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Winter 2017/18 Issue 11 bristolchamber.com
Bristol, TN/VA Chamber of Commerce
BRISTOL CHRISTMAS PARADE Legislative Reception
YP Bristol
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Winter 2017/18 Bristol TN/VA Chamber of Commerce
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Committee Chair of the Board Janice Jones, United Southeast Federal Credit Union Chair Elect Jerry Caldwell, Bristol Motor Speedway Past Chairman/Vice Chair Business, Industry & Education Jim Maxwell, Bristol Herald Courier Treasurer Jerry Kirk, Renasant Bank Vice Chair Government Relations William Burriss, III, BurWil Construction Co., Inc. Vice Chair Community Leadership Danny Carter, BELFOR Vice Chair Member Relations Jody Dutcher, Electro-Mechanical Corporation Vice Chair Convention & Visitors Bureau John Rainero, Permatile Vice Chair Board Relations Chris Lee, Bill Gatton Automotive
Directors
Brad Adams, Johnson Commercial Development Jack Dempsey, News 5 WCYB/WEMT Fox Tri-Cities Clayton Dowell, Bristol Tennessee Essential Services Mark Esposito, PennStuart Eric Fields, The Summit Companies Jessica Flagg, Eastman Bill Ford, SESCO Management Chris Hall, BVU Authority Karen Hester, Cranberry Lane/The Southern Churn Bart Long, Bart Long and Associates Greg Neal, Bristol Regional Medical Center Lynn Osborne, Eastman Credit Union April Peltier, Bell Helicopter David Ring, Strongwell Brock Slone, Shearers Foods, Inc. Kevin Stafford, KVAT/Food City Mitch Walters, The Friendship Family of Dealerships
Ex-Officio Board Members Maggie Bishop, Believe in Bristol Dr. Gene Couch, Virginia Highlands Community College Randy Eads, City of Bristol Virginia Dr. Gary Lilly, Bristol Tennessee City Schools Hon. Kevin Mumpower, Bristol Virginia Mayor Dr. Keith Perrigan, Bristol Virginia Public Schools Evelyn Rafalowski, Sullivan County Director of Schools Leah Ross, Birthplace of Country Music Bill Sorah, City of Bristol Tennessee Hon. Richard Venable, Sullivan County Mayor Alexander “Whit” Whitaker, King University Hon. Jack Young, Bristol Tennessee Mayor
Chamber Staff Beth Rhinehart - President & CEO brhinehart@bristolchamber.org Amy Shuttle - Senior Vice President, Member Relations & Organizational Development ashuttle@bristolchamber.org Chris Fields - Director, Education & Workforce Development cfields@bristolchamber.org Angie Gent - Executive Administrative Assistant agent@bristolchamber.org Sarah Hutchinson - Director, IT & Graphic Design shutchinson@bristolchamber.org Karen Johnson - Controller kjohnson@bristolchamber.org Chelsea Ketron - Director, Marketing & Government Relations cketron@bristolchamber.org Veronica Miller - Member Care Specialist frontdesk@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. Advertising Sales To purchase advertising in this publication, please contact the Bristol Chamber of Commerce 423.989.4850.
Legislators honor John Tickle
CONTENTS
4 5 5 6 7 8 10 12 14 15 16 18 19 20 21
From The Chair of the Board President’s Report Gold Club Members Chamber Events Keep Bristol Beautiful New Member Profiles 4th Annual Legislative Reception
page 10
YP Bristol LEAD Bristol! Bristol Youth Leadership Bristol Christmas Parade Friday Business Briefings Speedway in Lights | Ambassador of the Quarter Birthplace of Country Music Happenings Awards and Achievements
Winter 2017/18
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From The Chair of the Board ‘Tis the season for reflection – the holiday season is here and we have so much to be thankful for. It is also a time of reflection for me as my tenure as Chair of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors comes to an end in January. I am so thankful for the opportunity to lead an organization of successful member businesses, a talented and strong group of board members, a dedicated and loyal staff, and a supportive community we call Bristol. 2017 has been a banner year for Bristol! 2017 has certainly been the year of partnerships! We are defined by partnerships as most everything we do has its roots in one or more partnerships. Bristol, being a community divided only by a state line down the center of State Street, is a partnership between two cities often defined as one – “who says you can’t be in two places at once”? The Bristol Chamber was recognized for an outstanding accomplishment by receiving their third consecutive 5–star accreditation in 2017. Being among only 1.5% of Chambers in the country with this designation is a testament to the great work and high standards they set and achieve for their member businesses. This accreditation is an example of how the great partnerships developed within the Chamber and their member businesses, our regional Chambers, the cities of Bristol, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the State of Tennessee come together for successful outcomes. This recognition, as well as the continued strong partnerships, is what has defined 2017 as a banner year. The Chamber has continued to exceed benchmarks this year by streamlining its IT and accounting processes, upgrading its facility to meet the needs of its members and visitors, hosting the 25th anniversary of the South Holston Lake Cleanup as well as having our Convention and Visitor’s Bureau/Discover Bristol stand among the top in both VA and TN for their documented ROI for destination marketing – just to name a few. There have been so many significant partnership successes this year that it is impossible to name them all, but there are some that stand out as they will have an indelible mark on our community and region for years to come. Mountain States Health Alliance and Wellmont Health System were granted approval for their merger to move forward, the Aerospace Park partnership was officially signed, a community visioning process is underway, Bristol TN completed their branding process, our downtown merchants and microbreweries are booming, the Pinnacle and Falls developments continue to grow and thrive, and American Merchant officially committed to Bristol, VA. And this list is merely a small sampling of the great partnerships that are underway in our community – how exciting is that? It’s been a busy and rewarding year. I thank you for the opportunity to Chair this wonderful organization, and I am certain that we will continue these many successes in the years to come. In January, I will pass the gavel to Jerry Caldwell, Executive Vice-President and General Manager of Bristol Motor Speedway. Although I will relinquish the Chair, I look forward to continuing on as a board member. All my best to you, Jerry Caldwell, and all my best to you, Bristol Chamber members. As partners we will share in the successes guaranteed to come in 2018.
