MARCH 2016
ENJOY A GIRLS’ DAY OUT – AND SAVE LIVES. Saturday, April 30 • 2–5 p.m. The Virginian Golf Club
•
Bristol, Virginia
With sip-sational wines, food, high fashion and charming Shoe Guys, Wine Women & Shoes is a can’t-miss event for the ultimate girls’ day out. In addition to exclusive designers and vendors, this event also features:
• Keys to the Closet, a one-of-a-kind drawing to win unique fashion and home accessories • Wall of Wine, where you can win a top-dollar bottle • A high-energy fashion show • Silent and live auctions
Proceeds from Wine Women & Shoes will help the Wellmont Cancer Institute improve access and affordability for breast cancer screenings. Through earlier detection, we can help women live out their dreams – by outliving cancer.
Buy your tickets today, and make it an afternoon to remember.
Fashion Partners
Individual: $100 | Sole Sisters (2 tickets): $150
VIP Individual: $150 | VIP Sole Sister (2 tickets): $250
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Event emcee Julie Newman, WCYB news anchor
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The Galleria
Visit WineWomenAndShoes.com/wellmont to purchase tickets, or call 423-230-8592 to learn more.
Ciao Bella!
Letter from the Publisher
FOUNDER/PUBLISHER Angela J. Baker CO-OWNER Mickey J. Baker CREATIVE DIRECTOR Angelica Ares OFFICE, SALES, AND EVENTS Savanna McDavid Felicia Conners EDITORIAL ASSISTANT James Helms DISTRIBUTION MANAGER James Helms ACCOUNT MANAGERS Lark Adams 423.612.3583 Lark@vipseenmag.com April Barnes 423.646.4626 april@vipseenmag.com Robyn Berrigan 423.765.5331 robyn@vipseenmag.com Susan Couch 423.483.5591 susan@vipseenmag.com Jacqueline Joseph 423.367.6785 Jacqueline@vipseenmag.com Carolyn Kestner 423.292.3436 Carolyn@vipseenmag.com COPY EDITOR Lucy Honeychurch CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jennifer Ares Lark Adams George Emerson Penny Goodwhistle James Helms G.C. Hutson Lucy Honeychurch Sherri Jessee Tony Marr Savanna McDavid Beth Street PHOTOGRAPHY Mickey J. Baker Liz Bushong Linda Coffey Goodwin Photography James Helmes Jacqueline Joseph Carolyn Kestner Savanna McDavid DISTRIBUTION Brooke Couch Bobby Flowers James Helms Charles Kilgore Sarah Moody
She Says ...
Y
ou may have noticed right off the bat that there is something different about this month’s issue. Not only is it the largest issue we have ever printed, but it also has a double cover – representing the March/April double issue. This change is unique to this issue and won’t be something that you will see again from VIPSEEN. We are so proud and honored to feature both covers this issue. Our March cover, Krista Wharton, shines bright like a diamond in every aspect of life. She is a giver and has one of the kindest hearts around. Our April cover, George DeVault, is a man of great integrity and tenacity. He has given so much of his life to broadcast. In April, at the age of 70, he will be retiring from WKPT…a station that he first began working at when he was 15 years old. Undeniable dedication and loyalty. To read more about our covers, you will have to take a look inside. Another big event taking place at VIPSEEN is a career change for our very own Savanna McDavid. Savanna came to work for the magazine while she was still a college student at ETSU. A young lady excited to be a part of what we do here at the magazine. Through the years she has done many things within the company from sales and marketing to event coverage to distribution...and much more. Working with Savanna has been a pleasure and although we hate to see her go, we understand that it is time for our little birdie to leave the nest. She won’t be too far from us though; Savanna will still be out and around the Tri-Cities covering events for the magazine from time to time. When you see her, please wish her success! She knows our door will always be open for her to come home to her VIPSEEN family if she decides she misses us too much. Thank you Savanna for all that you have done for VIPSEEN. We love you dearly. Lastly, we are very excited to welcome Felicia Conners back into our VIPSEEN family. Felicia was with us in the very beginning when we were a little magazine operating out of the den in my house. She has been working with Savanna the last couple of weeks in an effort to create a seamless transition. Needless to say, Felicia caught on like a charm and is working full speed ahead. Remember, our magazine is always viewable online and available for home delivery as well. Simply visit www.vipseenmag.com for details!
Angela J. Baker, Publisher, angela@vipseenmag.com
WEBMASTER Robert Neilson Wired Web Development VIPSEEN, Inc., Tri-Cities 151 E. Main Street, Suite 5 Kingsport, TN 37660 423.398.5321 info@vipseenmag.com WWW.VIPSEENMAG.COM
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We Will Miss You!
Contents
115
FEATURES
94 EVENTS
8
COVER PROFILE: KRISTA WHARTON
93
Lucy Simpson Foundation Valentines Dance
9
SPECIAL FEATURE: POWER WOMEN 2016
94
Swing & Swank
99
Kingsport Chamber 69th Annual Dinner
10 Q&A WITH AUNDREA WILCOX 86 QUEEN OF HEARTS:
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
88 POWER GIRLS:
THE FUTURE OF OUR REGION SHINES THROUGH THESE UP AND COMING LOCAL YOUNG LADIES
107 Bristol Chamber of Commerce First Friday Business Briefing 108 Dobyns-Bennett National Signing Day 109 Martin Luther King Jr Parade
DEPARTMENTS
112 Conservus After Hours
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115 F.L.I.G.H.T. Benefit Concert featuring Austin Moody
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
90 WIT BIT: BETH HOBBS
116 Pure Foods Grand Opening
104 ARTSEEN
120 Racks by the Tracks Press Conference
The Willow Tree Coffee House and Music Room: Purveyor of Music and Art
110 PET PERSONALS 111 HAPPY 118 NONPROFIT PROFILE
Bellafina Chocolates
121 SEEN ON THE SCENE 124 A DISCOVERY MOMENT WITH
TONY MARR
ON THE COVER Krista Wharton
Photography by Mickey Baker Hair & Makeup by Shamail McKenzie
MARCH 2016 | VIPSEEN | 5
Calendar of Events / MARCH 2016 MARCH 1 Ribbon Cutting – People’s Food Mart 12:00pm 3104 Memorial Blvd. Kingsport, TN Lunch will be serves by Hunt Brothers Pizza!
Regional Leaders’ Breakfast Hosted by Eastman 8:00am – 9:15am Meadowview Conference Center 1901 Meadowview Parkway Kingsport, TN 423-578-6600 www.Marriott.com
Medication Management 1:00pm – 2:00pm Mountain States Health Resource Center 2101 Fort Henry Drive, STE. 52 Kingsport, TN 423-857-7981
36 Annual NAIA Indoor Track & Field Championship All Day MSHA Athletic Center David E. Walker Track Johnson City, TN www.naia.org
Healing the Hurt: Grief Support Group 5:00pm – 6:00pm Mountain States Health Resource Center 2101 Fort Henry Drive, STE. 52 Kingsport, TN 423-857-7981
MARCH 4 Human Odyssey: A Living Art Sanctioned Bodypainting Exhibition 7:00pm The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room 216 East Main Street Johnson City, TN 423-202-1111 www.facesbyre.com
Moscow Festival Ballet: Sleeping Beauty 7:00pm – 8:00pm Niswonger Performing Arts Center 212 Tusculum Blvd. Greeneville, TN 423-638-1328 www.npacgreeneville.com Dale Carnegie Class: Dealing with Difficult People 8:30pm – 9:30pm Bristol Chamber of Commerce 20 Volunteer Pkwy. Bristol, TN www.bristolchamber.com MARCH 2 Kingsport 100 Press Conference 10:00am Citizens Bank 101 East Main Street (Old Train Station) Kingsport, TN *A centennial souvenir will be available for those in attendance! MARCH 3 Food City Growers Appreciation Luncheon 12:00pm – 2:00pm Jack C. Smith Conference Center, 1st floor 1 Food City Circle Abingdon, VA
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Downtown Johnson City Brand Launch Party 4:30pm – 5:45pm Hands On! Regional Museum 315 East Main Street Johnson City, TN 423-928-6509 www.handsonmuseum.org Grand Opening Celebration with The Local 9:00am – 8:00pm The Local Company 240 East Main Street Johnson City, TN Be A Saint 6:00pm – 11:00pm Ronald McDonald House Charities 418 N. State of Franklin Road Johnson City, TN MARCH 5 Calligraphy Class: Session One 10:00am – 11:00am A Work of Art Gallery & Gifts 600 State Street Bristol, VA 423-797-0089 www.aworkofartgallery.com
MARCH 7 Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support Group 3:30pm – 4:30pm Kingsport Town Center 2101 Fort Henry Drive Kingsport, TN 423-246-3871 www.kingsporttowncenter.com Man Up Campaign Kickoff 4:30pm Bristol Motor Speedway Bruton Smith Building, 3rd Floor 151 Speedway Blvd. Bristol, TN 423-989-6933 www.bristolmotorspeedway.com MARCH 8 American Cancer Society Washington County Awards & Kickoff Breakfast 7:30am – 9:00am Doubletree 211 Mockingbird Lane Johnson City, TN MARCH 9 Youth Art Night: Every Child is an Artist 5:00pm – 6:00pm Bristol Virginia Public Schools 220 Lee Street Bristol, VA 276-821-5600 www.bristolvaschools.org MARCH 10 The Retirement Minefield: An Overview of the Most Common IRA Mistakes & How to Avoid Them 6:00pm – 7:00pm Food City 300 Clinchfield Street Kingsport, TN 423-246-0042 March 11 United Way of Bristol TN/VA 2016 Annual Meeting: “Past, Present & Future” 11:30am – 1:00pm Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites $15/ person 16th Annual Heroes Ball 7:00pm – 8:00pm Viking Hall 1100 Edgemont Avenue Bristol, TN 423-764-4171 www.vikinghall.com
Girls Night In! 6:00pm – 8:30pm Faces By Ren 308 South Roan Street Johnson City, TN 423-202-1111 $45 / person MARCH 12 5th Annual Autism Conference 8:00am – 3:15pm Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church 201 East Market Street Johnson City, TN 423-461-8070 www.munsey.org Calligraphy Class: Session Two 10:00am – 11:00am A Work of Art Gallery & Gifts 600 State Street Bristol, VA 423-797-0089 www.aworkofartgallery.com A Handmade Spring Market 11:00am - 4:00pm The Bramble 206 Gay Street Erwin, TN 423-330-1820 Hope Program 5:00pm Kingsport Center for Higher Education 300 West Market Street Kingsport, TN 423-354-5521 www.kingsporthighered.org MARCH 14 TN Environmental Conference 2:00pm – 4:00pm Meadowview Conference Resort and Convention Center 1901 Meadowview Pkwy. Kingsport, TN 423-578-6600 www.marriott.com MARCH 15 TN Environmental Conference 1:00pm – 4:00pm Meadowview Conference Resort and Convention Center 1901 Meadowview Pkwy. Kingsport, TN 423-578-6600 www.marriott.com
Calendar of Events / MARCH 2016 St. Patty’s Day Special w/ Young Professionals Tri-Cities Meetup 6:00pm Yee-Haw Brewing Company 126 Buffalo Street Johnson City, TN 423-328-9192 www.yeehawbrewing.com MARCH 16 Arts & Economic Prosperity 5 1:00pm Gray Fossil Site 1212 Suncrest Drive Gray, TN 423-439-3659 www.etsu.edu/ naturalhistorymuseum MARCH 18 Third Day: The Lead Us Back Tour 2016 Special Guests – Brandon Heath & Jason Barton 7:00pm- 11:00pm Freedom Hall Civic Center 1320 Pactolas Road Johnson City, TN Tickets are on sale now! www.johnsoncitytn.com/ freedomhall
MARCH 18 4th Annual Carousel Fine Craft Show & Brass Ring Gala 2016 Co-Hosted by Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts & TN Craft 6:00pm – 9:00pm – Friday 10:00am – 5:00pm – Saturday & Sunday Kingsport Farmers Market & Kingsport Carousel Clinchfield Street Kingsport, TN 423-357-3897 MARCH 19 21st Annual Conservation and Sportsmen’s Banquet 5:00pm / Dinner served at 7:00pm Holiday Inn 3005 Linden Drive Bristol, VA $70 Individual - $100 Couple 423-967-9343 slstaff@eastman.com Women’s EXPO 10:00am – 6:00pm The Mall at Johnson City 2011 North Roan Street Johnson City, TN 423-282-5312 www.mallatjohnsoncity.com MARCH 19 Denim & Diamonds 6:00pm – Silent Auction / 7:00pm Live Auction, Dinner, & Dancing Grace Meadows Farm 170 John France Road Jonesborough, TN ribishop@northeaststate.edu
MARCH 23 The Volunteer Leadership Committee Breakfast 8:00am Mountain Region Family Medicine 444 Clinchfield Street, 2nd floor Kingsport, TN 423-928-4080 jtankersley@alz.org Career Carnival 8:30am Virginia Highlands Community College 100 VHCC Drive Abingdon, VA 276-739-2400 www.vhcc.edu Easter Egg Hunt at Shelbridge 2:00pm 4:00pm ETSU Football Field 101 East Eleventh Avenue Johnson City, TN
MARCH 24 A Night at the Museum: A murder mystery themed party 6:00pn – 8:00pm The Birthplace of Country Music Museum 520 Birthplace of Country Music Way Bristol, VA $55 Individual - $100 Couple 276-644-9700 info@believeinbristol.org 3rd Annual Yum Yum: Power of the Bite 6:00pm – 8:00pm Nelson Fine Art Center 324 East Main Street Johnson City, TN 423-833-8474 vbudadesigns@gmail.com
MARCH 26 Joggin’ For The Noggin’ 5K Run/Walk: Benefit for the Crumley House 10:00am Crumley House 300 Urbana Road Limestone, TN 423-483-8764 larry@crumleyhouse.com MARCH 30 Ribbon Cutting – ETSU Family Family Physicians of Kingsport 2:30 – 3:00pm ETSU Family Physicians of Kingsport 102 East Ravine Street Kingsport, TN 423-392-8827 salhadi@kingsportchamber.org
MARCH @ BARTER THEATRE OTHELLO BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE Othello, a general in the Venetian army, confronts racism, love, jealousy, betrayal, revenge and repentance as ‘the Moor of Venice’ in this classical tale tragedy. Does true love bind Othello to his beautiful wife Desdemona, or can Lago, an unfaithful ensign, tear them apart? Will their love stand the test of time of fall to suspicion and deceit?
MARCH 2-4, 7,9, AND 14-18
ALSO SHOWING: BIG FISH AND LYING IN STATE Visit www.bartertheatre.com or call 423-628-3991 for showtimes and to purchase tickets.
VIP COVER PROFILE
KristaWHARTON STORY BY ANGELA J. BAKER | PHOTO BY MICKEY BAKER
I have a confession…I LOVE WOMEN! What I mean by that is I am so impressed and so proud of the leadership, courage and strength displayed by the women on the pages ahead that it sets my heart on fire! I have never been one who believed in limits and have always strived to push my limit to its extreme furthest point, but wow! The women featured in this issue inspire me to push even harder, even further. Since last year I have been witness to many more women stepping up to lead and inspire their peers. There is a new sense of empowerment and I love what is going on around me. The toughest part about putting together the 2016 Power Women edition together wasn’t who to feature inside but how to create another amazing cover like we did last year. Lucky for us, we found the perfect person as well as a lot of creative inspiration. I first met Krista Wharton in 2011. She called me one day out of the blue to discuss a new charity she and Tamara Marshall were launching in the Tri-Cities region called ‘Special Spaces’. Special Spaces is a nonprofit organization focused on making a difference in the lives of children with a life-threatening illness by designing and creating their dream bedrooms. I was honored to help her spread the word. Today, Krista remains the Director of this beautiful charity. In 2013, Krista was back on our radar when she accepted the invitation to dance in our regions “Dancing With The Tri-Cities Stars”. Her commitment to do this so much more than committing to dance; it is dancing for a deeper purpose…to raise money for SteppenStone Youth Treatment Services of the Tri-Cities. SteppenStone focuses on taking young boys (12-17) who have no hope for their lives, or faith in anything, and tries to instill love and kindness into them so they understand that they can have a future. Krista’s Professional career includes positions in marketing and sales as well as teaching high school French. Last year, Krista added entrepreneur to her resume when she opened her very own boutique in Johnson City called Monkees! (Read more about this in her profile on pages 78-79)
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As if you aren’t already impressed and inspired, there is more! Since moving to the Tri-Cities from Knoxville in 2008, Krista has been involved with and served on boards for several organizations in her community, including the Junior League of Johnson City, Johnson City Area Arts Council, and PTA (local and state boards). She is a member of the Kite Society and was Co-Chair of the 2010 Spirit Gala, benefiting Niswonger Children’s Hospital. Today you can often find Krista performing at the Jonesborough Repertory Theatre. Last but certainly not least, Krista is a dedicated wife of 22 years and a loving mother to two sons.
Krista is a true example of a woman who does it all. What I love the most about Krista Wharton is her kind heart and the simple fact that she is always smiling, and always sincerely kind to everyone she encounters. Krista is a first class lady and was a clear choice for this years Power Women edition cover and we are truly honored. Thank you Krista for leading and for being a true inspiration to women everywhere.
2016 POWER WOMEN 10 Q&A with Aundrea Wilcox: VIPSEEN Power Woman Cover Model 2015,
12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44
and author of Superwoman Smarts
Brenda Barnicki Vanessa Bennett Shannon Castillo Shannon Colby Heather Cook GAAM: Pam Corrigan Cumberland Marketing Power Women: Tori Humphreys and Audra Light Sarah Diamond Barbara Diers Shelia Ferguson Lucy Fleming Gastroenterology Associates Power Women: Dr. Garieann Fish, Dr. Erika Grigg, and Dr. Rathi Narayan Samantha Gray Julie Gunn Leigh Anne Hoover Vickie Hutson Sherri Jessee
46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60 62 64 66 68 70 72 74 76 78 80 82 84 86 88
Terry Kazmier Maggie Kendrick Kathy Kennedy Sheri McRae Evelyn Minton Taylor Morgan Sherri Mosley Becky Nelms Lindsay Nickels Rebecca Pepin Beth Rhinehart Leah Ross Dr. Kathy Sellers Sanders Dr. Sarah Schumaier Shiela Shoun Angela Vachon Krista Wharton Dr. Brenda White Wright Amy Williams Wendy Wilgus 2016 Queen of Hearts Future Power Women: Ariana Hill, Brooke Mohr, and Jaecee Rae Carr MARCH 2016 | VIPSEEN | 9
VIPPROFILE
Q&A with Aundrea Y. Wilcox VIPSEEN Power Woman Cover Model 2015, and author of Superwoman Smarts VIP: What was your reaction to being on the cover of VIPSEEN magazine in March 2015? AUNDREA WILCOX: I was completely shocked. I work for the community, so personal recognition of me doing my everyday job was a surprise. At first it felt like a huge responsibility to be representing power women in our area as a group, but ultimately, it challenged me to pursue excellence in everything I do— not just work-related. VIP: What was the reaction of your coworkers and family to you being on the March 2015? AW: Others say they weren’t as shocked and surprised as I was. People got to know me – strangers would stop me and ask if I was the woman on the cover of VIPSEEN magazine, and launch into a deep discussion about their own goals and tell me about other Power Women I needed to meet. Last summer, when I met an out-oftown keynote speaker for the YWCA Emerge Women’s Professional Series in Kingsport is a case in point. When I introduced myself, she said she already knew who I was, because she had spotted me on the cover of VIPSEEN Magazine when she arrived at the Tri Cities Regional Airport. I was honored. VIP: Since you knew you were going to be included in the feature (just not as the cover model), what were your thoughts about the March 2015 Power Women concept? AW: I had been highlighted in a previous feature in VIPSEEN called, “He Rocks, She Rolls,” and I thought it would basically be the same thing. But, I was wrong. It was so different. The features in the March Power Women issue went beyond what the public already knew about me—what I do for a living—to what really drives me and other successful women in our area. It explored every woman’s inner substance. For example: What are these women’s passions? What, and who, is holding her up? What are her future goals and aspirations? I learned so much more about other women who are also making a difference in our region. VIP: What else did being in such an elite group do for you? AW: It created one huge to-do list for me! I made it my goal, which I am still working on, to meet with every
10 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2016
woman featured in the edition. These are women I definitely want to know better. And, I feel the same way about this newest issue. VIP: What do you think is the current ‘state of affairs’ for professional women in the Tri Cities? AW: To be very brief, I think the temperature has risen around women supporting women in our area. Instead of just thinking about or talking about holding events, women have started taking action and actually doing things, without waiting for organizations or others to lead. Social media positivity around this topic has increased. Either that, or I’m choosing my friends more carefully, because I’m feeling a lot of positive vibes. Our local women seem to be supporting each other more, by giving recognition to other women who deserve to be seen and sharing more information with each other freely. Personally, I belong to at least four or five very active online women’s groups. They are out there if you look for them. VIP: Why did you want to sponsor Terry Kazmier and Brenda Barnicki in this year’s Power Women Feature? AW: I wanted to bring women into the spotlight who typically resist tooting their own horn. My reasons for choosing these women are different in each case. Foremost, I wanted the public to get a glimpse behind the curtain, at what these women business owners are doing to increase economic impact and create jobs in this region. Both of these women are managing a household and raising a family while they provide jobs for others. They are both ultimate Superwomen in my eyes. VIP: How does your book “Superwoman Smarts” connect to VIPSEEN’s Power Women Focus? AW: This issue of VIPSEEN is focused on sharing powerful women’s stories, and that is what Superwoman Smarts is all about. In my book, I share stories of successful women that I know, to help other women change their story—or inspire them to achieve the success they desire. Strangely enough, I have never been surrounded by girlfriends until now. I didn’t think it was important, and girls were mean. For those women like me who are reading this: you might just find your best friend forever between these pages!
