CLOUT Bristol, TN/VA Chamber of Commerce
Christmas Parade
Networking Events
Winter 2018/19 Issue 14 bristolchamber.com
New Members
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CLOUT
Winter 2018/19 Bristol TN/VA Chamber of Commerce
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Committee Chairman of the Board Jerry Caldwell, Bristol Motor Speedway Chair Elect/Vice Chair Member Relations Jody Dutcher, Electro-Mechanical Corporation Past Chairman Janice Jones, United Southeast Federal Credit Union Treasurer Jerry Kirk, Renasant Bank Vice Chair Government Relations William Burriss, III, BurWil Construction Co., Inc. Vice Chair Community & Leadership Development Danny Carter, BELFOR Vice Chair Business, Industry & Education Jim Maxwell, Bristol Herald Courier Vice Chair Convention & Visitors Bureau John Rainero, Permatile Vice Chair Board Relations Chris Lee, Bill Gatton Automotive
Directors
Brad Adams, Johnson Commercial Development Pam Allen, Studio Brew Don Bowman, BVU April Delph, Bell Helicopter Clayton Dowell, Bristol Tennessee Essential Services Mark Esposito, PennStuart Eric Fields, The Summit Companies Jessica Flagg, Eastman Bill Ford, SESCO Management Andy Hall, Bristol Regional Medical Center Karen Hester, Cranberry Lane/The Southern Churn Bart Long, Bart Long and Associates Greg Neal, Bristol Regional Medical Center Lynn Osborne, Eastman Credit Union David Ring, Strongwell Brock Slone, Shearers Foods, Inc. Kevin Stafford, KVAT/Food City Tony Venable, News 5 WCYB/WEMT Fox Tri-Cities Mitch Walters, The Friendship Family of Dealerships
Ex-Officio Board Members Maggie Bishop, Believe in Bristol Randall Eads, City of Bristol Virginia Hon. Margaret Feierabend, Bristol Tennessee Mayor James King, Northeast State Community College Dr. Gary Lilly, Bristol Tennessee City Schools David Matlock, Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center 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 Clay Walker, NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership
Chamber Staff Beth Rhinehart - President & CEO brhinehart@bristolchamber.org Amy Shuttle - Senior Vice President, Member Relations & Organizational Development ashuttle@bristolchamber.org Courtney Cacatian - Vice President, Discover Bristol ccacatian@bristolchamber.org Sarah Hutchinson - Senior Director, IT & Graphic Design shutchinson@bristolchamber.org Tommy Dowdy - Director, Communications & Government Relations tdowdy@bristolchamber.org Chris Fields - Director, Education & Workforce Development cfields@bristolchamber.org Chelsea Ketron - Director, Marketing for Discover Bristol cketron@bristolchamber.org Veronica Miller - Member Care Specialist frontdesk@bristolchamber.org
The mission of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce is advancing economic vitality. 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, Neikirk Images 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.
Thank you Bristol Tennessee Essential Services for the continued support as the Premier Parade Sponsor
CONTENTS
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From The Chairman President’s Report Gold Club Members Keep Bristol Beautiful | Congressional Debates Networking Events New Member Profiles Bristol Christmas Parade LEAD Bristol! Bristol Youth Leadership Friday Business Briefings Ambassador of the Quarter | Speedway in Lights AARC Award | Discover Bristol Holiday Package SWVA Legislative Breakfast | Night of Smiles Awards and Achievements Winter 2018/19
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From The Chairman At the Bristol Chamber, the close of the calendar year offers the chance to take stock of the accomplishments and advances we have made together during the past 12 months, and also provides a look ahead at continuing opportunities. I’m proud of the many positive conversations that took place during 2018 regarding the benefits of regional thinking. There’s much to be gained by tackling our area’s challenges and cultivating our rich potential as a broader, unified community, and I’m thankful for our many leaders who not only work to advance their own constituencies, but also see the advantages in reaching across lines to collaborate with others. The Chamber demonstrated bold leadership on several complex issues this year, particularly in the area of health care. It is no secret that Appalachia, as a whole, struggles with tough topics such as Medicaid expansion and opioid addiction. As a committed advocate of our residents, the Chamber consistently speaks out in favor of increased access to care and education, efforts that led to us being awarded the 2018 Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association’s Community Health Care Champion Award for Outstanding Leadership. Congratulations to those whose expertise and thoughtfulness are leading to an improved quality of life for residents throughout our region. Leaders from multiple sectors, including government, health care and business, also banded together to advance a long-term planning process this year. The Visioning Bristol 2040 project is compiling input from voices throughout our community, drawing on collective wisdom to identify our region’s most persistent challenges and greatest opportunities. As this visioning process continues to unfold over the next six months, you can visit the website www.Bristol2040.com to stay informed and to provide feedback. As our board prepares to welcome a new Chair and members, I’m proud to have helped represent the Bristol Chamber. I also look forward to continuing work with the many professionals who draw on a deep, positive sense of home and hope to help drive tourism, growth and development for us all. Their dedication is one of the central reasons that your Bristol Chamber maintains a 5-Star U.S. Chamber of Commerce Accreditation status —the highest status that can be achieved — and ranks among the top 1.5 percent of the 7,000 chambers across the U.S. Thank you to all those who contribute their time, resources and expertise to make Bristol, and the Tri-Cities region, a consistently exciting place to call home.