Janice Jones 2017 Chair of the Board Bristol Chamber of Commerce
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President’s Report As we close out 2017, we are imagining and planning for what 2018 will hold. Our mantra will convey “Be BOLD!” As we chart our path to success in 2018, we must be bold to achieve greatness. Boldness is defined as “willingness to take risks and act innovatively; confidence or courage”. It requires getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. Boldness is a leadership trait to be mastered, both individually and as an organization. What does being bold entail? Own your flaws and strengths; keep clear priorities; speak up; accept the value of failure; base actions on knowledge – but also be willing to take a leap of faith; celebrate the small wins; build momentum; do the unexpected; be willing to say no; be willing to say yes; ask for what you want; negotiate; take risks and create opportunities; ask questions; accept any outcome. To be bold one must have courage. The Bristol Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is a strong group of leaders who have what it takes to Be Bold! We have evolved over many years to be a successful and relevant Chamber – and we have learned from many great leaders before us. Our past board members and past Chairmen have been bold enough to pave the way for our current board members. Being bold means being an example for others to emulate. Most individuals who are bold had strong influencers somewhere along their life path. Most successful organizations have been led by strong individuals who were bold. In the words of Markus Almond – “Be bold enough to raise the standards of everyone around you”. Bristol is a strong community, often defined by boldness. When adversity knocks on our door, we demonstrate courage to go beyond and push further than we think we’re capable of. This courage is housed in the DNA of our community leaders. It shows up when others are frozen in fear. It appears when our leaders are passionate about community issues. It is the courage to do what others won’t. Why is this courage, this boldness, so critically important? It is the determination that allows us to act when others are in fear or doubt, and the willingness to move forward with conviction when everyone else is retreating. Courage and boldness are what create change. Powerful changes can result from bold leadership. Bold leaders change the world for the better, but also remember that boldness is best served as part of the meal rather than the entrée.
be BOLD AtWork Personnel Services Bank of Tennessee BB&T BELFOR Bell Helicopter Bill Gatton Automotive Group Birthplace of Country Music ® Branding Iron Bristol Compressors International, Inc. Bristol Herald Courier 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. Cintas Corporation City of Bristol Tennessee Comfort Systems USA - Bristol Courtyard by Marriott
How do you define boldness in yourself or your organization? Take a moment to assess your own and your organization’s boldness meter. Encourage your staff to think outside of the box and be engaged, speak up, take action. Support being bold! Bold individuals and bold organizations are visionaries who innovate and communicate. Take a risk, take a chance, do something different, and drive for results. As you do, you will become more effective. As we embrace 2018, I wish each of you a BOLD and exciting year filled with bountiful success! Happy New Year!
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 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 Lighthouse Supply Company Mattern & Craig Necessary Oil Company News 5 WCYB/FOX Tri-Cities WEMT/Tri-Cities CW
Beth Rhinehart President & CEO Bristol Chamber of Commerce
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 Spectrum Business Strongwell The Bristol Hotel The High Road Agency The Summit Companies The Virginian Thompson & Litton United Southeast Federal Credit Union W-L Construction and Paving, Inc. Workspace Interiors
CHRISTIAN CARE CENTER OF BRISTOL 2830 Highway 394, Bristol, TN
WALMART GROCERY PICKUP 13245 Lee Highway, Bristol, VA
THE CORNMAZE AT FLEENOR FARMS 8006 Reedy Creek Road, Bristol, VA
NETWORKING
EVENTS BLOOM CAFE AND LISTENING ROOM 606 State Street, Bristol, TN
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KONA ICE 3847 Highway 394, Ste 1, Bluff City, TN
CHRISTINA’S CLOSET 509 State Street, Bristol, VA
HOUSE DRESSING 50 Euclid Avenue, Bristol, VA
TRI-CITIES ESCAPE GAME -- LEVIATHAN LAB 642 State Street, Bristol, TN
THAT COOKIE DOUGH 618 State Street, Bristol, TN
HEALING HANDS HEALTH CENTER 245 Midway Medical Park, Bristol, TN
VAN PELT ELEMENTARY 200 Springhill Terrace, Bristol, VA
Winter 2017/18
BRISTOLIANS TURN OUT FOR AMERICA RECYCLES DAY A number of Bristol residents turned out to take advantage of Keep Bristol Beautiful’s annual America Recycles Day, which took place Saturday, Nov. 18. Held at the old Malcolm Stadium/DeVault Field on Euclid Ave., local residents were able to get rid of various electronic products, as well as old tires, and also benefitted from the paper shredding service 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. 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 is sponsored by the cities of Bristol, Tennessee and Bristol, Virginia, Bristol Herald Courier, Bristol Motor Speedway, Shred-A-Way, Tennessee Valley Authority and Wise Recycling.