Q&A with Aundrea Y. Wilcox INTERVIEW BY LARK ADAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICKEY BAKER
MARCH 2016 | VIPSEEN | 11
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Brenda
BARNICKI STORY BY LARK ADAMS
CHOCOLATIER AND SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR
F
rom Chemical Engineer and Fortune 500 Vice President to Founder of Bellafina Chocolates, Brenda Barnicki’s career has been anything but ordinary.
poverty, abuse, or neglect. Brenda volunteers her time, as does most of her staff, and 100% of Bellafina Chocolates net proceeds benefit children’s charities.
“People often ask me how I went from running businesses for a major chemical company to starting up an all-volunteer, all-profits-to-charity chocolate company,” said Barnicki. For me, it is summed up in my guiding verse:
In 2012, Bellafina Chocolates was a Kingsport Office of Small Business and Entrepreneurship (KOSBE) Award winner. Bellafina carries a full line of truffles, chocolate bars, and other divine creations for retail sale, corporate gifts, and special events. The icing on the Bellafina Chocolates cake is the fact that every purchase includes a contribution to children’s charities, and some of these contributions fund a “once in a lifetime” trip to Disney World for families of desperately ill children, or basic needs, like a pediatric stroller, not covered by insurance. It is the plight of these families and children in need that inspired Brenda to use Bellafina Chocolates to help ease their burdens just a bit.
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. [2 Corinthians 9:8] Brenda has been abundantly blessed with a wonderful childhood, a supportive family, and a great education [Brenda holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, a Master’s degree in Business, and a certificate from the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program]. In 2010, she combined her passions for leading businesses, making decadent chocolates, and advocating for children. The result was Bellafina Chocolates, a gourmet chocolate company whose purpose is to raise money and awareness to help children suffering from disease,
2012 KOSBE AWARD WIN! (COURTESY DALTON LANE) 12 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2016
As Brenda says, “When one is truly and richly blessed, it seems doubly important to reflect on these blessings, and to consider how we can use these blessings to help those around us. Even a simple gesture like providing Thanksgiving dinner to a poor family or buying a winter coat for a homeless child can make a huge difference in that person’s life. And just imagine if each of us did the little things that we could to help others. What a difference our combined efforts would make!”
5
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1. Bellafina Chocolate’s truffles coming off the production line. 2. Brenda opens the Bellafina Chocolates gift shop weekdays 10am-2pm at 123 Cherokee Street in downtown Kingsport.
4
3. Brenda looks for creative ways to publicize her company. Here, she’s participating in a social media campaign for Harvard Business School program graduates who make a difference in the world. 4. Brenda studied advanced chocolate techniques at the Culinary Institute of America in California before deciding to dedicate herself full-time to growing Bellafina Chocolates.
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5. During her leisure time, Brenda can most often be found hiking with her family in our region’s gorgeous mountains. Gregory bald is one of her favorites.
3
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Vanessa
BENNETT
STORY SUBMITTED
“I interviewed Vanessa for her first job here,” Bodenweiser said. “I have interviewed many people before and since. Seldom have I left a first interview so decided about a hire and their fit within our organization.” Bennett credits her professional growth and development to Burdine and Bodenweiser. “My mentors are Miles Burdine and Elaine Bodenweiser,” Bennett said. “They are my leaders, the first ones to give me a high five when a goal is reached. I have grown in the chamber world because of them. They are very dear to me, personally and professionally.” “Vanessa just might be the hardest working person I’ve ever been around,” Burdine said. “She sets such a positive example for everyone, including me. I’m supposed to be her boss, supposed to lead her, supposed to inspire her. But, instead, she leads and inspires me.” When she graduated from Leadership Kingsport in 2009, Bennett quickly fell in love with this program that develops leaders who hold the community in trust. And it’s that sincere desire to help her adopted hometown of Kingsport that drives her as the program’s leader. Thanks to her tireless efforts and positive attitude, Bennett has re-energized Leadership Kingsport and S.H.O.U.T.!® back to a level of highly respected prominence in the community. Bennett’s joy of working with the community’s next generation of leaders fuels her desire to help her beloved Chamber and inspire others.
W
hen Vanessa Bennett began her career at the Kingsport Chamber in 2007, she was a newcomer to the Chamber industry and its world of non-profit marketing, leadership development, and volunteer recruitment. In her short time at the organization, she has not only quickly risen among the ranks of the organization’s leadership chart but she has successfully developed many of the necessary business skills that make the Kingsport Chamber such a vital and progressive community entity. Bennett’s first official title was marketing coordinator for the Kingsport Chamber’s small business program, KOSBE (Kingsport Office of Small Business Development & Entrepreneurship). Through hard work and creativity, she helped raise the profile of this go-to office of small business expertise. She helped to create and develop the Kingsport Chamber’s Fourth Friday Breakfast, and assisted with the growth of the KOSBE Awards and other small business events and seminars. She was then promoted to serve as the executive assistant to Kingsport Chamber President and CEO Miles Burdine, LK ’96, and Elaine Bodenweiser, LK ’91, the organization’s CFO. She was soon after appointed as the director of operations. In her role as operations director, Bennett works closely with the management team to develop and implement organizational policies and practices. In addition, she coordinates many administrative and building functions, administers Kingsport Chamber Board and Executive Committee meetings, helps facilitate meetings of the Kingsport Industrial Development Board and coordinates façade and redevelopment grants. Because of her leadership abilities in successfully managing the building’s administrative and operational components, Bennett was appointed to serve as the director of Kingsport Leadership, a legacy program of the institution. The program includes Leadership Kingsport and S.H.O.U.T.!® (Students Helping Others Understand Tomorrow) Youth Leadership. 14 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2016
“When we inspire others, a connection is made,” Bennett commented. “This inspiration brings about hope, energy and a path of possibilities. I love to help people. I love to see them achieve their goals. I get to work with so many wonderful people through Leadership Kingsport and S.H.O.U.T.!® and it thrills me to watch them succeed.” “It really has been a pleasure to work with Vanessa on the Leadership Kingsport programs council,” said Jake Harris, LK ’11, Leadership Kingsport council chair and vice president of commercial banking for Citizen’s Bank. “Her leadership really embodies what Leadership Kingsport is all about and I think that resonates within the program and externally. She approaches most every situation with a refreshing high-energy, can-do attitude. The program’s participants hold Vanessa in the highest regard.” And Bennett has equal love for those with whom she works. “The people that I get to be around on a daily basis are why I love my job,” Bennett commented. “The Chamber staff is my second family. I am proud of the things we accomplish as a staff for our city. We laugh together, we have each other’s backs during the bad times and we help spoil all of our children and grandchildren. I truly love coming to work every day.” In addition to her role with the Kingsport Chamber, Vanessa has served as the Kingsport Chamber’s campaign chair for the United Way of Greater Kingsport. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Rotary Club of Kingsport, the Regional Leadership Council and the Tennessee Association of Community Leaders (TACL). She is a graduate of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives Institute and will graduate in June from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organizational Management. “She has such a good heart, too,” Burdine commented. “She is always doing good things for others.”
KINGSPORT CHAMBER STAFF
VANESSA AND DAUGHTER, MAKENZY – HIKING
DANA MCMURRAY, LORA BARNETT, AND VANESSA BENNETT AT THE CHAMBER ANNUAL DINNER
VANESSA AND DAUGHTERS, MAKAYLA AND MAKENZY
“I would have to say that I have never worked with anyone so dedicated and passionate as she,” said Jeff Hostetler, LK ’05, Leadership Kingsport council member and director of sales and marketing for Tele-Optics. “She forces you to look at different ways of doing things – creatively shaking things up. She is always there if someone needs help. Her passion is infectious and you know when she is involved, the job will get done – plain and simple.” So where does this drive to help others come from? Bennett is quick to point out it stems from two very loyal, very loving parents. “My parents are my inspiration,” Bennett said. “They are my pillars of strength. They are my guide and give me the courage to battle obstacles in life with being a working single parent. They always encourage me in every aspect and motivate me even when I do not succeed. My parents have made me understand what life is about and how to find that little ray of happiness in difficult situations. What I am today and what I will become in future involves the support and affection of my parents.” “Vanessa has always been a team player and team leader,” Bodenweiser added. “She has many responsibilities and challenges at work which she tackles head-
Leadership Kingsport is a program designed to develop community leaders or ‘trustees’ who will take an active and leadership role in various community activities.
on, volunteers for her community and most importantly is a fantastic mother. How we face our day is up to each one of us. Vanessa faces hers with optimism and character. She is not afraid of the unknown or the uncertain, in fact, she runs to the fire with a water hose.” While she has enjoyed much success working at the Kingsport Chamber, Bennett’s true joy and loves of her life are her two daughters, Makayla, 20, and Makenzy, 16, and her soon-to-be-born grandson. And she is very happily active in their busy, but fun lives. “While her work is very important to her, her family holds the highest significance in her life,” Harris added. “Vanessa is a very warm, inviting, humble and motivated person whose success based on these attributes is well deserved.” “I’m my happiest when seeing smiles on my girl’s faces,” Bennett said. “Makayla and Makenzy are my world. When I know they are happy, I am happy.” And it’s a happiness Bennett gladly continues to share with others.
Kingsport Leadership programs consist of Leadership Kingsport and S.H.O.U.T.! Youth Leadership. Participants are selected through applications and personal interviews.
Students Helping Others Understand Tomorrow is a youth leadership program for rising sophomores, juniors and seniors from all area high schools and homeschool.
For more information on Leadership Kingsport programs, contact Vanessa Bennett at (423) 392-8813 or VBennett@kingsportchamber.org.
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Shannon K.
CASTILLO STORY SUBMITTED
S
hannon K. Castillo joined Mitch Cox Companies in January of 2014 as Affiliate Broker for Mitch Cox Realtor, but you might say she’s been in real estate for a lot longer.
In 2009, Shannon and her husband Jose started Spark Plaza, the regions first and only coworking space. For the last seven years they have been leasing office space for mobile professionals. “If you can do your job with a laptop and a cell phone, Spark Plaza could be the perfect workspace for you,” Shannon said. Fast forward through her 12 years of award winning sales experience in the pharmaceutical industry and a stint as Director of Redevelopment for Washington County Economic Development Council and we find her absorbed in the world of commercial real estate.
“I absolutely love what I do. Our company’s mission statement is ‘To create opportunities for others to succeed.’ That’s what I get to do every day. Who wouldn’t love to be a part of that?” Whether it’s finding the perfect retail spot for a brand new business in Downtown Johnson City or selling a warehouse to an expanding manufacturing company, both provide opportunities for businesses to expand and succeed. “I am forever grateful to Mitch Cox for giving me the opportunity to work in this field,” Shannon said. Shannon is active in the community as member of Redeemer Community Church, President of the Board of the Blue Plum Organization which produces First Friday events, the Johnson City Christmas Parade and the Blue Plum Festival in Downtown Johnson City, and member of the board for the United Way of Washington County, TN. Shannon was also recognized as a 40 Under Forty recipient by The Business Journal of Tricities, Tennessee/Virginia. Shannon is a native of Ohio and a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Milligan College with Bachelor of Science degree in Business and Communications. She has lived in Johnson City for over 20 years with her husband and two daughters. She loves Downtown Johnson City, cooking spaghetti for 100 people, and renovating her 1890’s era home. Contact her on twitter @thinkshannon. 16 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2016
Shannon loves the world of commercial real estate. She works diligently to not only fit businesses to spaces, but also to fit business owners to landlords.
From Top Left Clockwise: 1. Formerly London’s hardware, Shannon helped broker the deal to bring Trek Bicycle Store to one of downtown Johnson City’s oldest buildings. Trek has many different kinds of bicycles and equipment and is very involved with the local community.; 2. Shannon helped C.S. McCullough’s find their perfect downtown space for their recently opened high-end barber shop.; 3. One of Shannon’s newest
downtown Johnson City projects is the Local Company. Opened in early March, The Local Company specializes in locally produced art, crafts and goods.; 4. Shannon is an animal lover, so when she heard the idea for Downtown Paw Co. she was on board! Recently opened, Downtown Paw Co. is a local pet supply store.
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Shannon
COLBY STORY BY LUCY HONEYCHURCH
B
eing a business owner seemed outside of Shannon Colby’s comfort zone until one day she believed enough in herself to take the step. The veteran teacher and mother of five took on a challenge to have a better life offering more time and financial freedom. A long-time elementary school teacher, with twenty-one years under her belt, Colby had always dreamed of having a job that would allow her do what she loved but was flexible enough to offer more freedom of time and more money. “The children in my classroom were my “babies”, but I would have given anything to stay home with my first baby in 2001. Personal finances just would not allow it. After the birth of my second child, and after going through a divorce, I longed to be present in my children’s lives even more.” This longing to be more involved in her children’s lives was made stronger by the fact that she worked in a different school district than the one her kids attended. “Everything was different. There were different open houses, different PTA meeting times, different field trip days, and different class party days. I was at a different school and my own classes to attend to, so leaving to do those things with my children was impossible.” The different school schedules were excruciating and Colby knew that something had to be done.
“
Seeing others succeed is my passion, and knowing that I had a part in that is priceless.
“
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She pondered going back to college and looked into other professions, but discovered all the part-time, flexible jobs that were available would not give her the benefits or the income she had been used to in her teaching profession. Financially it would be difficult to leave teaching but it became impossible when she remarried and her family grew from two children to five. “I gained three more children when my husband and I married in 2009. We love to travel and live life to the fullest so quitting was not an option.” Little did Shannon Colby know, however, the change and possibility of a better life was coming toward her just over the horizon. “In the summer of 2012 a good friend of mine, Tracie Naegle, introduced me to a company that could give me the flexible hours I had wanted for so long and the chance to earn more money than I ever thought possible.” Being a business owner had always seemed outside her comfort zone, but she suddenly believed enough in herself to take the step. The company, founded by the doctors who created Proactiv Solution, had instant credibility, brand recognition, and was the fastest growing Skincare Company in the country. After hearing success stories about other hard-working women, such as nurses, teachers, attorney’s, and pharmacists who were retiring from their “plan A” job and working their new skincare business around their family’s schedule. Colby knew she had to take the chance and, with a hundred percent support from her husband, started working her knew job in and around the hectic schedule of teaching and
raising a family. The company provided a duplicatable business model, which offered success with a little bit of hard work. Her team provided all the support and training necessary to learn and grow her business and it was this strong support system that kept her going. “I learned right away that I didn’t have to be a salesperson to sell products that work. All I had to do was talk about amazing products that deliver results and an opportunity that could change someone’s life.” Colby was on her way to the flexibility that she has dreamed of for so long. But what was different about this direct sales job as opposed to others that she had seen? In a word: the product. “Everyone, of all ages, has skin and this company has consumable products that deliver results. There is no inventory, no deliveries, and no exchange of money. All orders are placed online and delivered the consumer’s front door.” The rise of social commerce has allowed her to work from home and with very little overhead. In fact, the earnings from her new company helped Shannon Colby to retire from teaching this past year in order to commit more time to her family. Since then, her little side business has blossomed and she is able to use her teaching skills as she teaches people about properly caring for their skin and train her new business partners! “I love the fact that I can challenge and motivate my team members. Seeing others succeed is my passion, and knowing that I had a part in that is priceless.” Using her passion for helping others succeed but just in a different arena has meant leaving behind her classroom “babies” but it has also meant forging a new path for others who long for the flexibility to be at home with their own families and the financial stability that this requires. MARCH 2016 | VIPSEEN | 19
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Heather
COOK H
eather Cook was raised by her grandparents and she wouldn’t have it any other way. It has made her who she is today. They are members of the “greatest generation”, and she would like to think that she reflects the character traits of that generation because they were in her life on a daily basis. She also likes to think that the extra spoiling created her desire to pay it forward and spoil the people she knows! Her papaw has never complained a day in his life. He has neuropathy in his feet, so he can no longer walk in his garden. But, he still tends to his garden; he just crawls. Heather appreciates the delicate balance of admiration and stubbornness in him!
In addition to the impact of her grandparents, and especially the influence of her Papaw, two others have had a special impact on her life. Dr. Nancy Dishner was the director of the Roan Scholar Leadership Program at East Tennessee University, and Heather was in the inaugural class. “The day I met her, which was my initial interview for the Roan Scholar program, I remember thinking that I would like to be her one day. I still believe that, and whenever I’m making a major decision, I seek her keen insight. I consider her a mother to me, and every year I send her a card for Mother’s Day,” she said. Heather’s husband is Lafe Cook, the band director at Dobyns-Bennett. She says she grows as a person each day because he loves her. She is a better speaker, thinker, and competitor because of him. He makes her stronger and perpetuates resilience in their lives. “He has impacted thousands of students, never regretting one day of work. He is never content with greatness, and I’ve benefited from watching his constant desire for excellence.” 20 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2016
STORY SUBMITTED
Like many little girls, Heather grew up wanting to be a teacher. She says she would set up her classroom complete with stuffed animals, a chalkboard and as many teacher editions she could find from the latest book fair. She believes this is the reason she loves leadership development and why she keeps going back to school. Even after her doctorate, she has received two certificates. While some may call her a nerd, she prefers lifelong learner! From teaching stuffed animals as a little girl to dancing in theme parks as a teenager, it’s easy to say performing feeds Heather’s passion. She loves challenges, striving for excellence, and working towards making an impact. She thrives on making people feel special. She can find passion in everything she does, and people say she’s done a lot in a short amount of time. Heather’s best moments usually involve meeting someone who impacts her life. When Heather was the Executive Director of the Foundation at Northeast State, she started the Because of You Campaign in an effort to increase employee giving on campus. In less than three years, they increased giving from 28% to 80%. Many asked her secret, but there wasn’t one. She energized and motivated people who were already very talented and who already loved what they did. Heather just gave them a voice through a different avenue. During this week-long campaign, they shared what’s great about the honors program, the theater program and others, and didn’t worry about state funding and graduation rates. This is where Heather met Northeast State student Beth Ross, the most incredible lady she knows. Long story short, Beth overcame huge obstacles that would cause anyone else to give up…but not her. She
From Top Right To Bottom Right Clockwise: Governor Haslam after announcing Healthier TN Communities; Heather and Daughter, Piper Ann; Wedding Day with Lafe Cook; Vacation with Lafe at Canyon de Chelly; One Kingsport; Heather with her Papaw; Nancy Dishner at Graduation; Beth Ross at NESCC Graduation
is now at Columbia University on a full ride and just got accepted to a PhD program at Harvard. If she still lived here, Heather said she is confident Beth would be on the cover of this issue. Heather is certain that her time at Northeast State was simply so she would have the opportunity to meet her. After leaving Northeast State, Heather landed at Healthy Kingsport as Executive Director. She had the opportunity to speak on behalf of Healthy Kingsport when Governor Bill Haslam announced his Healthier Tennessee Communities in Nashville. Jeff Fleming, Mayor Clark, Charlie Glass, and Roger Mowen were there to represent Kingsport. She was incredibly nervous as she had just had major knee surgery (so much for “healthy”), and this was the first time she had not worn her brace. “There was NO way I was wearing a brace in front of the Governor when he was announcing healthy cities!” As she was standing on stage, waiting for her turn to speak, the announcer introduced her as the CEO of Healthier Tennessee…his job! “Everyone laughed and it was a great ice breaker for me. For some reason, I felt calm. I didn’t use notes. I just talked (to a room full of media) as if it were a room full of my friends.” When she was done, the Governor spoke next and started by saying Heather COULD do the CEO job! A professional highlight! Now, Heather is thrilled to say she works for the City of Kingsport. Her favorite part is that she’s a part of a moment in time where everyone wants to improve the city. It is an honor for Heather to be the director of marketing and public relations; public relations in particular because she loves listening to the people in the community, hearing their stories and even fielding their complaints. As for those complaints, her goal is for individuals to walk away better informed. What she has realized in a very short amount of time is there’s usually a reason why things are done. It is her responsibility not only to share what and how,
but most importantly, WHY. Remember, the steady voice is much more reliable than the loud one. In Heather’s life, she hope to inspire everyone, but especially her daughter, Piper Ann. “She is full of life and wonderment, such a special gift to me.” Heather wants to teach her so many things, and here are a few of the best practices she hopes to pass on to her. Nothing new, but relevant in her mind. Always Keep Learning – It is imperative. Learn from those around you, those who inspire you and definitely from those with whom you disagree. If you are only around like-minded people, you become stagnant. You grow from those who think differently than you. There’s also no age limit from whom you can learn. Challenge yourself to learn from someone younger than you. Travel – Take any chance you get to experience a different culture. From food to history, art to entertainment, make an effort to explore. Talk Face-to-Face – It’s a lost art and something Heather loves about her grandparents. Her most precious memories were never recorded because she was 100% engaged in those moments. These are wonderful memories, not social media posts. Remember Details – People love that. Their face will light up when you remember their dog’s name or their birthday. Give More than You Get – It’s way more satisfying. And there’s no need to tell anyone when you do it, for the ones who matter already know. Exceed Expectations – Those who loved Jeff Byrd live by this mantra. Heather loved him and aspires to always exceed expectations. MARCH 2016 | VIPSEEN | 21
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Prepare for Your
22 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2016
A note from Pam Corrigan, Chief Executive Officer at GAAM
Getting to know you, helping you discover what you want out of life, who you care about and what you want for them, then designing a plan with the best chances of making all that happen is our favorite part of what we do. As your advisors, you’ll need us play a lot of other roles throughout the course of your life. The watchful eyes, the listening ears, the crying shoulders, the congratulatory hands and more during life’s ups and downs. Jobs won, jobs lost, babies born, parents passing on, marriages, divorces and all of life’s transitions. We’re here for you to bring clarity and the kind of advice you need during those times of change.