Jerry Caldwell 2018 Chairman of the Board Bristol Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President & General Manager Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway
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President’s Report Research indicates that businesses choose to belong to Chambers of Commerce for a number of reasons. The top six reasons that most join are for relationships (gaining friends, associates and advocates), visibility (they believe in the old adage of “out of sight, out of mind”), promotion (advertising and sponsorship opportunities), community connection (their employees are members of the community, the Chamber works closely with local governments for the business voice, access to legislative policy conversations), ongoing education and access to training (local access to top expert training) and programs and events (business luncheons, networking events, legislative events, golf tournaments, city celebrations, among many others). The value proposition of Chamber membership can be individual member specific but is often far greater than that. Within the walls of the Bristol Chamber building, we as staff and board members recognize and experience the incredible collective impact of Chamber membership. We work tirelessly to ensure that our members and community citizenry also see that impact and value. As the organization’s leader I experience a view of the value proposition that reaches far above the obvious. I take pride in knowing that the businesses who invest in the business community do so for more than just the top six reasons mentioned above. These businesses understand the power of investment for the greater good, for the value of strengthening the entire community. The collective voice is so powerful for overall business climate, common understanding and support, and ultimately for sustainability. These businesses are the foundation of the overall economy of our community and region. In addition to these basic premises for collective impact, many of our community and business leaders invest not only in the Chamber membership, but in many of the important assets of the community. These businesses understand that “giving” strengthens the community or region in which they and their employees live, work and play. Community philanthropy involves community members working together and leveraging community resources to better address challenges or to improve the quality of life in a community. Community philanthropy is a vehicle for community cohesion, strong partnerships, growth, diversification and sustainability, solutions for deeper rooted issues such as poverty and racism and generating goodwill and community pride. These are all directly linked to the Bristol Chamber’s mission – Advancing Economic Vitality. We are incredibly blessed to have the business leaders in our region who understand, value and support philanthropic opportunities, which in turn advances the economic vitality of Bristol and the greater region. As we enter 2019, I want to thank all of our member businesses for entrusting the Bristol Chamber with your investment and for being a partner in our community’s overall growth. We strive to be your vehicle for success and sustainability, and look forward to another stellar year for business. Beth Rhinehart President & CEO Bristol Chamber of Commerce
AtWork Personnel Services Bank of Tennessee BELFOR Bell Helicopter Bill Gatton Automotive Group Birthplace of Country Music ® 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
Earhart Campground Eastman Credit Union Edward Jones - Rita Kiscaden 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 News 5 WCYB/FOX Tri-Cities WEMT/Tri-Cities CW Northeast State Community College
PennStuart Renasant Bank Sam’s Club Second Harvest Food Bank of NE TN SESCO Management Consultants Shearer’s Foods Inc. Southern States Bristol Cooperative 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
BRISTOL RESIDENTS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF AMERICA RECYCLES DAY Bristol residents from both sides of the state line turned out to take advantage of Keep Bristol Beautiful’s annual America Recycles Day, which took place Saturday, Nov. 17. Held at the old Malcolm Stadium/DeVault Field on Euclid Ave., local residents were able to get rid of various electronic waste, larger trash items, and onsite paper shredding all at no charge. Founded in 1997 by Keep America Beautiful, America Recycles Day is national effort to encourage responsible recycling and disposal. The Keep Bristol Beautiful America Recycles Day is sponsored by the cities of Bristol, Tennessee and Bristol, Virginia, the Bristol Herald Courier, Shred-A-Way, and Tennessee Valley Authority. Keep Bristol Beautiful is a program of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce and is an award winning affiliate of Keep America Beautiful.