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NEW MEMBER PROFILES
JENNIFER SNEAD 100 Linden Drive, Ste 8, Bristol, VA 959.230.3714 www.aetnabetterhealth.com/virginia Aetna Better Health of Virginia Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus (CCC Plus) is a new statewide Medicaid managed long term service and support program that will serve approximately 214,000 individuals with complex care needs, through an integrated delivery model, across the full continuum of care.
RES FURTH 3177 Linden Drive, Bristol, VA 276.644.1180 www.anytimefitness.com Anytime Fitness is an Award winning, 24 hour fitness center. Whether you’re new to working out or a fitness pro, Anytime Fitness provides a variety of training options, guidance, and support to help you stay on track and reach your goals not to mention state-of the art equipment and customizable services.
LISA MARTIN 14 Bank Street, Bristol, TN 423.764.3889 www.bankstreetbristol.com Their historic 100 year-old venue, once the site of Ralph Peer’s 1928 recording sessions, is home to Bank Street Bristol’s dedicated catering and lunch counter. If you’re looking for an urban setting with historic charm, then Bank Street Bristol is perfect for you. Whether you choose to celebrate at their location, or at yours, they’ve got you covered.
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NICOLE BLEVINS 1801 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 423.293.8770 www.bethelsuccess.net Bethel University’s College of Professional Studies offers 100% online degree programs, designed for busy adults. Individuals can earn an Associate’s, Bachelor’s or Master’s degree through an accelerated, one class at a time, format. The University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees.
ANNE MORTON 2603 Osborne Street, Bristol, VA 276.669.6331 Bristol Regional Speech and Hearing has served our region for over 60 years. They provide a full range of speech services for all ages with an emphasis on the needs of children. Their Audiologists evaluate and prescribe treatment for all ages, beginning with newborn babies. They also provide services for cochlear implant patients referred by U.VA and Vanderbilt.
CLINT HOLLEY 22 Lee Street, Bristol, VA 216.401.0877 www.theearnesttube.com Located in the heart of downtown Bristol, The Earnest Tube is a boutique recording service that allows artists to record in a manner that was most common prior to 1950 when all commercial music was recorded direct to disc.
JULIA HUANG 3101 Lee Highway Ste 18, Bristol, TN 240.482.7973 www.gfgaccessories.com GFG Accessories Manufacturing specializes in making different types of bags, including handbags, men’s bags, business bags, backpacks, cosmetic bags and many more. GFG also manufactures various types of garments, such as jackets, t-shirts, polos, sweatshirts, shorts and other related promotional products.
CHRISTINA FORRESTER MARY LEE SCHIESZ 509 State Street, Bristol, VA 501 5th Street, Bristol, TN 276.644.4002 423.989.8000 www.christinascloset4u.com www.gregorypharmaceuticalholdings.com Christina’s Closet is a boutique offering Gregory Pharmaceutical Holdings, Inc. (GPHI) fashionable clothing at reasonable prices. is a family owned organization that The boutique offers clothing and accessories is composed of two businesses, UPM with a feminine, vintage look, yet beautifully Pharmaceuticals and NFI Consumer Products. contemporary. They are happy to offer designs for women of all ages and sizes, carrying items in Small to 4X.
MARTHA MCGLOTHLIN 50 Euclid Avenue, Bristol, VA 276.644.4881 www.shophousedressing.com House Dressing is an upscale consignment boutique in Bristol, Virginia. You can dress yourself and your home at their beautifully remodeled store, consisting of 6,000 square feet of ladies’ clothing and home furnishings! House Dressing will also be offering workshops in the future on decorating and fashion.
CHRISTIE WOLFENBARGER 3847 Highway 394, Bluff City, TN 423.207.1199 www.kona-ice.com Kona Ice is a one-of-a-kind shaved ice experience. They are FUN on wheels so they bring the party to YOU! They can create the Kona Ice experience at block and birthday parties, business promotions, church and corporate events, employee appreciation, festivals, fundraisers, picnics, school events, sports events or anything else that includes FUN or FUNdraising.
JACKIE BOWLING 1315 Euclid Avenue, Bristol, VA 276.644.1441 www.tacojohns.com Taco John’s menu boasts a fusion of distinctive flavors and south-of-the-border spices and offers several signature items, including meat and potato burritos, original Street Tacos and the craveable Potato Oles. This is the first Taco John’s to open in Virginia and the seventh nationwide!