“Being a woman in wealth management, I know what kind of concerns and ambitions business owners, wives, mothers and daughters have when it comes to their money and their future. It’s a joy to be able to provide guidance to people just like you.“
GAAM brings clarity by… •
Helping you decide what you want out of life.
•
Developing a financial plan to help you get you there.
•
Selecting and personalizing investment strategies.
•
Managing your investments along the way.
•
Keeping you disciplined to the strategy.
•
Being your first call when life happens.
Chief Executive Officer, Pam Corrigan
Live a good life, the life you want.
Get in touch with GAAM today! (423) 247-8840 Six Sheridan Square, Suite #200 | Kingsport, TN 37660 | GAAMWealth.com Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through CWM, LLC a registered investment advisor. LPL Financial is under separate ownership from any other named entity. MARCH 2016 | VIPSEEN | 23
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Tori A
HUMPHREYS
s kids, Tori Humphreys and Audra Light could be found trekking through the neighborhood where they both lived, most likely devising a plan that would result in profit of some sort. Fast forward a few years and you would find them battling opponents on the tennis court, never content with anything but a win. Today, the girls sit across from each other at Starbucks, taking advantage of their young sons’ naptimes and the opportunity to catch up on caffeine, motherhood, and marketing. Both work as Custom Project Managers at Cumberland Marketing, and their shared experiences throughout life make them a dynamic duo in the sales field. It’s no secret that a day in the life of a working mom is constantly changing, but one thing remains constant: the nonstop pace of holding down both a career and a household. Here’s how these women succeed at both…
WHAT ARE YOUR TIPS FOR BALANCING WORK/HOME LIFE? Finding balance is about prioritizing. I’ve learned to be more realistic with my expectations. I spend time doing things that are important to me and less time worrying about what people think. I also time-slot like a boss!
explain the dynamic. Sometimes I call him Chris at work by accident because I just consider him my boss. Working with family isn’t for everyone, but I thrive off of his energy and passion. I probably snap at him more than other employees do, but he needs it. I keep him in line.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL EVENING LOOK LIKE FOR YOU? There is no “typical” evening when you have a 1 year old. It’s touch and go for sure! I invest time into what’s important, which is family, friends, exercise and good food! That keeps me super busy, but I’ll take busy over “typical” any day!
HAS MARKETING ALWAYS BEEN YOUR CAREER CHOICE OR DID YOU EVER CONSIDER ANOTHER PATH? I’ve never considered another career path. My dad started the company before I was born and it’s all I’ve ever known. It’s in my blood. I started off filing papers and catalogs during the summers when I was in middle school and slowly worked into other areas of the business. This has given me a unique perspective because I feel like I know a lot about the inner workings of the company.
HOW DOES BEING A MOM MAKE YOU A BETTER BUSINESSWOMAN? I take my job seriously, but at the end of the day I know life is about more than sales quotes. Being a mom requires me to think less about my needs and more of others’. The lessons I’m learning from being a mom are only helping me be a better working woman.
PHOTO BY TINA WILSON PHOTOGRAPHY
WHAT’S IT LIKE WORKING WITH YOUR DAD EVERY DAY? It’s interesting working with my dad everyday. I’ll never be able to
24 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2016
Audra
LIGHT
HOW DO YOU OVERCOME THE FEARS ASSOCIATED WITH BEING A WORKING MOM? I am an advocate for women and equality, and firmly believe we should have more women in the workplace and in leadership roles. I also feel, however, that each woman must choose the path that is right for her at that particular point in her life. At this point in my life being a working mom is something that I want to do. I feel capable of balancing those roles so it’s not a fear for me.
HOW DOES CUMBERLAND MARKETING HELP IN MAKING THIS POWER MOM LIFE POSSIBLE? The work-life balance at Cumberland Marketing is amazing. It’s a culture that truly embraces the importance of family, while also consistently producing exceptional professional results. I’m honored to be part of such a great team, and consequently enjoy heading to work each day. Yes it is stressful, and trying at times, but it is also rewarding. I feel like I am in the right place for my strengths, and that sense of fulfillment ultimately makes me a better mom and businesswoman.
PHOTO BY ASHLEY MOWRY PHOTOGRAPHY
HOW DOES BEING A BUSINESS WOMAN AND MOM GIVE YOU A UNIQUE EDGE? I get to use my imagination all day long. I’m a proponent for continued education regardless of industry, and luckily for me I can draw inspiration from professional resources AND the make-believe world of my toddler. When you work in the creative industry this combination is priceless. It keeps your mind fresh and constantly evolving.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME? I play with a lot of trucks, trains, and toddler toys. Aside from that, I like to make pretty things - from hand lettering to graphic design projects to event planning.
MARCH 2016 | VIPSEEN | 25
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Sara
DIAMOND STORY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID | PHOTO BY MICKEY BAKER
S
ara Diamond entered college as a biology major, but after taking a public speaking course she discovered she had a knack for talking. She changed her major to communication and found her niche. Her very first job was at a small TV station in San Angelo, Texas. Sara was the weekend anchor/producer and reporter. A start up station in a small office building, there was very little equipment to work with; it was there that she learned how to adjust quickly and make the best of every situation. There are so many people who have influenced Sara’s career such as teachers and coaches and professional mentors. Each have inspired her along the way and had a hand in shaping who she is. Her TV internship was probably the most valuable experience when beginning her career. After a brief introduction to the cameras and editing equipment, Sara was thrown into the deep end and forced to swim. She says it was the best way she could’ve learned. Sara has had the pleasure of working with several strong women who were excellent role models. They were not only talented news anchors; they had class, integrity and led by example. It was those experiences that shaped Sara into the leader she is today. Being a leader has made her more aware of how she acts and reacts in situations. She truly enjoys working with new reporters and anchors because she remembers how much she appreciated the tips and tricks she received from veteran newscasters. Sara wants to do the same and be the same kind of role model for her co-workers. Family members are Sara’s biggest supporters. Her parents, Don and Naomi, have always encouraged her to seek her passion, and be the
26 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2016
best at it. They still log on and watch newscasts from home. Her sister, Amy encourages her to see the best in a negative situation, and always doles out great advice. Sara feels lucky to also have wonderful in-laws and feels proud to be part of the Diamond family. Sara couldn’t do her job, though, without the love and support of her husband who inspires her to be the best person she can be, both personally and professionally. Sara is passionate about her career and she knows she has a responsibility to her viewers. She and her team of expert newscasters advocate for viewers who often times feel powerless and look out for their best interests. When News Channel 11 says “In Your Corner” they truly mean it. Throughout Sara’s career she has been able to meet sports and music legends, but she loves getting to talk to people in this area that have a great story to tell. “My favorite part of the job is being a part of Surprise Squad. We go to random places and give away gift cards to unsuspecting people. I remember visiting a low-income housing building, and offering gift cards to the residents there. Some were in tears, telling me they would not have had enough food to make it through the rest of the month, until we knocked on their door. My hope is that others see us paying it forward, and are inspired to do the same.” One of the most defining moments of her career was being nominated for an Emmy award. Sara conducted a Tweetcast while observing a cardiac stent procedure. She sent tweets to viewers educating them about the procedure and passing along comments from both the doctor and the patient. She says the highlight of the Tweetcast was talking to the patient’s son who lived in Michigan and passing messages between father and son.
Spending time with her husband, Marty, and their two children is Sara’s favorite thing to do. Their son, Jaxon is 12, and their daughter, Madeline is 8. “We are loud, crazy, and always on the go.” Their children are involved in several different activities, and Sara loves watching them do their thing. “It’s exciting as a mom to see how they grow and improve from year-to-year, and learn life lessons through sports and music. I’ve also made some life-long friends through my children.” When Sara is not on mom duty, she is at CrossFit East 10. She calls it her happy place and for many good reasons. Going to the gym is a great stress reliever, the coaches are second to none and she loves that the members encourage each other. She is stronger than she has ever been and her functional fitness has improved.
“Because of CrossFit, I’m able to go outside and play with my children without huffing and puffing and having to take breaks. My kids are only young for a short time. I don’t want to sit on the sidelines and watch them have fun. I want to participate!” Sara Diamond is in the endless pursuit of mastering her craft and she loves to encourage others to do the same! For those wanting to forge their own path in broadcasting, Sara says to start out learning every aspect of how TV production works. She also says keeping up with change is paramount, especially in her field. Listen and learn from the people trying to make you better and let the rest go. Remember everything in life is about others. Encourage and support the people in every aspect of life.
Thank you Sara Diamond for all you do for WJHL and for the Tri-Cities of Tennessee and Virginia. You’re always in our corner!
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Barbara
DIERS B
arbara Diers’ passion for sewing developed out of necessity during her childhood. Lacking the resources to purchase new clothes, she saved her babysitting money to buy fabric and used her mother’s old sewing machine to begin making simple clothes. As her skills increased, she eventually became good enough to sew her own one-of-a-kind party and prom dresses. Since those early childhood days until today she has been sewing for her family and sharing her experience with adults and children as well.
Barbara graduated from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota with a Masters Degree in Technology and Human Resource Development and worked as an Educational Consultant for many years. She continued to develop additional sewing skills and expertise by attending the Ann Hyde Institute of Design, apparel and fitting classes at Colorado State University, numerous classes at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts and classes with Japanese instructors while living in Okinawa, Japan. This training helped her to meld techniques from different disciplines to achieve a more desired and polished design. Barbara’s goal is to expose her clients to high fashion and the finer side of sewing, enhanced by great fabrics, fine trims and hand beadwork to help them appreciate the Couture techniques used in her creations. She wants to stimulate her clients sense of creativity and adventure, combined with hers, to have them go away with that perfect fit and leave them feeling beautiful and special with their one-of-a-kind creation. In today’s sewing literature there is an emphasis on short cuts and time saving procedures. Some are helpful, but many produce results that look as if you were cutting corners to save time and money. Barbara believes it is better to spend more time creating her designs to achieve something very special. Barbara’s education is an on going process. She is constantly learning new skills and Couture techniques to incorporate into her designs to achieve 28 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2016
STORY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID
something unique for her clients as well as keeping up with fashion styles and trends. She recently purchased a 10-thread embroidery machine to include detailed embroidery in some of her designs for greater variety and personalization. Barbara’s number one goal is to make sure every client is satisfied and feels confident and special with the results and fit when they wear their new custom made garment. Barbara loves to travel and learn about cultures that are different from her own. One thing she finds so amazing is that no matter the culture everyone sews out of necessity or passion. One of her most exciting and memorable experience was the time she traveled to Chile on a mission trip to teach quilting to people in small, remote villages. Barbara truly seeks to inspire and educate adults and children to become confident in their own sewing projects. Diers is a Sulky Certified Instructor and a Martha Pullen Certified Instructor. She owned a successful sewing business in Minneapolis, Minnesota designing and constructing high-end wedding gowns and formal wear as well as costumes for show people and dance studios. Since moving to Kingsport she has been working toward getting established and building her client base in the area. She has also developed curriculum and taught various adults and children’s sewing classes at the University of Tennessee and Western Heights in Knoxville, Heavenly Stitches, Hancock Fabrics and the Senior Center in Kingsport. The Kingsport and Johnson City Small Business Development Center (SBDC) have both been extremely helpful with Barbara’s new start up in Kingsport. The Kingsport Chamber of Commerce has also been very helpful. She is grateful to have such fantastic local resources. Her new studio has just been completed and she is ready to welcome new clients. Barbara also loves to volunteer. She is active in the community and is a volunteer with CASA for Kids, Inc. (Court Appointed Special Advocate),
BRIDESMAID DRESSES MADE FOR A WEDDING IN OMAHA NEBRASKA, 1972
MADE FOR AND WORN TO THE 54TH ANNUAL LEATHERNECK BALL, NEW YORK CITY, 2015
WEDDING DRESS MADE BY BARBARA, 1994
FUR COAT, FAUX MINK, MADE BY BARBARA FOR A KNOXVILLE FASHION SHOW, 1993
Kingsport Senior Center and Friends of the NRA. She is also active with the American Sewing Guild, the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals, Quilts of Valor, The Well Armed Woman (TWAW) and the Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program.
BARBARA’S CLOTHES BEING PRESENTED AT A KNOXVILLE FASHION SHOW, 1993
MADE FOR AND WORN TO THE CASA FOR KIDS INC RED SHOE GALA, KINGSPORT 2016
PROM DRESSES MADE FOR BARBARA’S DAUGHTER AND FRIEND, 1980
To discover the Art of Fine Sewing through custom dressmaking and designs, contact Barbara at barbaradiers47@gmail.com or call 423.782.8862.
MISSIONS TRIP TO CHILI TEACHING QUILTING TO WOMEN IN DIFFERENT VILLAGES
A BRIDESMAID DRESS MADE BY BARBARA, 1994
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Shelia
FERGUSON STORY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID
S
helia Ferguson grew up in Dickenson County, Virginia and moved to Abingdon during her childhood. She always knew she wanted to make others feel pretty, so she began taking cosmetology classes and fell in love with the profession. When she graduated, Shelia furthered her education and training to become the best she could be. Over 35 years ago, Shelia founded Hair Benders on Center Street in Kingsport. With the help of her daughter, Hollie Ferguson Taylor, they have grown the business into one of the Top 200 Salons in the country as recognized by Salon Today Magazine. The business is also one of Redken’s Top 50 Salons in the nation and has been featured in several national magazines. Among Shelia’s accomplishments, she was featured on the cover on Salon Today Magazine, has served on the Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology, is a member of the National Interstate Council of Cosmetology, and has received several prestigious awards for her work as a Redken Artist. She also has been a stylist for New York City’s Vogue Magazine “Fashion Night Out”. Shelia said, “This has given me the opportunity to travel all over the country and has opened so many possibilities for me.” Shelia brings in top industry leaders to educate her staff on the latest trends. She states that, “Hair Benders Salon is a team of ambitious stylist’s offering superior quality service customized to fit your lifestyle, face shape, and personal style.” Kingsport has been a true blessing and support to Shelia and Hair Benders throughout the decades. She feels lucky to have worked and lived in such a great community for over 40 years.
Shelia’s love for the industry is reflected in everything she does. She is a great example of what those who are able should be doing, which is pouring into the next generation. 30 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2016
Shelia loves giving back to young people who are following in her footsteps. She hosts students who take field trips to her salon to get a glimpse of what true salon life is like. She loves to tell them about her experiences and show them just how far they can go in life with a lot of ambition and hard work. Shelia has also given the program needed supplies for the basics of cosmetology. Shelia’s love for the industry is reflected in everything she does. She is a great example of what those who are able should be doing, which is pouring into the next generation. Shelia is a true professional and is always available to coach and encourage her staff. Her special insight, organizational skills, in charge attitude, and style make her perfect for creating an upbeat and professional model room and salon. Clients don’t feel they need to travel outside of Kingsport to have a true NYC experience. For a free consultation or to reserve an appointment, call Hair Benders Salon at (423) 378-HAIR. We are available Tuesday thru Saturday from 6 AM to 8 PM or visit www.hairbenderssalon.com. The Salon is also on
Facebook at www.facebook.com\The hair-benders-salon.com “Thank you for being a true leader! You have been and continue to be a huge inspiration to me! Thank you for teaching me and guiding me for the past 6 years. I love you and will be forever grateful for you!”- Danielle Neeley “I am so grateful for the knowledge Shelia has shared with me. She has been an incredible mentor in my career. The love she has for this industry is contagious to all around her. I cannot thank her enough love you Shelia!”- Sabrina Hartgrove “I have been employed by Shelia for 6 years and she has shaped my career and her story is so inspiring. She set her mind to a goal and didn’t stop and still hasn’t. When she does something it’s never less then 100% this shows in her dedication and work ethic. Beautiful, persistent and hard working are three words that stand out when I think about Shelia!” - Wendy Ellis
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Lucy
FLEMING
PHOTOGRAPH BY MICKEY BAKER STORY BY PENNY GOODWHISTLE
L
ucy Fleming remembers a time when girls could be denied a job or promotion or opportunity simply because of her gender. “Title IX was a game changer, as was the 1964 Civil Rights Act (prohibiting discrimination based on sex, race, religion or national origin) for this country: it was exciting to see the environment change in a very short time but this is a change the next generation might not realize the impact of.” Fleming grew up in a home with a father and grandfather who held no gender bias and always reminded her that she could do whatever she put her mind to; advice that she put to good use then and now. “I am enjoying working with Millennials and the generation following them as they enter the workforce. I learn from them and they inspire me and I hope I can help them to avoid a mud hole here and there and support them when they find a mountain to climb.” Support of another person and of the community is a big deal in Lucy Fleming’s life and it is support from the community that she both wants and needs each year in order to make Kingsport’s Fun Fest a success. “Being in a work environment where everyone plays well together, supports and learns from each other, all with a goal of building a better community; means a great deal. I am not talking about just my work family but all my council members, event organizers, city and city school employees and many others.” She may be the Fun Fest director, but the festival is citywide and a reflection of Kingsport. Its success demonstrates how a city filled with such a diverse population can come together each year with a common goal of a great time and make that happen for Kingsport and the Tri-Cities. “I am always happy at the end of the festival knowing all the teams that work on their activities, events and logistics, and so on. All of these people have helped build wonderful memories for the future. I am fortunate to work with, and for, many very smart and talented folks. Each of them has his/her own strengths and insight and I learn a great deal.” Getting such a large festival up and running each year might seem like a tedious task, but Fleming is quick to admit that each year is different and brings with it new surprises and twists. She is tasked with leading a large group of people toward a common ending, but don’t dare call her a leader, “I see myself perhaps more like the backstage manager most of the time: guiding the way. Since I am familiar with so many people who are leaders in the community, I can often see connections that someone else may not. That being said, sometimes it is helpful to be able to speak for or open a door for another person who does not feel they can do it all on their own.” Humility is just one aspect of a leader and of a person who understands that her job is not always to tell others what to do, but to help show them to the place that they will meet with the most success. “When I was in 6th grade I said I wanted to be a nuclear physicist – mostly because it was the era of space age and those were pretty big words – but science and technology have always had my interest.” Lucy Fleming has a strong interest in Fiber Arts and the preservation of Appalachian traditions. She has worked as an early childhood educator schoolteacher, in clothing retail, and trained to be a community volunteer with both the Knoxville and Kingsport Junior Leagues. She credits others in her life with helping her reach
32 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2016
her goals and understands that no one ever gets to where they are headed simply on their own. “As they say, it takes a village, and I have been fortunate to work with and for many inspiring people and their influence has been taken to heart. My husband Joe has always been my cheerleader and biggest supporter. I also have to mention Sister Remy Revor, a fiber artist and nun, who gifted her students with Sister Corita Kent’s “10 Rules for Learning and Life”. I keep a copy of these rules posted in my office.” Helping to build up Kingsport is something that drives Fleming and is the reason that she works as hard as she does at even the smallest of jobs. Her drive is infectious and her involvement in the community is both welcomed and necessary. One of her more recent achievements is a tangible reminder of what can come about from the dedication and hard work of community members. “I think being on the very edge of the Kingsport Carousel project has been impactful. I went to Chattanooga years ago on the trip with Gale Joh, Bonnie MacDonald and many others. It was an educational day and the prospect of actually building a carousel seemed large and daunting.” The group, and Kingsport community at large, was not to be deterred however and the carousel project continued to be worked on. “Seeing how the community embraced the challenge, how so many people used skills they had or learned skills to participate in the
project and developed a new feeling of accomplishment has made me aware that sometimes the very nearly impossible can be done.” The entire project was one that Fleming was grateful to be involved in and one that has let her see what happens when a community puts its best foot forward. “I saw how a project like this could build up and inspire people. They took risks, learned new skills and used their talents to build a legacy they will leave for the future.” Building for the future is something that Lucy Fleming and her husband Joe work toward every day in Kingsport. She uses the power of positive thinking and the idea of community in order to show others what they are capable of doing: even if they don’t see it themselves. The region is special to her and a place that brings comfort and serenity to her, sometimes hectic, life. “I love the Smoky Mountains and the Appalachian mountains - this part of the county has to be the prettiest anywhere – so being in the mountains is a wonderful and peaceful place.” When she is not helping to get another great Fun Fest under way and off the ground, Lucy can be found at home relaxing and cooking, “I like to cook. I don’t do enough of it and I am not real good or fancy cook, but it is a stress reliever!” Lucy Fleming ladies and gentleman: power woman, mom, so-so cook, wife, and community backstage manger extraordinaire.