BRISTOL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOSTS TENNESSEE 1ST DISTRICT AND VIRGINIA 9TH DISTRICT CONGRESSIONAL DEBATES The 2018 mid-term elections had voter interest and turnout reaching the highest level of any midterm election in a century. Voters were eager to learn as much as thet could to educate themselves and be prepared to cast their votes with purpose. According to the United States Elections Project, 49.3 percent of the voting-eligible population turned out to vote this year, with more than 116 million ballots being counted so far. That’s the highest voter turnout percentage since 1914. The Bristol Chamber of Commerce partnered with WCYB News 5 and the Bristol Herald Courier to host congressional debates on both sides of the state line. The first debate was held at the BRMC Monarch Auditorium and featured Tennessee 1st District Congressman Phil Roe (R) and challenger Dr. Marty Olsen (D) on October 11th. A follow-up debate for the Virginia 9th District Congressional race was held at the Bristol Hotel on October 18 and featured Congressman Morgan Griffith (R) and challenger Anthony Flaccavento (D). These debates allowed candidates to present their viewpoints to the voting constituents by answering numerous questions submitted by voters. The Tennessee 1st Congressional debate was the only debate between Roe and Olsen while the Virginia 9TH District Congressional debate was one of three between Griffith (R) and Flaccavento (D) but the only debate in this area of the state. “It’s an honor to host such important events,” said chamber President and CEO Beth Rhinehart. “This underscores the integrity we strive to bring to all of our work at the Bristol chamber. The chamber is pleased to have such great media partners in WCYB and the Herald Courier to be able to deliver these two events to as many people as possible. It is vital that voters have as many opportunities as possible to make an informed decision before voting to send someone to be their representative in Congress. These debates will serve as an invaluable role in supplying that information to constituents in the Tennessee 1st District and the Virginia 9th District.” Both debates were broadcast live on the Tri-Cities CW as well as live streamed by the Bristol Herald Courier and WCYB News 5. The debates were replayed in other markets throughout Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee.
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BRISTOL SKATEWAY 210 K-Mart Drive, Bristol, TN
BURGERIM 412 Pinnacle Parkway, Ste 209, Bristol, TN
ULTIMATE SHINE CAR WASH 1309 Euclid Avenue, Bristol, VA
NETWORKING
EVENTS GUTHRIE DENTISTRY 744 Bluff City Highway, Bristol, TN
STARBUCKS INSIDE FOOD CITY 1320 Euclid Avenue, Bristol, VA
MCALISTER’S DELI 1321 Euclid Avenue, Ste 1, Bristol, VA
GOODWILL INDUSTRIES TENNEVA INC. 3170 Linden Drive, Ste 1, Bristol, VA
TIME 2 PLAY 3170 Linden Drive, Ste 12, Bristol, VA
AT&T MOBILITY 424 Pinnacle Parkway, Unit 258, Bristol, TN Winter 2018/19
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NEW MEMBER PROFILES
JAMES BYERLEY 10 Spurgeon Lane Bristol, VA 276.644.7734 AssociatedAsphalt.com
BEN HOOVER 515 Falls Blvd Bristol, VA 276.466.0771 HobbyLobby.com
DOUG VICARS 2304 Silverdale Drive, Ste 200 Johnson City, TN 423.282.6582 MitchCox.com
As one of the largest independent asphalt resellers in the United States, Associated Asphalt stores, blends, hauls and sells a range of asphalt products. Associated Asphalt is headquartered in Roanoke, VA and serves customers throughout the Eastern United States.
Hobby Lobby is primarily an arts-andcrafts store but also includes picture framing, jewelry making, fabrics, floral and wedding supplies, cards and party ware, baskets, wearable art, home accents and holiday merchandise.