TROY HICKS 1061 Old Abingdon Highway #10, Bristol, VA 276.466.3324 www.sacredinkstudio.com Sacred Ink Tattoos & Piercings was established in 2001 in Bristol VA. As one of the most distinguished shops in the area, Sacred Ink is highly regarded in the community for quality artwork with a clean, friendly atmosphere.
SSG BRAD KANE 611 Bluff City Highway, Bristol, TN 423.989.6640 The Tennessee Army National Guard offers young men and women a foundation to better themselves and their communities. Most Soldiers in the Tennessee Army National Guard live locally and serve part time, while receiving full time benefits. Some of these benefits include 100% college assistance programs, affordable TriCare health insurance, and training in several jobs that directly relate to our local job force.
(left to right) Rep. Timothy Hill, Rep. John Crawford, Sen. Jon Lundberg, John Tickle, Del. Israel O’Quinn, Del. Todd Pillion and Beth Rhinehart
TICKLE RECOGNIZED BY LOCAL LEGISLATORS AT RECEPTION The 4th Annual Legislative Reception, hosted by the Bristol Chamber of Commerce and held at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum Nov. 1, once again placed the spotlight on local legislators from Tennessee and Virginia and also featured a special presentation. Tennessee legislators in attendance were Sen. Jon Lundberg an Rep. John Crawford and Timothy Hill. Representing Virginia was Del. Israel O’Quinn and Rep. Todd Pillion. Both state legislatures recognized businessman and philanthropist John Tickle, chairman of Strongwell Corp. with special proclamations. “You started a company, built it and you employ a lot of people,” said Lundberg to Tickle. “More than that, what really makes you special is where you put your interest, where you put your pride…
“You started a company, built it and you employ a lot of people,” said Lundberg to Tickle. “More than that, what really makes you special is where you put your interest, where you put your pride… and it’s where you live. Every person in this room has seen what you have given.” Lundberg added, “You started a company, you built it, you employ a lot of people, but more than that ... what makes you really special is where you put your interest, where you put your pride, and it’s where you live. Every person in this room has seen what you have given.”
and it’s where you live. Every person in this room has seen what you have given.” Lundberg added, “You started a company, you built it, you employ a lot of people, but more than that ... what makes you really special is where you put your interest, where you put your
- Tennessee Senator Jon Lundberg
pride, and it’s where you live. Every person in this room has seen what you have given.” O’Quinn lauded Tickle for being part of the Bristol community – on both sides of the state line. “John lives in Tennessee and works in Virginia,” O’Quinn said. “Strongwell provides a lot of jobs here in the community, and time and time again, John and Strongwell have stepped up to the plate to help with so many causes and good things here in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee.”
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Tickle graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Industrial Engineering in 1965. After graduation, he became an engineer with Owens Corning, then general manager of Justin Enterprises in Cincinnati, Ohio and a plant manager with Krueger Metal Products in Green Bay, Wisc. In 1972, he was offered the position of President of Morrison Molded Fiber Glass Company (now Strongwell) in Bristol, Va. Tickle refocused MMFG’s resources and changed its management structure. He also repositioned the primary manufacturing process for MMFG to pultrusion. The company has been profitable every year since. In 1993, Tickle, with the help of one outside investor, was able to purchase the company from Shell Polymer Ventures which had owned the company since 1985. By 2000, Tickle and members of his family had acquired all shares from the outside investor, transforming Strongwell into a debt-free, family-owned corporation.
“John lives in Tennessee and works in Virginia,” O’Quinn said. “Strongwell provides a lot of jobs here in the community, and time and time again, John and Strongwell have stepped up to the plate to help with so many causes and good things here in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee.” -Virginia Delegate Israel O’Quinn
Tickle is a past president and board member of the Sequoyah Council of the Boy Scouts of America and has served on several boards, including the Bristol Life Saving Crew, Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Country Club of Bristol, Boys & Girls Clubs of Bristol, Red Cross of the Mountain Empire, Bristol Regional Medical Center and its Foundation, ETSU foundation, and ETSU’s Roan Scholars Program Chairman. As a huge supporter of education, Tickle dedicated the John D. Tickle Engineering Building on the campus of the University of Tennessee in 2017. This five-story, 110,000 square-foot, $23.1 million structure now houses the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, as well as the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. John is a strong believer in education, and has been a long-time advocate of composite programs in higher education. Tickle has received multiple awards including the “Outstanding Philanthropist” presented by the Mountain Empire Chapter of the National Society of Fundraising Executives. That award was followed by the “Outstanding Fundraiser” award, the Tri-Cities Executive of the Year honor, United Way’s outstanding Volunteer, Pultrusion Industry Council’s Award of Excellence, University of Tennessee’s College of Engineering’s Nathan Dougherty Award, ACMA (American Composites Manufacturers Association) Lifetime Achievement Award and the Torchbearer for Western Virginia award presented by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce/Virginia Business Magazine. Tickle said he loves what he does and where he lives. “What I’ve done over the last 75 years was not to get an award; it’s because I enjoy what I do,” he said. “It’s fun. “I love Bristol,” “We have a place in Florida but I never go there. I love both sides of town. … I consider this whole area home. I’ve been all over the world traveling, but I can’t wait to get back home to Bristol.” The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce recognized Lundberg, Crawford, Hill and Rep. Bud Hulsey for their service while the Virginia Chamber of Commerce recognized O’Quinn and Pillion.