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
STORY BY LUCY HONEYCHURCH
Dr. Garieann Fish
DR. GARIEANN FISH knew she wanted to become a doctor as a young girl. “When I was little I had problems with my hip that required several surgeries and hospital stays. The doctors told my parents that I might never walk normally, but I walked and then ran. In fact, I am still an active runner today.” Dr. Fish competes in 5K and 10K races and has even completed a half-marathon, but her main passion and joy is taking care of others. “When I was in medical school my mother was diagnosed first with breast and then colon cancer. Her diagnosis was part of what pushed me to become a gastroenterologist because I wanted to fight against this deadly disease.” When asked about some of the obstacles she has faced, she thinks back to medical school. “Being a woman in the medical field meant I had to work harder than many of the men. Medicine is still a male dominated field. Only 32% of the licensed and practicing physicians are women. I have been mistaken for a nurse or secretary and sometimes the patients think the male nurses are the doctors instead of me!” “It has also been a challenge to be a mother and a physician. Both are full time jobs! I had to learn how to juggle all the responsibilities that come along with both!” For Dr. Fish, it has all been worth it and she credits planning well and far in advance for her success. Dr. Fish hopes that her journey will be a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work; sticking with something she loves has meant learning to be independent. “My mother worked hard to provide for me and my sisters while we were growing up. She worked her way up, with just a high school education, into a position of management and showed me how beneficial hard work could be.” Today, through her own hard work and the flourishing practice she helps run, Dr. Fish hopes to inspire other girls and women to achieve whatever dreams they may have, especially in the field of medicine. “There is still a perception 34 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2016
that someone cannot succeed in the world of medicine as a woman and especially as a physician and a mother. This is simply not true. I would tell those girls considering a different career path because of this misperception to never let anyone tell you that you cannot do something.” She hopes to encourage others with her experiences and advice. DR. ERIKA GRIGG has wanted to be a physician ever since she can remember and the medical field is something that has always fascinated her. When asked about the person who most inspires her she is quick to mention her father. “My dad is a huge inspiration to me. My biggest struggle has been finding the right work/life balance and he always told me that I could be both a physician and a mother.” Knowing that she did not have to choose one career over the other
Dr. Erika Grigg
allowed Dr. Grigg to follow her dreams wherever they led and that’s exactly what she did. “I love taking care of and helping those who are ill or in need of care,” and that love of helping others pushed her through years of learning and training.
area of medicine that interests Dr. Narayan a great deal. “I think women seem to be more comfortable discussing their personal health issues with women physicians. I want to help my patients by providing that degree of comfort they seek while addressing their medical needs.”
“Four years of college was followed by four years of medical school and then seven years of post-graduate training. On the last day of my GI Fellowship, when I received my certificate, it finally hit me that I was starting my career: all of the years of training and schooling were done.” This doesn’t mean that Dr. Grigg has stopped learning, far from it, but it did mean that she had reached one pinnacle and was looking for that next peak to climb. With a busy spouse, who is himself a physician, and a toddler at home who looks up to them both, it is clear that Dr. Grigg must have strong convictions and clear goals. “Always treat others as you would want to be treated. I believe in hard work and in not taking anything, or anyone, for granted since this can be so easy to do in today’s busy world.” Her days are filled with taking care of the needs of others and making sure that she provides the best care for her patients, but the years of hard work and study have prepared the dedicated doctor for the job she has wanted since she was a little girl.
Dr. Narayan feels there is always room for personal growth. She feels flexibility and adaptability are the keys to success. “I want so much to give back to the community. I derive great joy and contentment from knowing I can make a difference in another’s life. I hope to touch everyone’s life in a positive way.” Whether it is through helping a patient directly or sharing ideas about patient care through her leadership role, she is looking to make a difference. When asked to sum up how she feels about what she does, her humility is clear, “I see God through my work and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve.” Power can come in various forms and for Dr. Narayan using her influence to encourage others to focus on a healthy mind and healthy body is very rewarding.
DR. RATHI NARAYAN requested a toy doctor’s set from her parents when she was in kindergarten. This childhood fantasy ultimately paved the way for a career in medicine. She became the first female doctor in her family. It was not only the toy play set that motivated her though, Dr. Narayan is quick to credit both of her parents for her success. “My father never hesitated to buy any book that I needed. He used every resource available in order to support my educational goals. My mother used to read to me about successful women and she always encouraged me to pursue my dreams. They gave me firm roots to remain grounded in my principles and they are the wind beneath my wings.” Getting into medical school at seventeen, as a woman, and in a developing country was challenging and one that, Dr. Narayan, admits was something that made her realize she had reached a great milestone. The motto “where there is a will, there is a way” is something she has taken to heart and has used on her long journey through medical school and her move to the United States 24 years ago. Through the course of her career, women’s health as a holistic approach is an
Dr. Rathi Narayan
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Samantha
GRAY
“Grace, Beauty and a Voice that will thrill a room. Samantha Gray is the total package.”
– Whit Hubner, DJ Mando Blues Show
I
f you’re looking for a job in Kingsport, AtWork Personnel can be a very helpful tool. What might surprise many clients and job seekers, however, is what new Branch Manager Samantha Gray does when she’s not assisting clients. She may not be belting out tunes while she’s processing applications, but follow Samantha throughout the evening or to a music festival and you’ll see her passion for performing the blues come to life before your very eyes. Samantha’s unique voice has been described as soulful, sultry and powerful. Also known for her vintage style and hip shaking performances, she really knows how to engage her audience. Melding the influences of Classic R&B, Blues and Rock’n’Roll, she combines all of these influences into her own brand of Blues and Roots music, which can be heard on her 2010 self-released debut album “Bad Girl Now.” Although born and raised in the working class town of, Ypsilanti, in southeast Michigan, Samantha embraced the southern roots of her father and maternal grandparents, who were from Tennessee. She considers her early exposure to many different types of music, particularly country and the sounds of Motown, to be the best of both worlds. Samantha’s parents inspired her, encouraged her, and taught her to think for herself. Her dad started working for himself at a young age. He was, and still, is a positive, driven and self-motivated person who would always encourage her by saying, “If you can’t get in through the door, go through the window.” Her mom taught her to be strong and independent. Not long after graduating high school, Samantha had an opportunity to move to Tennessee. Although she always loved music, Samantha’s early aspirations to become a visual artist led to an art scholarship to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she would spend the next three years. It seemed like things were starting to fall into place, but as an art student Samantha became frustrated with academia and felt that it stifled her creativity. She soon discovered that singing was the one outlet she truly had. It wasn’t long before a friend took her to see the Roots Rock/Alt Country Band, The Bystanders. After the show she was introduced to the band, and one week later they invited her to sing on stage with them. From that moment on, Samantha was hooked and knew that she wanted to perform. After obtaining her Bachelor of Fine Arts, it wasn’t long before she was headed to Nashville to pursue music. Soon after arriving she had her first studio experience, singing backup for the Alt Country Band, The Old Flames.
36 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2016
STORY SUBMITTED | PHOTO BY MICKEY BAKER
Although she tried to start several bands herself, all of her attempts proved unsuccessful. One day a chance meeting with the front man and founder of Swing/Jump Blues band, Jive Deluxe, gave her an opportunity to audition for a spot as a backup singer. She got the gig, but the group soon disbanded. In 2008 Samantha co-founded and fronted The Detroit Specials. The band was short lived, but it was during this time that she was able to cultivate her skills as a songwriter. After her stint with Detroit Specials, Samantha realized that she needed to go solo. Coming home to the Tri-Cities in 2011, Samantha took a job with AtWork Personnel as a Staffing Coordinator while she continued to pursue her music career. Rising through the ranks with AtWork, she
became Kingsport’s new Branch Manager in January of this year. She’ll be glad to help you find a job if that’s what you’re after, but if you’re looking for some great blues, you can find her performing at any number of local venues and festivals. Of all the obstacles Samantha had to overcome in her young life, one of the hardest was stage fright. Using her love of singing and performing as motivation, she forced herself onstage over and over again until she was comfortable. Now, on a stage is one of her favorite places to be. One of her other favorite places is at her desk in AtWork’s Kingsport office, helping clients find great people and helping job seekers find great places to work! Learn more about Samantha at www.samanthagray.net.
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Julie
GUNN STORY BY LUCY HONEYCHURCH
W
hen Julie Gunn took a career analysis test in high school she just knew that the job answer of “florist” could not be right. “As a seventeen year old I knew better than any test what was best for me,” she says with a grin, “so I dove into Chemistry classes with the intention of being a doctor. That led me to nursing and eventually to a career in pediatric critical care with St. Jude’s.” Never one to box herself in, however, Julie has always seen herself as an entrepreneur and endeavors to be as creative as possible with the many projects she has going on. “My parents always encouraged me to leave a place better than I found it and instilled in me a drive to be the best at whatever I did.” Gunn credits her husband’s longtime support for her “crazy ideas” and her faith in God as also being two firm foundational supports that have bolstered her businesses. Kudos also go out to her best friend, Sharon Webster, who is “way more creative and talented than I am and has always been a willing partner.” Leslie May, Gunn’s previous business partner, is also someone she readily admits is an important aspect of her success because, “she dared to dream with me and all while keeping me grounded.” Creativity is something that drives Julie Gunn and she is the type of person who is happier with a bigger challenge than a small one. Her desire to learn is something that feeds her creativity as well, to the point that Gunn admits she has little time to pursue all of the ideas that float around in her head. “My “Bucket List” is so long that I’ll need to live more than one lifetime to mark everything off!” Collaboration is also something important to her and a task that she admits is integral in being successful at anything that anyone does. “So much research goes into our “next best thing” and we are consistently brainstorming about ways to make our customers happy. The support that my team gives me to work completely outside of the box is invaluable and much appreciated.” Julie admits that she has trouble staying on task sometimes and that those who work with her work almost as much on helping her stay focused as they do on the business, but it is a collaboration that has proved successful for all involved. “We are entering e-commerce by implementing the “Style Subscription Series”. The series will allow customers to receive a box delivered to their home monthly that will contain unique items selected just for them. Typically, subscription boxes contain samples, but our boxes will contain items from the store and items that we have made and customers can purchase the boxes for themselves or give them as a gift.”
“
There will be four types of boxes: life log by Style, monograms by Style, paper by Style, and scholar by Style. All of the boxes will include a small sweet item baked by the chefs at Fermented. Style Boutique Downtown will unveil the sample box for Life Log on March 4th and will take orders for the box until April 15th. The boxes will be mailed on May 3rd, just in time to arrive for Mother’s Day. “Style will celebrate its seventh year this spring, but the retail environment is changing so much that I feel like we have to come up with new strategies to remain successful.” Staying ahead of the curve is nothing new for Julie Gunn and is something, in fact, that comes so easily for her that she has to be careful not to “overshoot” others. Staying on a direct path is not for everyone, but when she feels like meandering off the path and into a different direction there is always someone around to pull her back.
Julie is an amazing entrepreneur. Creative. Determined. Exceptional work ethic. She is passionate about downtown and has made a significant impact in Kingsport.
“
MILES BURDINE (KINGSPORT CHAMBER PRESIDENT & CEO) 38 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2016
At Fermented, we are rolling out a new dinner menu that will include entrée selections that will be picked by our regulars at a menu tasting on March 21st. We will be offering Sunday Brunch once a month with an expanded brunch menu. We have many events planned - anniversary/ customer appreciation week (March 22-26), an event to celebrate the opening of the courtyard in April, cooking classes, supper club, wine dinners, bourbon dinners, and beer pairing dinners, to name a few. We have applied for a beer license, so we hope to have regular beer, i.e., non-high-gravity beer, for our customers beginning in early April. “I see myself as a member of a collaborative team. I guess by being the owner, I am automatically the leader, but I really need and value the input of my team. I believe wholeheartedly in servant leadership, again following the teachings of the Bible and how Christ led. With all the dreaming and focus on the next thing, sometimes it’s hard for me to stay focused on the every day so I need people to help remind me of the importance of the core.” The core of her business, for now, is staying ahead of the competition and keeping her customers happy; something that she does with both Style and Fermented. Julie finds strength in
AT THE SUPER BOWL WITH HUSBAND JOE AND SON CONNER
JULIE WITH FERMENTED CHEF KIM MARTIN
her faith in God and in the help and support of others and she uses this strength to help inspire others. “I would like to offer hope to those who like to dream but are afraid to try for those dreams. If you have tried something that didn’t work, try again! Every time we tried something and it didn’t work, we learned so many things that helped us to eventually be successful.” Success doesn’t always come easily or right away, but powerful women know that if they can stay on the path towards their goal: success will come eventually and be ever so sweet when it does.
JULIE AND STYLE BOUTIQUE MANAGER LYNDSEY BRUNDRIT
“Maya Angelou once said, ‘My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.’ What a perfect description of Julie Gunn. Julie’s tireless work with area nonprofits has helped improve the lives of many in our community, and her entrepreneur spirit has been an important part of the revitalization of downtown Kingsport. Julie inspires me, and I am blessed to call her my friend.” - JANE HENRY, BLUE RIDGE PROPERTIES “ Julie Gunn is such a strong business woman and is involved in so many aspects of our community. Her savvy business sense has been a huge asset to Downtown Kingsport and we love the diversity she has brought with Style and Fermented.” - SHERRI MOSLEY ( DKA PRESIDENT)
“Julie is a determined force with a creative energy that is able to make things happen when it clearly had not been a possibility before.” - EMILIE PARK (JUNIOR LEAGUE-KINGSPORT) 125 BROAD STREET KINGSPORT (423) 343-9424 stirfrygroup.com
KINGSPORT PAINT & WALLPAPER CO. 500 E CENTER ST | KINGSPORT (423) 245-6108 www.benjaminmoore.com MARCH 2016 | VIPSEEN | 39
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Leigh Anne W.
HOOVER A
s a young girl growing up in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Leigh Anne Whitlock Hoover found her passion for writing through a neighborhood newspaper. Along with a friend, the two scoured the neighborhood for news, typed stories on a manual typewriter, and created a publication that was sold door-to-door in the neighborhood.
Years later, she would work as a news intern with WSPA-TV in Spartanburg. Learning even more about the media, the experience would eventually lead Hoover to WKPT-TV in Kingsport, where she worked for many years in television advertising sales and was also onair with telethons at the station. Although Hoover admits her parents had hoped she would apply to the University of Georgia and enter the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communications, her desire was to go to Clemson. Her rationale was she could always transfer. Hoover quickly realized a Clemson Tiger rarely becomes a Georgia Bulldog. Plus, she met Kingsport native and future husband, Brad Hoover, during her sophomore year and was not leaving. The pair actually met in Clemson University Student Government, where both were serving as elected representatives in Student Senate. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in secondary education/English and a minor in general communications, Hoover has worked for over 30 years in the media. She has extensive writing and public relations experience in the region and has published articles encompassing personality and home profiles, arts and entertainment reviews, medical topics, and weekend escape pieces. 40 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2016
STORY SUBMITTED
Notable features include one-on-one interviews with actress Andie MacDowell, artists Bob Timberlake and P. Buckley Moss, New York Times bestselling authors Jan Karon and Mary Alice Monroe, Grammywinner, singer/songwriter Kenny Loggins and the 14th president of Clemson University, and Kingsport native, James F. Barker. Since 2010, Hoover has also written a monthly, off call column for East Tennessee Medical News entitled “Enjoying East Tennessee.” After riding the Santa Train in the media car, Hoover’s account was published in US Airways Magazine. Many learned about the Santa Train,
but the short article only contained the facts, and she knew her adventure would lead to much more.
Books allow Hoover to share her passion for literacy, and a portion of the proceeds from the sale of her books always benefits the Literacy Council of Kingsport, Inc.
Getting off the train and interviewing those who were gathered led to stories. Hoover was amazed to hear the overpowering pride in the tradition of the train and to experience the cooperative effort of so many involved volunteers. With that concept, she created a fictitious family and incorporated those shared stories into the well-known children’s book The Santa Train Tradition.
“At the Literacy Council of Kingsport, we utilize the Laubach Method to Reading,” said Hoover. “This was developed by the late Dr. Frank Laubach when he was serving as a missionary in the Philippines, and this is where he coined the phrase ‘Each one Teach one.’”
Like the Santa Train, Hoover also wanted the book to give back and approached sponsor Food City about carrying the book in stores along the 110 mile route. In the corporate meeting, she also requested a donation be given to the Santa Train Scholarship, which is awarded annually to a graduating senior along the train route through the Kingsport Chamber Foundation.
For Better or Worse…Unless Annulment Comes First , Hoover’s second, adult Christian book, utilizes a true family experience.
“I never imagined Food City would donate 100 percent of the proceeds,” said Hoover. “To date, over $10,000 from the sale of the hardback children’s book has been donated by Food City, and this certainly exemplifies the true spirit of giving in this region!” Hoover is also the author of award-winning Festus and His Fun Fest Favorites, which takes readers through the nine-day festival of Fun Fest as seen from the eyes of mascot, Festus. It’s a virtual postcard of Kingsport and has won both regional and international Pinnacle Awards. Additionally, she is the author of two, adult Christian books and believes writing is a gift and a way to honor God. “Each of us has been given a different gift,” explained Hoover. “My prayer is to use writing to God’s glory and to share His love so that others might also know Him through my books.” As an invited speaker and presenter, Hoover’s books have enabled her to share her testimony with others. Reading with Ralph –A Journey in Christian Compassion is a book about her adult literacy student, Ralph, and many have come to know him and the ministry they share. “Without a doubt, I believe Ralph was placed in my path through the work of the Holy Spirit,” said Hoover.”Nearly nine years ago, I would have never imagined the bond of friendship that has developed with this man or that reading would play such a vital part in placing me in a position of ministry. However, isn’t that exactly how the Holy Spirit works in our lives?”
“As Christians, we are not promised lives without adversities. In fact, I believe God uses these in our life journeys to mold us into His image,” said Hoover. “When we accept Christ and ask Him to come into our lives, we are being molded to be more like Jesus. He has crafted every experience, including our joys and sorrows, and each will ultimately be used to His glory.” Hoover serves as president of the Friends of Allandale board of directors and is a member of the Kingsport Delphian Club. She is also a past president of the Literacy Council of Kingsport, Inc., Junior League of Kingsport and past co-chair of the Clemson University Parents’ Development Board. Hoover is a member of First Broad Street United Methodist Church, and she volunteers as an adult reading tutor. She and her husband, Brad, reside in Kingsport, and they have two adult children, Jennifer and Bradley, who are also both Clemson graduates, and a black Lab named Fuskie. She is currently working on a debut novel set on a remote, bridgeless island Hoover refers to as Spartina. In the Lowcountry of South Carolina, characters discover much about themselves and their life journeys. Although fiction, the book parallels a real life concept interwoven through blood, medicine, the horseshoe crab, and Jesus. “This book is requiring a lot of research,” said Hoover. “The working title is ‘Blue Blood.’ Once finished, it will reveal an amazing faith connection, and readers will also enjoy escaping to another beautiful, unspoiled part of our country.”