Mitch Cox Companies provides clients with solutions for real estate and building needs through a full-service approach that includes development, architectural, construction, brokerage, and property management services.
MINDY BOWMAN 214 E. Watauga Avenue Johnson City, TN 423.232.5097 E8CDC.com
CAROL JONES 836 State Street Bristol, TN 423.989.4100 WeSellBristol.com
Chartered in 1998 as a 501c3 nonprofit organization, Eastern Eight is a certified Community Housing Development Organization with a mission to strengthen our communities through the creation and preservation of affordable housing. Eastern Eight serves the eight counties of Northeast Tennessee and the cities within.
Jones Property Group is the combining of talents from two of the area’s top Real Estate Agencies - Jones & Associates Realty, of Abingdon, and Realty Executives of Bristol. Carol Jones, Principal Broker, is now leading over 40 agents serving Bristol, Washington Co., and Sullivan Co.
BRENNAN RICKER 109 Village Circle Bristol, VA BristolRehabilitation.com The Rehab and Memory Care Center at Bristol is a brand new 120 bed facility that conveniently provides Memory Care, skilled nursing services, and l ong-term care in the same building. The Rehab Center at Bristol is committed to providing premium care for your loved ones during the most vulnerable times.
WEB DESIGN DIANA MEREDITH 3170 Linden Drive, Ste 1 Bristol, VA 423.245.0600 GoodwillTNVA.org Goodwill Industries of Tenneva is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, a social enterprise who operates as a business to fund its mission of providing training and employment opportunities to persons who face barriers to employment.
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AMBER CLARK 1321 Euclid Avenue, Ste 1 Bristol, VA 276.644.0695 McAlistersDeli.com McAlister’s Deli offers handcrafted meals ensuring every guest will find something they will love. McAlister’s is excited to bring their big & bold sandwiches, fresh salads, giant spuds, variety of soups and crowd-pleasing catering to Bristol!
AMIE LITTLE Bristol, TN 423.956.2225 RisingtideWeb.com Rising Tide Web Design utilizes a goal-oriented approach to help area businesses reach customers online Identifying objectives, and tailoring a strategy and design to achieve them.
NEW MEMBER PROFILES
MARC EUBANKS & KENNY SCHWEITZER 16639 Old Jonesboro Road Bristol, VA 276.669.1042 TheOldeFarm.com
LINDSEY WILD 1309 Euclid Avenue Bristol, VA 276.494.0392 UltimateShineCarWash.com
Established in March of 2000, The Olde Farm was honored that year as Golf Digest’s Best New Private Course. Current rankings include: #120 on Golf Digest’s Greatest Courses in America, #53 on Golfweek’s Best Modern Courses and #2 in Virginia.
A local, family-owned business established in 2005 with 10 locations throughout east Tennessee and Virginia, Ultimate Shine is an express car wash offering complimentary vacuums, glass cleaner, and towel use. Ultimate Shine is dedicated to providing superior quality, excellent service, and community support to the Tennessee area and Virginia area.
DENISE PETERS 3170 Linden Drive, Ste 12 Bristol, VA 276.644.4444 Time2PlayBristol.com
HALEY WHITE 301 Louis Street Kingsport, TN 423.246.6180 UETHDA.org
The 10,000 square foot facility features a 1700 square foot playground for children 12 and under that can accommodate over 100 children at a time. There is an additional 325 square foot area for toddlers age 3 and under - and 2 large party rooms over 625 square feet each.
The Upper East Tennessee Human Development Agency is the leading nonprofit providing the education, tools, and support to those living in poverty in Northeast Tennessee. Their mission is to help individuals and families work towards long term stability and success by helping them become self-sufficient.
Third Quarter 2018
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Grand Marshals - Bristol Va. Officer Kegan Bostic and Bristol Tenn. Officer Kevin Lee Frederick
PARADE GRAND MARSHALS KICK OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH SANTA Thousands of area residents lined State Street Thursday night, Dec. 6 for the Bristol Christmas Parade to mark the holiday season. The parade, which has been taking place for more than a century, is coordinated by the Bristol Chamber of Commerce.