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LEAD BRISTOL! EMBARKS ON FOUR COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS LEAD Bristol! is an essen�al program for companies and organiza�ons dedicated to helping their employees become leaders. The award-winning program is a nine-month course for adults, focusing on providing the skills necessary to leadership development. Available to all area businesses, LEAD Bristol! teaches par�cipants skills that will develop their careers and business rela�onships. LEAD also gives par�cipants the opportunity to give back to the community by taking part in a service project.
FAMILY PROMISE OF BRISTOL Family Promise needs development of its resources for Poverty Simula�ons. Poverty is a reality for many individuals and families in Bristol. Family Promise, along with the Poverty Educa�on and Awareness Task Force offer The Poverty Simula�on several �mes a year to community members. Family Promise is asking for help in the development of a marke�ng plan to reach the Bristol Community. They need help crea�ng their message and developing necessary tools, such as posters, social media posts, handouts, flyers, PowerPoint presenta�ons and brochures, all of which will portray data about poverty here in Bristol. Group Members: Blake Ailor (City of Bristol, Tennessee), John Bare (Food City), Michelle Benfield (BTES), Jamie Hughes (Belfor), Tiffany Walden (Bristol Regional Medical Center)
BRANCH HOUSE FAMILY CENTER Branch House needs a marke�ng plan for their organiza�on. They need help with brochures, help determining what informa�on should be included on their website, ideas for logos and taglines, etc. This comprehensive plan will include an execu�ve summary that will set forth a two-year marke�ng plan, a targeted audience recommenda�on and a distribu�ng plan. Group Members: Stan Barringer (Virginia Highlands Community College), Santanna Jessee,(Holston Medical Group) Kimberlyn King (Bristol Motor Speedway), Laura McMillan (Fairway Realty), Anthony Vestal (Bristol Motor Speedway)
SULLIVAN COUNTY ANTI-DRUG COALITION The an�-drug coali�on needs an assessment of communi�es which would iden�fy key members of the community iden�fied and key stakeholders in each iden�fied community. The end product should also include at least three issues or problems that each community is most concerned about in regard to substance abuse. Group Members: Erika Barker (Birthplace of Country Music Museum), Lance Blaylock (First Bank and Trust), Heather Hayes (Eastman Credit Union), Alisha Holben (Food City), David Vencill (City of Bristol, Tennessee Fire Dept.)
THEATRE BRISTOL Theatre Bristol’s “Encore Project” project will create the engine of opera�ons for Theatre Bristol by establishing a comprehensive volunteer program. The project includes designing the framework for a�rac�ng, training and maintaining volunteers, best prac�ces, and developing management tools, job descrip�ons, recogni�on strategies, schedules and marke�ng materials. Group Members: : Melanie Fleenor (City of Bristol, Virginia), Lara Hull (BTES), Susan Mallick (Holiday Inn), Eddie Nelson (City of Bristol, Tennessee Police Dept.), Kathryn Perrin (Eastman).
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BRISTOL YOUTH LEADERSHIP INVOLVED IN FIVE COMMUNITY PROJECTS 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 opportuni�es. In addi�on to monthly class sessions, BYL students are assigned a Community Service project which increases their awareness of the Bristol community and gives them an organized opportunity to serve.