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VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Vicky
HUTSON
STORY BY GEORGE EMERSON
A
s a teenager, Vicky Hutson used to rush home from school every afternoon in order to catch her favorite television show. Emergency! enthralled the young girl and she longed to follow in the footsteps of her favorite TV characters. “I must admit, watching Johnny Gage and Roy DeSoto in Emergency! as a child certainly painted an exciting picture that I just couldn’t seem to get beyond. That’s the entire reason I went into the healthcare field. I wanted all that excitement that I watched every afternoon on TV.” Hutson admits that she has been lucky enough to follow her dreams of going into the medical profession. She has been a nurse for 27 years; a flight nurse for sixteen of those years, and now a nurse practitioner. She thoroughly enjoys being able to help those in need and at his/her most vulnerable. “My passion is emergency, cardiac and critical care medicine, and now I’ve been given this great opportunity in family medicine. I feel like I am at my best when others need me the most. Being a nurse practitioner is not what I do; it’s what I am. It’s not a job, but an adventure and one that, other than raising my children, is the most challenging and most rewarding job I’ve ever done. It is truly an honor to take care of these patients who entrust their lives to me.”
“I want to inspire my children to find the career they love and will enjoy doing for the next forty-plus years. I also want to inspire women, young and old. Today’s society has tried to create competition and animosity amongst us, and rather than tearing one another down, we should be empowering each another to be successful, independent, and powerful women.” 42 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2016
One of the best things about what she does for a living is the fact that she gets to teach about the body and medicine in a way that helps patients understand what is going on around them. “When a patient does not understand what is going on or what a specific diagnoses entails, I try to break it down to basics and help them understand. It can be very intimidating when they go to a healthcare provider and a doctor or nurse uses a lot of big words the patient can’t even spell much less understand. It only leaves the patient frustrated, overwhelmed, feeling even more confused and scared than when they came in.” Hutson is quick to point out that she sees herself as a partner in the care of her patient; there to help them navigate a sometimes frightening path. “My motto is ‘People will forget what you say and they will forget what you do, but they will never forget how you made them feel’”. She has tried, over the years, to use what she has learned on her own journey in life as a tool to help others pass whatever obstacles they may be facing. Helping others face their medical challenges is not a job for the faint of heart, but it is also not a job for those who choose to remain stuck in the past. Medicine is a field that is constantly changing and anyone who wants to stay up to date must remain current with his/her education. “Medicine is a life long learning process. There are constant improvements in how procedures are done, pharmacology
updates, medical standards that are updated, and new benchmarks to aspire to. I want to be the best medical provider I can be, so I will continue to improve upon my knowledge and abilities.” Hutson saw early on in her career how having knowledge at one’s ready disposal, in the brain, sometimes meant the difference between a good outcome and a bad one. “I was mesmerized and in awe of how the senior staff around me handled themselves under the greatest of duress. They just seemed to pull any needed information from their memory. They reacted with such confidence and I wanted to be just like them. A great leader knows when to step up and take charge, or when to step back and allow someone else to shine.” Leading is a craft that Hutson has honed over the years and is something that she hopes to pass on to others both in and out of the medical profession. “I want to inspire my children to find the career they love and will enjoy doing for the next forty-plus years. I also want to inspire women, young and old. Today’s society has tried to create competition and animosity amongst us, and rather than tearing one another down, we should be empowering each another to be successful, independent, and powerful women.” Success is something that has not come easy
for Vicky Hutson, but it is something that she has worked tirelessly to achieve over her distinguished career. She remembers the day she went to take her national certification test like it was yesterday. The exam is extremely difficult and many do not pass it on the first try. After hours spent on the test, Hutson was both physically and emotionally drained, she awaited the results anxiously. “When I finished and walked out the door to the receptionist, he was rather cold and uninterested in me. My heart was about to beat out of my chest, I was pale and clammy, my mouth was dry and I was holding back tears. I could not focus on anything other than this man’s face; I was looking for any clue to tell me whether or not I had passed.” What seemed like forever only took a few minutes and it was not long before an ecstatic Vicky Hutson was jumping up and down, and crying tears of joy. She had passed the test on her first try. Power is something often personified by a man, but Hutson has found power in overcoming the stereotypical glass ceiling that most women face. She finds power in such things as holding a patient’s hand and crying with them, laughing with them, celebrating with them, and praying with them every step of the way. Because in the moments when many of us are most vulnerable it is the power of love that we seek much more than anything else.
Dr. Shannon Finch is very honored to have Vicky as part of the team at Finch Medical Care.
FINCH FAMILY
MEDICAL CARE 1318 EUCLID AVENUE SUITE 2-3 | BRISTOL, VA 24201 | 276-466-0744
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Sherri
JESSEE S
STORY AND PHOTOGRAAPHY SUBMITTED
herri Jessee has a unique approach to beauty. With more than decades experience traveling the world as a platform artist, has amazing talent in hair, makeup, fashion editorial, runway, film television work. Known for her passion and work ethic, there’s not a you can give Sherri that she can’t handle with elegance.
two she and task
Most recent endeavors include lead hair and makeup for Orthophonic Joy, the Movie and a national TV commercial featuring Jeff Gordon with plan A Films. Accolades include “2013 NAHA Editorial Stylist of the Year,” “2014 NAHA Editorial Finalist,” a “Living Legend in the Hair World,” a “Woman of Style,” “One to Watch,” recipient of the “Createur De Mode” Award, and she is the Pravana Global Creative Advisor. Combined knowledge gleaned through a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Emory & Henry and extensive field-work make her a well-recognized guru for all things beauty and fashion. She is well known as an industry expert, with hair and makeup work featured in advertising campaigns and hundreds of acclaimed print publications including Sophisticate’s Hairstyleguide, US Weekly, Cosmopolitan and Ok! Magazine. Sherri is a member of the prestigious Intercoiffure Artistic Team and is the preferred stylist for MISS VIRGINIA USA. When Sherri isn’t jet setting to Cuba, India, or Australia, she can be found in her busy salon in Bristol, Virginia. Her most recent innovation, Elegant Organized BeautyTM is a unique system of beauty tools acclaimed by beauty editors world wide which are available on her website: sherrijessee.com.
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Sherri and her team, Laken Fontaine, Rebecca Reeves, Hannah Bibee, Shamail McKenzie work on location at Acuff Chapel with Grammy Award winners Jim Lauderdale and Carl Jackson.
Sherri in action on set for Orothophonic Joy Movie with cast members Riley Davenport, Joshua Leonard, Andy Reynolds, Austin Janey, Frank Bronson, Justin Fedor, and Megan McCormick.
Behind the scenes pics with Megan McCormick, Chad Whitson, and Olivia Fleemon, The Johnson City Symphony, Derek Smith Peters, Annie Robinette, Vickie Austin, Alli Boling, Grace Blake King, Taylor Hicks, Ashley Davis, Grace Ellen Truelsen, Julie Williams, Kalia Yeagle and Rachel Johnson Boyd.
On set for #24 TV commercial with Plan A Films crew, NASCAR Drivers Jeff Gordon and Chase Elliot, Sundance Award Winning Director Chusy Haney-Jardine, and actors Heather Place, Jessica Yoshimura, Pierce Russel Pope and Gregory Van Dam. MARCH 2016 | VIPSEEN | 45
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Terry
KAZMIER T
erry Kazmier landed in the Tri Cities about 19 years ago to start working in the telecommunications industry. She decided to continue her education at Milligan College shortly thereafter, as she wished to do more and have a greater impact. Shortly after graduation, Terry secured a more lucrative career in the pharmaceutical sales industry and also got involved in real estate. Terry and her husband Jan, an allergist-immunologist of Kingsport and Johnson City, have been married for 14 years, and have together an 11-year-old son, Lucas. “Marriage is an act of love every day,” says Terry. “And, Jan has always been incredibly supportive of me and my professional goals.” She said that support was needed several years ago, when Terry expanded her Kingsport-based business, Sugar Mama Waxing & Beauty Studio, to Asheville, North Carolina. She started Sugar Mama in 2007 and felt the time was right to grow. Unfortunately, she ended up closing the Asheville location after only a couple of years, because the lease was simply too expensive for the business to be profitable. Getting out of that lease was far more difficult than she anticipated and, admittedly, it created a lot of stress on the home front. She learned an important lesson in business. Now, she reads legal documents thoroughly, and she has developed a knack for negotiation, based on realworld experience. She said, “I view every mistake I’ve made in business as a teachable moment, and it gets me that much closer to success. When I started my business, I had no idea what I would be in for, but I was willing to take the risk and start something on my own. My marriage is a partnership, and I am an equal contributor—well most of the time.” And then Terry laughed out loud. Terry says that her greatest strength is that she is willing to seek out help whenever she has needed it. However it appears that other women are sometimes the least helpful. She said, “If more women supported each other, the world would be much better. Instead, too many women get wrapped up in what’s going on at the sidelines and looking for approval. When will we stop seeing other women as competition and realize that there is more than ‘enough’ for everyone?” It was nine years ago when Terry sat down with her friend Aundrea Wilcox, Executive Director of the Kingsport Office of Small Business Development
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STORY BY LARK ADAMS
and Entrepreneurship (KOSBE), to discuss her idea of opening a business specializing in full body waxing, spray tanning, facials, and makeup application. She was advised to write a short business plan and develop a realistic vision. Terry went back to see her friend two days later with both assignments in hand. She knew after several private one-on-one sessions with Aundrea that her plan was going to be successful. She has stayed in contact with KOSBE over the years and perfected her business model. KOSBE helped Terry find a space, identify accountants, vendors, and even helped her with marketing strategies and staffing needs from local beauty schools. Now, she and her business partner, Chenoa Pruitt, have plans to open another Sugar Mama location in Johnson City. In addition, they are separating the boutique items in Sugar Mama and creating a new space next door. Sweet LuLu Boutique will carry
clothing and accessories with a unique flair. In this venture, Shelby Gibson will be a partner/manager of this Kingsport boutique opening in May. When Terry is not working in her business or taking care of home, she is involved with several charities that are close to her heart including, but not limited to, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, CASA, Morrison School in Bristol, Virginia, and Mountain Mission School. Terry makes it her mission to pour into other women’s lives, giving support and praise frequently and freely. This is especially true in her business, which is female-led and a supportive growth-oriented environment. Terry wants her business to be a success, but more importantly, she wants her team members to grow personally and professionally. She believes that their dreams are just as important to her as her own.
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Maggie
KENDRICK
M
aggie Kendrick was first introduced to Barberitos when taking her family out for dinner one night in Johnson City. “I was just enamored by what they did. I wanted to bring that sense of community and family to Kingsport so I opened my own franchise in 2012.” According to Downing Barber, the founder of Barberitos Southwestern Grille & Cantina, “Maggie exemplifies the passion that Barberitos was founded upon, and we are lucky to have her on the team. The experience and quality of our brand are better as a result of Maggie’s dignified leadership and selfless service.” The accolades and praise that Kendrick has received over the past few years are a result of her hard work every day and the leadership that she provides so that others around her want to work hard too. Kendrick is quick to make her employees feel at home. They are a valued part of her team and she works tirelessly to help them in any way she can so they can learn valuable skills for work and beyond. “I want to exude a kind of motherly love to my employees, ensuring they never question their worth or importance. I try to create an environment where they feel comfortable voicing their opinions and they feel sure that they have purpose,” said Kendrick. “I invest in them, because I hope that they take what they have learned and pay it forward.”
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STORY BY LUCY HONEYCHURCH
More than helping her own employees, though, Maggie works hard to make Barberitos a staple in the community. “Paying it forward is like seeing a ripple,” said Kendrick. “I hope that our little ways of serving our customers and community creates a wave. I want everyone who interacts with our store to know that they are loved, valuable and worth our attention.” Kendrick started her career in healthcare administration, but she missed the interaction she got with others while working in the restaurant business. It was this interaction and drive to help others that eventually led her back into the service industry. By using Barberitos’ Bigger than A Burrito initiative as a platform, the Kingsport Barberitos donates a portion of its total sales through spirit nights, sponsors five local sports teams, two racing series as well as the Racks by the Tracks festival. Kendrick’s typical day starts early and usually runs late into the night, but it is well worth the hard work in order to see how much happiness and joy a little burrito joint in Kingsport can bring to so many lives. The power of her hard work and dedication has most certainly started a ripple that quickly turned into a tide of goodwill and positivity in Kingsport.
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Kathy
KENNEDY STORY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID
K
athy Kennedy worked her adult life as retail executive, traveling weekly and living out of suitcases. By the time she was ready to retire, she realized just how much she loved to travel. So she wanted to find a way to continue to travel, stay involved with people and make a little extra income. In 2008 Kathy purchased Cruise Planners and began her own business. With the recession in full force, business was slow for her, but in hindsight, she says that was the perfect opportunity for her to train herself and really get her business started the correct way. Cruise Planners, an independently owned and operated home-based franchise, is part of the American Express Travel Representative network and the nation’s largest home-based travel agent franchise company in the travel industry. Cruise Planners’ travel professionals independently book amazing vacation and travel experiences for their clients around the world. Kathy specializes in individual and group travel and loves her clients. Fast-forward to eight years later and Kathy Kennedy has been named to Cruise Planners’ 2016 Millionaires Club for the second year in a row. The Millionaires Club is an elite group of top producing travel professionals. Kathy has earned the honor to be a part of the club for the second year in a row, which proves she is an outstanding travel agent and shows her passion for her business. “Kathy Kennedy is an expert at booking travel, offers personalized and professional service to their clients and is a true travel professional,” said Michelle Fee, CEO and co-founder of Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative. The biggest thrill for Kathy is taking someone who has never traveled on a trip then hearing that person say how much fun they had and how they are so glad they decided to go. She loves to help people experience a life they never thought could be possible. She found her niche in helping groups travel the world. Kathy especially loves to work with seniors. In her experience, Kathy found that there are many seniors who would love to travel but don’t feel comfortable or can’t go alone. So she assembles groups and says most of her seniors are more excited and in better shape than her. She loves giving people opportunities and experiences that they may not otherwise have. Booking a vacation using a travel agent has surged during the past few years and today more travelers are booking vacations using a travel agent. With Kathy and Cruise Planers, it is easy to see
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PHOTOGRAPH BY MICKEY BAKER
why. Kathy is a free agent so she does not charge her clients anything. A booking by Kathy is completely free. She makes her living from the commission the cruise lines give. If a person doesn’t use a travel agent, the cruise line just keeps the commission. It is no surprise then that travel agents will go to bat for their clients, making sure they get exactly what they pay for.
Kathy also loves to incorporate unique leisures for her clients. She partners with local businesses, such as Coach and Cruise by Charles Maxwell, who drive clients to the ship’s dock. Kathy also has a travel club that offers special features to her 200 members.
Kathy knows exactly what she is doing and can many times get a better place for a better price than a normal person could. She can also do things like continue to recheck bookings for upgrades, something a normal person may not think of or have the time to do. Kathy truly loves her clients and wants every trip they book with her to be the best possible experience no matter if it’s a land or sea vacation for a big group or for a couple.
One of Kathy’s major accomplishments so far was being selected to attend the Global Travel Marketplace. Put together by Travel Weekly, GTM is an elite invitation only event that connects the most influential travel advisors in North America with global travel suppliers in powerhouse face-to-face meetings and exclusive boardroom sessions. Kathy attended in 2015, meeting and having interviews with over a hundred suppliers. She was since invited back in 2016 as an ambassador. GTM allows Kathy to have relationships with world top vendors and bring suppliers to the Tri-Cities.
Group travel may be her niche, but Kathy is also wonderful with couple and family traveling. She can easily find any destination and enjoys the hunt of doing so. Kathy may be a Cruise planner, but she also books land trips as well. She has taken many groups all over Europe.
“Now is the best time to book your next vacation,” Kennedy said. “As a Cruise Planners travel advisor, I am able to help my clients through customizable vacation experiences at no extra cost to them. I love what I do and do what I love.”
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Sheri Leonard
MCRAE,
STORY BY GEORGE EMERSON
DNPc, MSN, RN, NEA-BC
p SHERI’S TWO SONS, ALEK AND IAN, AND ALEK’S FRIEND, CAMDEN, WHO LIVES WITH THE MCRAES.
rom an early age Sheri McRae’s parents and grandparents told her F that she could be anything she wanted. She took this advice to heart, but it wasn’t until a near-disaster that she really had a vision for her
future come into focus. “When I was 20, my father was critically injured. Spending time with him in the hospital and watching the nurses care for him, made me realize that I wanted to pursue a career in nursing.” Convinced that God had placed her on a path to help others, McRae started pursuing that dream so that she could one day assist others the way that she and her family had been helped. One of her first jobs was in a cardiology office where she worked for Dr. Ron McGowan. “He helped me realize my potential. I have tried to pass that along to others in order to help them realize that they, too, can do more than they ever thought possible. His encouragement, coupled with the experience of my father’s injury, led me to enroll in nursing school.” “I obtained my associate degree in nursing, and almost immediately after completing it realized that I wanted to pursue my bachelor’s degree.” After completing several years of bedside nursing, she was working as a clinical education director in a hospital and realized that she was in a position to set an example for others and to encourage them to further their own education. “At that point, I realized that there was even more to learn about the nursing profession, so I enrolled in the master’s program at ETSU. I asked a friend and colleague to join me, and that was the beginning of my path toward encouraging others to go back to school.” To say that Sheri loves learning would be an understatement because it is something she not only enjoys, but also feels incomplete without. Her sister tells her that she has her dream job as a professor, because she gets to be involved in learning all of the time. Her desire to learn and to use the knowledge she gains is something that she sees as working in synchrony in order to help others. “I hope to inspire anyone who is thinking about going back to school. I always say that you can think about going to school, or you can enroll and be done in the time that you are procrastinating.”
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Her biggest leap thus far…enrolling in the doctor of nursing practice program at King University. “Thank you Dr. Mark Overbay and Dr. Rhonda Morgan! They gave me the push I needed and have provided neverending support along the way. We all need to be encouraged, mentored, and pushed from time to time,” she says, and it is this gentle pushing that she continues to do for others. In fact, one of the greatest joys she experiences in her current position as assistant professor and program coordinator of the Bachelor of Healthcare Administration program at King University is watching her students transform into the persons they aspire to be: an event that occurs quite frequently as Sheri mentors to her students. This transformation, according to McRae, is able to occur because of a power that each of us already possesses. “How someone interacts with others determines whether a positive or negative change takes place. That is the power we all need to realize we have…the ability to change others; sometimes through the simplest of acts.” Changing others in a positive way is something that McRae works at every day, and a task that she believes helps fulfill God’s purpose for her. “Every person we encounter, every moment that we live, and every experience that we have changes us…in one way or another. One of those moments was when I met my husband, Ray. He has helped me gain confidence in all that I do, and is my biggest cheerleader now that I am working on my DNP. He could complain about all of the family responsibilities that my schooling takes me away from, but he doesn’t; instead, he tells me every day how proud he is of me.” Sheri gives much credit to her huge support network, which includes her family, friends, and professional colleagues. “I certainly could not do everything that I do if it were not for many others who are part of my crazy-busy life and who support all that I get myself into.” It is clear that she has achieved many of her goals and will lead others to do the same. It is often said that power is something that is wielded only for the personal growth of the individual, but Sheri McRae is proving that old adage to be wrong. She wields her power to lift others up by setting an example that others want to follow and by living a life that others desire to emulate.
STRAWBRIDGE. THIS IS ONE OF THE THREE COMMUNITY BOARDS SHE IS A MEMBER OF.
