, etc., along with a social media strategy. These elements will demonstrate the library’s relevancy in the 21st century, as well as inform the community about the library’s many uses and benefits. Organization Contact: Amy Kimani Group Members: Maggie Bishop (Believe in Bristol), Mike Castle (Food City), Chrissy Idlette (Eastman), Steve Jackson (Bristol Motor Speedway), Brian Rose (City of Bristol, Tenn.). IMAGINATION LIBRARY OF WASHINGTON CO. AND BRISTOL, VA Imagination Library’s mission is to instill a love and appreciation of reading in every child, starting at birth. This team’s project includes creating a letter that will focus on the organization’s needs, which include donations, recruiting volunteers and collecting email and telephone numbers. The team also will create a traveling presentation that can be shared with businesses and civic groups, as well as a brochure, which will describe the programs and its benefits. Organization Contact: Danielle Starnes Group Members: Brad Barnett (Eastman Credit Union), Laura Pennington (Virginia Highlands Community College), Michelle Roark (Bristol Compressors), Heather Sheets (BTES), Jennifer Williams (Hilton Garden Inn). READING BUDDIES BRISTOL TN/VA Reading Buddies mission is to work together, through relationships with local organizations, agencies, schools, parents and community members to assist the Bristol school’s reading programs in grades K-2 to ensure that every third grade student will be a proficient reader. This group will help promote the Reading Buddies program through a billboard advertisement, develop a fundraising plan and participate in one of the organization’s quarterly parties for students and parents. Organization Contact: Nelson Pyle Group Members: Rebecca Banton (Milligan College), Lesley Bullock (Holston Medical Group), Shannon Burkett (Brown, Edwards & Co.), Amy Hicks (Bank of Tennessee), Jennifer Puckett (Northeast State at Bristol), Eric Sandefur (Food City). RIVER’S WAY The River’s Way mission statement is to provide team-centered activities and adventures to people of all abilities with an emphasis on the disabled population. This group will focus on identifying target audiences that will help build and grow Café Central, where students from Bristol Tennessee and Bristol Virginia city schools who have disabilities learn how to prepare and serve food to the public. The end goal is for these students to create workforce skills, which will increase their opportunities for employment. Organization Contact: Tom Hanlon Group Members: Matt Adkins (CIS), Jessica Chance (Food City), Chad Couch (Wellmont BRMC), Jay Detrick (City of Bristol, Va.), Scott Morefield (AtWork Personel), Joe Thacker (BTES).
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Winter 2016
COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS NEXT UP FOR BYL Bristol Youth Leadership is a seven-month program in which area high school sophomores and juniors are empowered to become trustees of the Bristol community. The program provides personal development, skills training, team building and volunteer opportunities. In addition to monthly class sessions, BYL students are assigned to a Community Service Project to increase awareness of the Bristol community and provide an organized opportunity to serve.
FEEDING AMERICA SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA Feeding America Southwest Virginia is a nonprofit food bank organization that needs help promoting and successfully completing a food drive within the participating schools for Feeding America Southwest Virginia, while raising awareness of the mission of the organization. The group plans to create a YouTube video to promote their food drives on social media and encourage their peers to participate. Organization Contact: David Millsap Group Members: Dustin Bartley (Sullivan East), Madi Griswold (Sullivan Central), Ben Hazelwood (Virginia High), Megan Hurley (Abingdon High), Dillon Pendley (Tennessee High), Hailey Rush (John S. Battle), Abi Vincill (Virginia High); Alum Mentors: Erin Sullivan (Abingdon High), Kristian Wilson (Virginia High). HEALING HANDS HEALTH CENTER Healing Hands Health Center is a charitable health clinic for the uninsured of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. This group will create and execute a marketing plan that will increase awareness of the Healing Hands medical clinic. Their products will consist of a PSA for television, a PSA for radio and yers to be distributed to the community promoting eligibility and how to apply to be a patient of their clinic. Organization