VIPSEEN March 2014 by VIPSEEN

MARCH

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT THROUGHOUT THE TRI-CITIES SCENE

2014

Arts & Entertainment Throughout the Tri-Cities Scene

MARCH 2014

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HOLE

at the

Gathering unofficial

“Tired of being tired?” How often does this happen to you? Call for a free consultation. Snoring and Sleep apnea SolutionS My husband, Joe, & I have been very blessed to travel many wonderful places around the world; but after being diagnosed with sleep apnea last year; this diagnosis really put a “damper” on our active life style and our travel plans when having to deal with a CPAP machine and all it involved. I went through 6 or 7 different mask options throughout the last year, but none of these worked for me. The Sleep Clinic then suggested I might want to see Dr. Tim Martin of Martin Dentistry. What a blessing that turned out to be for me! After my initial consultation with Dr. Martin, he completed a thorough examination and evaluation of my situation. He was so patient, understanding, and so knowledgeable about the issues of sleep apnea. (You need to check out his credentials)! He then fitted me with a small non-invasive dental appliance to wear as I sleep at night. From the very first night, my symptoms disappeared and have not returned. It’s really difficult to describe in words how much this has changed my life! It’s been amazing!! Dr. Tim and his warm and wonderful staff are such caring, compassionate people, and I cannot express enough how wonderful it is not to have to carry a CPAP machine with me everywhere I travel, as well as dealing with it at home. It has given me a new lease on life. I would encourage anyone who is having difficulty with sleep apnea to contact Dr. Tim and his amazing team!

Joe & Tori Nance Kingsport, Tennessee

Martin Dentistry & the Center For Dental sleep MeDiCine tiMothy r. Martin, dds Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine

www.martindentistry.net 1599 Fort Henry Drive • Kingsport • 423.247.8172

Kevin W. Martin, dds Cosmetic & Conscious Sedation Dentistry

CONTENTS

MARCH 2014

FEATURES 12

MAKING OF THE VIPSEEN MAGAZINE DRESS

32 BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY: THIS IS YOUR COLOSSEUM 95

HOW TO BUY A CAR WITH EASTMAN CREDIT UNION

DEPARTMENTS 7

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR MARCH

20 ARTIST PROFILE Kathy Blair 29 BUSINESS PROFILE Elite Manufacturing and Professional Services 69 VIP PROFILE Sherri Jessee 76 SERVE IT UP SASSY One-Dish Wonders

EVENTS 8

Miss Virginia USA 2014 & Miss Virginia Teen USA 2014

2014 CCCA Kidz Team Carl Powers Memorial Tour

Make-A-Wish Chocolate Festival

B&H Wealth Strategies Client Appreciation Night

Tri-Cities Bridal Show

26 Regional Legislative Breakfast 44

Carl Edwards visits Velocity

Red Shoe Gala for CASA

Mallory Gallery

67th Annual Kingsport Chamber Dinner

Johnson City Chamber Annual Luncheon

A Generous Donation

80 Bristol Chamber Annual Awards Luncheon 85

King University After Hours

Pie Wars 4: Live Free or Pie Hard

4 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2014

86 NONPROFIT PROFILE Jacob’s Project 90 HAPPY PAGE 92 NEW ON THE SCENE

Letter from the Publishers

PRINTS Brian Hullette DESIGN NINJA Angelica Ares HAPPINESS COORDINATOR Savanna Smith SALES MANAGER April Taylor 423.646.4626 april@vipseenmag.com ACCOUNT MANAGERS Edward Abdelmessih edabdel@vipseenmag.com 276.494.4342 Susan Couch 423.483.5591 susan@vipseenmag.com Danielle Hahne 404.483.6926 danielle@vipseenmag.com Dylan Shockley 423.444.2230 dylan@vipseenmag.com COPY EDITOR Lucy Honeychurch CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Liz Bushong Linda Coffey Rita Dykes George Emerson Lynda Fontaine Danielle Hahne Lucy Honeychurch Savanna Smith PHOTOGRAPHY Mickey J. Baker Liz Bushong Linda Coffey Rita Dykes Lynda Fontaine Danielle Hahne Savanna Smith April Taylor DISTRIBUTION Susan Couch Bobby Flowers Lynda Fontaine Savanna Smith

She Says...

He Says...

he first decade of my life (plus a couple more years), I lived on the East Coast of Virginia. A majority of that time, I lived within walking distance of the beach. We lived so close to the beach in fact, that waves could be heard from my front yard. For many years there was even an amusement park at the beach! Doesn’t that sound wonderful?! I certainly think so, but I didn’t always feel that way. You see, for those first few years of my life, I always had the beach. It was just...there. I could walk the sandy shores anytime I wanted (well, with mom’s permission). I didn’t really “care” about going to the beach or the beach in general. Big whoop tee doo!

Ladies and Gentlemen Start Your Engines!

The following two decades were spent living in southwest Virginia and west Tennessee. Guess what? NO BEACH! Guess what else? I missed it. I remember my first summer in Jackson when I asked one of my new friends where the beach was…they looked at me puzzled and asked if I meant the lake. Ugh. I grew to appreciate and like the lakes and rivers but they paled in comparison to my beach. I missed my beach. So much in fact, that all of my family vacations to follow would be to a beach, even to this very day. June of this year will make four years that I have been able to proudly call the Tri-Cities my home. It was an exciting change; moving to this area, there are beautiful mountains, the people are warm and welcoming and it is so awesome that I live close to the Bristol Motor Speedway! My entire family follows and loves the NASCAR, so naturally, I became just a tad ‘cooler’ It didn’t take too long for me to discover that not everyone shares the same appreciation for the The Last Great Colosseum as I do. Instead of being excited about race week, many ‘locals’ chose to avoid it! I am massively confused! I believe these folks have a case of the “beach syndrome”. We switched gears for the month of March from our planned fashion feature to do a special section showcasing Bristol Motor Speedway instead. Some people may not realize the benefit of having BMS in our region. From tourism and tax dollars to charitable giving and Christmas lights, we have all somehow or another been positively impacted because this is their home. There are several opportunities each year to create priceless family memories and traditions at the Bristol Motor Speedway. I want to invite you to step away from the negative thoughts and your sofa (or desk) , then grab your family and/or friends, and come out with pride to support these amazing events that people drive and fly miles upon miles to come see. Lastly, have you ever stopped for a minute to think “what if ”? What if our region didn’t have the Bristol Motor Speedway? What does that picture look like? I, for one, hope to never find out.

I recently attended a leadership class where I learned that our area ranks 3rd in the country for places to retire. At first I was shocked, but as I began to think about all of the different things our region has to offer, it began to make sense. We have an abundant amount of natural resources, lakes, rivers, mountains, and low energy costs with a vast amount of land that is considerably cheaper than most parts of the country. To top all of that, the Tri-Cities is an overall safe place to live and raise a family. When you package all of these things together and pair it with all of the loving and caring people, it’s really hard to beat the quality of life the area has to offer. So, here’s to the good life, amazing people, and a great place to call home.

Brian Hullette, Co-Publisher brian@vipseenmag.com

Angela Striligas Baker, Publisher angela@vipseenmag.com

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT THROUGHOUT THE TRI-CITIES SCENE

ON THE COVER

DRESSES DESIGNED AND CREATED BY PAGE MCNEESE HAIR AND MAKEUP BY SHERRI JESSEE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICKEY BAKER

2014

L TO R OLIVIA FLETCHER, MISS VIRGINIA TEEN USA 2014 ARIELLE ROSMARINO, MISS VIRGINIA USA 2014 SHERRI JESSEE, STYLIST 6 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2014

Do you know the impact BMS brings to our community? Have you ever stopped to think about it? Although I am not a big race fan, I do have a great appreciation for the astounding economic impact it has on our region. Over the years, it has pumped hundreds of millions of dollars into our local economy and has provided countless jobs. So at the end of day, race fan or not, BMS truly does have a positive impact on you and your family. This is just one example of what the area has to offer and how one venue can bring endless opportunities to many citizens and local businesses.

MARCH

WWW.VIPSEENMAG.COM

For those who have never been to a NASCAR race at Bristol, try to imagine a football stadium that seats over 150,000 people, but instead of football on the field, they’re running a 43 car, high-speed, bumper-tobumper race at speeds exceeding 120 mph. If you have been, you know what I am talking about and why it is also known as “The Last Great Colosseum.”

Start your engines and come say hello to me at the upcoming March race!

WEBMASTER Robert Neilson Wired Web Development VIPSEEN, Inc., Tri-Cities 247 Broad Street, Suite 205 Kingsport, TN 37660 423.398.5321 info@vipseenmag.com

You guessed it, it’s that time of the again, NASCAR at the Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS). VIPSEEN hopes you are gearing up for the most unpredictable race in NASCAR while bringing in the spring season with a roar!

MARCH 2014

PRINT-CESS Angela Striligas Baker

Arts & Entertainment Throughout the Tri-Cities Scene

Calendar

| March 2014

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

An Evening with C. S. Lewis @ Paramount 3 pm

Inari Wine Tasting 4-7 pm Johnson City’s Got Talent 6:30 pm

30 Senior Exhibition Opening Reception: Kate Kandzlik @ Milligan Art Gallery 2-3:30 pm

Eastman Chemical Company’s Regional Leaders’ Breakfast @ 7:00 am

East Tennessee International Folk Dancers @ First United Methodist Church Johnson City 7:30-9:30

PetTacular Fashion Show @ Ridgefields 6:30-7:30 pm

Green and Growing Lunchtime Gardening Seminars @ Kingsport Public Library 12-1 pm

Prom Dress Sell @ YWCA of Bristol 2-6 pm

Believe in Bristol’s Annual Downtown Showcase Fundraiser @ Foundation Event Facility 6-8:30 pm

Terry Napier to Unveil History of Steele Creek Park @ Bristol Public Library 6:30- 8 pm

Kingsport Chamber Ribbon Cutting @ American Red Cross 4 pm

Food City 500 @ Bristol Motor Speedway 1:00 pm

12 Johnson City Chamber Membership Breakfast @ JC Country Club 7:00 am

Senior Exhibition Opening Reception: Kate Kandzlik @ Milligan Art Gallery 2-3:30 pm The Blues Brothers Revue @ Niswonger Performing Arts Center 3:00 pm

17 Harlem Globetrotters 2014 World Tour @ Freedom Hall 7 pm

Washington County Agricultural and Business Appreciation Dinner @ Appalachian Fairgrounds 6-8:30 pm

Tri-Cities Komen 1st Annual Laugh for the Cure @ Foundation Event Facility 8-11:30 pm Inari Wine Tasting 4-7 pm

Prom Dress Sell @ YWCA of Bristol 2-6 pm

Prom Dress Sell @ YWCA of Bristol 8 am- 12 pm

East Tennessee International Folk Dancers @ First United Methodist Church Johnson City 7:30-9:30

Jack Beck & Wendy Welsh concert @ St. John’s Episcopal Church Johnson City

Green and Growing Lunchtime Gardening Seminars @ Kingsport Public Library 12-1 pm

Art D’Vine in Historic Downtown Bristol 6-9 pm

Food City Race Night @ Bristol Motor Speedway 4-9 pm

East Tennessee International Folk Dancers @ First United Methodist Church Johnson City 7:30-9:30

“Tribute to Barbra Streisand” @ Paramount 7:30- 9:30 pm

Green and Growing Lunchtime Gardening Seminars @ Kingsport Public Library 12-1 pm

Brass Ring Gala fundraiser for the Carousel Project @ Kingsoprt Farmers Market 6-9 pm

Regional Business After Hours @ Second Harvest Food Bank 5:30 pm

East Tennessee International Folk Dancers @ First United Methodist Church Johnson City 7:30-9:30

Comedian James Gregory @ Niswonger Performing Arts Center 7:30-9 pm

The Carolina Chocolate Drops @ Paramount 7:30-10 pm

Caregiver Support Night @ Brushstrokes N’ More 5-9 pm

Kingsport Speedway Race Car Show and Season Kick-Off Event @ Kingsport Town Center

Casting Crowns @ Freedom Hall 7 pm

6 “Women of Ireland” @ Paramount Center for the Arts 7:30- 10 pm

Bristol Chamber of Commerce March First Friday Business Briefing @ Maclellan Dining Hall 7:15 am

Impact Wrestling Live Road to Lock Down Tour @ Freedom Hall 7:30 pm

Yum Yum International Tapas Night @ Nelson Fine Art Center 6-8 pm

Taste of the Mountains @ Red Tail Mountain Golf & Country Club 6:00 pm

Joggin’ forthe Noggin’ 5K @ Crumley House 10:00 am

Chasing Snakes 10K Road Race and 4K Fitness Walk/Fun Run @ St. John’s Episcopal Church, Johnson City Hamlet @ Niswonger Performing Arts Center 7:30-9 pm Inari Wine Tasting 4-7 pm Drive to Stop Diabetes 300 Presented by Lilly Diabetes @ Bristol Motor Speedway 2:00 pm

PittLite 125 Race @ Bristol Motor Speedway 4:45 pm

The Purduettes @ Niswonger Performing Arts Center 7:30-9 pm Inari Wine Tasting 4-7 pm CASA 5th Annual American Girl Fashion Show @ Holiday Inn Johnson City 10 am- 2 pm

21 Royal Moscow Ballet Presents “Sleeping Beauty” @ Paramount 7:30- 9:30 pm

Symphony of the Mountains Concert Featuring the Milligan College Concert Choir @ Toy F. Reid Auditorium 7-9 pm Jars of Clay Concert @ Niswonger Performing Arts Center 7:30-9 pm Inari Wine Tasting 4-7 pm

Bringing Back BBQ @ The Foundation 6:00 pm

JANUARY 2014 | VIPSEEN | 7

MissVirginiaUSA & SEEN IN BRISTOL Paramount Center

MissVirginia TeenUSA PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICKEY BAKER AND STORY BY SAVANNA SMITH

aturday, November 16 at the Paramount Center for the Performing Arts in Bristol, the finals competition was held for the 2014 Miss Virginia USA and Miss Virginia Teen USA Pageants. The pageant was more special than usual because it marked the 20th anniversary for Kim Nicewonder as the state director. The end result- Arielle Rosmarino of Salem was crowned Miss Virginia and Olivia Fletcher was crowned Miss Virginia Teen. The theme for this year’s production was Beauty from the Inside Out. After an impressive opening number that featured all forty-three contestants in a runway style entrance, the show was under way. Shortly after, the semi-finalists were announced for both competitions and walked again in swimsuit and evening gown. Being a judge for this year’s pageant must have been tough because the women, along with their beautiful gowns, were stunningly breathtaking. By the end of the evening the ballots were tallied and the top five finalists were named. The decision was then made from onstage questions and answers. While final decisions were being made, a 20th Anniversary Celebration of Beauty with 18 former Miss Virginia USA and Miss Virginia Teen USA titleholders onstage honoring Kim Nicewonder for her 20-year milestone. Then the current titleholders gave their farewells and the new winners were crowned. Congratulations to Arielle Rosmarino and Olivia Fletcher on their amazing accomplishments.

8 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2014

• Miss Congeniality winner for MISS VIRGINIA TEEN USA 2014: Consuelo Franklin from Bristol, VA. • Miss Congeniality winner for MISS VIRGINIA USA 2014: Shaun Barber from Woodbridge, VA • Photogenic winner: Teen – Tess McNerlin from Bristol • Photogenic winner: Miss – Dominique Lee from Alexandria, VA • People’s Choice Winner: Consuelo Franklin also won this award. The people’s choice award goes to the contestant that receives the most votes from the audience. Top honors for Miss Virginia Teen 2014 4th Runner Up: Ashley Vollrath of Poquoson, VA 3rd Runner Up: Kinser Crutchfield of Bristol, VA 2nd Runner Up: Davina Seoparson of Glen Allen, VA 1st Runner Up: Cameron Smith of Bristol, VA Miss Virginia Teen USA 2014, Olivia Fletcher of Louisa, VA Top Honors for Miss Virginia 2014 4th Runner Up: Kiara Williams of Manassas, VA 3rd Runner Up: Dominique Lee of Alexandria, VA 2nd Runner Up: Laura Puleo of Lexington, VA 1st Runner Up: Maggie Lawson of Bristol, VA Miss Virginia USA 2014, Arielle Rosmarino of Salem

MARCH 2014 | VIPSEEN | 9

SEEN IN BRISTOL Paramount Center

10 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2014

A Light Touch... H

ollywood and reality shows have done much to damage the reputation of cosmetic treatments and surgery. It seems some people have pushed the envelope too far and appear to have had too much “work done.” A more realistic and natural look is achieved by trying to look attractive and age appropriate. For example, you need not fear that treatment with Botox® will leave you with a “frozen” look. I prefer to use a smaller dose per treatment per but treat more often. The cost is the same and this approach allows you to stay in the “sweet spot” of treatment results without under- or overcorrection.