SHERI WITH HER HUSBAND RAY IN NEGRIL, JAMAICA, 2014
p “Sheri is the kind of person whose humble nature, and tenacity
with life, inspires you. She has such a vigor and passion for teaching, and inspiring others. She is an excellent mentor, and friend, who loves nothing more than a good obstacle to conquer or process to improve. She is gifted at showing others the greatness within themselves they may be unable to see. Simply put, I admire her a great deal, and I am so blessed to have met her.” –James “Trey” Cecil III King BSHA Graduate, 2015
“In her current position as program coordinator of King University’s Healthcare Administration program, she brings extensive experience and expertise into the classroom. Sheri’s commitment to professional excellence is exemplified in her current pursuit of a doctoral degree in Nursing Practice. Sheri is passionate about her student’s success. She has an uncanny ability to realize the potential in her students, often long before they recognize it in themselves. To unlock this potential, she mentors, motivates, supports and challenges while maintaining a warm, accessible, enthusiastic, collaborative and caring classroom environment. It is clear to me that Sheri has found her calling and her students and our communities are better as a result.” – Mark Overbay, M.D. Dean, School of Behavioral and Health Sciences p
p SHERI WORKING WITH STAFF OF ABUSE ALTERNATIVES, DONNA MIX AND BEKAH
p“Sheri is devoted to empowering others by advancing their ability
to ask questions, be curious and expand their knowledge base. In doing so, by giving power to others, her own power coffers are made more abundant.” – Rhonda Morgan, DNP, MSN, RN, CCSN, APN; Associate Dean of Graduate Studies School of Nursing; King University
MARCH 2016 | VIPSEEN | 53
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
M
Evelyn
MINTON
y Mother is a nurse and has been all of my life. Our whole family would always call and ask medical advice from my Mom. I feel like she invented “Ask A Nurse!” She worked in many different hospital settings at Holston Valley Hospital throughout her career. She started out in the lab and as time progressed she focused her career on the Intensive and Cardiac Care units. Her patients always wrote letters about how much care, encouragement and love she embraced them with while they were in the hospital. In my mind, she is just as great a nurse as she is a Mother to me.
Both of my parents have always been so proud of all of their children and it has been almost embarrassing at times! I have told my Mom many times that I could not have ordered her and Dad off of a menu as parents any better than God had blessed me with naturally! I am eternally grateful to God for the gift of my parents. Mom has managed to find the balance of strength and even joy as a method to carry on since the sad family losses of Dad and daughter, Brenda. Mom has only relied on God as her source of faith, love and strength. She lives her life for God, family, friends and her patients. Mom is the glue that holds our family together. I feel blessed and honored that Mom has led my private practice as Director of Nursing for about twenty years. She was there the first day I opened my practice and still leads it today. Many patients call our office just to talk to my Mother. Mom volunteers at my office (Medication Management Center) in Kingsport from open to close, Monday through Friday each week. She is usually the first one to arrive at the office in her Porsche, listening to rock music and the last one to leave to go home for the day. She enjoys her family, patients, feeding birds and rock music. She has a mini workout area behind the front desk which includes a ball chair to sit on, light weights, a bicycle pedal and an exercise chair with resistance bands on it. Mom is filled with love, laughter, intelligence, compassion and has lots of energy.
STORY BY DR. BILLIE J. MINTON
Mom is also quite the practical joker and still believes that April fools day is a true holiday. Her smile and laughter is quite disarming! She never ages and seems to be refined by time. Mom is simply stunning! She is also so supportive to everyone and anyone and is always there to help them. QUOTES FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS: “I could not have asked for a better friend. She is a beautiful person inside and out! I am proud of her in every aspect of her life. She is the light of my life! I love her with all of my heart and soul!” - Linda Ray (daughter) “The strength of the entire family starts with the matriarch. Without a doubt, that’s Evelyn.” - Doug Davidson, The Young & The Restless “Who taught me to live like this...my Mom! Working by her side each day, she still leads by example. Mom demonstrates her leadership in Love, kindness, strength, compassion, forgiveness, authenticity, experience and hard work to help mend our patients or anyone else that happens to walk through the front door. I have seen her offer water and her lunch to the homeless. Every member on our team learns something valuable from her wisdom each day. In everything Mom does, she still finds time to feed the birds and play with children. These hands and this heart Loves me and I look forward to holding them everyday! A Mother filled with Love, laughter and wisdom is priceless! I feel so Blessed! Thank You God!” - Dr. Billie J. Minton (daughter) “Mom has to be one of the strongest women that I have ever known! She won a battle with advanced endometrial cancer in the spring of 2008. It was
Some of Mom’s most enjoyable hobbies are decorating for holidays, especially at Christmas. Her Christmas lights are absolutely stunning and we have Jennifer Mowdy take care of that for her every year. People all over Kingsport tell us that they look forward to seeing Mom’s Christmas lights each year. She also truly enjoys feeding the birds at work and home. Everyone around her offers to help feed the birds outside. I have literally seen Mom sit and look through the window with a lovely smile on her face because she is watching the birds eat. Mom has always said that you can love all animals even if you don’t own one. She adores my two little Yorkie puppies, Blue and Ridge. She feeds, plays and talks to them everyday at the office and claims that they belong to her! Mom also enjoys having Viola Campbell as her cosmetologist and Mindy Wheelock as her nail artist. She is such a classy lady and will always be known as the matriarch of our family.
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PHOTOGRAPH BY MICKEY BAKER
Mom taught every one of her children how to cook anything from scratch. Her cooking skills and knowledge have always been such valuable tools for all of us. She eats whatever she wants daily in moderation. She is not a drinker or smoker but does not judge others either.
a miracle! Do not ask her what her age is, because she will not tell you. She is beautiful! If you call Mom’s cell phone, you will hear the ring tone, Road House Blues by The Doors.” - Libby Minton-Barrett (daughter) “Everyone who meets Nannie feels so welcomed and loves her instantly! She has the most purest, loving heart and she would stop at nothing to help a stranger. If someone were to get the pleasure of meeting her, she is sure to leave an impression to last a lifetime.” - Stephanie Minton (granddaughter) “Nannie is the rock, the foundation and the start to everything for our family. She has been there for so many people, so many times.” - Chad P. Barrett (grandson) “Nannie always has the best personality. She’s constantly cracking jokes at home, the office and always keeps us laughing!” - Jessie Johnson Barrett (granddaughter) “I thank God, our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, for the gift of this woman, chosen to be our mother. Her love and strength are the cornerstone of our family!” - Phyllis Johnson (daughter) “I love spending time and being connected to my sister for all of these years. We talk about the years of fun we have had growing up together with all of our brothers. We will always miss our dear sister Lynn that passed away as a teenager.” - Rachel Harrison (sister) “Evelyn and I have always gotten along really well. We have always been close, especially growing up together and that really means a lot to me. We still do special things together such as cooking meals for each other.” - Clint Johnson (brother) “Aunt Evelyn reminds me of her mother because she always welcomes, feeds and takes care of everybody!” - Diana Pierce (niece) “Every morning, my grandmother sits at the window at her desk and watches her birds. She makes sure they’re fed and have clean water as soon as I come in the door (That duty has officially been assigned to her granddaughter lol) She gets a blessing out of feeding them but we get more of a blessing watching her do this. It is such a blessing to work with my beautiful grandmother each day. You won’t find a classier lady.” - Leslie Sunshine Roberts (granddaughter) “Evelyn is hard to fool and she protects her family. I admire her because she is like a mama bear that protects her children and grandchildren.” - Rikki Rhoten “I feel very blessed to have such an amazing woman in my life. Evelyn is a very kind hearted, loving and inspiring person. Everywhere she goes, she brightens up the room with her contagious smile! She can always make anyone laugh with her great sense of humor, especially when she is pulling pranks on unsuspecting people. Most importantly, she is always there when anyone needs her. She is the glue that holds our family together.” - Mindy Ray (granddaughter) “Evelyn has the most beautiful fingernails and takes pride in them. She is so giving and shares things such as her food and jewelry. I admire her for the way she has raised all of her children too. She will give you advice straight up without sugar coating it just like Judge Judy would! She is friendly and loving to everyone!” - Scottie A. Powers “Evelyn is a beautiful lady inside and out. She sees the best in others and lets her light shine!” - Theresa Bellamy “Evelyn Minton is one of the sweetest and classiest ladies you will ever meet. Her smile lights up a room. It is such a joy to go to work and walk in and see
this beautiful lady sitting behind her desk everyday! She is such a blessing to so many people, especially me!” - Billie Stacy “My sweet aunt Evelyn has a smile that can light up a room! She is the most caring, unselfish, giving and genuine person I know. She has an ora about her that makes anyone feel like they are part of the family even if they are not. I admire the way she carries herself with such class and style. She is truly one of the most beautiful souls that I am blessed to call a part of my family.” - Mindy Wheelock (niece) “Aunt Evelyn is one of my favorites! She is such a thoughtful person and always there when you need her. She always seeks for the good in everyone. Evelyn is beautiful inside and out!” - Janie Wheelock (niece) “You don’t get anything over on Evelyn! She is beautiful inside and out. Evelyn loves her family and has a heart of gold!” - Sharon Duncan “Evelyn has shown kindness, gratitude, hope and peace in every role that she has taken in life. She has done this with wisdom and bringing joy to each one she meets.” - Dr. Ted Hagen “Evelyn is super strong, sharp lady! Everyday she comes to work dressed to the nines, even if she is wearing scrubs. Her hair is perfectly styled, makeup artistically done and her nails fashionably done with jewelry adorned in style. She is loving, caring and giving to everyone whether family or anyone who walks through the door. She has been known to give the mailman and delivery people candy out of her candy stash each time when they stop by the office. She also provides candy to all of her coworkers too. She is a true nature lover and feeds the birds outside of her window at work everyday. She buys huge bags of birdseed and popcorn for them. Evelyn loves her family! They all come to her for advice and she protects and defends her family and makes sure that they are respected. She’s truly the family matriarch. Evelyn is a woman who is such an inspiration to us all!” - Cher Taylor Evelyn is one of the most sophisticated women I know. She is very caring, has an awesome sense of humor, a heart of gold and is loved by all that know her. - Lori Bateman (granddaughter) “Evelyn is such a beautiful lady! My grandson, Steven, loves her so much. Every time Steven comes to our office he has to run over and give Ms. Evelyn a hug. Her kindness and love to him and all children is truly a blessing.” - Kathie Epps “Evelyn has made such a difference in my life! I have known her since I was a teenager and even better now as an adult. She taught me to understand and believe about the mindset of being happy but not satisfied; meaning always strive for being better! Evelyn is like a mother to me. She makes me laugh and we spend time together.” - Angela Ireson “Evelyn is beautiful and never seems to age!” - Susie Garland The only ceiling above Mom’s head is the sky! She lives her life in faith, deep love and honor. She takes exultant care of our family! Mom is one of God’s miracles! She honors, respects, shows kindness and lives every encounter with passion when she interacts with someone. Mom gives all the praise and glory to God! She recycles God’s goodness to help others in need. Mom is a blessing to all that know and love her! May God bless and keep you safe, healthy and happy! MARCH 2016 | VIPSEEN | 55
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Taylor
MORGAN A
s a young girl spending time on her grandparent’s farm near the Tri-Cities Airport, Taylor Morgan would subject them both to her shenanigans, “I used to make my grandparents listen to me sing. I would get on top of this picnic table and sing as loud as I could with a hair brush as a microphone.” Her family beamed with pride and knew that someday Taylor would achieve the dreams that she was busy setting into place as a young girl. “My mother always told me that I could be whatever I put my mind to!” Advice that Taylor has taken to heart and used to become the successful radio personality she is today. Passion is something that Taylor has a great deal of and a gift that she hopes to pass on to her children. “Having a passion is powerful and having a purpose is enduring. I believe anyone can move mountains and bring meaning to your life with both passion and purpose together.” With her children as her driving force Morgan works hard, while having fun, at making all she can out of everyday of her life. According to co-host Adam McCain, Morgan has a fun side that helps everyone around the studio have a brighter day. “She’s definitely brought her lively attitude to the office at WCQR with her water fights, paper ball fights or hiding and scaring someone , all her pranks bring crazy fun to the radio station. She’s always looking for ways to make us laugh and smile-even during staff meetings.” Taylor Morgan has been through a lot in order to get where she is today, but her journey would not have been worth all of the hardships and hurdles she has overcome were it not for the love of God that she has found through her trials. It is this love of God and close relationship with Him that she feels has so enabled her to rise above and persevere
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STORY BY GEORGE EMERSON
over any obstacle thrown in her path. “I think the most meaningful thing I have learned is that God has been calling my name for years and years. I have always walked near him but not with him.” Taylor now uses her faith in and love for God to help lead her in life and she hopes that by allowing God to lead her that she can be a great leader for others. “For me the word leader means that I can tell my story to other’s to maybe help encourage them or help them if anything.” It is exactly this encouragement that Morgan hopes will allow her to reach out to others who may be going through a hard time, “We all go through trials and hard times and being a leader gives me a voice that allows me the chance to stand up for causes I care about and help spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” Taylor Morgan is clear to point out that compassion is what helps her to understand the rough patches that others may be going through, but that her passion to help is what drives her to reach out. Her own struggles were issues that Taylor used to define who she was, so much so, that she found negativity taking over her life in a way that was bogging her down. “I now recognize that our thoughts and our words ultimately become our reality, and that those of us who have overcome great loss cannot afford the luxury of negative thinking. But grief, turned inside out, is love and appreciation. So, I decided to turn my story inside out.” Turning her story inside out has helped Taylor Morgan to turn things around in other departments as well, but her move in a more positive direction would not be possible without the support of those around her. “I love the company I am working for; Positive Alternative Radio. I am forming a partnership with them and they are helping me to advance my dreams!” From a former employer
in Houston to a General Manager at a job in Nashville to two local pastors who preach positivity-Taylor Morgan has been helped along the way by many of God’s angels on Earth so that she can, in turn, help others on their life journey. “I hope to inspire the most broken of people: those who are lost or lonely and have no hope or faith! I hope through my life and own disappointments I can say, ‘Pick yourself up and move on.’ I hope to inspire that man or woman who is going through a divorce or infidelity by telling them to not give up. Pray and seek God like never before!” Taylor understands that it is easy to give up when things are hard and the chips are down and she hopes to lead others by offering the
positivity she lacked for so long. Her position at WCQR is one way that she is helping to reach so many people that she might never come in contact with. Radio host and friend Elva Marie, when asked about Morgan’s drive to help others, said it best, “People can talk to Taylor about anything and she will understand. I have watched people and listeners gravitate to her. She is one of the most compassionate people I have ever known. I have worked with her closely for 11 years and now she is one of my closet friends. Taylor’s love of God has brought people, including myself, to know Him and have never witnessed anyone try harder to be made new.” Taylor Morgan finds her power in the ability and desire to help others and hopes to continue helping anyone who crosses paths with her in any way she can.
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Sherri
MOSLEY STORY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID
W
hen Sherri Mosley was growing up, she adored Wonder Woman. Not only was the super hero beautiful, but wore the coolest outfit and killer boots! Fashion sense was instilled in Sherri at a young age because her grandmother never left the house unless she was dressed from head to toe in the latest trends and her “pocket book” and high heels matched. She always encouraged Sherri to dress up every day no matter where she was going because “it just made you feel better.” “Pretty is as pretty does”, was another saying her grandmother instilled in her. Lady Diana and Jacqueline Kennedy are two people that she has always admired and looked up to. Both of them were not only beautiful on the outside, but it was easy to tell they were just as beautiful on the inside even though they were always in the public spot light. They both volunteered in so many areas and Sherri always felt they would do that when no one was watching. Their character spoke volumes to her and she knew she wanted to be just like them. One of the first lessons Sherri learned early in life and in her career is that she cannot and will not please everyone. This was very hard for her because she wants everyone to be happy. However, once she accepted that as long as 80% of the people were happy then she was on the right path. Developing thick skin with a can do attitude is a must and a great life practice for her. As the Executive Director for the Downtown Kingsport Association, everyday holds a new opportunity for Sherri. Her favorite part of the position is developing partnerships with other people and organizations in the community and then exploring ideas how they can work together to accomplish the same goals. After they identify a need and develop an action plan, she then likes watching how it affects the community in a positive way. Her partners; The City of Kingsport, KKB, KOSBE, KCVB, KEDB and the Chamber of Commerce all play a vital role in making Kingsport a great place to live and work.
“Sherri is a tremendous asset to Kingsport and the Downtown community. Her passion and can-do attitude make her the perfect person to lead an organization dedicated to downtown revitalization.” said Julie Gunn; owner of Style Boutique and Fermented Wine Bar. “Under Sherri’s direction, the future of downtown is very bright.” Sherri is blessed with a wonderful, supportive family that she adores. She has two beautiful children and a loving husband. She and her husband, Neil, have been married for 24 years in May. 58 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2016
PHOTOGRAPH BY MICKEY BAKER
Sherri’s passion is fed by the people she works with everyday….. She enjoys working with her staff, Board of Directors and volunteers. Sherri also loves working with Downtown merchants.
Their oldest son, Bradley is 21years old. Bradley was born intellectually disabled and hearing impaired with autistic characteristics. His contagious smile and laughter makes him the most loving and happiest kid on earth! He loves to play all sports and he’s never met a stranger. Their daughter, Rachel, is 19 years old and attends the University of Kentucky where she majors in Communications. She is very active in her sorority; Delta Delta Delta and has absolutely embraced their philanthropy; St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Sherri says Rachel’s experience growing up with Bradley has made her stronger and more sensitive to special needs individuals. She is Bradley’s biggest supporter and advocate and will be the first to correct you if she hears you using the R-word. Sherri is the happiest when her life is in a good balance of family, work and friends. She hopes to inspire anyone and everyone that can learn from the challenges she has faced. She is an open book and loves sharing her life experiences especially if it helps someone else. She
enjoys using her platform to be a positive influence in the community and to do good things to make the community stronger and a better place to live. She says she doesn’t feel like she has “arrived” and she likes it that way because there is always room for improvement. One of the best decisions Sherri made for her personal growth was to go back to school and finish her degree. She started college upon graduation from high school but didn’t finish. She had always regretted it. After moving to Kingsport, she enrolled in ETSU and finished! Sherri’s job is all about community so she is really looking forward to seeing the outcomes from the ONEKingsport post summit work groups. She says she can’t wait to see how the organization will partner with the rest of the community to bring these projects to fruition. Her main focus is Downtown Revitalization; however, the other six work groups are just as important. “It will be exciting to see how we will all work together to make Kingsport an even more exciting place to live,” says Sherri.
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Becky
NELMS STORY SUBMITTED
B
ecky Nelms is the President and Founder of Alfresco Lifestyles, Inc. Living in Abingdon, Virginia most of her life, Nelms attended East Tennessee State University earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications with a focus on Public Relations and Advertising. Upon graduation, Nelms relocated outside the area to Richmond, Virginia and began her career at Aetna as an Employee Benefits Sales Executive. In 1987, Aetna was known as a leader in the Employee Benefits arena as well as a Fortune 500 Company that truly valued its employees. When Aetna sought out candidates for sales positions, they looked for many qualities in an individual...knowledge, leadership, loyalty, commitment, integrity, creativity, respect and responsiveness...luckily, Becky fit the bill. During her twenty years with the company, she constantly strived to exceed monthly sales quotas and aspired to making the Leader Board for the Top 50 Sales Executives in the country. In 2002, she finally made the board at # 48. In 2003, 2004 and 2005, she kept moving up on the board and finally, in 2006, Becky earned and was recognized as the #1 Sales Executive in Middle Market (50-3,000 employee companies) sales in the country, making her family very proud. After accomplishing this achievement in sales, she retired from Aetna in April 2007 with over 20 years with the company. She always knew in her heart that she wanted to return to Abingdon to be back home with her family and the love of her life. She did just that and approximately two years later, Alfresco Lifestyles, Inc. was born. With the tagline “The Art of Outdoor Living”, Becky had a clear vision for the company. “Our region is a perfect climate for all seasons and year round outdoor living is more popular than ever.” Offering state-of-the-art outdoor appliances, grills, outdoor furniture, rugs, lamps, fire pits, fireplaces and of course, The Big Green Egg, Alfresco Lifestyles has everything you need to make your outdoor living dream a reality. “Looking back on
“An outdoor living space is so much more than just a space. It’s a place to make memories, friendships, great food, and to share happiness. It is so important now more than ever to unplug and step away from the screen, and an awesome outdoor space makes it even easier to do.” PHOTO BY MICKEY BAKER 60 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2016
the year we opened (2009), our country was facing many economic challenges, but there was no turning back since we had over two years invested in opening our doors.“As it turned out, 2009 was the best possible time for us to open. The housing market was down…. people were staying in their current homes and adding outdoor additions, outdoor kitchens and patios” Nelms says. “It’s also exciting to see customers selecting their furniture collection, picking out fabric and making the necessary finishing touches to custom build their outdoor space.” Becky also assists in design and making suggestions to enhance that same space. Life as an entrepreneur has been filled with thrilling and exciting moments. “I did not have retail sales experience nor experience in running a business”, but I reached out to many local professionals and was not shy or ashamed to ask questions, but to learn and grow and build a solid company that customers trusted.” One thing Becky knew that she needed to have was a mission statement. Something she had learned at her time with Aetna. “I knew I did not have a powerful mission statement which applied to Fortune 500 companies, but I wanted one that made sense and I could carry through in everyday life.” Her mission statement was simple as well as powerful. “Always do the right thing”. Her Grandmother, (Mamaw Pink) had always told her “if it feels right in your heart, you are doing the right
thing.” And Alfresco Lifestyles does just that….by providing excellent customer service and ALWAYS putting the customer first….easily said “Always doing the right thing.” “With on-line companies popping up every day, we never want to lose sight of something as important as providing our customers with the highest level of superior customer service” states Becky. Becky’s passion for people can also be seen with her passion to rescue animals. As a member of the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Animal Cruelty), Becky urges people to make a life-changing difference for animals in the area and across America. “I have always had rescue animals throughout my life and am determined to stop the epidemic of animal cruelty.” “Currently, Tim and I have a brother and sister Terrier mix who were living in a small cage with no shelter, food or water. Today, they (“Rowdy” and “Flower”) are two of the happiest and loving members of our family. If you are one of those rare people whose concern for animals goes beyond emotion and gut reaction, please give to this extraordinary organization.” Today, Alfresco Lifestyles is starting their 8th year of operation and there is no stopping this whimsical, fun, and exciting small business. Alfresco Lifestyles IS “The Art of Outdoor Living”. Thankfully, we now have the option of taking the luxuries of inside to an outdoor space. Stop by soon and say hi to Becky, Mick, Tim and Megan. If you’re lucky, you may also be greeted by “Rowdy” and “Flower”.