Premier Parade Sponsor Bristol Tennessee Essential Services and families
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Electro-Mechanial Corporation won the Spirit of Christmas Award
AND THE WINNERS ARE... Parade entries were in it to win it again this year in the competition for trophies. Entries are scored by judges on theme, detail, difficulty, movement and color. The coveted Christmas Spirit Trophy is the Grand Prize that is awarded to the one entry that is most memorable and embodies the Spirit of Christmas. Special thank you to the Tennessee National Guard for serving as the Trophy Sponsor. Following is a complete list of trophy winners:
CHURCH DIVISION 1. Community Baptist Church 2. First Freewill Baptist 3. Jackson Memorial Church
NON-PROFIT DIVISION 1. Tri-Cities Christian 2. Bristol Softball Club 3. Christian Care Center
SMALL BUSINESS DIVISION 1. Over Mountain Victory Trail Assoc. 2. First Bank & Trust 3. Royal Building Products
LARGE BUSINESS DIVISION 1. Electro-Mechanical Corp. 2. Lowe’s - Volunteer Parkway 3. Black Wolf Harley Davidson
YOUTH DIVISION 1. Sullins Academy 2. King University Athletics 3. Tri-Cities Thunder
CHRISTMAS SPIRIT AWARD WINNER Electro-Mechanical Corporation
Winter 2018/19
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LEAD BRISTOL! EMBARKS ON FOUR NEW COMMUNITY PROJECTS LEAD Bristol! is an essential program for companies and organizations dedicated to helping their employees become leaders. The award-winning program is a nine-month leadership course designed for leaders and emerging leaders in our region, focusing on providing the skills necessary to leadership development. Available to all area businesses, LEAD Bristol! teaches participants skills that will 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. The four projects below have been chosen for the 2018/2019 participants:
IMAGINATION LIBRARY OF BRISTOL, VIRGINIA Imagination Library of Bristol, Virginia works with the Dollywood Foundation to replicate the reading program of the foundation. Imagination Library needs Lead Bristol’s help with developing a marketing campaign that will educate Bristol, Virginia parents about the program, incorporates social media for information distribution, and a webpage that disseminates information about the program. Lead Bristol will be in charge of developing and implementing a traveling presentation that can be shared with businesses and civic groups. Time permitting the Lead Bristol project team will assist with creating and soliciting a strong board of directors. Group Members: Allison Rochelle (The Robinette Company), Jon Weatherly (Lopez Wealth Management Group), Mitch Ellison (Bristol Motor Speedway), Nathan Light (Advanced Disposal), Taylor Harmon (City of Bristol, Tn Parks & Recreation) UNITED WAY OF BRISTOL TN/VA The United Way of Bristol works with partner agencies to make sure people in our community have access to the services they need while forming partnerships with public and private organizations to address specific issues and needs in the community. United Way of Bristol would like to increase the involvement of millennials in addressing our community’s needs through volunteering and financial contributions. Lead Bristol participants will identify the barriers or misconceptions that prevent millennial participation and recommend short-term and long-term measures to incorporate this segment of the population into the organization and community. Group Members: Chris Sykes (BTES), Cory Lewis (Virginia Highlands Community College) Danielle Eller (City of Bristol TN Police Department), Dennis Courtney (Streamworks), Justin Rodda (Advanced Disposal) BRISTOL’S PROMISE: YOUTH NETWORKING ALLIANCE Bristol’s Promise: Youth Networking Alliance brings the community together to work on complex social challenges for our children, youth, and families. The program started in 1999 and has since expanded including being the physical agent for other groups. Approaching age 20, it is time for a sustainability plan, fresh branding, a new logo, and a website. Lead Bristol would provide the groundwork for the sustainability plan, marketing skills or resources, branding campaign, a new logo, and a website. This information will provide the board direction moving forward. Group Members: Cari Seaton (City of Bristol, TN), Gene Christian (City of Bristol, VA), Josh Greenwell (Virginia Highlands Community College), Scott Maxwell (Bristol Herald Courier), Steve Craddock (BTES) BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF GREATER TRI-CITIES Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Tri-Cities strives to help children overcome adversity through one on one mentoring. BBBSTC wants to launch a regional community awareness and recruitment campaign to address the overwhelming need for volunteers. The Tri-Cities office has a waiting list of about 90 children that needs services but do not have volunteers to provide those mentoring services. Lead Bristol would produce a cohesive community awareness campaign including presentations, marketing materials, social media, as well as any other efforts to help with public awareness. The goal of the campaign would be to add 60 new volunteers.