“I encourage you to call our office for a no-cost visit to discuss treatment options.” Randall J. Falconer, MD

12 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2014

PHOTO BY MICKEY BAKER | HMUA SHERRI JESSEE

STORY BY PAIGE MCNEESE

The Making of the VIP Dress

am a solid believer in the idea that everything happens for a reason and that God has a plan for everything and everyone. This is how I truly felt when the idea of the Paper Dress project came about. I am a graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) with a BFA in Fashion Marketing and Management, and I am going to tell you the story of this wonderful collaboration with VIPSEEN Magazine.

My husband, Brian, and I recently moved back from New York City where I was working in the fashion industry, and he was studying computer science at NYU Polytechnic Institute. I have been blessed to work for such fabulous places as Bergdorf Goodman, BCBGMaxAzria, and Macy’s Merchandising Group (MMG). Our adventure in NYC was an amazing opportunity and we both learned so much and experienced so many great things while we were there. Not to mention all of the tremendous people we met along our way! Our decision to move back centered on us wanting to be closer to family (I grew up on a family farm with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins) and the want to trade in the concrete jungle for beautiful, rolling Tennessee hills. Since we have been back to Tennessee, I have been in hot pursuit of finding a full-time fashion related career in the Tri-Cities. It has been a difficult journey, but I feel so grateful for the people I have connected with thus far and for the opportunities I have been given. One person in particular, Mary Ellen Miller of Marketing Mel, has been a great encourager. She suggested that I connect with Angelica Ares, Creative Director of VIPSEEN Magazine, considering she is also a graduate of SCAD. I’m always excited to meet with other alumni from the Tri-Cities because there are only a handful of us that exist. So, I did what most people do in this technological age and sent her an email. The timing for my email couldn’t have been more perfect. The VIPSEEN team had literally just come up with the idea of featuring Miss Virginia and Miss Virginia Teen in paper dresses made from their magazines for the March cover. One of Angelica’s first questions to me was “Do you know how to make dresses?” I found this to be a rather odd question considering we had just introduced each other, but I replied, “Yes, but only out of paper.” Although I was taught the basics of sewing, sketching, and draping at SCAD, my degree was focused on the business perspective of fashion rather than design; however, I did have several projects under my belt in which I constructed dresses out of paper. Angelica was ecstatic. I was exactly what they needed to fulfill their cover shoot idea – see what I mean about how God has a plan for everything? So, we setup a meeting to discuss the finer details of the project. It was then that I met the ever-fabulous Angela Baker, publisher of VIPSEEN, and her husband Mickey Baker, photographer for VIPSEEN. We discussed the vision of the garments, one being a prom dress worn by Miss Virginia Teen, Olivia Fletcher, the other a high fashion gown worn by Miss Virginia, Arielle Rosmarino. Once we had all of the details down, it was time for me to get to work! I had one week to complete both looks before the photoshoot. My first priority was to create a mood board for each dress to gain some inspiration for technique and design. For the prom look, I researched prom trends for spring 2014 that I felt were age appropriate and would translate well into a paper design. I loved the look of having a fitted bodice with a voluminous skirt and thought it would be fun to construct out of paper. For the fashion look, I was inspired by two elements from spring 2014 fashion: volume and texture. Both aesthetics are beautiful, but the VIPSEEN team and I agreed that texture would be the most interesting and best to photograph. I didn’t have a clear-cut idea of how I would make this gown, but I did know I wanted it to be form fitting. MARCH 2014 | VIPSEEN | 13

That’s me!

Now that I had my ideas and designs in place, it was time to gather all my supplies. I needed paper tablecloths, duct tape, hot glue, Velcro, Mod Podge, glue sticks, ribbon, packing tape, and as many VIP Seen magazines as I could get! My mother, Lisa Masters, was instrumental in running out to get more tape or glue when needed so I could continue working. Not to mention Angelica who gave me multiple boxes of past VIP Seen Magazines to use as well as this awesome pliable cardboard! At this point, I was ready to begin. The prom dress was the first one I made. Out of the two dresses, I knew exactly how to construct this one because the base was very similar to one of the dresses I made in college. I first started out by making the skirt using the round, paper tablecloth in order to achieve the circle skirt shape I wanted. I then duct-taped that fabulous cardboard on top of the tablecloth to give the skirt more structure. Brian’s technical mind and wonderful math skills came into play in figuring out how to size the garment to custom-fit Olivia. Once the skirt structure was finished, I had to re-evaluate the shape to make it more accurate to the design I was going for. My childhood friend Briana Raione and her boyfriend Eric Mena, both in town from NYC, assisted me in how to make this possible! Through teamwork, we were able to figure out the shape and move on to fastening the skirt with Velcro. The next step was to rip, cut, fan fold, and glue A LOT of black-toned VIP Seen magazine pages to achieve the voluminous texture I wanted for the skirt. This process took a long time and involved a lot of help from my mother and friends. Once I had enough fan folded elements, I carefully glued each piece to the skirt, starting from the bottom and working my way up. Heidi Bacon, my best friend from high school, came over several times that week to help me with my dresses. She also was a major player in helping me make the bodice of the prom dress. To do so, I had her wrap remnants of the paper tablecloth around my torso so that she could completely cover it in duct tape in order to create a molded shape. It was slightly awkward, but, hey, that’s what best friends are for, right? From there, she was dubbed the paper puncher of the year, for punching multiple circles and flowers out of purple and black-hued magazine paper (Radiant Orchid is Pantone’s color of the year). My idea was to Mod Podge these punched papers all over the to create a purple collage of colors and texts. It was a success! To fasten the bodice, I punched holes on either side of the opening in the back and laced ribbon through it to mimic a corset. The final pieces for this look were the VIP Seen belt, which I made from that fabulous cardboard, a magazine cover, duct tape and Velcro, and the optional fascinator, which was simply four fan-folded purple and black hued papers attached to a duct-taped table cloth remnant and Velcro. By day two, look number one was complete.

14 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2014

Now to start look number two… My family, especially my mom, became crucial to the completion of this second dress because it involved a lot of repetition in folding, gluing, and gathering more supplies. The design I envisioned was a form-fitted, off-the-shoulder gown for Arielle that would transition in color from deep cerulean to jade creating an ombre effect that would fan out at the bottom. I began by draping my mannequin with the paper tablecloth to get the basic silhouette of the gown and then wrapped the entire muslin in duct tape to add sturdiness. Next, I systematically went through every VIP Seen magazine issue I had to find the exact color tones I needed to achieve my desired ombre effect. I had my sister, Chelsea Masters, my mom and Heidi help me cut and fold these papers into inch-wide strips that I layered overtop of the duct tape to gain the appearance of folded fabric. It was a grueling, time-consuming process, but somehow we made it work! That is…until I got to the bottom of the dress. I realized that I needed another color to transition into in order for the design to be balanced. I settled on shades of black, and again had to put my family and I back to work to tear, cut, fold, and glue MORE papers to complete the dress. I even brought my dad, James Masters, in to help with all the craziness! He drilled holes down the back opening so I could attach ribbon to use for closure. The final touches were little ivory flowers I made from select pages of the magazine. Dress number two, was complete (at 2:30am, the day of the shoot). Saturday was the day of the photoshoot as well as a day of much snow, ice, and concern. My mom and I braved the weather in her Suburban (I don’t think my little blue bug would have made it!), and after about an hour or so of slow driving to Bristol, we finally made it! It truly was a divine miracle. The final test of the day was to make sure that both girls could fit into the dresses. Olivia was the first to arrive at the studio, so I had her slip on the dress for a test fitting: first the bodice, then the skirt over top, then the belt, and finally the optional fascinator. It fit her perfectly and she looked amazing! We were definitely good to go. Next was Arielle. I was really concerned about the fit of this one because it was supposed to be super form fitting, and I had never met Arielle before, I only had her measurements to go by. Once she was lowered into the gown (and yes, I mean lowered in…it was quite tricky maneuvering her in there!), we laced her up to find that it fit her like a glove. Everything couldn’t have gone more perfectly. With all of us excited, we quickly began one of the most amazing photoshoots I have ever been a part of. With Mickey photographing, Sherri Jessee doing make up and hair, and a whole support group of Kimberly Nicewonder Johnson, President and Executive Director of Miss Virginia USA, Gale Fleming, Olivia’s mom Hester, Angela, Angelica, and my mom, it was an all-around perfect day and amazing shoot! I feel so incredibly blessed to have been a part of this fabulous collaboration and want to thank VIPSEEN for allowing me this opportunity. I also want to thank all of my family and friends for their tremendous help and support. I had so much fun and loved every minute of working with so many amazing individuals! I hope everyone reading will enjoy this as much as we did.

Until next time...

Me and my paper dresses

SEEN IN BRISTOL Paramount Center of the Arts

he 2014 Central Christian Academy is a ministry in the Far East Broadcasting Company founded by Dr. Billy Kim. During the Korean War Dr. Kim, then just a boy, met Sgt. Carl Powers who helped Kim get to America and get an education. Although Carl Powers has since passed away, Dr. Billy Kim still carries out his legacy and started his own school back in Korea.

Roy and Gene Castle Kim Dongyong and Lee Sedong

Dave, Micki and Ella Duff Jennifer Wilson and Ruth Graham

This year is the 19th CCA Kidz Team tour around parts of the U.S. in the honor of Sgt. Powers and the many who have sacrificed for the cause of growth in Korea. The young ambassadors, students grades three through six, from the CCA in Suwon, Korea cross cultural boundaries and language barriers to communicate the love of Jesus Christ and to share the beauty of the Korean Culture. The audience greatly enjoyed the show. Everyone laughed, cried a little, and were in awe at the amazing sight of a beautifully enchanting culture different from their own. “We hope to express our appreciation for the American People for what they have done, both missionaries and those in the military,” Kim said. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA SMITH

Joyce and Sid Oakley

Bobby Griffin, Suzy Suh, Dr. Billy Kim, and Dr. Joey Kim

Lauren Griffin and Taylor Griffin

Dr. Randall O’Brien and Suzy Suh

MARCH 2014 | VIPSEEN | 17

SEEN IN KINGSPORT MeadowView Conference Center

he 2014 Make-A-Wish Chocolate festival was held at Meadowview Convention Center Saturday February 1st. There were over 300 tickets sold and twenty-eight vendors from around the Tri-Cities who showcased their finest chocolate treats. In addition to the amazing chocolate, ticket holders got to bid on silent auction items, which raised over $2,000 for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee. Live music from Southern Sound, Brad Puckett, and Kryss Sula and Friends kept the crowd dancing all day. One of the biggest attractions (besides chocolate) was the money booth provided by GAAM Wealth Advisors. Everyone wanted to try their hand at winning cash. By the middle of the day it was easy to see that Chocolate Festival 2014 presented by GAAM Wealth Advisors was a huge success! Even the children helped by Make-A-Wish got to eat as much chocolate as they wanted. All proceeds go directly to Make-A-Wish East Tennessee to grant wishes to children in the area with lifethreatening medical conditions.

Penny Edwards and Gloria Cloyd

Chelsae, Melody and Tonya Ottinger

STORY BY SAVANNA SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA SMITH AND APRIL TAYLOR

Sue Johnson and Debbie Slonaker

Nicky McClain, Tonya Gean, and Susanne Huron

Erin and Janet Oliver

Amy Lynn and April Taylor

Lisa, Jennifer, and Laurel

Leilani DeFord and Erin Gizzie

Brittany and Rob Williams

Chic-fil-a

Cake Gallery

Chic-fil-a

Two Dad’s Café and Catering

Blue Bell

Olivia and Michael Kennedy

spotlight

Muralist Kathy Blair: VIP artist

STORY BY GEORGE EMERSON

USING HALLWAYS AND WALLS AS HER CANVAS AND LEAVING HER MARK

PHOTO BY KATIE SNYDER, www.katiesnyderphotography.com

urals & More owner Kathy Blair might have been born and raised in New Orleans, but she has called East Tennessee her home for the past 28 years. Kathy, and her assistant David Kehs, paint murals all over the Tri-Cities area in places such as nurseries, restaurants, businesses, schools, hospitals, clinics and day cares. “No canvas is too large,” says Kathy and it is clear that she and David are up for any task. The subject matter can cover a wide range as well since Murals & More will paint realist scenes to cartoonish scenes to everything that may fall in between. It is apparent that there is no canvas too large and no scene that is off-limits!

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Kathy’s special love is working with churches in developing their hallways, classrooms, and youth areas. After meeting with the church to brainstorm, Kathy puts together a team and they get to work creating the desired Biblical scene in the agreed upon area. “I have made so many friends along the way and seeing these churches take ownership of these murals is great. Many churches have even increased their children’s attendance because parents have been so “wowed” by the colorful walls.” Youth spaces are exciting for Kathy to design and create, but schools and clinics are two other areas that Kathy loves to work. “I meet with principals, teachers, and students to talk about ideas and to develop a theme. I try my best to incorporate educational themes into the murals so the artwork can match the school’s mission.” After Kathy graphs out the mural she lets the staff take a look in order to get their approval and then the staff are even invited to fill in the large areas with the first coat of paint. After this is all done, Kathy gets to work painting in the details and brings the once bland wall to life: thrilling both student and staff. Kathy and her team have transformed Pediatrician offices as well from bland and cold walls to canvases of brightly colored scenes. Farm animals, under sea life, jungles, and forest life are just some of the scenes that greet children entering the doctor’s office. Even getting a shot doesn’t seem so bad when there is so much to look at and hidden objects in the murals help to pass the time. Kathy prides herself in working with her clients to ensure that the best outcome is achieved and that her clients are always happy with the final result. Wooden 3-D pieces are sometimes added to the murals and each mural is, “hand-painted with delicate and deliberate detail and many wonderful colors.” Kathy also prides herself on keeping a clean working area and make sure that each area is protected so that the paints end up on the mural and not somewhere it shouldn’t be. “I want my clients to be happy with the final product and I want them to have something that they will be proud of for years to come. Murals & More offers free estimates and creative ideas, an extensive portfolio that contains thousands of murals, assistance in painting small murals and in planning a mural for your space, and developing a theme into a master plan. There really is no canvas too large for Murals & More and the ability of Kathy and her staff to create a special mural for your space is endless. www.paintyourwalls.com

SEEN IN KINGSPORT MeadowView Convention Center

B&H Wealth Strategies Client Appreciation Event

&H Wealth Strategies finally got to host their Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s themed Annual Client Appreciation Event Tuesday February 18th at the Meadowview Resort and Convention Center. The event was originally planned for the 13th but was rescheduled due to the severe winter weather. Nevertheless clients happily attended the event and really enjoyed getting to reconnect with each other. The main topic of the appreciation event was to formally introduce the recent name change from Bingham & Hensley to B&H Wealth Strategies. The company also provided insight to their vision of integrating Wealth Management with Healthy Aging; a topic that seems to be interesting to all guests of all ages. Guest speaker Dr. Tom Rogers from Performance Medicine introduced and elaborated on this topic. The weather may have delayed, but it would not stop B&H Wealth Strategies from honoring their loyal clients.