“Buy It Once, Love It For A Lifetime”
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Lindsay
NICKELS
STORY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID
L
indsay Nickels was raised in a family where her parents provided the love, nurture and guidance necessary for her and her sister to be their very best. Her parents instilled a strong work ethic, drive, integrity and compassion for whatever plan Lindsay and her sister had for their lives. She could always look to her mother and father to model true leadership and direction, not only in their careers, but also in giving back to the community. All of Lindsay’s inspirations in life came from her parents.
“
In high school Lindsay had a memorable experience when she was able to work as a peer tutor with a student with severe autism. She happened to be with her the day that the student was introduced to one of the first “communication boards.” Lindsay couldn’t believe the difference in her when she was able to tell others what she was thinking. It was at that moment Lindsay began contemplating teaching. She saw how her mother loved her career as an educator, first as a classroom teacher and then as a teacher educator at the University of Tennessee. While in college, Lindsay decided that she would be a special educator.
Every day is a new adventure and leads to new challenges. I definitely embrace every new challenge and strive to make D&K Management a property management company that is ‘a step above the rest’.
“
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She taught for over 16 years in Knox County and Kingsport City schools. She continued exploring the field and ultimately earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis. A few years later, Lindsay realized she really wanted to be in business with her father, who had developed a wellknown and respected property management business. He and her sister, who managed the company office and finances, began expanding into additional states and needed someone to manage the federal compliance aspect of the business and take over the management of upper East Tennessee properties. With Lindsay’s special education experience, she knew she would be perfect for the position. In 2011, she joined the family business. Being a teacher taught Lindsay a lot about leadership. School principals and district leaders who respected, supported and celebrated their teachers modeled the leadership behaviors she lives by. In Lindsay’s graduate classes, she learned that these practices were defined as “servant leadership.” She has been using her leadership skills since her father’s plan to phase into retirement by turning more of the entire business over to her and her sister. He is now the CEO and Lindsay and her sister are the two principal officers of the company. She has loved the opportunity to be a business leader in an environment where she can be a role model for others. D&K Management, Inc. is a family owned company that has established “Best Business Practices” based on collaboration, ethics, and integrity. As leaders in their company, Lindsay and her family take time to walk in the shoes of their employees, they hold high expectations for themselves and others, they keep looking forward knowing that nothing stays the same. They embrace change and work hard to be proactive and not reactive. They definitely plan, plan, plan. Lindsay and her family recognize that communication is the key to any successful business. Their company has properties across the US and they
have learned to coordinate through interactive websites, servers, emails, etc. They also know that there is nothing more critical than faceto-face communication, so they travel to each site regularly. They talk to their employees in person, via email, and by text everyday. And, most importantly, they listen carefully- to what is being said and what is implied.
I definitely embrace every new challenge and strive to make D&K Management a property management company that is ‘a step above the rest’,” says Lindsay.
D&K Management is growing at a rapid speed, and Lindsay has loved playing a role in this growth. As a family owned company, Lindsay and her family treat their employees and owners like family rolling up their sleeves and working with employees to learn first-hand the “ins” and “outs” of the company. In the East Tennessee area alone, D&K began managing two tax credit complexes. Since 2011, they have expanded in this area to having 26 multi-family apartment complexes, both tax credit and conventional, over 30 single family homes, several commercial buildings, and oversee several HOA’s. The East TN area is only a small part of their entire company, which owns and manages properties across the United States. D&K Management continues to welcome new business, new challenges, and new opportunities.
Lindsay is blessed with an unbelievable family. She married her best friend, Joey Nickels, who works along beside her and pushes her daily to make sure that she is embracing every challenge. “He celebrates my accomplishments and pushes me to be the best that I can be,” she says. She was fortunate enough to marry into a wonderful family where her mother and father in law have treated her like their own and have supported and encouraged every path she and her husband have chosen to take. Last but not least, Lindsay’s two sons, Gavin and Griffen, are remarkable young men who continually make her proud. “These two boys amaze me daily with their own work ethic and determination, not only in school but also in sports. Joey and I have definitely worked hard to raise our boys with the same passion for life that we were both raised with.” Lindsay realizes that her accomplishments are the result of a compassionate, understanding, and loving family who have always been there to encourage, support, and step in to help when needed.
Lindsay’s passion is definitely driven by the same opportunities that initially drew her to education - making a difference in the lives of others. It started with students and their families. She has just shifted her focus to residents and their children, her employees, and the “upper tier” property owners and investors. “Every day is a new adventure and leads to new challenges.
Lindsay loves being a part of her family’s business and helping it grow in its new direction. She hopes to inspire her residents and their children (who often lack strong role models), her company staff and her family every day. She also hopes that what she does helps other women realize that they too can be effective in a highly competitive career.
MARCH 2016 | VIPSEEN | 63
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Rebecca
PEPIN R
ebecca Pepin grew up on a farm in Ontario, Canada, the second oldest in a family of four children. She was a hurdler in high school and while she had a serious competitive streak, she also learned determination from watching her parents. “My father had always dreamed of being a pilot, but he left his position with a commercial airline to take a job at a local plant in order to stay at home more. My mother changed directions with her job when she realized that nursing was not her calling. She went back to college while we were kids. I’d say that we all learned pretty quickly that we each needed to make our own destiny, which often meant a lot of hard work.”
After receiving her undergraduate degree from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, Pepin ended up getting a Master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism at Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. It was during her first job in Watertown, New York that Pepin met husband, Derek: a Black Hawk pilot in the Army. Growing up in Canada meant that Rebecca knew very little about the U.S. Military, so she was intrigued to learn about the different services’ branches. Pepin soon developed a deep admiration for the armed services and for those who served, so much so, that she has since written two books about the United States Military. “While living in South Carolina, I researched and wrote a book on South Carolina’s WWII Heroes of Flight. All profits go to the Celebrate Freedom Foundation, which gave out “Rebecca Pepin scholarships” to send kids to space camp each year.” Working on the book was a moving process and one that allowed her to become friends with many of the veterans that she interviewed. 64 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2016
STORY BY GEORGE EMERSON
Faces of Freedom is a coffee table book that Pepin created while living here in the Tri-Cities and, to date, it has raised more than $150,000 for Fisher House Foundation and for the Wounded Warrior Project. 100% of the profits were donated to both organizations. The book tells the stories of fallen service members, one from each state, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, who lost their lives in Afghanistan or Iraq. “I recruited volunteer writers using my media contacts and we released the book in 2007. My husband was one of the main editors for the project and our children are named after two fallen heroes from the book: Marine First Lt. Ryan McGlothlin of Lebanon, VA and Army helicopter pilot Capt. Kimberly Hampton from South Carolina.” Not one to rest on her laurels, however, Pepin and her husband moved on to another project dear to both their hearts: the homeless pet population. “Derek and I have both always dreamed of owning our own business and we have a passion for charitable giving, so we decided to combine both and that’s where the idea for Fetching Apparel came about. We knew that this area had a big homeless pet population problem, so we donate 40% of our profits to rescue groups, spay/neuter programs and others involved in animal welfare.” Jeffrey, the face of Fetching Apparel and the Pepins’ first dog, was rescued by the founder of Happy Tails of Washington County, Virginia and Dasher, the latest addition to the Pepin gang, from the SBK Animal Shelter in Blountville, are both shelter pets that the family has made a part of their human family. “Our animal rescue groups around here work their tails off – pardon the pun! And they can use all the help the can get
as they work TIRELESSLY to save and rehab the dogs and cats left behind. I have so much admiration for them and we are thrilled to be able to help in some small way.” In the meantime, Pepin and her husband are a two-man operation learning more about social media than they ever thought they would have to know. Several local businesses are now carrying Fetching Apparel (Abingdon Animal Medical Center, Natural Pet Supply, Bear N’ Friends Toy Shoppe, and Downtown Paw Company), but most of the sales are done online (Fetching-Apparel.com). “Getting the word out about Fetching Apparel is our biggest challenge right now. We’ve heard that the average person needs to see or hear
something at least ten times before they’ll remember you. That’s why we currently eat, sleep and breathe Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.” Although the duo is not getting a whole lot of sleep these days, they both feel truly happy with what they are doing – especially when they are able to deliver checks to local non-profits. Rebecca Pepin is so much more than the news anchor many of us see on our televisions, but her work with the station is just another aspect of her busy life that makes her the powerful woman that she is. Whether it is being a mom to her two children, a mentor in the newsroom, a business entrepreneur, a loving wife, or consummate professional: Rebecca Pepin strives to do it all with the utmost of love and dedication.
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Beth
RHINEHART STORY BY LUCY HONEYCHURCH
W
hen Beth Rhinehart was growing up she was certain that one day she would fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor. She was well on her way too, until she decided that being a doctor and a mother was an impossibility and that she would have to choose one or the other. “Family has always been a priority in my life and I questioned the demanding schedule that would be required of a doctor. I made a decision that I would use my interest in medicine in a different way, so that I could also be a great mother. I know now that being both a mother and a physician would have been possible, but as they say, hindsight is 20/20.” Rhinehart graduated with a degree in Biology and her love of Biology grew into a love of genetics so after college she went to work for the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD. Two Master’s degrees from Johns Hopkins University later, she moved back to Bristol and received an MBA from King University. Beth then spent ten years as a registered lobbyist for Wellmont Health System so, in the end, she got her career in medicine albeit in a round about way. She was never a naturally gifted athlete, but this might be something that has helped Beth Rhinehart to become the successful woman that she is today. “Coach Ron Helmer was a very significant influence in pushing me to limits I didn’t think I could meet, much less exceed. I had to work so hard for every success because he held us to such high standards.” She credits her fellow school board members, administrators, and educators from the Bristol, Virginia School System as inspiring her as well because, Beth says, “they understood what it took to educate in tough environments but were driven and determined each and every day to change the conversation regarding teaching to one based on truth, integrity, and passion. Some of my greatest personal achievements and professional growth occurred in the years I worked with those fine folks!” Besides being driven to be better by those she has worked with, Rhinehart admits that her children push her hard every day to be the best she can at whatever she does. “I would be disingenuous if I didn’t say that my three children are my biggest critics (they got that honest), my greatest supporters, and who I am always trying to make proud. They inspire me to be a better person every day, as I always want them to be proud of me, above and beyond anyone or anything else.” Taking life day by day is a strategy that has helped Beth to learn to handle the things that life might throw her way and the bumps in the road that inevitably come with being a human on this planet. “I have had similar struggles to most others such as balancing work schedules with parent and family schedules. I believe that women struggle with this more than men since many women feel as though they aren’t supposed to love their jobs because that might mean they don’t love their role as a mom. I have learned by trial and error when you are succeeding and when you are failing at this – striking the
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perfect balance isn’t easy.” The fire that drives Beth Rhinehart to be so successful at everything she does, can in a round about way, be found in the curiosity of others. It is the challenge of others that so drives her to be and do the best with everything she handles. “I love working with colleagues who challenge the status quo and who discuss things that may not be easy to discuss, but who break down a problem to its bare truth, and then aren’t afraid to talk about the truth, even when it is hard to do so.” She feels that resolving difficult issues by having the difficult conversations that surround those issues is very satisfying and freeing. “I love being able to work with folks who aren’t afraid to push limits and think about things in new ways and I enjoy the opportunity to resolve tough issues through exposure to diverse opinions and perspectives.” Beth Rhinehart is a firm believer that in order to grow as an individual, each of us must continue to put ourselves into positions that may sometimes make us feel uncomfortable; something she does on a regular basis. Ask if she has made it and she is quick to deny that
she has reached the pinnacle of her career yet. “I feel like I am still trying to “make it” every day because I believe that it is a fluid goal. I guess I have really made it in some respects, because I have three wonderful children, I love my job, and I have numerous opportunities to participate in my community.” She hopes to inspire others to work hard, to ask questions, and to take risks for the betterment of the greater good because for Rhinehart, “we should all have a sense of pride and ownership in our community with the desire to give back in a meaningful way.” She has done a lot and come a long way from mowing a neighbor’s lawn and working at the local Western Sizzlin, but her journey is far from over and Beth shows little sign of slowing down. She cannot say where she is headed next, but she does know one thing for sure, “I am loving where I am and what I am doing. I am learning a new industry with a great team of employees, and I feel fortunate to have that to wake up to every day.” Positive words from a powerful woman who is dead set on leaving her mark on the world both small and large.
MARCH 2016 | VIPSEEN | 67
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Leah
ROSS
STORY SUBMITTED
I
magine finding your dream job in your fifties. That was when Lebanon, Virginia native Leah Ross moved from being a volunteer for the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival to working there full-time. The event began in 2001 with a few thousand in attendance, and Ross cochaired the festival with David Shumaker and managed logistics. She became the executive director of the festival in 2006, and since then the award-winning event has grown to become a major tourist attraction that creates $16 million in economic impact for the region. Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion in itself is a big achievement, but it’s just the beginning. In fact, in the mid-1990s several community leaders in Bristol came together to form the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance (BCMA) to promote the music heritage of our region. That hard work paid off, and in 1998, BCMA worked with local, state, and federal officials to get the U.S. Congress to designate Bristol as the official birthplace of country music. This designation came because the legendary 1927 Bristol Sessions were recorded in downtown Bristol. This exciting momentum continued through the 2000s, as BCMA continued raising money to build a museum. In 2012, BCMA and Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion merged forming the Birthplace of Country Music (BCM), and in 2014 the organization opened the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in downtown Bristol. “The merger between BCMA and Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion allowed both organizations to further their mission,” said Ross. “We had so many elements in place and coming together, it allowed us to build momentum and really promote Bristol’s rich music heritage. Exciting things happen when people work together, and Bristol is a shining example of that fact.” Today Ross is at the helm of BCM, which is the parent organization of the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion,
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and Radio Bristol, which broadcasts three radio channels from the museum. BCM is also a major player in the tourism industry throughout the region, and Ross’ vision for the future of BCM is tremendous. “Having a job that celebrates and promotes the roots of country music and beyond is a dream come true,” said Ross. “I don’t have any plans to go anywhere for a long time, because we still have a lot to accomplish. However, I hope I will know when I need to hand the reins over to someone very capable of leading us into the future.” Being the executive director of BCM requires a lot of face time with state and local legislators, various arts councils in the region, and state tourism boards in order to communicate the importance the Birthplace of Country Music has on the region. “Working with local, state, and federal officials and organizations has been an important aspect for the growth of BCM,” said Ross. “We could not have been as successful without the tremendous support we have received on all levels, especially the support from our local community, including local businesses, community leaders, corporate sponsors, the two city governments, and individual friends of the BCM, all of whom work together for the betterment of Bristol and BCM. One of the highlights of Ross’ tenure with BCM has been opening the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. The world-class museum features wonderful film experiences, interactive technology, a working radio station, rotating exhibits, and a performance theater where events are held year-round. The museum has also welcomed visitors from each of the 50 United States and dozens of foreign countries. “Building the museum was exciting; however, more than just opening the doors, the reward has been in seeing the pride in our community and the support given by volunteers and community leaders,” said Ross.
LEAH ROSS AND STEVEN TYLER
TALKING WITH SCHOOL CHILDREN VISITING THE MUSEUM
THE BCM STAFF PICKING OUT FESTIVAL T-SHIRT COLORS
LEAH AT THE BIRTHPLACE OF COUNTRY MUSIC MUSEUM
“Being able to be a part of something that celebrates our roots and impacts our region in a positive way is very rewarding.” Getting involved in the community and giving back is extremely important to Ross. At an early age, Ross’ parents instilled in her the importance of family, and she has tried to do the same with her own children and grandchildren. Ross also believes in giving back to the community in which you live and work, and that is why her children began volunteering at a very early age. Looking to the future, she knows that helping BCM continue to grow and expand is important, but she will also focus on spending lots of time with her family, ensuring her children, grandchildren, and entire family know how much they are loved, appreciated, and supported.
LEAH ROSS BEST BUSINESS PRACTICES/ADVICE: LEAH’S GRANDKIDS
BE A LISTENER. ROSS’ FATHER USED TO TELL HER, “LEAH, YOU’RE NEVER GOING TO LEARN ANYTHING WHEN YOU HAVE THAT MOUTH OPEN.” ACCEPT MISTAKES AND BE WILLING TO CHANGE AND ADAPT AS NECESSARY. RESPECT YOURSELF AND WHOEVER YOU ARE WORKING WITH – EVERYONE HAS SPECIAL GIFTS THEY BRING TO THE TABLE. TAKE THE TIME TO SEND HANDWRITTEN NOTES WHENEVER POSSIBLE.
ON AIR WITH RADIO BRISTOL
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH GREAT PEOPLE. THEY MAKE YOU LOOK GOOD! MARCH 2016 | VIPSEEN | 69
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
SANDERS Dr. Kathy Sellers
STORY BY CAROLYN KESTNER
PHOTOGRAPH BY MICKEY BAKER
Dr. Kathy Sanders says she liked art and science growing up in Savannah, GA.“ I looked at pharmacy, architectural design and dentistry.“ With dreams of attending SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) she considered being an architect, but was told it involved a lot of travel therefore ruling that field out. She next considered pharmacy but wanted to have more personal interaction with people. So she chose dentistry, a career that allows her to interact daily with people (patients) through her artistic and dental expertise.
“Dr. Sanders is someone who thoroughly enjoys what she does for a living. She’s not only a Dentist, she’s an Artist. She doesn’t do anything half-heartedly.” – Charlie Lowe
See Charlie Lowe’s and other smile makeover stories on Tri-Cities Center For Cosmetic Dentistry You Tube page.
The Open House events give potential patients an opportunity to meet Dr. Sanders along with her team. Guests can tour the facility; meet patients who have experienced their own smile makeovers; and enjoy good food, conversation, and a complimentary gift. Attendees are entered for the grand prize, a night at the historic Martha Washington Inn & Spa, along with “The Whole Shebang” package from the Barter Theatre.
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Dr. Sanders and her team have expanded the focus of their dental practice to include an emphasis on whole body health. She’s studying how periodontal disease affects other body systems to allow for coordination between the dentist and the patient’s physician. She began treating patients in 2015 who suffer with sleep disorders by utilizing Oral Appliance Therapy. They offer healthy snacks in their office hospitality center, start their day with a huddle and devotional time, and encourage their patients to be conscientious of the relationship between their dental health and overall well being.
Dr. Sanders’ husband of 26 years and love of her life, Brian, is a chemical engineer/ business director at Eastman Chemical Company.“ He’s a well- grounded Christian who serves alongside Kathy in various areas in their church, Colonial Heights Baptist Church. “His support of my career and my team has been invaluable.” Their daughter Erika is in her junior year at the University of Tennessee pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Cellular and Molecular Biology with a desire to attend medical school in the future. Their son Michael is a freshman business major at the University of Tennessee with a focus on Logistics.