YWCA OF BRISTOL The YWCA TechGYRLS par�cipants are referred by their school counselors as girls who are at risk due to poor grades, excessive absences, learning disabili�es, and/or emo�onal/behavioral problems. The YWCA TechGYRLS need help with tutoring and homework comple�on, in addi�on to help with other daily ac�vi�es, allowing mentoring opportuni�es for BYL students. Group Members: Gracie Brooks (Tennessee High), Alex Carrier (Sullivan East), Bella Jessee (John Ba�le), Amaya Lee (Virginia High), Camille McKenzie (Virginia High), Annalise Woodring (Tennessee High)
HEALING HANDS HEALTH CENTER Healing Hands provides charitable healthcare to residents in our region but they need help telling its story. The center needs a marke�ng plan to help them reach low income, uninsured people in our area, which would include crea�ng a 30-second PSA and brochure, as well as a�ending events to distribute brochures. Group Members: Tucker Couch (Tennessee High), Madi Hatcher (Tennessee High), Ran Lilly (Tennessee High), Michaela Monk (John Ba�le), Shay Snyder (Sullivan East), Carrie Sproles (John Ba�le), Kloey Tester (Tennessee High)
BRISTOL REGIONAL SPEECH AND HEARING The center needs help with marke�ng efforts that will encourage consumer involvement and investment. In par�cular, they need to improve their social media presence and are looking for ideas for a new campaign that will help them become more effec�ve in marke�ng the center. Group Members: Andrew Crowder (John Ba�le), Trevor Dowdell (Tennessee High), Blake Fauver (Tennessee High), Camile Flaherty (Tennessee High), Colleen Haderer (John Ba�le), John Mar�n Harbaugh (Sullivan East), Morgan Short (John Ba�le)
BRISTOL VIRGINIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION The founda�on is asking for help that would include crea�ng marke�ng materials, enhancing social media opportuni�es and crea�ng a social media campaign, helping find ways to increase website visita�on. They would also like a YouTube video, as well as a PowerPoint presenta�on that explains what the founda�on is about. Group Members: Jada Campbell (Virginia High), Gracie Cunningham (Tennessee High), Peter Meredith (home school), Mikan Smith (Abingdon), Jordan Thompson (Tennessee High), Samantha Venable (Virginia High)
BRISTOL TRAIN STATION The Train Sta�on is looking to preserve its historic integrity and story, while engaging the community and discovering opportuni�es for growth and poten�al new revenue streams. They would like the group to research and develop a self-guided tour map of Train Sta�on, as well as develop ideas and a format for room designa�on signage, which would include a history of each room or designated area in the sta�on. Group Members: Alice Basse� (Tennessee High), Sarah Chen (Tennessee High), Samantha Collins (Sullivan East), Abby Dalton (Virginia High), John Harrison (Tennessee High), Adrianna Nelson (John Ba�le)
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THOUSANDS COME OUT FOR BRISTOL CHRISTMAS PARADE Thousands of area residents lined State Street Thursday night, Dec. 7 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 program of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce. The nights’ festivities, which started on Bob Morrison Blvd., made its way through the center of town before finishing up at the historic Train Station. Martin the GEICO gecko, made a return to downtown Bristol to straddle the state line once again not to produce another commercial, but this time to lead the parade as Grand Marshal. As spectators cheered him on, many claimed they saw Martin in Tenneginia while others were convinced he was only in Virginessee! Martin’s popular commercial marked immediate and significant impact for Bristol, the region and tourism in general. Martin’s love for Bristol and the community touched a whole new segment of the population. How do we know? Martin made sure the commercial was viewed in almost all 50 states and that was evident in the number of phone calls, emails and social media responses received - from New York, Texas, Arizona, California… you name the state. After the commercial was released in late 2016, DiscoverBristol.org saw a 400% spike in visitor traffic and Bristol Visitor Guide requests increased by 300%. Daily, you can see tourists in Bristol standing in the middle of State Street to safely take a photo and be in two places at once – just like Martin did. After Martin’s visit, the Bristol Chamber saw an average 1,000 visitor guide requests monthly – almost all referencing the commercial. And visitors were calling – and still are - because they are interested in moving to or visiting Bristol – all because of Martin’s commercial, and of course to see the State Street markers that designate Tennessee and Virginia. The earned media value of Martin’s GEICO commercial is difficult to gauge but even on the low end it was worth more than $3 million to Bristol and this area from simply closing one block on State Street for approximately 4 hours. For his unabashed love of all things Bristol and for his devotion to making sure everyone in the country was aware of just how special Bristol, Tenn. and Bristol, Va. are, Martin was celebrated as Parade Grand Marshal. Mayors Jack Young (Bristol, Tenn.) and Kevin Mumpower (Bristol, Va.), along with city council members, and a number of other legislators from both Tennessee and Virginia also took part in the parade. It was a special treat for all to see Santa and Mrs. Claus in the final float. Nearly 200 entries from local businesses, civic and volunteer organizations, church groups, bands, schools, neighborhood groups, etc. made up the parade. A big thanks to Bristol Tennessee Essential Services (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), Tennessee National Guard (trophy sponsor) and the City of Bristol Tennessee and the City of Bristol Virginia, our community sponsors.