The Bingham Family

Jeff Bingham and John Bingham

Debbie and John Caso

Chet and Jennifer Guest

Gene and Judy Archer

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA SMITH

Nolan Reece and Ken Auer

Sherry Bingham, Cathy Rhinehart, Jeff Bingham, and Nancy Stallard

Tom and Alma Mullins

Dane and Jessie McClellan

Jim and Donna Finley

Pat Houchens and Jennifer Bingham

Guests enjoying dinner

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Brenda and Tom Sherrod

Cathy and Charles Rhinehart

SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY East Tennessee State University

Bridal Show

Tri-Cities

he 30th annual Tri-Cities Bridal Show was held at the DP Culp Center at ETSU Sunday January 19. Brides, grooms, and family members from all over the Tri-Cities showed up to learn of the great vendors in the area. The Culp Center turned into a brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream as venues, cakes, dresses, photography, honeymoons, accessories, and entertainment all became available in one room. This is the day many brides book their whole wedding, so excitement was at an all-time high. A fashion show filled the day as brides got to see the yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest dresses and gowns. Vendors held giveaways and a few lucky brides left with some amazing prizes and deals. Two grand prize honeymoon cruises were given away as well. There were even some new inventions and ideas brought to the show and presented for the first time. All brides arrived with questions and every one left with answers. The first bridal show of 2014 was a success because everyone from the brides to the vendors left happy.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY SAVANNA SMITH

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MARCH 2014 | VIPSEEN | 25

SEEN IN KINGSPORTMeadowView Conference Center

Jeff Fleming and Corey Shepherd

Jason Meredith

Wes Jennings and Gary Mabrey

2014 Legislation

Breakfast

T Jim Hunter and David Sensibaugh

Mary Kilpatrick and Lora Barnett

he 2014 Regional Legislative Breakfast was held at the Meadowview Marriott Resort and Convention Center Friday January 24. Business owners and chamber members from all over the region attended to enjoy a delicious breakfast and listen to the Legislaturesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; plans for the upcoming year. Important topics in education and workforce development were discussed including the LEAP legislation and the Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Drive to 55 initiatives. The discussion then shifted to business operation and regulation. Senators and Representatives spoke on employment law, environment and energy, and business interaction with state departments. The hottest topic of the morning was the new healthcare law and how Tennessee will be affected. Many noted the negative impacts of the Affordable Care Act and vowed to fight for changes at the federal level. Attendees left hopeful that the Tennessee Senate and House are fighting for the best interest of all citizens. Everyone in the region is looking forward in 2014.

Sharon Hayes, Candace Gump and Jason Cody

Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey and Rep. Jon Lundberg

STORY BY SAVANNA SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN HULLETTE AND SAVANNA SMITH Milton Carter and Sonya Bowery

Deputy Comptroller Jason Mumpower and Dustin Goforth

Chris Corey and Bill Anders

Morris Baker and Tony Cunningham

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Brian Hullette and Danny Karst

Rep. Tony Shipley and Senator Rusty Crowe

Jim

Goodwin Criminal Court

Paid for by the Committee to Elect Jim Goodwin, Criminal Court Judge Lora Leonard Barnett, Treasurer

Judge

• Prosecutor for 14 years with the Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office • Division leader for Division II of the Criminal Court for Sullivan County • Coordinator to Sullivan County’s Fatal Incident Reconstruction Support Team (first) • Volunteer Judge for Bristol, TN Juvenile Court Teen Court Program • Volunteer Umpire for Little League Baseball and Softball • Teach for Bethel University, Walter’s State Police Academy, District Attorney’s General Conference, and Governor’s Highway Safety Office • Began a successful photography business with my wife Krisna • Tri-cities Business Journal Top 40 Under 40

JUSTICE THROUGH INTEGRITY

GOODWIN4JUDGE.COM

spotlight

VIP profile

Sherri J�see World-Renowned Hair And Makeup Right In Our Own Backyard

SHERRI JESSEE AND AMY LAUREN

STORY BY LUCY HONEYCHURCH PHOTOS & COVERS COURTESY OF SHERRI JESSEE

MARCH 2014 | VIPSEEN | 29

spotlight

VIP profile

herri Jessee is easily one of the most sought after hair and makeup stylists in the world, so the fact that she resides right here in our region is a point not missed on many. For those who assume that the Tri-Cities Region is void of talent, they need look no further than the stream of talented individuals that this area turns out every year. Sherri Jessee is one of those unique individuals. She started cutting hair and doing makeup at age eleven and has not stopped. Her extensive travels have taken her to five different continents, numerous countries, and countless cities. Her clients have ranged from Miss Virginia to famous models to everyday women who come into her salon. Sheri strives to, in her words, “set goals and work toward them.” It is evident that the goals that she sets for herself are lofty, but attainable, and it is clear that Sherri is not afraid to work hard to reach them. She continually learns from those that she works with and has learned to take the right amount of advice. Taking advice from those who Sherri holds dear to her heart has served her well since she was recently named 2013 NAHA Editorial hairstylist of the year.

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“Our motto is be nice and do pretty hair”

MARCH 2014

Sherri continues to work in the industry that she has done so much to help shape and transform, but she will also keep on working in her salon in Bristol. It may be that she jets around the world for high end fashion shoots and makeup gigs for magazine spreads, but Southwest Virginia is her home and the region that she resides in is sure glad to have it that way.

Just a few more things... Founding member of Intercoiffure America/Canada’s Artistic Team Regular stylist at New York Fashion Week Named Top 10 Hairstylist 2013, Woman of Style and One to Watch by leading industry publications Creator of Elegant, Organized Beauty Owner of Sherri’s Salon Over 20 years experience as a successful salon owner, stylist, and platform artist Hair and makeup work featured in hundreds of acclaimed print and online publications

2014

Sherri Jessee graduated with a degree in education from Emory and Henry and has taken the tools she learned about educating others and her years of experience and combined them in order to help others achieve success in the world of high fashion hair and makeup. She is, many would say, a well-recognized guru in all things beauty and fashion and she is the ﬁrst person that many in the industry come to when they need something done right. She is widely accepted to be an industry expert and her years of experience of dynamic stage presence make her a highly sought after artist. She is the preferred stylist for Miss Virginia USA and is a founding member of the Intercoiffure Artistic Team. Needless to say, if Sherri Jessee doesn’t know about something concerning the beauty industry then it probably does not exist.

SCENE THROUGHOUT THE TRI-CITIES ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

It is because of this desire to do things right that she recently started her own company selling a line of makeup bags, brushes, compacts, and cosmetics. Sherri Jessee’s Elegant, Organized Beauty is a line created by Sherri explicitly for the organization of cosmetics. “I saw all of these women with stuff all over the place. Brushes, lip liner, compacts, makeup, and everything else was just scattered or thrown in a big bag so I ﬁgured that I could create something to make their lives easier. I created a unique system of beauty tools to help anyone become Elegant, Organized, and Beautiful.” The cosmetics that Jessee has created are something unique as well. Her lines of hair care products are paraben free, gluten free, and petrochemical free. They are made with only the ﬁnest ingredients and are at a price affordable for those who don’t have a world-class model’s salary. “You don’t have to put on a lot of makeup to improve your looks. Keep things simple and light.”

MARCH

When Sherri Jessee is not doing hair and makeup for Miss Virginia and Miss Virginia Teen then she is busy working in her own full boutique salon in Bristol, Virginia. Working with her daughter and her son means that there is an added joy to coming in and doing hair and makeup for her clients. Sherri is quick to point out that she runs a tight ship, but that each of them enjoys the work and fun is always had. “Our motto is be nice and do pretty hair” and following this model is one reason that Jessee has been so successful in her career. In all aspects of her life Sherri strives to do and be the best that she can.

Arts & Entertainment Throughout the

Tri-Cities Scene

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32 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2014

BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY

BEACON TO ALL WHO LOVE A GOOD TIME... B

ristol Motor Speedway is synonymous with fun in this region. Even those who are not die-hard race fans look forward to the season when racing begins. When many of us think of race weekend we think of food, drinking, games, camping, and racing. None of us ever considers the idea of BMS not being in this region and the emptiness that would exist in the absence of such a monumental attraction. This issue looks at the economic impact that BMS has on the region, the partnership that Bristol Motor Speedway has with Food City, and upcoming events. We wonder, in the pages that follow, what this region would be like without the presence of Bristol Motor Speedway as we take a look at all of the things that having such a financial powerhouse provides. Races are just the tip of the iceberg, because the Speedway is involved in several charities, partners with Food City to give back to the region, and draws in millions of dollars from outside investment and spending. Race season is nearly upon us, the first race is in March, and summer will bring many more activities to the speedway as well. So, ladies and gentlemen, buckle your seatbelts and hang on for a rip-roaring ride through the world that is because of Bristol Motor Speedway and the world that might have been without it. INTRODUCTION BY LUCY HONEYCHURCH

34 Schedule of Events at Bristol Motor Speedway

44 Carl Edwards â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Not Just A World-Class Driver

36 Drive to Stop Diabetes 300 and Pitt Lite 125

46 Battle at Bristol

38 What if? Life Without Bristol Motor

48 Meet you Neighbors at Bristol Motor Speedway

42 Things to do in the Region

Speedway is Imagined

50 BMS & Food City: Tied together by a drive to do the most good in the best way possible

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY

MARCH 2014 | VIPSEEN | 33

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BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY

TICKET PRICING Spring Weekend Adult Youth

Thunder Alley Wallace Tower Backstretch Aluminum Aluminum Red Terrace Earnhardt Terrace

Spring Cup

Thunder Alley Wallace Tower Aluminum Red Terrace Earnhardt Terrace

$89 $99 $130 $130 $169 $179

Adult Youth

$65 $75 $93 $125 $133

Spring Nationwide Thunder Alley Wallace Tower Backstretch Aluminum Aluminum Red Terrace Earnhardt Terrace

$49 $59 $68 $74 $95 $102

$35 $45 $45 $57 $67 $72

$32 $37 $46 $62 $66

(Rows 1-10 in Johnson, Yarborough, Petty) (Rows 11-38 in Johnson, Yarborough, Petty) (Allison, Waltrip, Kulwicki, Pearson) (Petty, Yarborough, Johnson, Kulwicki, Pearson, and Allison Terraces)

(Rows 1-10 in Johnson, Yarborough, Petty) (Allison, Waltrip, Johnson, Yarborough, Petty, Kulwicki, Pearson) (Petty, Yarborough, Johnson, Kulwicki, Pearson, and Allison Terraces)

Adult Youth $17 $22 $22 $28 $33 $36

(Rows 1-10 in Johnson, Yarborough, Petty) (Rows 11-38 in Johnson, Yarborough, Petty) (Allison, Waltrip, Johnson, Yarborough, Petty, Kulwicki, Pearson) (Petty, Yarborough, Johnson, Kulwicki, Pearson, and Allison Terraces)

RACE SCHEDULE Thursday, March 13, 2014 12:00 PM 12:00 PM to 1:15 PM 1:45 PM to 3:00 PM 8:30 PM to 11:00 PM

Spectator Gates Open (Gate 10 Only) Pit Lite 125 NKNS-E Practice Pit Lite 125 NKNS-E Final Practice Speedway Children’s Charities Laps for Kids

Ford Fan Friday Friday, March 14, 2014

**Hot Pass in Effect** (Entire Infield Area) All Day Noon Spectator Gates Open Noon to 1:30 PM Food City 500 NSCS Practice 1:40 PM to 2:30 PM Jeff Foxworthy’s Grit Chips 300 NNS Practice 3:00 PM to 4:25 PM Jeff Foxworthy’s Grit Chips 300 NNS Final Practice 4:35 PM Ford Fan Friday NSCS Pole Qualifying 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM Food City Race Night (Hospitality Area) 6:30 PM NNS Garage Closes 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM Speedway Children’s Charities Rides

Nationwide Grit Chips 300 Saturday, March 15, 2014

**Hot Pass in Effect** (Entire Infield Area) All Day 9:00 AM Spectator Gates Open Food City 500 NSCS Practice 9:00 AM to 9:50 AM 10:05 AM Jeff Foxworthy’s Grit Chips 300 NNS Qualifying TV Exhibition Run 11:30 AM to Noon Noon to 1:00 PM Food City NSCS Final Practice 1:30 PM Jeff Foxworthy’s 300 NNS Driver Introductions 2:00 PM Start of the Jeff Foxworthy’s Grit Chips 300 NNS Race 4:30 PM PittLite 125 NKNS-E Drivers Introduction 4:45 PM Start of the NKNS-E Race (125 Laps, 66.63 Miles)

Food City 500 Sunday, March 16, 2014

9:00 AM Spectator Gates Open 9:00 AM to 10:45AM Hospitality Track Tours 11:00 AM “Hot Pass in Effect” (Entire Infield Area) 12:30 PM Food City 500 NSCS Driver Introductions 1:00 PM Start of the Food City 500 NSCS Race *Tentative, Subject to change

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RACE WEEK SCHEDULE Saturday, March 8, 2014 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Ticket Office (OBS Building) Guest Relations (OBS Building) Speedway World Souvenir Store (OBS Building)

Sunday, March 9, 2014

All Day Closed 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

North and South Entrances Open Dragway Entrance Ticket Office (OBS Building) Guest Relations (OBS Building) Speedway World Souvenir Store (OBS Building)

Monday, March 10, 2014

All Day Closed 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM 10:00 AM

North and South Entrances Open Dragway Entrance Ticket Office (OBS Building) Guest Relations (OBS Building) Speedway World Souvenir Store (OBS Building) Campground (Medallion Campground)

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

All Day All Day All Day 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

North Entrance Open South Entrance Open Dragway Entrance (Permit Only) Ticket Office (OBS Building) Guest Relations (OBS Building) Speedway World Souvenir Store (OBS Building)

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

All Day 8:00 AM 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

South and Dragway Entrance PERMIT ONLY/ North Entrance Closed Campground (Dragway and Landing Campground) Guest Relations (OBS Building) Ticket Office (OBS Building) Speedway World Souvenir Store (OBS Building)

Thursday, March 13, 2014

All Day All Day 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM 12:00 PM 12:00 PM to 1:15 PM 1:45 PM to 3:00 PM 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM 5:00 PM 8:30 PM to 11:00 PM

North Entrance Closed Dragway, South, Copperhead Road Entrances Open (Camping & Vendor Set-up) BMS Credential Office (South Entrance) Speedway World Souvenir Store (OBS Building) Ticket Office (OBS Building) Guest Relations (OBS Buiding) Souvenir Trailers - North Lot and Display Lot Spectator Gates Open (Gate 10 only) PittLite 125 Practice PittLite 125 Final Practice Food City Campground Shuttle to Food City Store Hwy. 394 Group Qualifying SCC Track Lap for Kids

Friday, March 14, 2014 Ford Fan Friday

9:00 AM to 2 hours after conclusion of Event Guest Relations (OBS Building) 9:00 AM to TBD Ticket Office (OBS Building) 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Kids Zone - North Entrance and Display Lot 10:00 AM to conclusion of Event Souvenir Trailers - North Lot and Display Lot 11:00 AM to 1 Hour after start of Race Ticket Booths (2, 3, 8, 11, 13 and 15) Spectator Gates / Suite Gates Open 12:00 PM (Gates 1, 2, 8, 13 & 15 - Suite Gates 7, 8, 10, 16 & 18) Food City 500 Practice 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM Jeff Foxworthy's Grit Chips 300 Practice 1:40 PM to 2:30 PM Flex Seal Cornhole Tournament Qualifier 2:00 PM Jeff Foxworthy's Grit Chips 300 Final Practice 3:00 PM to 4:25 PM 4:35 PM Ford Fan Friday Pole Qualifying Food City Race Night (Hospitality Area) 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM Richard Petty Driving Experience 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM

Saturday, March 15, 2014 NNS Jeff Foxworthy's Grit Chips 300/Pittlite 125

All Day North Entrance Closed All Day Dragway, South, Copperhead Road Entrances Open - PERMIT ONLY 6:00 AM BMS Parking Lots Open (South, North, Dragway,Lot A, Copperhead Rd., Speedway Parking) 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM BMS Credential Office (South Entrance) 8:00 AM to TBD Guest Welcome Village - Next to Orange Bridge at Display 8:00 AM to 2 hours after conclusion of Event Guest Relations (OBS Building) 8:00 AM to TBD Ticket Office (OBS Building) 8:00 AM to TBD Ticket Booths (2, 3, 8, 11, 13 and 15) 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM Speedway World Souvenir Store (OBS Building) 8:00 AM to conclusion of Event Souvenir Trailers - North Lot and Display Lot 8:00 AM to 12:00 Noon Food City Campground Shuttle to Food City Store Hwy. 394 9:00 AM Spectators Gates / Suite Gates Open (All Gates and Elevator Towers B & C) 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM Kids Zone - North Entrance and Display Lot 9:00 AM to 9:50 AM Food City 500 Practice 10:00 AM Flex Seal Cornhole Tournament Qualifier 10:05 AM Jeff Foxworthy's Grit Chips 300 Qualifying 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Food City 500 Final Practice 1:30 PM Jeff Foxworthy's Grit Chips 300 Driver Introductions 2:00 PM Start of Jeff Foxworthy's Grit Chips 300 Race 4:30 PM PittLite 125 Driver Introductions 4:45 PM Start of PittLite 125 Race

Sunday, March 16, 2014 NSCS Food City 500 6:00 AM

BMS Parking Lots Open (South, North, Dragway,Lot A, Copperhead Rd., Speedway Parking) 6:00 AM to 1:30 PM BMS Credential Office (South Entrance) 8:00 AM to 1 hour after conclusion of Event Guest Welcome Village Next to Orange Bridge at Display 8:00 AM to 2 hours after conclusion of Event Guest Relations (OBS Building) 8:00 AM to TBD Ticket Office (OBS Building) Ticket Booths (2, 3, 8, 11, 13 and 15) 8:00 AM to TBD 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM Speedway World Souvenir Store (OBS Building) 8:00 AM to conclusion of Event Souvenir Trailers - North Lot and Display Lot 9:00 AM Spectators Gates/ Suite Gates Open (All Gates and Elevator Towers B & C) 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Kids Zone - North Entrance and Display Lot 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM Hospitality Track Tours Flex Seal Cornhole Tournament Championship 10:00 AM 11:00 AM "Hot Pass in Effect" (Entire Infield) 12:30 PM Food City 500 Driver Introductions 1:00 PM Start of Food City 500 Race

MARCH 2014 | VIPSEEN | 35

exclusive

BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Drive to Stop Diabetes 300 and Pitt Lite 125

STORY BY SAVANNA SMITH | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY

his year, Bristol’s Spring race will be for more than just entertainment. Bristol Motor Speedway officials recently announced that the March 15 NASCAR Nationwide Series race is now known as the Drive to Stop Diabetes 300, presented by Lilly Diabetes. The race will be paired with the K&N Pitt Lite 125 to raise even more awareness. The doubleheader event will kick off Saturday with a sponsorship that highlights the growing epidemic of diabetes nationwide. The disease impacts nearly 26 million Americans with Tennessee ranking fifth nationally in percentage of adults diagnosed. More than eleven percent of Tennessee’s population currently has the disease, making Bristol the perfect place for the initiative. Ryan Reed, NASCAR Nationwide Series driver, is the face of the initiative. He, diagnosed with Type 1 three years prior, has teamed up with American Diabetes Association to create Drive to Stop Diabetes. The goal is to raise awareness and hold educational events at select races as well as host several off track health and wellness events in 2014.

36 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2014

As soon as the checkers wave over the 2014 Drive To Stop Diabetes 300 presented by Lilly Diabetes, guests can buckle up for the K&N Pro Series PittLite 125 a major event for the tour that serves as a proving ground for the sport’s future stars. In just two years, the race has established itself as one of the most competitive races in the series for drivers working their way up the ladder. If you have yet to experience this spectacular Saturday showdown, it’s time to purchase your tickets and feel the intensity of racing inside the world’s Last Great Colosseum. Tickets are on sale now for as low as $35 in advance. Weekend packages are also available, starting at just $89.

exclusive

What I

38 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2014

BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY

If?

LIFE WITHOUT BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY IS IMAGINED... STORY BY LUCY HONEYCHURCH

magine Paris without the Eiffel Tower, Los Angeles without the Hollywood sign and Orlando without Walt Disney World. Now imagine Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia without Bristol Motor Speedway. BMS is considered by many to be the Last Great Colosseum and not having this beacon of sportsmanship and camaraderie would leave this area high and dry in many respects. It is so normal for us to think of the speedway being here that many of us cannot imagine this area without. Bristol is synonymous with the birth of Country Music and with Bristol Motor Speedway, so separating the two from each other is a near impossibility. Let us take a walk down memory lane and look at how the Speedway was brought to this region, but let us also imagine what life would be like without the economic benefits of BMS.

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Although not exactly alike, the great Roman Colosseum and Bristol Motor Speedway have a lot in common. Emperor Vespasian commissioned the Colosseum in Rome around A.D. 70-72 as a gift to the people. Larry Carrier, Carl Moore and R.G. Pope commissioned Bristol Motor Speedway sometime around 1960 and, while BMS was built on the site of a former dairy farm, the Colosseum was built on the site of Golden Palace built by Nero. Many might not see the similarities here, but they exist and there are even more. The Colosseum was completed after nearly a decade of construction and was introduced to the people of Rome with a festival that included 100 days of games. It took less time, nearly a year, to complete Bristol Motor Speedway but people around here were no less excited and the opening was celebrated by four days of racing. The Roman Colosseum could hold nearly 50,000 spectators and Bristol Motor Speedway can hold nearly 150,000 fans, but the difference is inconsequential because both sites were built strictly for mass entertainment and that is exactly what BMS continues to bring to the region. Just like the material that was delivered to the Colosseum by a road built specifically for the project, Highway 394 was widened by the state of Tennessee in order to provide guests with easier ingress and egress. The Roman Colosseum was the largest amphitheater in the ancient world measuring 620 feet by 513 feet with walls that stretched 157 feet into the air. In turn, Bristol Motor Speedway is one of three largest permanent-seat sports facilities in the world covering 13 acres and reaching 210 feet into the air at the top row of Wallace Tower. The history of Bristol Motor Speedway is just as interesting as its comparison to the Roman Colosseum and if those banked walls could talk then I am sure they would have a lot to say. The track celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011 since the first NASCAR Sprint Cup event was held on July 30, 1961. Kyle Busch made NASCAR history in August of 2010 by sweeping the Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck Seriesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; events at BMS. It was the first time a driver had won all three events at the same track in the same week/weekend and is a feat that has not yet been replicated. Junior Johnson is the all-time most winning car owner at Bristol Motor Speedway and has managed to tally 21 wins; with the closest competitor being Jack Roush with 9 wins. The Speedway was modeled on the Charlotte Motor Speedway, but builders Carl Moore, Larry Carrier and R.G. Pope wanted something more intimate than the 1.5-mile track that CMS was, so they built BMS to be a half-mile track. $600,000 and 100 covered acres later, BMS opened to its first race: July 30, 1961. The original track held only MARCH 2014 | VIPSEEN | 39

exclusive

BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY

18,000 fans but Bristol Motor Speedway quickly gained the reputation as the place where drivers wanted to win because winning at Bristol was earned and not given. It is true that the past builds upon itself and gives us the future. What is the present without a past anyway? It is nothing, because without a past there can be no present and without a present there can be no road built for a future. Those who initially dreamed up and built Bristol Motor Speedway understood that they were building for the present, but also for the future. Those who owned and operated BMS in the past did so with one eye on their present and one eye on our future. They wanted the Speedway to be something grand, memorable, and lasting: Bristol Motor Speedway has been all of those things and more. Another aspect of looking toward the future is planning so that venues like BMS continue to be profitable for the areas that took a chance on putting them there in the first place. The Speedway has been built and rebuilt several times so that it could become the attraction that it is today, but it is more than just a sports venue: Bristol Motor Speedway does so much for the Northeast Tennessee/Southwest Virginia region. The area derives more than $400 million a year in direct economic impact from the events at Bristol Motor Speedway. The two NASCAR weekends, one NHRA weekend, and approximately 20 other events translate into roughly $1.2 billion in indirect economic impact. These numbers include shopping that is done in the region, money spent by visitors on food, lodging, memorabilia, and other entertainment. We all benefit from the race weekends: everyone from the chain restaurants to the local dive bars and from the large grocery chains to the mom and pop stores can claim can claim some revenue from those who flock to the speedway. Speedway Children’s Charities has given away more than $8 million to regional children’s groups, agencies, and facilities. This amount includes the more than $740,000 given to 87 different agencies in 2013. According to the website, www.speedwaycharities.org, “SCC is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and provides funding for hundreds of non-profit organizations throughout the nation that meet the direct needs of children. Our vision is that every child has the same opportunities no matter what obstacle they are facing.” Bruton Smith founded the charity in 1982 in memoriam and as a legacy to his son Bruton Cameron Smith who passed away at a young age. Along with the 40 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2014

National Chapter, there are eight local chapters spread out across the nation so that the local needs of children can be met by those who know have intimate knowledge of the specific needs of that region. Each Holiday Season the Bristol Motor Speedway lights up and the Speedway in Lights opens its gates and raises money for Speedway Children’s Charities. In 2013, the Speedway in lights raised more than $6.5 million for the charity and is the single largest fundraiser for Speedway Children’s Charities. There are concession stands manned by volunteers from local organizations and these folks are busy during race week, and that is fine with BMS because it is important to give back to the community. These groups are allowed to fundraise, and it is sometimes the biggest fundraiser of the year for many, by running concessions during race weekends. How many other organizations would allow outside fundraising to occur during an event sponsored and intended to raise money strictly for that said organization? The impact here is clear and it is also clear that so many local groups and organizations benefit from the good fortune of Bristol Motor Speedway. Bristol Motor Speedway also partners with Food City in order to bring revenue and help to the local economy. Both organizations sponsor the Food City Family Race Night every year during the August race. This event gives fans the opportunity to eat great food, enjoy downtown Bristol, and to meet drivers. The Food City Family Race Night ends up raising nearly $20 thousand a year for local charities. Second Harvest Food Bank works in collaboration with Johnsonville and its “World’s Largest Grill”. Volunteers handed out Johnsonville sausages in exchange for food bank donations and some fans paid upwards of $20 for a brat just to help out the food bank. When many of us think of the world without its greatest attractions there is little that we can do to imagine how life would be like if those places did not exist. Dreaming of a world without Bristol Motor Speedway is one that many in this region would deem a nightmare. The revenue would be gone, the charities would not exist, and the races would be held elsewhere but, more than that, the culture of this area would be irrevocably changed and dramatically different. NASCAR and Bristol Motor Speedway are such an integral part of this region that to imagine a world without either is unmistakably horrible. The race weekends would not exist and neither would the camping. Without the camping there would be no fellowship, no visiting, no cooking, and no

THINK ABOUT THIS... August 26, 1978, the Volunteer 500 was run under the lights for the ﬁrst “Night Race” in Bristol history. Brenda Lee, who was 17 at the time, sang the national anthem for the ﬁrst race at BMS

March 13, 1982, Bristol International Speedway hosted its first NASCAR Grand National (NASCAR Nationwide Series) event 5 – Jeff Gordon won the first of four consecutive April 2, 1995 Food City 500s The seating capacity for the Food City 500 in March of 2000 was 147,000 as the Kulwicki Terrace and Kulwicki Tower were completed In 2010, Kyle Busch became the first driver in NASCAR history to win all three of NASCAR’s major national divisions in one weekend, capturing the O’Reilly Auto Parts 200 Camping World Truck Series race, the Food City 250 Nationwide Series race and the IRWIN Tools Night Race. 0.533-mile concrete oval. Degree of banking in corners: Variable, 24 to 28 Degrees. Degree of banking in straights: Variable, 6 to 10 Degrees. Straightaways: 650 feet. Concrete racing surface is 40 feet wide Sprint Cup Series events: 500 Laps (266.5 miles) Nationwide Series events: 300 Laps (159.9 miles); Camping World Truck Series events: 200 Laps (106.6 miles) Whelen Modified Series events: 150 Laps (79.95 miles); ) K&N East Series events: 125 Laps (66.625 miles)

exchanging of stories: gone would be the experience that is racing at Bristol. I am sure that something else could have been built on those 100 acres, but what and how long would this replacement have lasted? Would it have been a mall? A housing development? A Cineplex? None of these possibilities would have brought to the region what BMS has. Imagine Boston without Fenway, Chicago without Soldier Field, Los Angeles without the Staples Center or New York City without Madison Square Garden. These cities would still hold a dear place in our heart and they would still attract visitors, but the soul of these cities would be missing. The soul of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia is very much ties up in Bristol Motor Speedway. Our region is beautiful and has a great deal to offer, but without BMS our soul would be missing. Thank goodness that this type of world only exists in our imaginations and not in reality.

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BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY

THINGS TO DO in the Region

WHEN NASCAR COMES TO BRISTOL, THERE IS PLENTY OF ACTION AT THE TRACK BUT WHAT IF YOU GET THE URGE TO VENTURE OUT? NORTHEAST TENNESSEE AND SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA HAVE A LOT OF ACTIVITY GOING ON. FROM OUTDOOR ADVENTURES TO MUSIC, ARTS AND HISTORY HERITAGE AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN, THERE ARE MORE THINGS TO DO THAN YOU’LL HAVE TIME FOR OVER THE WEEKEND. SO IF YOU FIND YOURSELF WITH A LONG LIST OF THINGS TO DO AND A SHORT WEEKEND TO DO THEM IN, BE SURE TO COME BACK! THERE IS PLENTY OF FUN TO BE HAD HERE, EVEN IF IT IS NOT RACE WEEKEND.

BAYS MOUNTAIN PARK AND PLANETARIUM

Outdoor/Adventure

853 Bays Mountain Park Road, Kingsport, TN 37660 (423) 229-9447 Call for Information

WARRIOR’S PATH STATE PARK

INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING MUSEUM

ROAN MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

WETLAND WATER PARK

BRISTOL CAVERNS

Music and Arts

490 Hemlock Rd, Kingsport, TN 37663 (423) 239-8531 Call for Information

527 Tennessee 143, Roan Mountain, TN 37687 (423) 772-3303 Call for Information

1157 Bristol Caverns Hwy, Bristol, TN 37620 (423) 878-2011 Call for Information

CHEROKEE ADVENTURES WHITEWATER RAFTING 2000 Jonesborough Rd, Erwin, TN 37650 (423) 743-7733 Call for Information

VIRGINIA CREEPER TRAIL Damascus, Virginia vacreepertrail.us

Family Fun

116 W Main St, Jonesborough, TN 37659 (423) 753-2171 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

1523 Persimmon Ridge Rd, Jonesborough, TN 37659 (423) 753-1553 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

BIRTHPLACE OF COUNTRY MUSIC ALLIANCE 500 Gate City Highway Bristol, TN 24201 (276) 645- 0035 Call for information

CARTER FAMILY FOLD

A. P. Carter Highway Hiltons, VA 24258 276-386-6054 Call for information

BARTER THEATRE

127 W Main St, Abingdon, VA 24210 (276) 628-3991

HANDS ON! REGIONAL MUSEUM

PARAMOUNT CENTER OF THE ARTS

GRAY FOSSIL SITE AND NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

315 E Main St, Johnson City, TN 37601 (423) 928-6509 T-S 10:00 am- 5:00 pm; Sun 1:00- 5:00 pm

1212 Suncrest Drive, Gray, Tennessee 37615 (423) 439-3659 M-S 9:00 am- 5:00 pm

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Address: 518 State St, Bristol, TN 37620 (423) 274-8920 T-F 9:00 am- 5:00 pm

212 Tusculum Blvd, Greeneville, TN 37745 (423) 638-1328 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

HEARTWOOD: SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA’S ARTISAN GATEWAY One Heartwood Circle Abingdon, VA 24210 (276) 492-2400 M-S 10:00 am- 6:00 pm; Thur- 10:00 am- 9:00 pm; Sun 10:00 am-3:00 pm

History Heritage

Wineries/ Breweries COUNTRYSIDE VINEYARDS AND WINERY 658 Henry Harr Rd, Blountville, TN 37617 (423) 323-1660 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

ANDREW JOHNSON NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE

ABINGDON VINEYARDS AND WINERY

SYCAMORE SHOALS STATE HISTORIC AREA

WATAUGA LAKE WINERY

Greeneville, TN 37743 (423) 638-3551

1651 W Elk Ave, Elizabethton, TN 37643 (423) 543-5808

ROCKY MOUNT MUSEUM AND HISTORIC SITE 200 Hyder Hill Rd Piney Flats, TN 37686 (888) 538-1791 T-S 11:00 am- 5:00 pm

TIPTON-HAYNES HISTORIC SITE 2620 South Roan St. Johnson City, TN, 37601 (423) 926-3631 Tues-Sat, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.