Contact: Helen Scott Group Members: Paxton Adams (Sullivan East), Lanz Geisler (Virginia High), Marley Hillman (Tennessee High), Alek McRae (Tennessee High), Claire Melton (John S. Battle), Cade Mitchell (Tennessee High), Laken Robinette (Tennessee High); Alum Mentors: Caitlin Hale (Sullivan East), Brennon Kimbler (John S. Battle). KEEP BRISTOL BEAUTIFUL Keep Bristol Beautiful is a Keep America Beautiful affiliate and Bristol Chamber of Commerce program whose mission is to raise awareness about recycling, litter and beautification in Bristol. This group will create an environmentally themed coloring and activity book to be distributed to elementary aged children at school visits and community events. The students will compile the book by coordinating and judging an art contest in their respective high schools, so each page will not only help raise awareness about the environment but also represent students and schools in the Bristol region. Organization Contact: Alayna Holden Group Members: Alex Adkins (Virginia High), Titus Brooks (Tennessee High), Savannah Johnson (Sullivan East), Vince Simmons (Tennessee High), Hannah Steele (Sullivan Central), Christian Williams (John S. Battle); Alum Mentors: Brooke Hatcher (Sullivan Central), Morgan Matney (Tennessee High). SULLIVAN COUNTY ANTI-DRUG COALITION Sullivan County Anti-Drug Coalition is a community working to prevent substance abuse by assessing the problem, building capacity and advocating for needed change. The students in this group will learn about the Count It, Lock It, Drop It campaign and help promote the campaign by distributing materials. They will also produce a public service announcement promoting how easy it is to drop off medications at local law enforcement drop boxes. Organization Contact: Alice McCaffrey Group Members: Kendra Brent (Tennessee High), Lane Carroll (Virginia High), Gray Hatcher (Sullivan East), Tyler Johnson (Tennessee High), Rebekah Skaggs (Sullivan East), Hunter Smith (Tennessee High), Lexie Worley (Tennessee High); Alum Mentors: Taylor Jackson (Tennessee High), Jared Stanley (Abingdon High). YWCA BRISTOL - TECHGYRLS YWCA Bristol is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. This all-female group will assist the YWCA TechGYRLS program by volunteering after school to help with tutoring and homework, in addition to other daily activities allowing mentoring opportunities. The BYL students will each provide 10-20 hours of one-on-one mentoring in addition to planning and executing an event as a group to celebrate and honor the TechGYRLS and their accomplishments. Organization Contact: Tonja Leonard Group Members: AnnaLee Adams (Tennessee High), Chelsey Carter (John S. Battle), Haley Keene (Tennessee High), Gabby Mitchell (Virginia High), Natalie Roller (Sullivan Central), Ginny Senter (Tennessee High); Alum Mentors: Kailee Brumfield (Sullivan East), Madi Marshall (Virginia High).
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THOUSANDS COME OUT FOR BRISTOL CHRISTMAS PARADE Thousands of area residents lined State Street Thursday night, Dec. 1 for the Bristol Christmas Parade to kick off the holiday season. The parade, which has been taking place in the downtown area for more than a century, is a Bristol Chamber of Commerce program. The nights’ festivities, which started on Bob Morrison Blvd., made its way through the center of town before finishing up at the Train Station. King University’s Haley Augello, who competed in the Rio Olympics last summer in wrestling, served as the parade’s grand marshal. The two-time WCWA national champion won her initial match in Rio in the 105.8 pound class. Mayors Chad Keen (Bristol, Tenn.) and Bill Hartley (Bristol, Va.), along with city council members, and a number of other legislators from both Tennessee and Virginia also took part in the parade. As always, jolly ol’ Saint Nick made his presence known, riding in the final float. Nearly 200 floats from local businesses, civic and volunteer organizations, church groups, bands, schools, neighborhood groups, etc. made up the parade.
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A big thanks to Bristol Tennessee Essential Services, our Premier Parade sponsor, Shearer’s (Grand Marshal float sponsor), Oakmont at Gordon Park and Quaker Steak and Lube (Santa float sponsor), Bill Gatton Automotive Group and Food City (staging sponsors), the Bristol Herald Courier (media sponsor) and the City of Bristol Tennessee and the City of Bristol Virginia, our community sponsors. Winter 2016
Fitzgerald Peterbilt won first place in the Commercial Division.