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Group Members: Ben Buchanan (Blackburn, Childers, & Steagall, PLC), Bob Bender (Ballad Health), Holly King (AtWork Personnel Services), Kate Belcher (First Bank and Trust), Michael Pruitt (Realty Executives Bristol)
BRISTOL YOUTH LEADERSHIP INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY PROJECTS Bristol Youth Leadership is a eight-month program for area high school sophomores and juniors which empower students to become trustees of the Bristol community. The program provides leadership and personal development, skills training, team building and volunteer opportunities. In addition to monthly class sessions, BYL students are assigned a Community Service project to increase awareness and knowledge of the Bristol community. Following are the community service projects selected for the 2018/2019 BYL class:
YWCA OF BRISTOL The YWCA TechGYRLS participants are referred by their school counselors as girls who are at risk due to poor grades, excessive absences, learning disabilities, and/or emotional/ behavioral problems. The YWCA TechGYRLS (grades 4th – 8th) need help with tutoring and homework completion, in addition to help with other daily activities, allowing mentoring opportunities for BYL students. The mentoring benefits the TechGYRLS by providing contructive relationship building and quality social interaction necessary for healthy development. Group Members: Hannah Davidson (Tennessee High), Riley Skaggs (Sullivan East), Abi Musick (John Battle), Sarah Stacy (Virginia High), Gabby Dennis (Virginia High), Jazmin Hurley (Tennessee High), Victoria Compton (Abingdon), Lauren Lewis (John Battle)
BRISTOL FAITH IN ACTION Bristol Faith In Action provides financial assistance towards rent and utilities to local residents facing temporary financial crisis as well as to distribute commodity items, financial and mental health counseling, and referrals to other social service agencies thereby promoting long-term financial stability and self-sufficiency. Bristol Faith In Action needs help from BYL students to compile a comprehensive list of resources available to area residents and furthermore to develop a Public Service Announcement to educate the community about the agency’s need for volunteers and donations. Group Members: Ethan Francis (Tennessee High), Caden Myers (Tennessee High), Jasper Taylor (Tennessee High), Parker Cannon (John Battle), Jackson Carter Hawkins (Sullivan Central), Nicole Hankins (John Battle), Jesse Young (Tri-Cities Christian), Kelly Locke (Virginia High), Caitlin Hampton (Virginia High)
APPALACHIAN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Appalachian Sustainable Development’s mission is to transition Appalachia’s economy to be more resilient and healthier using sustainable agriculture and land use as driving forces. Each year Appalachian Sustainable Development produces a free food guide serving Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Appalachian Sustainable Development would like help from BYL to redesign the guide to include more information about the region. The completed guide would be more useful and relevant promoting local farms/farmers, farmers markets, breweries, hospitality, culinary, natural attractions, and more. Group Members: Payton Rader (Virginia High), Andrew Steward (Tennessee High), Lydia Grunstra (home school), Bella Hughes (Sullivan Central), Jack Gaynor (Tennessee High), Nick Meredith (home school), Camille Malone (John Battle), David Rader (Sullivan East), Colin White (John Battle) Winter 2018/19
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FRIDAY BUSINESS BRIEFINGS
Eric Fields Steve Smith
The Summit Companies Food City
Dr. Brian Noland
November 2018 New Members
David Crockett
December 2018 New Members
East Tennessee State Univesity
Regions Bank
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October 2018 New Members
Winter 2018/19
SPROLES NAMED AMBASSADOR OF THE QUARTER Kim Sproles has earned the Bristol Chamber of Commerce’s Ambassador of the Quarter honor. Sproles, who owns KS Promotional Products, was recognized during the November First Friday Business Briefing at King University. Kim has been involved with the Bristol Chamber of Commerce since 1989. Kim serves as a current co-chair for the Ambassador program and is a graduate of the Lead Bristol program. She enjoys serving and has volunteered for many organizations in the Bristol Community such as United Way, YWCA, Keep Bristol Beautiful, Bristol Rhythm & Roots as well as many others. The Ambassador of the Quarter honor is awarded to the highest pointearning 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.