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Winter 2017/18
Bristol Tennessee Essential Services won the Spirit of Christmas Award
Bristol Christmas Parade Award-Winning Entries With nearly 200 entries, choosing the Bristol Christmas Parade trophy winners is always a difficult challenge as there are so many wonderful entries. Some, however, stood out and truly embodied the spirit of the holiday. Earning the coveted Christmas Spirit Award Trophy with moving parts, Snoopy’s plane, Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree and the whole Peanuts gang in tow, was Bristol Tennessee Essential Services (BTES) for their Charlie Brown Christmas entry. Snagging top honors in Business Division I was Black Wolf Harley-Davidson while ElectroMechanical Corporation earned top honors in Business Division II. In the Church Division, Highlands Fellowship Church took the top spot, while Morrison School scored the win in the Non-Profit Division. Following is a complete list of those recognized prior to the start of the parade: BUSINESS DIVISION I 1. Black Wolf Harley-Davidson 2. Cabela’s 3. Christian Care Center
NON-PROFIT DIVISION 1. Morrison School 2. Emmett School 3. Sullins Academy
BUSINESS DIVISION II 1. Electro-Mechanical Corp 2. Kruisin’ for Kidz 3. Jones Tucking
CHURCH DIVISION 1. Highlands Fellowship Church 2. Jackson Memorial Church 3. Sugar Grove Baptist Church
CHRISTMAS SPIRIT AWARD WINNER Bristol Tennessee Essential Services
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FRIDAY BUSINESS BRIEFINGS
Lisa Cofer
United Way of Bristol
Gavin Philipp
November 2017 New Members
David Crockett
December 2017 New Members
The Bristol Hotel
Regions Bank
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October 2017 New Members
Winter 2017/18
21ST SEASON OF SPEEDWAY IN LIGHTS AT BMS UNDER WAY The Pinnacle Speedway In Lights Powered by TVA, one of the South’s largest holiday light shows, returned to Bristol Motor Speedway and Dragway for its 21st season Nov. 17. The four-mile drive-through show, which features more than 2 million lights and over 200 animated displays, gives visitors the opportunity to take a lap around The Last Great Colosseum, as well as drive through Thunder Valley. This year, Speedway In Lights added a new display, “Race to Space,” a 300-foot-long LED tunnel which offers visitors the experience of traveling through space. SIL, which will again feature its 20 Nights of Giving promotions during which guests are given a special gift or have the opportunity to win a larger prize, will be open through Saturday, Jan. 6, 2018. Speedway In Lights is open nightly from 6-10 p.m., including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Admission is $15 for cars Sunday through Thursday and $20 for cars Friday and Saturday. Activity vans are $30 each night and large buses are $100. The Ice Rink at BMS presented by HVAC is open through Jan. 13. Speedway In Lights is the primary fundraiser for the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities, which has raised more than $13 million since 1997 for children’s charities in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
ELDER NAMED AMBASSADOR OF THE QUARTER Faye Elder has earned the Bristol Chamber of Commerce’s Ambassador of the Quarter honor. Elder, who owns Always For You Gift Baskets, was recognized during the December First Friday Business Briefing at King University. She has visited more than 20 Chamber member businesses this quarter, attended nearly every Chamber event and volunteered any time help was needed. 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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BIRTHPLACE OF COUNTRY MUSIC HAPPENINGS THE LUTHIER’S CRAFT: INSTRUMENT MAKING TRADITIONS OF THE BLUE RIDGE (Special Exhibit) Now through March, 4, 2018 Birthplace of Country Music Museum
The craftsmanship and artistry of the Appalachian region’s stringed instrument makers are celebrated with The Luthier’s Craft: Instrument Making Traditions of the Blue Ridge special exhibit at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. The Luthier’s Craft explores and documents to the traditional arts of fiddle, guitar, banjo, and dulcimer making in Southern Appalachia and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Featured craftspeople include guitar maker Wayne Henderson, fiddle makers Audrey Hash Ham and Chris Testerman, banjo maker Johnny Gentry, and dulcimer maker Ernest Combs. Supplementary panels highlighting luthiers Randal Eller, Jimmy Edmonds, Kevin Fore, and Chuck Tipton are also included. The exhibit showcases these craftspeople and their instruments and offers visitors a hands-on, interactive exploration of the rich history of this traditional craft. For more information visit BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org.
RADIO BRISTOL’S FARM & FUN TIME - FLATT LONESOME, UNCLE SHUFFELO & HIS HAINT HOLLOW HOOTENANNY AND BILL & THE BELLES Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018 – 7 p.m. Birthplace of Country Music Museum
The award-winning bluegrass group Flatt Lonesome headlines this next Farm & Fun Time with Middle Tennessee’s Uncle Shuffelo & His Haint Hollow Hootenanny. Broadcasting live from the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Radio Bristol’s live radio variety show is a revival of a popular radio program that aired in the Bristol region in the 1940s and 1950s. Featuring live segues by house band Bill and the Belles, exciting musical guests, a farm report, and an heirloom recipe segment that’s more storytelling than instruction, the heartwarming and comical show is performed and aired live before a studio audience. To purchase tickets or get more information visit ListenRadioBristol.org.
RADIO BRISTOL’S FARM & FUN TIME - WILLIE WATSON, LARRY SIGMON & MARTHA SPENCER Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018 – 7 p.m. Birthplace of Country Music Museum
Acclaimed modern folk artist Willie Watson headlines this Farm & Fun Time with support from the unique mountain sounds of Larry Sigmon & Martha Spencer. To purchase tickets or get more information visit ListenRadioBristol.org.
Cubic Inc.’s Billy Kulkin feels Bristol is unique and can’t be defined using just one word.
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Winter 2017
Bristol’s Biggest Block Party featured music, food, fireworks and Bristol’s new branding theme .
AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS BMS’s Callahan Named to Keep Tennessee Beautiful Advisory Council
BTES Receives 2017 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award
Bristol Motor Speedway’s Janet Callahan was named to the Keep
Bristol Tennessee Essential Services (BTES), a municipally-owned electric utility located in Bristol, Tennessee, is pleased to announce it was recently selected as one of five recipients of the 2017 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. BTES is the first utility company to receive the award.