Bristol Christmas Parade Award-Winning Entries With nearly 200 entries, choosing the Bristol Christmas Parade trophy winners was a difficult task as there were a number that stood out. Some, however, truly embodied the spirit of the holiday and the work that went into them was evident. Earning top honors in the Commercial Division was Fitzgerald Peterbilt while Boone Lake Marina was the trophy winner in the Small Business Division. In the Non-Profit Division, the Birthplace of Country music took the top spot, Emmanuel Baptist Church scored the win in the Church Division and the Christmas Spirit Award Winner was Victory Baptist Church. Following is a list of those recognized prior to the start of the parade: COMMERCIAL DIVISION 1. Fitzgerald Peterbilt 2. Electro-Mechanical 3. Bass Pro Shops SMALL BUSINESS DIVISION 1. Boone Lake Marina 2. Landscape Impressions 3. Black Wolf Harley Davidson NON-PROFIT DIVISION 1. Birthplace of Country Music 2. Sullins Academy 3. Iron Mountain Benches CHURCH DIVISION 1. Emmanuel Baptist Church 2. Sugar Grove Baptist Church 3. Jackson Memorial Church CHRISTMAS SPIRIT AWARD WINNER 1. Victory Baptist Church Winter 2016
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FRIDAY BUSINESS BRIEFINGS
October 2016 New Members
President “Whit” Whitaker King University
November 2016 New Members
Ken Anderson
Serving Orphans Worldwide
Zach Hamilton Regions Bank
Jeff Shawl
Arby’s Classic
Dick Collins
Boys & Girls Club of the Mtn Empire
December 2016 New Members
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Winter 2016
There’s No Place Like The Pinnacle When you visit The Pinnacle, you’ll see why we call it the region’s premier shopping destination for the five-state area! Catering to everyone of every age, there’s no place like The Pinnacle. More great shops are coming soon, so stay tuned to ThePinnacle.com, and stop by today to elevate your shopping experience!
ThePinnacle.com · Exit 74B/I-81 Winter 2016
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Awards and Achievements Northeast State Celebrates 50th Anniversary
United Southeast Federal Credit Union Celebrates 75th Anniversary United Southeast Federal Credit Union (USFCU) celebrated its 75th anniversary Oct. 6 with a Business After Hours event at their headquarters in Bristol on Bluff City Highway. Among the dignitaries in attendance, along with Janice Jones, president and CEO of USFCU and Fred Robinson, president of the Tennessee Credit Union, were Tennessee Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey and Virginia Delegate Israel O’Quinn. “Without our loyal members, dedicated employees and volunteers, this celebration would not be possible,” Jones said. “We are honored to have been a part of this community for 75 years.” USFCU serves 17,500 members in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia where it operates branches in Bristol Tenn.; Bristol Va.; Johnson City, Tenn., Abingdon and Lebanon, Va.
Select Specialty Hospital Receives PCOE, TBI and Stroke Center Designations Select Specialty Hospital – TriCities recently received the Pulmonary Center of Excellence (PCOE), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Stroke Center designations from its parent company, Select Medical. These awards are exclusive to facilities in the Select Medical family of hospitals. “Here at Select, we feel a very real responsibility to provide the best possible care for our patients,” said Dr. Samuel Hammerman, MD, MMM, CPE, FCCP, Chief Medical Officer for Select Medical. “We already maintain very high standards for ourselves, often well above national benchmarks. However, this designation means a hospital has met even more rigorous protocols to take it to the next level of care.” The PCOE, TBI and Stroke Center designations are awarded to hospitals that demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of ventilator weaning and patient mobility, along with specialized clinical experience that incorporates treatment and care processes designed to meet the unique needs of patients with acute neurological needs.
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Winter 2016
Northeast State Community College celebrated 50 years of education by hosting a homecoming celebration for students and faculty on its main campus in Blountville Sept. 29. The college graduated a record 1,212 students last spring. Tennessee Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey took part in a program celebrating the milestone, along with Northeast State’s president, Dr. Janice Gilliam, and several past Northeast State college presidents. Students and faculty were treated to a free concert by Grammynominated Fastball, as well as The Breakfast Club, an ‘80s tribute band.
Strongwell Recognized by McAuliffe in Virginia Business Spotlight Strongwell Corp. was recognized Oct. 19 by Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe in the Virginia Business Spotlight. The history of Strongwell and its predecessor companies dates back to 1924. In that year the first phase of what is today Strongwell’s corporate headquarters and largest plant was built in Bristol, Va. Originally a furniture factory, a number of products were built there in the early years including aircraft, radio and TV cabinets and, during World War II, carbon parts for weaponry. In 1956 the first production utilizing the process, then known as “the continuous automatic process” and today known as “pultrusion,” was done. Three years later in 1959, the company began producing fiberglass ladder rail, which remains a major product for the company today. Strongwell is the world’s largest pultrusion company and pultruder of fiber reinforced polymers. Over the past 60 years, Strongwell has grown to four plant locations in North America with over 730,000 square feet of combined manufacturing space. Out of the 65 pultrusion machines, it also holds the record for world’s largest pultrusion machines. Its products are mostly used in industrial, architectural and commercial applications. In its history it has never endured a layoff. Strongwell was also recently recognized with two prestigious awards for its innovation, corporate citizenship and advocacy, earning the “Award for Composites Excellence (ACE), while also being named Manufacturer of the Year by the Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing (SVAM).