20530 Alvarado Rd, Abingdon, VA 24211 (276) 623-1255 T-S 10:00 am – 6:00 pm; Sat- 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm; Closed Monday

6952 Big Dry Run Rd, TN 37640 (423) 768-0345 Thurs-Sat 11:00 am- 6:00 pm; Sun 1:00 – 5:00 pm; M,T,W-Closed

COLTSFOOT WINERY

19158 Stone Mountain Rd, Abingdon, VA 24210 (888) 685-8750

DEPOT STREET BREWING COMPANY 904 Depot St. Jonesborough, TN 37659 (423) 753-7628

SLEEPY OWL BREWERY

151 Main Street Kingsport, TN 37660

WOLF HILLS BREWERY

350 Park Street Abingdon, VA 24210 (303) 550-8762 Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 5-8pm

Carl Edwards

NOT JUST A WORLD-CLASS DRIVER STORY BY SAVANNA SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICKEY BAKER

arl Edwards has had thirty-six career starts at Bristol Motor Speedway including nineteen NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, fifteen NASCAR Nationwide Series and two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. He has two Sprint Cup Series wins in 2007 and 2008, one Nationwide Series win in 2007, and one NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in in 2004. These credentials, along with his numerous topfive and top-10 finishes, prove that the driver of the #99 Fastenal Ford Fusion car knows his way around the track. An ESPN Sport Science study recently found racing is so much more than simply left turning around a track. Temperatures in the car are usually upwards of 100 degrees. Add that with the amount of water weight racers lose every Sunday, the physical demands are high; not to mention these drivers endure G-forces up to three times greater than normal. “There’s no ‘one hardest thing’ about Bristol,” said four-time Bristol winner Carl Edwards. “It’s a very physical race track, but it’s a really interesting mix. You can be the most physical, the toughest guy in the world, but you can’t relax at Bristol. There’s no human that can hang on and squeeze and tough it out for 500 laps there.”

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February 12, Carl Edwards came to Velocity Sports Performance in Bristol to display his athleticism and showed fans NASCAR. Nationally certified conditioning coaches and East Tennessee State’s Division 1 coaching staff led Edwards through a football inspired workout. To no one’s surprise he breezed right through the intense conditioning drills. In order to sustain a competitive edge for thirty-six Sundays a year, many of the drivers train off-track with brutal fitness programs. “I could see his athleticism immediately,” said ETSU head football coach Carl Torbush. “Physically, he has the build of a defensive back and even a linebacker.” Velocity Sports trainer Jason Moreno said, “He performed really well, Carl is in great shape and had no trouble executing the moves.” Make sure not to miss Carl Edwards or any of the other world-class athletes on their main stage at Bristol Motor Speedway. Tickets for the March 16 Food City 500 start at just $65 with weekend packages available for as low as $99, so call (855) 580-5525 or visit www.bristoltix. com to experience this spring’s battle on the high banks.

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A momentous event years in the making BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY

STORY BY LUCY HONEYCHURCH

ollege football in Tennessee is an awesome experience. The sea of orange and white that fills Neyland Stadium and the noise from the roaring fans is something that should be experienced at least once in each Tennessean’s life. The roaring that comes from Bristol Motor Speedway is of a different nature, but it is loud and joyous nonetheless. The car engines and the screaming fans can be heard for miles. The ground shakes, the stadium shakes, everyone’s insides shake; but the experience is well worth at least one trip in a person’s lifetime. Taking both of these things and putting them together would be a dream come true for many diehard sports fans and that is exactly what is going to happen in 2016. Bristol Motor Speedway is holding its first ever Battle at Bristol and it is an event that is sure to gets sports fans worked up into a lather. The Battle at Bristol will be a football game played between the VirginiaTech Hokies and the University of Tennessee Volunteers. The inside track of the raceway will be turned into a football field for the event, which has already sold tickets at a break-neck speed. The speedway is just about two hours from each school, so it makes the perfect neutral spot at which to hold such a tremendous event. Organizers hope that it will be the largest attended football game ever and the competition between the two states will certainly get many in this region

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talking. To say that fans are excited would be a gross understatement since this will likely be the biggest event in the region in 2016. The awesome surroundings of Bristol Motor Speedway will be combined with the fast-moving athleticism of college football in a show surely meant to entertain even the most ardent “non” sports fan. The game was the brainchild of BMS track owner Bruton Smith and former President Jeff Byrd. The two men suggested having a football game in the stadium seventeen-years ago, but all of the sides could never quite get together enough to actually make the idea come to fruition. “The idea gained new traction,” said current General Manager Jerry Caldwell, “as officials sought to bring new events to the Speedway.” Bristol Motor Speedway has always been a large part of the community, but seeking to bring new and different events to the Speedway, and thus the region, means that the Speedway has started thinking outside of the box when it comes to hosting events. There have been many people who have helped to make this project a reality and, according to Jerry Caldwell, “a lot of people in this area saying, can we all do this together? Thankfully, as a region, we all pulled together. We’re excited to see the largest college football game in history come together.”

Track owner Bruton Smith is glad to finally be bringing the football game to the area and to BMS, “I am so proud to turn this long-time rumor into a reality and to provide sports fans with an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of the biggest college football game ever.” Sports fans everywhere can rejoice in the exciting game that will be a part of the 2016 NCAA Football season and those who will get to attend the game will have even more to be happy about. Even the coaches are excited about the opportunity. “The chance to play in a great venue such as Bristol Motor Speedway against a program the caliber of Virginia Tech,” says Tennessee Head Coach Butch Jones, “is another illustration of how we are continuing to build upon our great and unique tradition here at Tennessee.” On the other side of the football, Virginia Tech Head Coach Frank Beamer agrees, “To be able to play in front of a crowd that is the largest to ever see a college football game is a once in a lifetime opportunity.” The University of Tennessee has already sold out of its 40,000 ticket allotment for the September 2016 game, which demonstrates the sheer excitement about what will happen two years from now. “The overwhelming response to the Battle at Bristol speaks to the passion of our amazing Tennessee fans,” Tennessee athletic director Dave Hart said in a statement released by the school. “Our fans’ excitement and their strong and immediate response to the Battle at Bristol game, which is still 32 months away; says everything you need to know about the most devoted fan base in the nation.” The response has been so overwhelming that the school has actually had to ask Bristol Motor Speedway for more tickets in order to quench fan support. The sales have been nearly as brisk on the Virginia Tech side of the ball as well. Virginia Tech started mailing ticket applications out in early February and only Hokie Club members and season ticket holders will initially be able to fill out applications for tickets to the Battle at Bristol. Other fans will be able to purchase tickets in early 2016. Virginia Tech will assign tickets using the Hokie Club’s point priority system rankings as of Dec. 31, 2015. The next eligible group to order early will be football season ticket holders that are not Hokie Club Members. Both groups will have until Oct. 1, 2015, to submit their order and receive preferred seating. An unlimited number of tickets can be ordered, with up to 10 tickets being placed in priority. Suffice to say the Battle at Bristol is shaping up to be one humdinger of an event and both regions are getting geared up to watch the competition in September of 2016. The Battle at Bristol will end up bringing at least $3.5 million to each school with that figure rising to a possible $4.3 million. This is dependent upon how many tickets

are sold, but it is clear that each school is already on track to sell the 40,000-ticket allotment, which guarantees $4 million to the school. The actual numbers could end up changing, but the Battle at Bristol will have the feel and high payout of a bowl game. This number does not reﬂect the benefit that will be brought to the region and the local economies. Fans will need to get gasoline, food, lodging, and memorabilia: all of these items will bring a ﬂow of cash into the local economy and that is great news for everyone involved. Some fans may think it strange to be so excited about a sporting event that is years away, but it happens quite frequently. Countries spend billions preparing for the World Cup and the Olympics, but the great thing about the Battle at Bristol is that the venue already exists. Who says that just cars need to be driven around the track? The location is perfect and having a game at the Bristol Motor Speedway is giving fans just one more way to enjoy college football; allowing some who can’t make the commute to see a NCAA Football game in their own backyard. The game will be a reason, not that many of us need one, to get together and commiserate, barbeque, and discuss sports. Who in the world wouldn’t want to partake of such an historic event?

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BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY

at Bristol Motor Speedway

wice a year the surrounding communities of Bristol welcome 165,000 of their closest friends. The local community loves race weekend just as much as the travelers and look forward to seeing their twice-a-year visitors. Tourists may notice how friendly and helpful the locals are, but may not realize the friendliness is not only for race weekend. The locals of Northeast Tennessee are always generously helpful and pride themselves on the sense of community they share. VIPSEEN Magazine invites you to get to know your local neighbors at Bristol Motor Speedway!

INTERVIEWS AND STORIES BY SAVANNA SMITH | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY

JULIE BENNETT Vice President of General Counsel/Dragway Julie Bennett is a local who was born and raised in Kingsport. She attended Sullivan North high school and played flute and piccolo in the marching band. After high school, Julie went to Auburn University to obtain a bachelors degree before continuing her education at Mercer University School of Law. After law school, Julie accepted a position with Hunter, Smith & Davis in Kingsport where she would stay for nearly fifteen years. While she had not intended to return to the Tri-Cities, she has never regretted her decision. In 2007, Julie took on a new challenge as the first in-house attorney at Bristol Motor Speedway. Currently, Julie is the entire legal department for the speedway and dragway and oversees the Human Resources department, the Events department and is the General Manager of Bristol Dragway. She loves her job and says it is a better career than she could have ever imagined. In her seven years of working at the speedway, no one-day has been the same; there is a huge variety of work that holds many challenges. Julie not only loves her job, she loves her two children and her community and enjoys being an active mom and resident. She is currently a member of the Wellmont Health System Board of Directors, serves on the Kingsport Economic Development Board, and is the Chair of the Kingsport Chamber Foundation and serves on several other boards. During race weekends Julie can be found all around the property and in the suites and infield, so if you see her make sure to say hello!

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TANYUA KERNS Vice President of Events Tanyua joined the speedway’s ticket office in 1995, just prior to Bruton Smith’s Speedway Motorsports, Inc., purchasing the speedway. Since then she has been blessed with the opportunity to grow within the company at many levels. She currently serves as Bristol Motor Speedway’s Vice President of Events. The Events Department manages event logistics and hires the personnel that usher, direct traffic, provide guest transportation, staff guest services and suite registration booths, park cars, ticket scanners, and screen guests for security at the gates. In this role, Tanyua manages five full time employees and as a department more than 1,100 event employees. Prior to coming to work at the speedway, Tanyua was employed at United Parcel Service in Bristol, Virginia. She attended college at Virginia Highlands Community College and East Tennessee State University. Tanyua was honored by the Tri-Cities Business Journal as one of the recipients of the 40 under 40 awards, BMS Employee of the year and other merit awards. She is a Bristol native and resides in Bristol, Tennessee with her husband, Billy and daughter Laci, 8. Her husband Billy Kerns also serves as a Team Member at BMS as the Senior Director of Operations. “I guess you might say this is our home away from home.” Make sure to look for Tanyua and Billy on race weekend!

GREG HARVEY Vice President of Corporate Sales Greg, or Chipper as most people know him, leads the sales team and corporate sales efforts all throughout the year that make the three major Bristol Motor Speedway events happen. He has been with Bristol Motor Speedway for ﬁve years now and wouldn’t dream of leaving the place he now calls home. Greg was born in Chattanooga, then moved to Virginia Beach for twelve years, and then attended high school in West Virginia. He received his bachelor’s degree at the University of Kentucky and shortly after accepted a position at Atlanta Speedway, the sister track to BMS. During his eight years in Atlanta, he made many trips to Bristol for the races, and would always stay in Johnson City with some friends of his family. Greg transitioned to FOX Sports South and worked as an account executive for two years. Greg thought about returning to racing one day, and in the summer of 2009, Jerry Caldwell called to see if there would be an interest in returning to Speedway Motorsports, Inc. at BMS. In 2009 Greg was named Senior Corporate Sales Account Manager, and Senior Director of Corporate Sales in 2010, today he is the Vice President of Corporate Sales. Greg and his wife Laurie have planted roots here in the Tri-Cities and can’t imagine being anywhere else. They love all the people they have met and have developed some deep friendships. They enjoy the convenience of the area as well as its beauty. They both agree it is the best place to raise their two beautiful daughters. Greg works the entire weekend when the race comes to town, so if you see him be sure to say hi to “Chipper” when you are at Bristol Motor Speedway.

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BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY

Tied together by a drive to do the most good in the best way possible STORY BY DEBRA ROGERS

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY

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ristol Motor Speedway and Food City could almost be considered siblings since it is rarely that one does something in the community without the other. The two entities together are an awesome combination, working in tandem for the betterment of the Northeast Tennessee/Southwest Virginia region. When these two great companies joined forces it was clear to see that something special was happening and that the region would only benefit from the combined efforts of these two great organizations. Each company understands how important it is to have fan loyalty since neither entity could thrive without it. Fans, too, understand the importance of having a good quality business in this region that cares about the impact that it leaves on the community. It is the deep understanding of community impact that has led BMS and Food City to become such integral forces for good in the Northeast Tennessee/ Southwest Virginia region. Food City and Bristol Motor Speedway have, besides helping the community, always been grateful to their loyal fans and the new programs that they have put in place are no different. The “+1” and “Fuel for Fans” programs are two ways that Food City and BMS have joined together in order to show their appreciation for the supportive and loyal fan base that makes Food City stores and the Bristol Speedway so successful each year. Few companies in this time of economic hardship are doing much to give back to the community or to show how thankful they are for fan support, but BMS and Food City are two companies that go against the grain when it comes to run of the mill business behavior. They are exceptional organizations that truly care about the surrounding communities and the impact that they have on the people who live in this region. Without these two companies this area would be negatively impacted, but without the fans and loyal customers, these two businesses would not exist. It is this realization that drives BMS and Food City to work so hard to maintain fan and customer happiness. These +1 and Fuel for Fans programs are just one small way that each company continues to give back to the community.