22ND 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 22nd season Nov. 16. The five-mile drive-through show, which features more than 2 million lights and over 250 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, “Elf Vision”. Elf Vision features a Christmas treeshaped screen as well as a present screen that adds some new technology to the festive presentation. The display changes in real time to showcase animations of Christmas trees, Christmas toys, the wrapping and unwrapping of presents and much more. 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 back for its 14th season. It’s the only ice-skating rink within a 90-minute driving radius of Bristol Motor Speedway, and it’s become one of the Speedway’s most popular off-track events. The rink draws more than 30,000 skaters each year and 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 $14 million since 1997 for children’s charities in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
Summer2018 2018 15 15 Third Quarter
SULLIVAN COUNTY (BRISTOL, KINGSPORT) EARN RETIREE SEAL OF APPROVAL AWARD A top Tennessee retiree destination, Sullivan County (Bristol, Kingsport) has again achieved national recognition, receiving the coveted 2018 Seal of Approval Award by the American Association of Retirement Communities during its annual conference November 5-7 in Daytona Beach, Fla. Discover Bristol’s Director of Marketing Chelsea Ketron was there with Kingsport staff to receive this prestigious award. As the nation’s leading organization in educating and inspiring communities to attract retirees, AARC deemed Sullivan County one of the best places to retire in the country. The Seal of Approval honor is presented annually to communities from across the U.S. that demonstrate a cutting-edge commitment to attract retirees through lifestyle programming, amenity development, communication programs and education. Award winners are evaluated by a national panel of retirement destination experts on a variety of criteria, including health care, retiree-appropriate housing, lifestyle amenities, adult education, recreational and cultural opportunities and governmental and private support of retiree-focused programs. Sullivan County and Bristol have a wonderful mix of amenities for retirees to consider. The Tri-Cities area offers retirees a well-positioned location with easy access to large metro areas, a regional airport, premier healthcare, and a low cost of living. Bristol boasts no state income tax, four mild seasons, extensive outdoor recreation and community-focused amenities, which are desired among today’s retiree. Ketron attended the three-day conference and participated in educational seminars and networking sessions among representatives from 14 states and Canada. Discover Bristol serves as the marketing arm for retiree recruitment as well as tourism promotion and development in Bristol, Tenn. and Bristol, Va.
DISCOVER BRISTOL TO OFFER HOLIDAY GETAWAY PACKAGE Discover Bristol is inviting visitors to celebrate the holiday season in Bristol. Discover Bristol has partnered with local tourism attractions and businesses to offer the Bristol Holiday Package that highlights the majestic amenities Bristol has to offer during the holidays. The package is designed to inform potential visitors about the wide array of experiences in Bristol and to encourage overnight stays and visitor spending during the holiday season. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor traveling from far away, the Holiday Getaway Package can introduce you to some of the best that Bristol has to offer. The Bristol Holiday Package includes: • • • • • •
One-night stay at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Entry to The Pinnacle Speedway in Lights Two Tickets to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum Discount Coupons for shopping at The Pinnacle Discount offer for a variety of shows at the Paramount Bristol Bristol Christmas Ornament to commemorate the occasion
We all know and love The Pinnacle Speedway in Lights at Bristol Motor Speedway, but pairing that with a visit to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, a show at Paramount Bristol and discount offers for shopping at the Pinnacle gives visitors even more reason to stay overnight and discover more of Bristol. The Bristol Holiday Package is available Nov. 16 through Jan. 5. For local residents a local package is available for purchase too, which includes all of the attractions, discounts and Bristol Christmas ornament (hotel stay not included) for a reduced price. To book the package, visit www.discoverbristol.org/holiday. Discover Bristol is a division of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce dedicated to advancing the economic vitality of both Bristol, Tennessee and Bristol, Virginia as a year-round travel destination. This package is the first of its kind for Bristol and has been an excellent partnership opportunity for Bristol’s tourism businesses.
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SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST & FORUM The 2018 Southwest Virginia Legislative Breakfast & Forum was held on Monday, December 3, 2018 at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon. This annual event co-sponsored by the chambers of SWVA offers businesses, industries, organizations and individual citizens the opportunity to interact with their state legislators and learn more about issues that will be addressed in the next legislative session of the General Assembly. Legislators from the counties of Washington, Tazewell, Buchanan, Russell, Dickenson, Lee, Scott, Wise, Pulaski, Smyth, Wythe, and Bland attended the event.