Awards and Achievements UT Names College of Engineering for John Tickle
The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees voted Oct. 14 to name the College of Engineering for distinguished alumnus John D. Tickle. It marks the second time in the campus’s 222-year history that a college has been named for an alumnus and benefactor. Tickle, a 1965 industrial engineering graduate from Bristol, Tennessee, is chairman of the Strongwell Corporation. “My goal is for the University of Tennessee to be known for their education and the product they put out,” said Tickle. “(My wife) Ann and I both believe that education is what fuels success-not just our own success, but the success of UT and the state as well. I’m deeply honored and will try to live up to the billing,” he said of the naming recognition.
Bristol Compressors Wins 2016 AHRI Chairman’s Challenge
Bristol Compressors was recognized by the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) as the single-state company with the most legislative visits in 2016 on Nov. 14. The award was presented at the AHRI Annual Meeting held at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess resort in Scottsdale, Ariz. Throughout the year, Bristol Compressors connected with 28 local, state and federal legislators to discuss industry regulation, environmental concerns and public policy. AHRI is an internationally recognized leader in standards development and performance certification, and is also an advocate for the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) industries. The Chairman’s Challenge is designed to support the association’s goal of giving the HVACR industry a voice on energy and environmental issues.
Food City Named Top Retailer in Southeast
Bell Has Street Named for Her at King University
Calling Food City’s entry into the Chattanooga area “a big, big move,” a key grocery industry publication on Friday named the supermarket company its top retailer in the Southeast for 2016.
King University’s Jewell Bell was recently honored with a street named after her on campus. This is Bell’s 64th year with King, where she started working in 1952.
“This was a good time to make a move and get further entrenched in markets that may be under-served or you have a better format or pricing or whatever it may be,” said Ron Johnston, publisher of The Shelby Report.
Academy Drive, on which Nicewonder Hall is located, will be renamed Jewel Bell Lane to honor her many years of service and dedication to King University and the Bristol Tennessee/Virginia communities. A dedication ceremony will take place during Dogwood 2017.
In mid-2015, Food City entered the Chattanooga market in the area’s biggest grocery store deal in more than a decade when it bought 29 Bi-Lo units. Food City has pledged to spend $40 million to $50 million to upgrade the stores and build new ones. Steve Smith, Food City’s chief executive, said it’s significant the Abingdon, Va.-based grocer accepted the award in Chattanooga, where Food City recently acquired several new stores.
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South Holston Dam is operated by and was built by the Tennessee Valley Authority in the 1940s as part of efforts to control flooding in the Tennessee River watershed.
The dam would also produce electricity to help TVA meet the high demand for power at the outbreak of World War II. South Holston Dam was authorized on December 17, 1941.
Work began on the dam in December 1941, but in November 1942, the War Production Board requested that the operation be suspended because of a shortage of critical materials. Work did not resume until July 1, 1947.
On October 21, 1950 the valve gate closed and water began backing up to create South Holston Reservoir.
South Holston Dam was completed and its gates closed Nov, 20, 1950. The dam’s generator went online Feb. 13, 1951. The total cost of the South Holston project was just over $31 million. In 1991, TVA built a weir below South Holston Dam to add oxygen to the river when the hydropower plant isn’t generating electricity. Oxygen-rich water helps create a sustained habitat for aquatic insects, vegetation and fish.
South Holston Dam is an earth-and-rock dam 285 feet high and 1,600 feet long. In a year with normal rainfall, the water level in South Holston Reservoir varies about 25 feet from summer to winter to provide seasonal flood storage. South Holston Dam’s reservoir has a flood-storage capacity of 252,800 acre-feet.
SUSAN MALLICK NAMED AMBASSADOR OF THE QUARTER The Bristol Chamber of Commerce’s Ambassador of the Quarter is Susan Mallick, Director of Sales for Holiday Inn Conference Center. For her outstanding representation of the Chamber, Mallick was recognized during the November Friday Business Briefing, held at King University. She has been present at nearly every Chamber event held in 2016, lend a helping hand wherever it may be needed and has been extremely effective in networking members to members.
(left to right) Beth Rhinehart, Bristol Chamber President and CEO; Chris Fields, Ambassador Co-Chair; Susan Mallick, Ambassador of the Quarter; Keisha Gould, Ambassador Co-Chair.
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The Ambassador of the Quarter honor is awarded to the highest point-earning Ambassador. Ambassadors earn points by attending Chamber events, such as Friday Business Briefings, Ribbon Cuttings and Business After Hours, making courtesy calls to other members, helping to facilitate Chamber 101 – New Member Orientations, and other events. Bristol Chamber Ambassadors are a group of professionals who serve as a welcoming arm of the Chamber while also providing outreach to other members.
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