The +1 program from Food City was recently announced in celebration of an extension in partnership between Food City and Bristol Motor Speedway. Food City is gifting all current BMS account holders who have Food City 500 tickets with one additional ticket to the March 16th race. K-VA-T President and CEO Steve Smith is more than happy to give back to all those who continue to show their support by shopping at Food City, “The +1 Program allows our 14,000 employees to express their gratitude to every Food City 500 ticket holder and adds value to their current ticket. In turn, it gives those ticketholders the opportunity to pass on that thanks to an important individual in their life by giving them the Bristol Experience.” The program is historical to say the least and is something special for those who hold tickets to the race. It gives those who already love racing at Bristol a chance to share the experience with those who may not feel that way. “I’ve got a brother in law who thinks NASCAR is just awful, but he’s never been to a race. He’s coming with me,” says local resident Bud Adams with a huge grin. “I hope that by seeing a race up close he’ll change his mind or at least quit making fun of me about it.” Accountholders can reserve the +1 ticket, while supplies last, through March first by logging on to plusone.foodcity.com and entering their BMS account number, guest information, and preferred seating area. After the information is put into the system, the identified guest will receive information from Bristol Motor Speedway regarding ticket retrieval. Food City is proud to offer this program and hopes that it is successful, “at Food City, we are committed to providing value to our customers and we are grateful they give back by choosing to shop out stores and supporting the Food City 500,” says Steve Smith. What better way to show this than to put their money where their mouth is? The +1 program isn’t the only way Food City gives back. Getting tickets to a race at Bristol Motor Speedway can be fairly affordable, but adding on food and gas and parking and things can get expensive. Food City aims to make it easier on fans in at least one aspect of this equation:

fuel. Food City recently announced a fiveyear partnership extension with Bristol Motor Speedway and part of that includes the “Fuel for Fans” program. Getting to BMS for a race this season just became that much more affordable. The program loads two Food City Gas-N-Go Fuel Bucks stops on the iBelong Membership card/ Food City ValuCard of every iBelong member and BMS season ticket holder. The discounts are good for 15 cents off each gallon of gas, up to 20 gallons, at all Food City Gas-N-Go locations. Food City will also offer a third discounted fillup to iBelong members who spend more than 15 dollars at one of their stores prior to March 16. BMS General Manager Jerry Caldwell says about the track’s relationship with Food City, “this latest extension takes the partnership between Food City and Bristol Motor Speedway beyond the 25-year maker, and when a relationship lasts that long you begin to view each other as more than business associates. You become friends and family.” The relationship between BMS, Food City, and the community continues to benefit all involved and the “Fuel for Fans” is no different. “We also view our season ticket holders as members of the BMS family and are committed to elevating their visit in any way we can. They remain dedicated, even through recent economic challenges, and this is one way we, along with our partners at Food City, can express our appreciation,” says Caldwell. The continued relationship between Food City and Bristol Motor Speedway is something that is certainly positive for the local communities and the surrounding regions. It is clear that both organizations only want to do what is best for this area and each move made to cement their relationship is done with that goal in mind. I think that president and CEO of K-VA-T stores Steve Smith said it best, “It is the mission of Food City to provide value to our customers as they shop for the staples of everyday life, and this program allows us to extend that value to those who support us both in our stores and at the speedway.” For more information on how you can belong to the BMS family, visit www.bristolmotorspeedway. com or call (855) 580-5525. MARCH 2014 | VIPSEEN | 51

Appalachian Ironworks specializes in the design, fabrication, and installation of ďŹ ne quality custom ornamental metalwork. Using original designs, exquisite metalwork is produced by our experienced craftsmen combining traditional hand-forging techniques with modern metalworking methods to create nothing short of miraculous works of art.

1005 E. Sullivan Street | Kingsport, TN 37660

(423) 246-2066 www.appalachian-ironworks.com

Miraculous works of art are not always monumental projects however; the bread and butter of Appalachian Ironworks lies within its residential work. The business crafts beautiful, handmade pieces that accent any home. These gorgeous pieces include hand railing for exterior or interior steps, walkways, and balconies. This everyday railing is perfect for decks, porches, yard fences, and anything else that may need railing or fencing around your home. There is no project too big or small for Appalachian Ironworks.

SEEN IN KINGSPORT MeadowView Conference Center

Red Shoe Gala

CASA

of Northeast Tennesseeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 8th Annual Red Shoe Gala proved to be another huge success as the community came dressed in their best to support such a great organization. Women and men alike showed off their finest red shoes all in the name of charity. Before dinner attendees participated in a silent auction with items that impressed bidders. Shortly after the auction was closed, dinner was served and every one enjoyed a delicious meal provided by the Carnegie Hotel, who also hosted the event.

A live auction was conducted after dinner and the bids were more than generous. The event had the red shoe them reminiscent to the Wizard of Oz, and Dorothyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desire to go home; which mirrored the mission to place CASA children in safe homes they can call their own. All together the community raised over $15,000 to help the neglected and abused children. CASA or Court Appointed Special Advocates recruit, train, and support community based volunteers who advocate for the best interest of children in the Juvenile Courts. These volunteers strive to preserve the right of each child to have a safe and permanent home. To learn more about CASA or to find out how to volunteer please visit www.casanetn.org or call 423-461-3500. PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIELLE HAHNE AND LINDA COFFEY STORY BY SAVANNA SMITH

Dr. Richard Jackson and Dr. Angela Shelton

Steve and Andrea Harbin

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DeeDee and Daniel Dietrick

Ashley and Steve Grindstaff

Johanna Morales and Curtis Montgomery

Hollie and Chantz Scott

Jeff Booher, Amy Adkins, Angie Hess, and Brad Adkins

Ron and Lynne Williams

Debbie Waggoner and friends

Claudia Byrd

Emily Thompson, Ethan Thompson, Amy Margaret Allen, and Ben Allen

Jeff Lane and Emily Garcia

Beth Black, Sarah Poe, and Jodi Jenkins

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SEEN IN KINGSPORT MeadowView Conference Center

Danielle and Chris Glasscock

Casey Barnes and April Taylor

Mayor Phillips and wife, Bobbie

Teachers from Sevier Middle School enjoy fun together

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Kevin Smith and Amy Doran

Mr. and Mrs. Steve Swinney

Mike and Linda Lamb

Alex Hurd and Danielle Hahne

Sindy Ramsey, Ron Ramsey, and Judge Toohey

Cher Taylor and Sarah Pope

SEEN IN ABINGDON Mallory Fine Art Studio

Charles Vess Book Signing & Private Opening Reception

allory Fine Art hosted a private reception for Charles Vess, debuting his newest book of illustrations, “Seven Wild Sisters”, a modern fairy tale, written by Charles de Lint. Seven Wild Sisters, has received preview acclaim by Kirkus, which is hard to achieve. It is a companion book to the exquisite The Cats of Tanglewood Forest.

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDA COFFEY

Charles Vess is an American fantasy artist and comic-book illustrator who has specialized in the illustration of myths and fairy tales. Charles’ awards include the Ink Pot, three World Fantasies, the Mythopoeic, and several others. He also designed and co-sculptured the 16’ bronze fountain based on “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” for the Barter Theatre. Jeoff Bodenhorst

46 illustrations from “Seven Wild Sisters” are displayed at Mallory Fine Art in Abingdon, VA. The exhibit will be available for viewing February 7 – March 8th. The art gallery is located at 112 East Main Street. The art gallery is also presenting, ‘What They Love’, newest works by Quinn Hawkesworth, Nadya Warthen-Gibson, Jeffrey Stoner, Kristi Taylor, Paul deMarrais, Bill Wysor, Carole Blevins, and Leila Cartier. This exhibit will run Feb. 7th – March 1st.

Karen Shaffer and Charles Vess

Linda Gambrel and Carolyn Koesters

For more information on Mallory Fine Art, check out www.gallerymallory.com or “like” them on Facebook. For more information on Charles Vess, check out www.greenmanpress.com. Calliope shows off her copy of the book.

Jane Knox

Polly Mallory – Owner and Curator

Charles Vess, Illustrator of “Seven Wild Sisters”

Jane Knox and Mary Alice Bodenhorst

David Winship, Polly Mallory, and Joel Hart

Susan Kimbrell and Carol Blevins

Susan Brown and Laurel Winter

Charles Vess

Holli Mahala

Ap 58 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2014

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SEEN IN KINGSPORT MeadowView Conference Center

he Kingsport Chamber of Commerce celebrated numerous achievements for the city of Kingsport Friday night, February 7. Hosted at the MeadowView Marriott Conference Resort & Convention Center, “Kingsport’s Social Event of the Year” was another exciting blockbuster affair that drew more than 1,700 attendees. Everyone arrived eager to see what the night had in store, which ended up being more than anyone expected. “There is so much happening in Kingsport,” said Monty McLaurin, 2013 Kingsport Chamber chair and CEO of Indian Path Medical Center. “We had a remarkable – and, in many ways – a historic year for our city. A gamechanger for the ages! The reviews of the year that was for Kingsport in 2013 have been nothing short of a solid Two Thumbs Up! Congratulations and Wow, Kingsport!

After the awards were presented and dinner was served, “the most fun band in America” – Jessie’s Girls – entertained another record and sold-out crowd! They lived up to their name as everyone in the crowd hit the dance floor and only stepped off for a short rest, then continued to dance the night away. It was another funfilled, successful night at the Kingsport Chamber 67th Annual Dinner. PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA SMITH, LINDA FONTAINE STORY BY SAVANNA SMITH

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SEEN IN KINGSPORT MeadowView Conference Center

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KINGSPORT CAROUSEL FINE CRAFT SHOW

Featuring excellent fine craft exhibitors & celebrating the Carousel legacy. March 21-23, 2014 | Kingsport Farmer’s Market

The Brass Ring Gala and Carousel Fine Craft Show

will be held March 21 – 23 at the Kingsport Farmers Market Building on Clinchfield Street in Downtown Kingsport, Tennessee. The Brass Ring Gala is a festive way to kick-off the Fine Craft Show and will feature music from ‘My New Favorites’, food and a cash bar. The Gala is from 6 – 9 PM on Friday, March 21; cost is $35 per person. Carousel carvers, painters, machinists and sponsors will be special guests as the community celebrates another step toward a working 1956-vintage Herschell Carousel. Funds being raised will be used to construct a gift shop and connector building to the Roundhouse which will house the menagerie-style carousel which has been hand-carved, hand-painted and lovingly restored by over 200 volunteers. The Carousel Fine Craft Show will continue on Saturday and Sunday, March 22 and 23 from 10 AM – 5 PM each day. Colorful animals from the carousel will be on display as well as the newest carousel addition – a working band organ. Over thirty of the Southeast’s finest craftsmen and artisans will have exhibits at the Brass Ring Gala and Carousel Fine Craft Show. This more than doubles the number of exhibitors from last year. The entire community is invited to celebrate the work of the volunteers, sponsors and dreamers of the Carousel and shop for unique and heritage items from an amazing array of fine craft exhibitors.

Beverage, Darla

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Boochard, Bonnie, Odendahl, Janet

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Brixey, Kipp

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Chandler, Aleta

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Cohen, Ruthie

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Collison, Bill and Tina

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Fiber MARCH 2014 | VIPSEEN | 67

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spotlight

VIP business

4 12:22 PM

LITE MANUFACTURING AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, INC.

specializes in recruiting and staffing to provide flexible workforce solutions for their clients in the manufacturing, construction and professional industries. It is the mission of Elite Manufacturing and Professional Services to be the preferred provider of specialized labor services. Their long term strategies and short term actions are molded by their core values and guiding principles, the foundation Elite’s business is built upon.

Elite was founded in late 2011 by Ron and Sonja Bennett. Prior to forming Elite, Ron worked for a major contractor for nearly ten years where he served as Regional President – Eastern US. Sonja served the same company as Regional Staffing Manager for two years and has over 17 years’ experience in the Staffing Industry at the Executive level. Leaning on Sonja’s significant experience in the Staffing Industry and Ron’s experience in Manufacturing and as a contractor in Industrial Construction, Maintenance and Manufacturing Operations Support, the couple formed Elite Manufacturing and Professional Services, an Employment Agency, in an effort to combine their two backgrounds into a company that is very unique, fills an unmet need in our community, and to compete with traditional staffing companies and with larger contractors working in the area. Elite is an employment agency focusing on In-House Outsourcing (a combination of staffing and contracting). It has been more than two years since the idea was conceived. Since then, an amazing amount of work and investment has taken place. For the first 18 months (January, 2012 – June, 2013), documents were created from scratch, concepts were thrown on the white board, the company name evolved, core

values and guiding principles were developed, office space and furniture were procured, and the professional logo was designed. Meetings took place with lawyers, accountants, insurance agents, sign companies, information technology providers, computer companies, internet and phone providers, and various community leaders who provided guidance and support. “When you are designing and building a business from the ground up, an amazing amount of work must be completed prior to placing the first employee,” says Ron Bennett. After the infrastructure for Elite had been designed and built, the owners started talking publicly about the company and the marketing plan was implemented. Building a business from its foundation is very rewarding and provides an opportunity to design a company in one’s likeness (to treat people right and to always do the right thing). Sonja Bennett says “Our life’s savings and the last two years of our lives have been invested in this business. We are passionate about what we do and motivated to be successful.” Although, for nearly two years, neither owner received a paycheck, they have worked harder every day than they ever did before. The Bennetts have dedicated countless hours to this business (sometimes 80-90 hours per week) while supporting their family of five children. Ron Bennett says, “You fill a bucket with a steady drip, not with a fire hose.” From the very beginning, it was the intention of the Elite founders to start slow and maintain slow steady growth. It was a critical success factor to make sure that all processes and procedures were refined in the early stages. In July of 2013, the Bennetts made the decision to start promoting and selling their business to potential customers. Amazingly, their first contact also became their first customer and they continue to be a loyal customer today. All of the foundation work was completed successfully and Elite recruited and hired the right

MARCH 2014 | VIPSEEN | 69

spotlight

VIP business employees for this opportunity with a minimal amount of time. The customer was ecstatic, the business model worked, and Elite was up and running. During their first Quarter of operations (July, 2013 – September, 2013) the Bennetts focused on fine-tuning their processes and making sure that they could grow the business in a smart and manageable way. Once the business was established and the track record was proven, it was time to set their sights on larger clients and venture into other industries. During the latter part of September, 2013 Elite began engaging additional customers. Since then, the Bennetts have marketed their unique business model to several additional companies regarding utilization of their company’s services. Elite employees are currently working within numerous manufacturing facilities, providing services for several professional firms, and have commitments from a number of other organizations, including major organizations who have independently requested Elite’s services. Elite recruits multi-level qualified applicants. The Bennetts are passionate about their belief in people. They act with enthusiasm, respect, dignity and humility and lead with a compassionate heart and a cool head in everything they do. Elite designs and executes forward thinking solutions and provides a highly skilled, flexible workforce. The ideas and processes collaborated from the unique experience and knowledge of the leadership team and employees result in value added to and cost savings for their customers. Sonja Bennett says, “We strive to make everyone who walks through our doors feel welcome with the understanding that we respect them and will make every effort to help and support them. Operating Elite has been very emotionally rewarding and at some point every day, it feels like a ministry.” Elite relies on feedback from their associates and those who are applying for employment to create a culture where employee satisfaction is paramount. “We have created a very warm, welcoming environment for those individuals who chose to utilize Elite’s services”, says Sonja. Elite has an open door policy and they encourage personal conversations with applicants and employees and respond accordingly to all suggestions and concerns. “We feel a great sense of pride when friends, applicants, and employees refer their friends and family to our company for employment”, says Bennett. Without a satisfied and dedicated workforce, it would be impossible to have satisfied customers. Elite’s ongoing communication enhances the employee/employer/ customer relationships. They strive for excellence and are determined to be a reliable service provider for their customers. “We strive to continually improve our performance and measure and document our quality, efficiency and effectiveness in our quest for excellence”, says Ron Bennett. The Bennett’s spirits are high and their confidence has not wavered. In December, 2013, Elite was awarded the Kingsport Area Chamber of Commerce KOSBE – New Business Award. Elite’s business is growing and the model is working. And, along the way, Ron and Sonja have had the opportunity to help multiple people. “With the additional new business and the business in our pipeline, we anticipate the company will continue to be successful. We see great things for Elite’s future and have a profound appreciation for the entrepreneurial spirit and commitment”, says Ron Bennett.

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The owners of this family business have worked diligently since the inception of the business plan to be creative in their marketing efforts. They wanted to attract a different level of applicant. Those employees targeted by Elite are experienced manufacturing or skilled professionals looking to transition within the marketplace. We set out to differentiate ourselves from typical staffing services, from construction contracting companies, and local head hunting services. We wanted to offer a unique blend to this marketplace - A company that could offer non-traditional services customized to meet the short and term hiring needs of this area. Born and raised in Kingsport/

We manage your staffing needs so you can focus on your core competencies...