SPEEDWAY CHILDREN’S CHARITIES CELEBRATES NIGHT OF SMILES The Bristol Motor Speedway Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities culminated another landmark year of raising funds during its annual Night of Smiles celebration held on Nov. 15. Executive director Claudia Byrd announced that Speedway Children’s Charities raised a substantial total of $805,141 during the 2018 calendar year that was distributed to 93 ruralarea child-focused agencies throughout Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Since its inception in 1997, Speedway Children’s Charities has raised more than $14 million,
Each Legislator was introduced and then given the opportunity to present a three-minute briefing of the issues they see facing the 2019 General Assembly.
awarding grants to hundreds of qualified organizations in the 18-county area surrounding Bristol Motor Speedway. “There’s no greater gift than to be able to help raise money for children in need,” Byrd said. “Although demand for assistance will always exceed our ability to help, we are blessed to work with so many inspiring organizations in this region that are focused on providing vital assistance to the children who need it most.” The 2018 Jeff Byrd Grant also was awarded to the Boys & Girls Club of Central Appalachia. Presented in honor of the late general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway, the $50,000 award will go towards the organization’s efforts to create a sensory room within each of the four elementary/ middle schools in Buchanan County where the Boys & Girls Club operates. Sensory rooms are designed to help students
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who have been diagnosed with autism, cope with stressful situations, regulate sensory needs and reduce challenging behaviors that are the result of overstimulation. The spaces will equally support students with ADD, ADHD and other sensoryrelated issues.
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Night of Smiles is the culmination of a year of SCC fundraising events, including multiple 5k races, golfing and trap shooting tournaments during NASCAR and NHRA race weekends, the Ultimate Bristol Experience Online Auction and The Pinnacle Speedway in Lights powered by TVA, which opened for its 22nd season on Friday, Nov. 16.
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AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS EMORY & HENRY NAMED ONE OF BEST NATIONALLY Emory & Henry College ranks among the best liberal arts colleges in the United States, according to the annual list of rankings released this week by U.S. News & World Report, Best Colleges. Emory & Henry moved up by four rankings over last year. The ranking takes into account the college’s performance in areas such as graduation rate, alumni giving, academic reputation, class sizes and financial support. E&H is compared to other colleges that emphasize undergraduate education and award at least half of their degrees in the liberal arts fields of study per the survey guideline.
CALVIN CLIFTON ASSUMES CHAIRMANSHIP OF AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION The American Public Works Association (APWA) is pleased to announce the new Government Affairs Committee (GAC) Chair for 2018-2019, Calvin Clifton, Business Development Manager for Mattern & Craig. Mr. Clifton assumed his role as Chair during the APWA PWX annual conference over August 26-29, 2018 in Kansas City, MO. Serving as the GAC Chair for a one-year term, Mr. Clifton will lead the 12 member Committee made up of a diverse group of public works professionals from across the country. GAC members are subject matter experts who represent small towns, counties, and large cities, as well as construction and engineering firms that serve the public sector. The GAC is responsible for identifying, drafting, and promoting APWA’s public policy priorities. In conjunction with APWA’s Board of Directors, membership, and staff, the GAC works diligently to advance APWA’s policy priorities and is the voice of public works to government leaders and the media.
FRIENDSHIP AUTOMOTIVE AMONG NATIONS “BEST TO WORK FOR” Friendship Automotive Enterprises has made Automotive News, Top 100 Dealerships to Work for list for the seventh year in a row. Since 2012, Automotive News has identified dealerships that are leaders in talent retention, workplace satisfaction and excellent employee treatment. Friendship Nissan/Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge-Ram of Forest City, NC, Friendship Hyundai/Volvo of Bristol, TN, and Friendship Hyundai of Johnson City, TN, accepted their award in Chicago during a special event honoring the winners around the country. Automotive News, published a special section that includes summaries of the top 100 dealerships. For more information, visit www.autonews.com/section/bdtwf05
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Avoid an unwanted introduction. Get your flu shot today.
Flu shots are now available at all Ballad Health physician practices and urgent care locations. No copay with most insurances. Please visit balladhealth.org to find a location near you. Bristol’s Biggest Block Party featured music, food, fireworks and Bristol’s new branding theme .