Tennessee Beautiful Advisory Council Oct. 16 as Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam announced the appointments of 217 Tennesseans to 93 boards. “By serving on our state boards and commissions, these Tennesseans are helping us provide responsive, effective and efficient service to their fellow citizens,” Haslam said. “I am grateful for their service and know they will well represent the people of Tennessee.” Appointment terms are varied due to differing statutory requirements or term limits determined by specific qualifications.
Branding Iron Hires Hannah Sneed as Marketing Coordinator
The Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award is a Presidentiallevel award presented annually to U.S. manufacturing, service, small business, health care, education and nonprofit organizations that apply and are judged to be outstanding in the seven Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence. Over the last 30 years, the National Institute of Standards and Technology has selected a total of 110 organizations to receive the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. “At BTES, continuous improvement and performance excellence are part of our culture,” said Mike Browder, CEO of BTES. “We are honored to accept this award from the National Institute of Standards and Technology as we continue on our journey to be the best electric, Internet, telephone and cable television provider.” BTES has been using the Baldrige framework for continuous improvement for over 25 years and recognizes the evaluation and assessment process as a development opportunity for its employees and the organization as a whole. BTES is passionate about performance excellence and uses the Baldrige framework to help them meet their mission of exceeding their customers’ expectations.
Branding Iron Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations, (Branding Iron) has added Hannah Sneed to its staff. Sneed has assumed the role of Marketing Coordinator in which she will assist with trade show coordination, social media creative and analytics, and manage various other office responsibilities. Sneed comes on board with a diverse background in sales, trade show, and client management experience. “Sneed is a wonderful addition to the team,” according to Branding Iron Director of Trade Shows and Events Sheila Reed. “We are always looking for ways to add value for our clients and expanding the trade show staff and services will help them tremendously.” Prior to joining Branding Iron, as an associate for the leading wholesale distributor for spa supplies and equipment, Universal Companies Inc., she made top sales numbers for her team, assisted in managing corporate accounts for reputable hotel chains, product testing, and participated in the
Gross Joins Brown Edwards & Co. Brown Edwards & Company, LLP, a Top 100 Accounting Firm, is pleased to announce Cindy Gross, CPA, CISA, has joined the firm as a director in the information technology audit practice. Prior to joining Brown Edwards, Cindy was a director in one of the top 10 firms in the nation where she provided IT audit and consulting services to a wide range of entities including financial services, technology, and healthcare entities. She has over 15 years of experience in system development and design. At Brown Edwards, she will focus on providing a full complement of value-added IT assurance and advisory services, ranging from traditional system audits and SOC engagements to penetration testing and Sarbanes-Oxley control evaluations. Brown will also apply her depth and expertise in the areas of Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity planning, Vendor Management, and IT Risk Assessments. Cindy will provide services to clients throughout the firm’s nine offices. A 2006 graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington, Cindy has a Master of Professional Accountancy degree. In addition, Cindy has a B.S. degree in Computer Programming and Information Systems from Shepherd University. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) and is a Certified Information Systems Auditor through ISACA.
largest industry trade show, IECSC Las Vegas.
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AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS Thermocopy Technicians Achieve Ricoh’s Highest Award for Service Excellence Thermocopy, the largest and most experienced business technology company in East Tennessee, recently announced that Ricoh Corporation recognized 13 of Thermocopy’s service technicians for earning the 2017 Ricoh “Prestige” certification. The designation demonstrates knowledge and skill that makes them the “Best of the Best” as part of Ricoh’s Service Excellence Program. The “Prestige” certification is obtained via completion of on-line time-sensitive testing and is available to be earned by all RicohSavin-Lanier professionals certified by Ricoh at the time of the examination. Over 1,600 technicians started the testing process and 115 technicians achieved the certification. A total of 13 were Thermocopy team members. Only 37 of the 373 companies that participated in the Service Excellence process had one technician receive the “Prestige” certification. Two of Thermocopy’s team members were awarded the highest designation, “Prestige Elite,” out of 13 chosen in the United States.
Studio Brew Earns Silver Medal at GABF Studio Brew received a silver medal at the 2017 Great American Beer Festival (GABF) competition. Presented by the Brewers Association, GABF is the largest commercial beer competition in the world and recognizes the most outstanding beers produced in the United States. The top three winners in the competition’s 98 beer-style categories were announced Oct. 7 at the GABF awards ceremony held at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, Col. Studio Brew was recognized in the Oatmeal Stout beer-style category for “The Ferguson,” a rich, opulent dark British style ale brewed with savory whole rolled oats, deep-roasted malts, chocolatey cocoa nibs, and creamy milk sugar. The 2017 GABF competition winners were selected by an international panel of 276 expert judges from 7,923 entries, plus 118 Pro-Am entries, received from 2,217 U.S. breweries.
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Winter 2017/18
Where The Sinclairs meet the
Virginia Highlands.
every family has a story. what will yours say? Set deep within the Virginia Highlands, The Virginian is a private, residential community with a deep heritage. Now, your family can be a part of this history. Experience the best of quiet, country living with a Tom Fazio-designed course, fly fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, tennis and more. To learn about life here, visit TheVirginian.com. Homes from $450k.
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