Sullivan County, TN since childhood, Ron and Sonja Bennett are very much community minded. The couple first met while attending the same local middle school. As the years went on, Ron and Sonja attended the same local high school and graduated from The College of Business at East Tennessee State University, together. Ron Bennett says, “We were very fortunate to have grown up in Kingsport, Tennessee. We have a strong foundation based on faith, family and education. The local community has been supportive of us throughout our lives and continues to be supportive of our family and our business. Giving back to this community is a top priority for both of us. We have five school aged children involved in multiple extra-curricular activities; therefore we interface with internal and external customers continuously throughout our daily lives. We appreciate everything this community has done for us and will work diligently to provide that same support to others.” One unique and very rewarding opportunity for the Bennetts, was serving as guest speakers at the East Tennessee State University Entrepreneurs monthly meeting in October, 2013. Being ETSU alumni, the Bennetts were honored and felt a tremendous amount of pride and privilege to have been given this opportunity. A great deal of support for Elite has been garnered as a result of this speaking engagement, including the opportunity to pick the brains of two of ETSU’s brightest minds, Dr. Andrew Czuchry and Louis Gump. “Their support and input has been invaluable,” says Ron Bennett. “We believe that performance excellence begins with Leadership. As owners of Elite, we believe it is our responsibility to provide the appropriate leadership for our organization. The culture we have developed is evident in everything we do. The Mission, Vision, Core Values and Guiding Principles of Elite have been designed to reflect our servant leadership acumen as well as our commitment to Customer Focus, Employee Focus, and Operational Excellence. We believe our actions are a reflection of our organization and take that responsibility seriously,” says Ron Bennett. After eight months of operation, Elite’s owners and employees continue to be very enthusiastic about their future. Elite’s pipeline is full and their future is bright. Sonja Bennett says, “There are a number of exciting opportunities on the horizon for Elite and our employees and we continue to be passionate about our business, our employees, our customers, and our community.”

IN HOUSE OUTSOURCING / MANAGED SERVICES: We assume full responsibility for specific non-critical processes within our customer’s manufacturing process. The customer will continue to own the process and Elite will manage the work, the workforce and the process the reliable fit way; thus, increasing flexibility, reducing cost and constantly searching for ways to improve safety performance, productivity, quality and responsiveness. HUMAN RESOURCE CONSULTING: We advise our clients on a variety of workforce solutions, including how to optimize staff and skill sets in order to provide a flexible labor pool, identify and supply training needs, recruitment and retention. CONTRACT LABOR: We hire our employees to support your work force needs for a period of time, typically long term assignments. The employees are recruited, screened and assigned by Elite and remain Elite employees. SUPPLEMENTAL TO DIRECT: We identify employees to work for you for a trial period of 90 days. During that time period you can preview the employee’s performance and determine if you would like to offer them a full time opportunity with your company. EXECUTIVE SEARCH / DIRECT PLACEMENT: We find qualified candidates and provide them to you to hire directly onto your payroll without any type of a waiting period. SHORT TERM HELP: We can hire employees and assign them to support you during busy times in order to supplement your core work force. ADDITIONAL SERVICES: Limited Service Employee Management Programs Facilities Management Support Services Group Leadership / Employee Training Comprehensive Skill Validation Testing Background Check Services Drug Testing Services

MARCH 2014 | VIPSEEN | 71

SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY Millennium Centre

Chamber Celebrates 99 Year, th

Meredith Inducted into Hall of Fame

he Millennium Centre served as the venue for the Chamber of Commerce’s 99th Annual Membership Meeting with a sold out crowd of 420 attendees. The 2013 Chair, Dr. Larry Calhoun, Dean of ETSU’s Gatton College of Pharmacy, handed the gavel to Lottie Ryans, Vice President and General Manager for CenturyLink. Lottie Ryans stated, “Starting out the year with an event of this magnitude, supported by the Chamber membership, is certainly a way to honor our 2014 theme ‘Faith in the Future.”

Each year, a business leader is inducted into the coveted Chamber Hall of Fame. The 36th inductee, Martha Nan Meredith, was presented by her family. A lifelong resident of Johnson City, she’s had a long-standing tradition of servant leadership in healthcare, community, and public service. She and her family developed several properties in Johnson City, particularly the Colonial Center, which saw the opening of Bennigan’s and Steak & Ale, among the City’s first endeavors in the hospitality industry. Mrs. Meredith has been recognized locally and statewide for her voluntarism as a recipient of MSHA’s Spirit of Johnson City Award, TN Hospital Association’s Meritorious Service Award, and many more.

Bill and Judy Bradley

Miss Historic Jonesborough: Lexi White and Miss Johnson City: Blakely Bays

Meredith and her late husband, J.H. “Bill” Meredith, were the fabric of Johnson City’s early and current economic success. She is the mother of 4, grandmother of 10, and always a family’s first woman. STORY SUBMITTED PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIELLE HAHNE

Cindy Foster, Elisa Britt, and Glenda Britt Tony Tevis and Jon Bell

Eric Ryans and Robbie Hilton

72 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2014

Jordan Sizemore, Pete Speropulos, Bo Dudney, and Joe Grandy

Jordan Sizemore, Miss Johnson City, and Pete Speropulos

Jason Hendrickson, Dinah Romero, and Terry Templeton

Jennifer Salyer, Nelson Elam, and Steve Fritts

Mark Sizemore, Doug Sizemore, Mary Jo, and Rich Barreto

Jenny Brox, David Tomita, Matt Mcgahey, and Joe Grandy

Jason Reising and Brain Traynor

500 Chuck Mason and Larry England

MARCH 2014 | VIPSEEN | 73

SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY Millennium Centre

Tammy Hyatt, Tina Whitson, and Colleen Cox

Shelley Huber, Rhonda Chafin, and Kathy Smith

Mindy Coulter, Martha Nan Meredith, and Mary Jo Barreto

Cindy Carden and Lee Fish

SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY Champion Chevrolet Cadillac

One of the Tri-Cities most generous men donates it all. PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY SAVANNA SMITH

ne day earlier this year, Joe Herman was sitting at Herman Trucking doing his normal everyday routine when Minnie Miller walked in. Minnie was from Mountain States Foundation selling tickets for their upcoming Spirit Gala for a chance to win $25,000. Joe, as he had done for several years, wanted to buy ten tickets; not because he thought he would win, but the ticket sale money goes to charity. Minnie explained to Joe there were only three left so he bought those. While writing the check, he said a little prayer promising to donate all the money if he won. Minnie left and Joe went about his day quickly forgetting about the chance of winning.

would have done the same. Champion Chevrolet Cadillac donated the raffle prize and on February 6th, Co-Owners Andy Dietrich and Tim Copenhaver along with Mountain State Foundation’s Pat Holtsclaw and Karen Clark presented Joe with his check.

The night of the Spirit Gala came about and Joe, who did not attend, didn’t think anything special of the night. In fact, when he received the call from Pat Holtsclaw, the Foundation’s president, he thought it was a prank. After returning her call he realized he had really won! He quickly got off the phone and told his wife what had happened. Thanking God, he then decided which charities he wanted to help, he was not going to break his promise. Joe has decided to give to the Johnson County Community Hospital Foundation, a division of the Mountain States Foundation; the Johnson County Community Foundation, a division of the East Tennessee Foundation; the St. Anthony’s Catholic Church Pantry in Mountain City; the Fellowship of Christian Athletes of Upper East Tennessee; and the Summit Leadership Foundation of Johnson City. These charities and foundations could not be more thankful for such a kind man. Joe Herman really is a special person and a man of his word. Although giving all his winnings away is such a noble deed, Joe remains humble saying anyone else MARCH 2014 | VIPSEEN | 75

76 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2014

Serve it up Sassy

One-Dish

Wonders RECIPE DEVELOPMENT, FOOD STYLING, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND ARTICLE BY LIZ BUSHONG

rooding over dinner? Try these chicken

one-dish wonders. This flock of colorful, cost-effective recipes will give your family and friends something good to crow about. These meals will take you from a light lunch to entertaining at the spur of the moment and for chicken feed. Just because you might be cutting back on your expenses doesn’t mean you have to forfeit a well-balanced meal or a beautifully set table. Having a well-stocked pantry and using what you already have on-hand can easily create these one-dish wonders. A well-stocked pantry will keep you from running to the store to purchase last minute items for your recipes and deter you from impulse buying. Ingredients for a well-stocked pantry includes canned goods, grains, pasta, tortillas and rice, dry ingredients and seasonings, teas, coffee, oils, and baking items such as flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cocoa, baking morsels, cornstarch or arrowroot. Meats such as chicken, beef, and fish can be frozen and thawed when needed while fresh produce should be purchased as desired. Chicken is the infamous star for all three of these one-dish wonders; Chicken Matzo Ball soup, Rustic Chicken Pot Pie, and Kay’s Country Captain. The Chicken Matzo Ball soup is served with cut-out tortillas as crackers. The flour tortillas are a pantry staple and bake up crisp and light, perfect for any salsa, soup or snack. Chicken Matzo Ball soup with a side salad would be a flavorful palate for a spring lunch. Rustic Chicken Pot Pie is a pie baked without a pie pan. A single unbaked crust is filled with a creamy thick sauce full of mixed vegetables, rotisserie chicken, parmesan cheese and a surprise ingredient, baked sausage balls. All of these ingredients are placed in the center of the single crust. The outside 2 inches or the rim of the crust is gently folded over the filling to form a rustic looking pie and baked until golden brown. This pie is sliced into wedges and served with a Cranberry Orange Relish as a hearty dish for dinner. For entertaining purposes or for taking a dish to a friend, the Kay’s Country Captain is the perfect choice. The make-a-head converted long grain rice is served with this elegant chicken entrée. The rice is parboiled, rinsed, drained, and tossed with melted butter and sprinkled with ground nutmeg. This rice is not sticky and can be refrigerated up to three days or baked immediately to serve for dinner. MARCH 2014 | VIPSEEN | 77

Serve it up Sassy Country Captain is a dish that dates back to the 1800’s, according to author, Linda Stradley, with What’s Cooking in America. Linda states… “It is thought that this dish was brought to Georgia by a British sea captain who had been stationed in Bengali, India and shared the recipe with some friends in the port city Savannah, Georgia. Savannah was then a major shipping port for the spice trade. The dish was named for the oﬃcers in India called Country Captains. ” The recipe has been revised over the years but the basic ingredients are the same. Country Captain is a blend of curry, currants, sweet bell peppers, tomatoes, and chicken. In this recipe the chicken is cubed chicken breasts drenched in flour and paprika, then sautéed in unsalted butter until golden brown. Green onions and minced garlic, bell peppers and mushrooms are the base for the sauce with added spices such as Worcestershire, ground mustard, curry, and vinegar. Chicken broth deglazes the pan and creates a flavorful sauce. This sauce is poured over the golden chicken nuggets then baked to perfection for one hour at 325 degrees. Before serving this dish, add diced almonds, currants and fresh minced parsley. Serve this dish with the long grain rice. Creating a beautiful table or sassyscape® as I call them, can be achieved by searching your kitchen drawers and cabinets for useable containers for a lively and fresh centerpiece. A bright and whimsical rooster figurine designed by American licensed artist, Sharon Neuhaus, proudly highlights the color

scheme of this table scape. The rooster exemplifies the chicken dishes and all the vegetables in the recipes is called Chicken Salad. A stainless colander resting on its side is filled with fresh parsley, sweet bell peppers, carrots and tomatoes for a colorful centerpiece. Surrounding the veggies are pantry staples such as red onions, garlic cloves, and decorative vinegars. Using kitchen and pantry items is cost-effective and show-cases your creativity. A tablecloth with a burlap runner dresses this spring table. The classic white dinner plate is the foundation for the salad plate. For a chance of pace a kitchen hand-towel is folded like a napkin. The menu napkin ring was made from computer paper with the printed words of the menu being served. Surrounding the paper is a burlap cuff to compliment the look of the napkin ring. These savvy ideas about stretching the dollar will give you something good to crow about, while enjoying these one-dish wonders. Having a well-stocked pantry and using what you already have on-hand will enable you to have a nest egg for future celebrations. You will definitely Make a Statement, Make it Sassy and Make it Yours! The colorful rooster, as part of the centerpiece is from a collection designed by licensed artist Sharon Neuhaus, Poultry in Motion series. This rooster is called Chicken Salad. For additional information go to www.sharonneuhaus.com.

Quotes by Author Linda Stradley, http://whatscookingamerica.net/history/poultrydishes.htm

Chicken Matzo Ball Soup 3 chicken breasts 2- 32 ounce chicken broth 1 medium onion, sliced 3 stalks celery, sliced 3 large carrots, peeled, sliced into discs 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon white pepper

Yield: 4-6 servings

Matzo Ball batter* Makes: 2 ½ cups or 12 medium sized balls 1 cup Matzo meal 4 large eggs, slightly beaten ¼ cup light vegetable oil ¼ cup water 1 teaspoon sea salt ¼ teaspoon poultry seasoning

INSTRUCTIONS 1. In crock pot, place chicken breast, sliced onion, celery, carrots and 32 ounces chicken broth. Place on high for 4 hours or low for overnight. When fully cooked, drain vegetables from meat. Place reserved broth and carrots in a large saucepan. Shred chicken and return to reserved broth. Broth should be clear. This is your base for the Chicken Matzo Ball soup. 2. In medium mixing bowl, combine meal, eggs, oil, water, salt and seasoning. Mix with a fork until well blended. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. 3. In another large saucepan, bring the remaining 32 ounce chicken broth to a rolling boil. With an ice cream scoop or large spoon, shape matzo into balls. Drop balls into boiling chicken broth. When they fluff and rise to the top, remove and place balls into soup bowls or chicken soup. 4. Strain any Matzo material from the chicken broth; add this broth to the Chicken soup base. 5. TO SERVE: Place 3 Matzo balls in soup bowl; add pieces of chicken, carrots and then the broth to cover. Or ladle the entire soup into the bowl as desired. Garnish with chive stems.

Kay’s Country Captain

Yield: 4-8 servings

2 # boned Chicken Breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes 2 tsp. Paprika +1 cup flour, mixed 12 tablespoons butter Roll chicken in paprika & flour mixture. Melt butter in large frying pan, brown chicken for 5 minutes on each side. Place chicken in greased 9 x 13 baking dish. PREPARE SAUCE 1 large onion, chopped 1 garlic clove, chopped ½ green pepper, chopped ½ cup butter ½ cup parsley, chopped 4 oz. sliced mushrooms 1 cup currents

1 Tbsp. Worcestershire 1 tsp. Curry powder 1 tsp. Thyme, salt & pepper 1 cup chicken broth ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved 2 tsp. vinegar & dry mustard 2 ½ oz. slivered almonds, roasted

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SAUCE 1. Preheat oven to 300. Sautee onion, garlic, and green pepper in butter until tender. 2. Add tomatoes, and remaining ingredients, except currants, mushrooms, almonds and Parsley. Cook slowly until well blended and sauce slightly thickens. 3. Add mushrooms, and pour the sauce over the chicken nuggets. 4. Bake in oven at 325 for one hour. 5. Before serving. Sprinkle the toasted almonds and currents. Serve with long grain white rice.

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Rustic Chicken & Sausage Pot Pie

Yield: 1 -8 inch pie + 4 ramekin/custard cups

½ cup butter 1/2 tsp. salt, ground white pepper, & garlic powder ½ medium onion, diced 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning, ½ cup all-purpose flour 1 (14.1-oz.) package refrigerated piecrusts 1 ½ cups chicken broth Vegetable cooking spray ½ cup heavy whipping cream or half and half Egg wash- 1 egg + ½ teaspoon water 2 cups chopped cooked chicken ½ cup Panko bread crumbs + ½ cup parmesan cheese 1 -12 oz package frozen mixed vegetables-thawed 10-12 baked & drained sausage balls* INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375˚. Place parchment paper on a large baking sheet. 2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat; add onions and sauté 3 minutes. 3. Sprinkle flour over onions, and cook, whisking constantly, 3 minutes. Whisk in chicken broth and cream, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in chicken and next 4 ingredients. This is the chicken filling. 4. Unroll one single pie crust and place on parchment lined baking sheet. In the center of the pie crust, place bread crumbs and parmesan cheese. Spoon chicken-filling on top of bread crumb and cheese mixture leaving 2 inches from the outer edge of crust open. Fold edges of pie crust over on top of filling forming a 2” pleat all around the edges of the pie. 5. In the center of the pie, place sausage balls. Coat crust with egg wash. For excess filling grease ramekins or custard cups/pie plate of choice with cooking spray. Ladle chicken filling into baking dish. Add single pie crust to top of ramekins. Crimp edges or cut pie crust into rounds or design of choice, for individual servings. Vent crust if you cover completely. With remaining pie crust, cut out design of choice. Place on baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes or until brown. 6. Place pie on large baking sheet to catch any spill over. Bake at 375 for 35 minutes until crust is browned. Remove from oven and allow pie stand 10 minutes to cool before slicing into wedges. 7. Serve it up Sassy by placing small baked pie crust cut-outs on a toothpick and insert into center of individual pie ramekins/custard cups. Garnish large pie with fresh rosemary or sage leaves and small serving of Cranberry Orange Relish. *Sausage Balls- Roll sausage into 1 inch individual balls, bake balls in oven at 375 until done, about 25 minutes. Drain and blot with paper towel. Add to cooked filling or place balls inside baking dish or pie then add the filling.

Cranberry-Orange Relish Serve this as a side relish or sauce to the rustic chicken & sausage pot pie

1 cup sugar 1 cup orange juice or Carrot-Orange juice- tested Knudsen 1 (6-ounce) bag fresh or frozen cranberries

Yield: 3 cups

1 (3-ounce) package sweetened dried cranberries 1/4 cup orange marmalade

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Bring sugar and orange juice to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring often; add fresh or frozen cranberries. Return to a boil. 2. Reduce heat, and simmer, stirring often, 10 minutes or until cranberry skins begin to burst and mixture begins to thicken. 3. Remove from heat; stir in dried cranberries and orange marmalade. Let sauce cool; cover and chill until ready to serve. Note: Sauce can be stored in an airtight container for 2 weeks in refrigerator.

Make a Statement, Make it Sassy and Make it Yours! Liz Bushong is an expert in the three-dimensional art ofentertaining. She transforms simple dining occasions into beautiful and memorable moments by adding a touch of her own “sassy” style. She makes elegance easy for her audience and encourages them to add their own Sassy touch to make it unique .Liz is famous for creating her own version of a beautifully presented tablescape – which she calls a Sassyscape ™ . In 2009 and 2010, Liz was selected from thousands nationwide to be part of an elite team of 100 professionals entrusted with decorating the White House for the holiday. In 2011, she was part of seven-person team selected to decorate the Tennessee governor’s mansion for the holiday. Liz has been featured as the monthly guest chef on Daytime Tri-cities, television show on WJHL, the CBS affiliate for the Tri-cities area of Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia. She is also the creator and host of her own one-hour seasonal television show called “Serve it up Sassy!” for the same market, which aired in 2011. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Consumer and Family Sciences from Purdue University and an Associate in Applied Science degree in Fashion Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. She is also certified in Decorative Finishes and has been trained as a master gardener. Liz is the author of Just Desserts and Sweets & Savories cookbook. Liz makes her home in Johnson City, Tennessee. She continues to perfect her sassy approach to turning simple dining occasions into beautiful and memorable moments. To purchase cookbooks, see recipes, cooking, and decorating ideas go to www.lizbushong.com.

SEEN IN BRISTOL Bristol Holiday Inn

Bristol Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Luncheon

he 103rd Annual Bristol Chamber of Commerce Awards Luncheon took place Jan. 23 at the Holiday Inn, before a sold out room. Attendees socialized before having a delicious lunch with friends. The crowd was excited to get down to business. Incoming Chamber Board Chairman Chris Lee spoke about all the exciting things happening in Bristol in 2014. He also stated there was no better time to be a part of the Bristol Chamber than now. As always, one of the highlights of the luncheon was the recognition of some of

the many volunteers who work diligently in helping the Chamber with various projects throughout the previous year, thus ensuring their success. The event’s biggest honor, the Bristol Chamber of Commerce’s Lifetime Achievement Award, went to Bristol Tennessee Essential Services’ Dr. Mike Browder. Browder, who began his career at BTES in 1972, has served as general manager and CEO since 1977. Browder, whose contributions and achievements are many, and his commitment to community service remarkable, was extremely appreciative of the award.

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA SMITH

Milton Carter, Courtney Kieslich, and Jenni Duran

BB&T

Larry Shaver, Claudia Moody, and Chris Lee

Lori Worley and Keith Roberts

Chris Lee, Mike Browder, and Larry Shaver

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Greg Gillman and Mike Miller

Burke, Powers & Harty, Inc.

Electro-Mechanical Corporation

Larry Shaver, Freddy Sullivan, and Chris Lee

Shelly Brown and Tiffany Goforth

Mike and Linda Browder

Kristie Helms, Justin Nidiffer and Derek Linkous

Gail Shaffer and Pat Wampler

David Ring and Barry Myers

Larry Shaver, Keisha Gould, and Chris Lee

Gail Sykes and Blair Anderson

Sam Jones, Rep. Bill Snodgrass, and Ernie Rumsey

MARCH 2014 | VIPSEEN | 81

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SEEN IN KINGSPORT Higher Education Center

ing University held a Chamber of Commerce after hours Thursday January 30th at the Kingsport Campus location. King University was recently named among the best regional universities in the South. The University chose to hold the after hours at their Kingsport campus to highlight the Kingsport Center for Higher Education, which has recently been reconstructed to fit students’ needs. President of King University, Dr. Greg Jordan, said he loved being a part of Kingsport’s higher learning and in being able to help fund and design the building, King University is deeply tied with the facility.

Pat and Cathy Kennedy

Amanda McQueen and Jenni Duran

Guests and Chamber members gathered at the Education Center to support higher education in Kingsport. Everyone enjoyed delicious food and great company much of the evening. After Dr. Jordan spoke, some door prizes from local businesses were given away. Twister, King’s mascot, kept the energy high all the way through the end of the evening. Everyone enjoyed coming out to support higher education. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA SMITH

Jill Rogers, Darlene Stevens, and Becky Bernette

John King, Milton and Carolyn Carter

Roger Barnett, James Belgeri, and Brad Hoover

Larry Braaten, Adam Walton, and Tamara Roller

Teresa Estep, Angela Moore, Mike Bailey, and Larry Estep

John Atkins, Wayne Robertson, and Barry Bailey

Tri-Cities Center for Cosmetic Dentistry Door Prize Winners

Sherri Mosley, Rachel Mosley, and Emma Clark

Wayne Robertson and Kent Justice

Dana McMurrey and Leslie McCracken

MARCH 2014 | VIPSEEN | 85

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JACOB’S PROJECT Creating HOPE Out Of Tragedy STORY BY LUCY HONEYCHURCH

PLANTING 100’S OF TREES AT SINKING CREEK WETLANDS CENTER

he reality of losing a child is something that no one wants to face, but it is this very reality that struck the Francisco family in 2004. Jacob was a bright six-year-old boy: rambunctious, playful, and full of joy. He told his parents that he would be famous one day and that his face would grace the cover of magazines. Unfortunately, Jacob never made it to his seventh birthday after contracting e-coli. It was not long into the summer break that Jacob came down with ﬂu-like symptoms, Father’s Day weekend actually, but before long his parents realized that what Jacob had was more than the ﬂu. He was taken to the hospital and his diagnosis was grim: he passed away on June 29, 2004. The refusal to let Jacob’s death be in vain has led his parents, Bill and Juanita Francisco, to work tirelessly and diligently toward the education of others about e-coli contamination in food and water. Last year, nearly $40,000 of the funds raised for the ETSU Foundation for the Jacob Francisco Memorial Lectureship at Quillen College of Medicine was transferred to the ETSU College of Public Health for water quality research. In 2010, over $10,000 was raised for STOP Food borne Illness. Since 2011, nearly $20,000 has been raised for the Boone Watershed Partnership-Sinking Creek Wetlands Education Center fund. During the past seven years, Jacob’s family, friends, and the Johnson City community have raised over $50,000 for a medical lectureship at the East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine to teach recognition and treatment of symptoms of e-coli contamination and possible prevention. With a well-funded medical lectureship, Jacob’s family has joined with the Boone Watershed Partnership to target awareness about the danger of E. coli bacteria in Sinking Creek in Johnson City, Tennessee and to restore the stream to healthy status. The Boone Watershed Partnership (BWP) is a 501(c)(3) organization that has been a leader in preserving water quality in east Tennessee for many years. In 2008, it received a $500,000 match grant from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture for the restoration of Sinking Creek by reducing the E. coli bacteria in the stream. The City of Johnson City and East Tennessee State University have been vital partners for identifying antiquated septic tanks and agricultural run-off along Sinking Creek. This partnership, and hopefully additional new partners for the development of an environmental

86 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2014

Jacob Francisco (6 years old) education park at Sinking Creek wetlands, will create a community-wide, clean-stream conscience. Jacob’s family has also created The Jacob Francisco Memorial Century and Awareness walk. Each year hundreds of residents of Johnson City, and the surrounding areas, descend on empty parking lot at the campus of East Tennessee State University in order to either bicycle or walk either a quarter century or metric century route that follows the Nolichucky River. The scenic bicycle route goes up over Buffalo Mountain and then brings riders back into Johnson City to the ETSU campus. The 2.5-mile walk follows Brush Creek toward downtown Johnson City. Before climbing Buffalo Mountain, the quarter and metric centurions travel along the high end of Sinking Creek past Jacob’s home. Anyone who wants to either ride or walk this year can ﬁll out the registration forms on www.jacobfrancisco.com. Sinking Creek has been found to be contaminated with e-coli bacteria; prevalently, at the lower end of the stream. The Boone Watershed Partnership is the leading organization to clean up the stream with its Sinking Creek Restoration Project. Through the Sinking Creek Restoration Project, Jacob’s story has been told, and twenty-four new sewer connections, four septic repairs, one agricultural project affecting twenty acres along Sinking Creek, and a 2.1 acre wetlands expansion are the result. A logical extension of the project is the development of an environmental education park on 28 acres of city property that include Sinking Creek

wetlands. City leaders are anxious to work with other partners to build a boardwalk and outdoor classroom at the wetlands that will be used by students from area schools. This park will be a constant reminder that will raise a community conscience to rid, or at least reduce the e-coli in Sinking Creek and surrounding waterways. The funds raised from this year’s event will go to the Boone Watershed Partnership-Sinking Creek Restoration Project toward development of the park. The project always needs help with funding, so anyone who is interested can send a tax-deductible check to: BWP-Sinking Creek, and mailed to: Boone Watershed Partnership, c/o Matt Dake, 578 Beaver Creek Rd., Bluff City, TN 37618. Jacob had done much to help bring the attention of e-coli to others. There is a Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ jacobfrancisco.awareness, to update followers on the move to clean up Sinking Creek and the drive to bring e-coli awareness to others. In 2012, the development of an Environmental Education Park at Sinking Creek received endorsements from the Johnson City Advisory Board for Parks & Recreation and from the Johnson City School Board. Jacob’s story was recently nominated for the Tennessee Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award and each year Jacob’s story reaches thousands more people than it did before; helping to save lives through education and to touch lives through his story. Jacob has, in more ways than one, become famous just like he told his parents that he would be one day.

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JACOB FRANCISCO MEMORIAL CENTURY AND AWARENESS WALK IS APRIL 26, 2014

Hundreds of new trees and plants have been planted along Sinking Creek Watershed in an effort to restore the natural floodplain and to act as biofilters to reduce bacteria and other pollutants. Tons of trash has been cleaned up in and along Sinking Creek by volunteers who aim to spread the word about the importance of clean waterways in Tennessee.

Miss Tennessee Teen USA 2014 Morgan Moseley has chosen Jacob’s Project as her platform. As Morgan travels the state representing the Miss Tennessee Teen USA organization she will be sure to bring Jacob’s story to even more people; helping to further educate and raise awareness about the common dangers of e-coli in food and water.

SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY The Charles

April Nye, Kelly Kattesh, and Jessica Grayson Meagan Day, Lauren Duval, and Kristy McNutt

ive Free. Pie Hard....and may the best one win! Pie Wars IV, a popular event put on by the Young Professionals of the Tri-Cities has again succeeded in holding a well received pizza pie competition. The proceeds from this years event will benefit the East Tennessee State University and General Shale Natural History Museum and Gray Fossil Site.

Sara Jane Schmeitzer, Jacob Vitums, and Shannon Combs

As in years past, event-goers had the chance to taste pizza from local restaurants , then voted on their favorites. This year’s participants included Blackthorn Club, Fox’s Pizza Den, Mellow Mushroom, Pizza and Gyro, Scratch Brick Oven and The Main Street Pizza Company. The night also included a live DJ, dancing, drinks, and the Man Versus Pizza competition.

Brittany McCrady and Jenny McCrady

The winner of this years event was Pizza and Gyro, Fox’s Pizza Den finished in second and Mellow Mushroom rounded out the top three spot. The event helped raise over $5,000.00 for the fossil site. For information on how you may become involved with the Young Professionals of the Tri-Cities you may visit www.facebook.com/YRTri STORY BY LYNDA FONTAINE PHOTOGRAHY BY LYNDA FONTAINE AND CLAUDIA CORRADINO Eli Jabeth Ferguson and Samara Litvack

Paul Jenkins and Jed Clark

Paula Dugger, Michael Johns, and Maxi

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Chris Wilson

Ian Morgan, Shaun Morgan, Lekesha Holson Back, and Kiran Singh Sirah

Sammilu Ward, Travis Peterson, and Justin Griffin

Brett Woodward and Scot Clark

Kort Boring and Kellyn Denton

Ashley Mijeski and Kristin Dugger

Beth Litvack and Misty Horton

Happy Birthday Dave Clark!

Happy Birthday Leanne Trivett!

HAPPY 5TH BIRTHDAY TO THE BEST “LITTLE MAN” IN THE WORLD!!! - We love you! Mama, Tata & Sissy

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Happy Birthday Johnnie! Happy Birthday Danielle! Lots of love from your VIP family!

Happy Birthday Linda Bowman O’Dell!

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Happy Birthday David Sensibaugh!

90 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2014

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Happy Birthday Nathan Shockley!

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Blood Assurance

lood Assurance was thrilled to open a new home in Johnson City on January 23. The ribbon cutting was held at their new facility located at 1 Professional Park Boulevard, Suite 14, off of State of Franklin Road. Blood Assurance is a non-profit, full-service regional blood center. Their

mission is to provide a safe and adequate supply of blood and blood components to every patient in need. To donate or learn more about Blood assurance visit their website at www.bloodassurance.org or call them at 800-962-0628.

H & R Block

n January 17th H & R Block opened a new location at 5205 Bobby Hicks Highway in Gray. The company is happy to open another locally owned store to serve the Tri-Cities region. H & R Block is one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest tax services providers.

The company began in 1955 and has been growing ever since. They offer much more than just tax return services. To get a full list and to get to know your new H & R Block friends, stop by and see them of call 423-467-8441.

Dobyns-Bennett JROTC

fficials cut the ribbon on DobynsBennettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest facility Thursday, February 20th. The old American Legion building is now the Dobyns-Bennett Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. School system officials, along with the current commander of the Hammond

Post No. 3 of the Legion, spoke about the history and the future of the building. The students are very excited to have a new home and a larger facility to train in. The new Dobyns-Bennett Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps is located at 1800 Legion Drive.

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MARCH

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT THROUGHOUT THE TRI-CITIES SCENE

2014

Arts & Entertainment Throughout the Tri-Cities Scene

MARCH 2014