Inspired into dentistry because she wanted to do something that would make a difference in the world, Dr. Sanders says “I want to be the best at what I do. I am always trying to learn and improve my processes such that I can provide the best dentistry while also providing a good experience for the patient.” One of only eight AACD accredited cosmetic dentists in the state of Tennessee, her goal is to become a “Fellow” member, a status only a handful of dentists worldwide have achieved. She and her team both attend the AACD Annual Scientific Sessions, where dentists and their teams from all over the world gather to learn and collaborate in order to become more accomplished in the field of complex restorative/cosmetic dentistry. Pictured here in San Francisco last year, they will be heading to Toronto in 2016. Dr. Sanders says that she is happiest when working with her team in providing exceptional dentistry. “I am proud of their level of knowledge and professionalism when it comes to their pursuit of continuing education and excellence in dentistry.”
Tri Cities Center For Cosmetic Dentistry Team: Renee Powell RDA, Leslie Keene RDA, Dr. Kathy Sanders, DMD, AAACD, Kelly Sommers RDA, Leigh Bergemann, Mary Robinette RDH, and Yvonne Raden.
Dr. Sanders was honored at Milligan College’s Leaders in Christian Service Convocation, last spring where recipients were acknowledged for demonstrating servant leadership throughout their communities and careers. She was nominated by one of her patients, Carol McCool. While receiving her own smile makeover, Carol felt led to nominate Dr. Sanders after observing her servant leadership style both with her team and within the community. This service leadership is displayed in many ways. She is a Diamond Sponsor of the Kingsport Annual Chamber Dinner, donates to several charities, is active in community fundraisers and participates in the AACD’s Give Back A Smile Program that restores smiles at no cost to victims of domestic abuse. She hopes to inspire young people to investigate career options in dentistry. She also opens her door to students from Northeast Community College for clinical rotations.
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Sarah
SCHUMAIER STORY BY GEORGE EMERSON
PHOTOGRAPH BY MICKEY BAKER
S
arah Schumaier has always known that she wanted to work in the medical field in one way or another. Her love of helping others has always been present in her life and is a driving force behind much of what she does today. “At my doctorate graduation my mom brought a book that I filled out each school year growing up, and in 3rd grade I said I wanted to be an audiologist. I didn’t seek that path immediately in college, but once I decided I in fact wanted to be an audiologist: classes came very easy to me and I felt an immediate peace of mind.” Having a set path laid out in front her and a supportive family certainly has helped Sarah to be successful. Expectations were set high in the Schumaier family and this helped to instill a certain drive in Sarah that she admits others might not have been fortunate to have. “I feel very lucky to have parents that were supportive and always encouraged me to work hard for my dreams. Growing up, my expectation was to not only go to college, but onto a post-baccalaureate program. I don’t think I realized how important having that support and those expectations were until I was older and realized that there are a lot of individuals that have never had that.” Dr. Schumaier’s father is an audiologist as well and relocated to the region in 1974 order to start the Master’s of Audiology program at ETSU. Dr. Dan Schumaier soon realized how much patient care meant to him, however, and left ETSU in order to open his private practice. “He was the first private practice audiologist in the state and second in the country, so I feel very fortunate he is my dad. I might not have known what the profession of audiology was if it had not been for him.” Sarah Schumaier still works with her father today and talks to him on a near daily basis. In fact, her family is very tightly knit and is a close bunch that gets along enough to hang out with each other in times off. “I am fortunate that my sister and brotherin-law live about 5 minutes away, and my sister works with me at one of our family companies EarTechnology. My mother lives in Elizabethton and she is very active in my son’s life. I also have several friends that are basically like sisters to me and, while they live in WV and NC respectively, we still make efforts to see each other as often as possible.” Dr. Schumaier has been named Audiologist of the Year by the Audiological Resources Association and is President of the Rotary Club of Johnson City. Her practice, however, is what is most dear to her heart since it is the main conduit that allows her to do what she most desires: help others. “I love helping someone hear their grandchild’s voice clearly for the first time or helping someone get back to their Sunday School class again because they can now hear.” Sarah admits that her job never gets old and is grateful for the loyalty that many of her patients have shown her over the years. “I have some patients that are well into their 90s, and hearing their life’s story is inspiring to me. They are an extended family. Some have been coming to our offices longer than I have been alive, and now they bring their children, neighbors, and friends to be seen by us. That loyalty and trust is something that I hold sacred.” Working hard to gain and keep patients is a given for someone who wants to lead by example, but Schumaier admits that there are so many that she depends on for help. “Being a leader has also increased my gratitude of everyone I work with, because without them I couldn’t do my job effectively. They make me look good and keep our offices running smoothly.” Things haven’t always been so easy though, and the good doctor realizes that one of her most difficult balances has been that of mother and doctor. “No doubt the biggest struggle of any mother is balancing motherhood and work. I never expected it to be so hard.” She admits that there is guilt that comes with being both
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SUMMER NAMM IN KNOXVILLE SHOOTING IMPRESSIONS FOR CUSTOM MUSICIAN MONITORS
INDUCTION AS ROTARY PRESIDENT
a business owner and a mother. “I am lucky because I am usually able to arrange my schedule to pick my son up from school, attend most of his class parties/field trips, and bring him to work with me. There is always guilt though. I feel guilty if I’m at work and have to miss something with my son, but then I feel guilty if I’m with my son and can’t be at work to take care of my patients.” She struggles still to ask others for help, but Sarah is quick to say that when she does ask there are many in her close-knit circle that are there to help. Her profession is quickly changing, as is most of medicine these days, and she admits that staying ahead of the competition is important. “My profession is changing, so it is important to be on the cutting edge of technology and adapt to things like PSAPs (personal sound amplifiers). We even manufacture one right here in Johnson City, invented by my dad, called Tweak. These entry-level devices will change our profession and reach more people that need help in certain situations.” Changing the profession is something that Dr. Schumaier feels confident will be a positive thing for those who need hearing assistance and for the local economy. “EarTechnology is a global company, but employees many people right here in Johnson City. It is great seeing our products, Dry&Store, EarTech TV, Tweak, Clik, and Tee-Correct creating jobs in our region and being distributed all over the world. We want to keep that growth up, adding more products and adding more jobs to our area.” Power is viewed in many different ways and nearly anyone who is asked what power is will certainly have a different answer. For Dr. Schumaier, power can be found in helping others both through the immediate effects of hearing devices and through the secondary effects of job creation and community building. She learned her most valuable lessons through on the job training and is confident that, because of all she has learned over the years, that she can help to inspire those who may be looking for direction in their lives. “I hope to inspire young people, especially my six-year-old son. Developing a good work ethic is vital in for our youth, as many tend to expect things to happen for them. It is great to be given opportunities, but you have to capitalize on them or nothing good will come of it.” Look for Sarah Schumaier to continue helping others through leadership by example. She has tasked herself with teaching and demonstrating the idea of volunteerism because both ideas are integral in providing something for the so very many who have nothing. VIPSEEN | 73
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Shiela
SHOUN “If
someone else can do it, whether male or female, you can do it too.” These were the driving words from Shiela Shoun’s mother as Shiela was growing up. Her mother told her that if she was willing to take risks and step outside of her comfort zone she could be anything she wanted to be. Now, Shiela is the president of Shoun Trucking Company, Inc. Shiela knows that having honesty and integrity is what makes a successful business. Shoun Trucking began in the late 70’s and has grown to become a top carrier in the area. Shoun trucking maintains high standards and supplies customers with good, dependable service. One of Shiela’s main practices is to make sure she doesn’t ask anyone to do something she has not done herself.
When someone works for or does business with Shoun, that person becomes one of the family. Also by being totally asset based the company continues to reach new milestones, adapt new technology such as radar based dispatch as they can identify each and every piece of equipment with just a look. This allows for real time decisions for customers and safety for their drivers. All the things that make a trucking company grow, especially in today’s competitive trucking industry such as leadership and management, reliable equipment, knowledgeable dispatch team, accounting and receivables, HR, 74 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2016
STORY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID
preventative maintenance program, safety… all are programs adopted and put into place under her leadership. Shiela’s priorities in life are God, Church, family and friends and work family. She enjoys reading, biking, swimming, interior decorating, gardening, traveling, scuba diving, exercising and helping in the community. Shiela and her husband love spending time with their grandchildren, entertaining and making new friends. Tragedy struck Shiela’s life in December of 2012 when their only son, Eric Dowell, was killed in a car accident. Her world as she knew it has never been the same. It was during this difficult time Shiela and her husband were thankful to have formed a family at Shoun Trucking because it was their work family that ran the company until they could return back to their normal daily routine. Shiela keeps her son’s memory alive everyday by helping others and greets every employee with a smile, good attitude and a hug every day and loving everyone as he did. Shiela also leads sales meetings and negotiates contracts as well as attend board meeting and delegate duties. She is constantly monitoring the updated rules and regulations of the Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration by attending classes, conventions and conferences.
By being a family and woman owned business Shoun Trucking has set itself apart from the larger companies because they still embrace that family feel for their employees. Shiela, a strong community advocate, not only runs a successful trucking company but does many things to promote the area. One of her favorite things to do is to participate in community activities and provide financial support for various charities and ministries. She also loves to educate children about the importance of the trucking industry by donating books to the local public libraries and elementary schools. “Our hope is to inspire children’s curiosity about the importance of trucking careers and industry.�
MARCH 2016 | VIPSEEN | 75
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Angela
VACHON STORY BY PENNY GOODWHISTLE
W
Because she lived on her own since the day she turned eighteen, and almost always on a limited budget, Angela would rent the apartments that no one else wanted. “I would rent really inexpensive apartments to live in and renovate them while I lived there. I would rip up the carpet, take the wallpaper down, caulk all the joints and gaps and paint the walls. Anything I could do to improve it myself! My landlords really liked me because I never asked them to fix anything up, but when I left they could rent the apartment for a lot more than what I paid because it had been totally renovated!” That her favorite place to shop is Lowe’s says a lot about where Vachon’s mindset is and has been for a long time. Renovation to her is not simply slapping paint on a tired old building or hanging some drywall and updating electrical: the process involves putting her heart and soul into restoring a building to its former glory. “I absolutely love being able to envision a finished product and working to create that vision. I thrive on making changes to something that is so incredibly dilapidated that it doesn’t seem there is any hope for it. This applies not just to the structure itself but to the Downtown as a whole.” Working to restore a building is one thing, but working to rejuvenate and revitalize an entire downtown area is something completely different. It is a passion for Angela Vachon…a passion that drives her to work tirelessly on her projects. Sharing this passion with others though has been tricky over the years, because so many people were quick to just tear down the old and start from scratch. Angela had to convince others who were scared off by the condition of many buildings to take the chance, and it was her ability to see the possibilities and penchant for hard work that would eventually inspire them. These days, it doesn’t seem quite as risky for others. “A lot of people didn’t believe in the Downtown revitalization ten - fifteen years ago and convincing them has been an overwhelming task. We heard a lot of comments such as ‘good luck – it has been tried before.’ So many people told us to just tear down the buildings and start new, but it is so important to take the worst looking buildings and restore them to their original condition. I firmly believe this creates a sense of pride and highlights the buildings that evoke so many memories in our community.” Restoring old buildings is a difficult job. However, working in a maledominated field certainly adds to the obstacles that Vachon must overcome when restoring a property. “Being a female in the construction industry can be challenging at times. I work with men in a ‘man’s world’ the majority 76 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2016
PHOTOGRAPH BY MICKEY BAKER
hen Angela Vachon was younger she and her sisters were allowed to be pretty independent. She watched her mother, a single mom, work to give her and her sisters all that she could with limited means to do so. “My mother was a single Mom who raised three girls all on her own without being able to work. She did the best with what she had and ended up raising three very driven women!” Her situation growing up is something that has pushed Angela to work from a young age, but it is something she readily admits to liking. “I have always loved working – no really! I have worked since I was eleven-years-old. I had a paper route for five years until I was old enough to get a job at Burger King when I was sixteen. I worked there for a year until I could get a better job as a dental assistant when I was seventeen.” Vachon loved dentistry and was certain that it would be the job she would have in one capacity or another for a great many years, but life would eventually take her in another direction after graduating from college.
THE URBAN SYNERGY TEAM IN THE NEWLY ACQUIRED HIBBERT-DAVIS URBAN BREWS WITH MANAGER BRITTANI MESHELE CLIFTON
WITH HUSBAND JOHN AT FARM TO TABLE DINNER
of each day so it is assumed that I won’t know something having to do with construction the first time I meet a new contractor.” She is a businesswoman at heart and a leader as well, so she understands that maintaining connections is important. Angela has made sure to establish connections with those who share her vision and are willing to accept that a woman can not only work, but excel in the construction business. “I have had to develop those relationships with my contractors and vendors and they now trust and respect me as one of their peers. Most contractors that I have worked with realize that I know about these buildings and they will let me guide them through the process. They know that my vision for what I want will be conveyed and result in a good product.” That product is a totally renovated and revitalized building and a vision executed via her well-established company: Urban Synergy. “Ten years ago, when we first started Urban Synergy it was just me with no employees and we owned a few buildings. Then I met my friend and fellow entrepreneur Kathy Richards with AdviCoach.” Richards saw Angela handling every aspect of what was going on with the redevelopment process and quickly gave Vachon some advice that changed her perspective. “Kathy said ‘when you own a company, there will be things that you don’t want to do that still have to be done, so give me the things that you don’t want to do.’ I handed it off that day and never turned back. This was a huge step in the growth of the company. She taught me how to let go and empower others to help run the company.” It was a hard lesson for her to learn, but certainly an important one. Angela realized that being a good leader didn’t mean handling everything herself, and because of this paradigm shift, her company has flourished.
Urban Synergy has grown exponentially over the past few years and Vachon and her crew continue to work for the betterment of Downtown Kingsport by restoring one historic building at a time. She and her husband not only own twenty-four buildings and four different businesses including the recently acquired Hibbert-Davis Urban Brews, but her recent work with the Downtown Kingsport Association has yielded some important changes as well. “My recent role as the Association’s President allowed me the opportunity to design and implement several key projects in our Downtown” Angela says. “Projects such as the new Parklets, Christmas Decorations, and the new Heritage Clock coming this spring will make a lasting impression and further the Downtown revitalization effort.” Vachon also made a strong effort to clean up the entire Downtown by utilizing existing city resources such as code enforcement and encouraging new projects that the public works department could implement or help resolve. Her work is far from over in Downtown Kingsport. The projects that are handled through her company and involvement in the community have breathed a new life into a once neglected part of the city, giving the region a peek at the full potential that this Downtown possesses.
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Krista
WHARTON
STORY SUBMITTED
“As much as you want to plan your life, it has a way of surprising you with unexpected things that will make you happier than you originally planned. That’s what you call God’s will.” Krista Wharton believes this to be true. As a young adult, she often wondered what God had planned for her. Before having children, she had experienced success in careers in sales and as a French teacher. She became a wife to an amazing husband and a mother of two precious boys. And as a stay-at-home mom, she was very involved in the community through her volunteer service in Junior League, with local non-profits, and in her children’s schools as a board member of PTA. She was very happy to be a “stay-at-home mom” but often wondered if God had more plans for her. In 2011, it became clear that she was to step out of her comfort zone and start a local ministry called Special Spaces Tri-Cities, a nonprofit that she co-founded with her friend Tamara Marshall and whose mission is to create dream bedrooms for children with life-threatening illnesses. The all-volunteer ministry is now in its 5th year, and their team has completed 31 room makeovers in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
Krista didn’t know it at the time, but God had even bigger plans for her life. After Krista’s older son Harrison left for the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, and her younger son Colin started high school and driving, Krista realized she was ready to go back to work. But she was almost 50 years old and didn’t want just any job; she wanted something she could be passionate about and enjoy doing every day. Her background in journalism, marketing, and editing led her to search for a career in that field, but it took a family beach vacation to set her on the path to owning her very own business in a field she had only dreamed about.
Monkee’s is an upscale ladies boutique that has designer clothing, shoes, and accessories (including handbags and jewelry). Established in 1995 in Wilmington, NC, and headquartered in Winston-Salem, NC, Monkee’s was built on a love for fashion and grown through a focus on personal customer relationships. In 2015, Monkee’s celebrated its 20th anniversary and also celebrated a very special honor: North Carolina Retailer of the Year. (The name comes from a term of endearment that Dee Dee’s mother called her and her sisters when they were younger, “her little monkeys”.). Having grown up in North Carolina, Krista had shopped at several Monkee’s locations and was very familiar with the franchise and its excellent reputation. In addition to North Carolina and now Tennessee, there are also Monkee’s boutiques located in South Carolina, Virginia, Ohio, Texas, Alabama, Kentucky, and Florida, each individually owned and operated. 78 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2016
“
As much as you want to plan your life, it has a way of surprising you with unexpected things that will make you happier than you originally planned. That’s what you call God’s will.
“
While on vacation in July 2014, Krista visited her mother in Wilmington, NC, and the two headed straight to their favorite shopping place, Monkee’s, an upscale ladies boutique. The founder and original owner of Monkee’s, Dee Dee Shaw, just happened to be in the store that day, and during a conversation with her, Krista explained to her that she always enjoyed shopping at her store since there weren’t a lot of boutique shopping options in the Tri-Cities. Dee Dee suggested to Krista to open a Monkee’s in Johnson City, and that conversation gave Krista the same excitement that starting Special Spaces also gave her. After much prayer (and much support from her husband David!), she proceeded with the process of becoming a Monkee’s boutique owner.
Monkee’s of Johnson City, located at the Peerless Centre on N. Roan Street, officially opened on August 15, 2015, and has experienced great success! The boutique is decorated with beautiful furniture, fabrics, and accessories in bright, cheerful colors. Krista wanted her boutique to be a very happy and welcoming place to work and shop. She has also surrounded herself with an amazing staff: Jill Dayton, Christine Robins, Greta Wilkinson, and SuEllen Whitson. These ladies are more than co-workers to her; they are like family. They refer to Krista as “Mama Monkee”, and she calls them her “Monkettes”. Their customers are their “Monkee’s Girls”! The Monkee’s brand has become synonymous with personalized customer service and cutting-edge designer fashion. Shopping at Monkee’s has never been just about the sale; it’s about helping a friend walk out feeling beautiful and looking her best. According to Krista, “Our goal is to make each person walking in feel welcome and special. We want your shopping experience to be fun and enjoyable. We will never pressure you to buy a single thing. We want you to love what you purchase, and if you ask us for our opinion, we will always be honest with you (in a nice and gentle way!). We won’t let you buy anything you’re not sure about. We always tell our customers they’ve got to love it to buy it, and if they’re ever unsure about an item, we will always tell them to put it on hold and think about it. If they wake up the next day without another thought about it, it wasn’t important enough. But if they can’t stop thinking about it, then we’ll have it waiting for them!”
There is a misconception that boutiques are only for the very thin and wealthy. Krista wants her community to know that her Monkee’s carries clothing that is age-appropriate for girls in their teens to ladies in their 80s. There are styles to fit sizes 00-16. And while Monkee’s does carry upscale designer lines, there are also lines with prices starting at under $20 for accessories and under $50 for clothing. And starting in March, Monkee’s of Johnson City will carry Jack Rogers sandals for babies 0-12 months (“Baby Jacks”) and men’s Jack Rogers shoes and sandals. Krista feels that owning her Monkee’s boutique is definitely God’s plan and calling for her. She absolutely loves going to work each day and admits it rarely feels like work. She has been able to meet amazing ladies of all ages and make many new friends in the process. Her desire is for women to feel happier and more beautiful when they leave the store than when they entered. She and her staff will always work by the Golden Rule: treat others as you would like to be treated. Krista is very thankful and grateful to all who have helped make Monkee’s of Johnson City so successful. She truly feels God called her to open her boutique and gives Him the ultimate glory for any and all success. “We constantly pray...that our God may count you worthy of His calling, and that by His power He may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Dr. Brenda
WHITE WRIGHT STORY BY PENNY GOODWHISTLE
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r. Brenda White Wright’s very first job was selling tickets and popcorn at the local movie theater in Rome, Georgia. The manager hired her because of her smile, but also because of her accurate ability to make change. The manager, telling that to a young Brenda, had no idea of the irony in his words, for change is exactly something that she has been instrumental in making for over half a century. “I grew up at the height of racial segregation, so my choices of what to be when I grew up were greatly limited. However, I was instilled with a strong work ethic and faith in God, so I knew that I would be successful even within those constraints.” Dr. White Wright decided to follow in the footsteps of her mother, a school teacher, and her father, a community activist, by committing her life to public service and educating young people. She has always heeded the words in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” These words have helped to get her through some difficult times, but knowing the sacrifices of others to pave the way through challenges has helped as well. She was especially impacted by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who made sacrificial service synonymous with effective leadership.
“As a woman and person of color, I am continually challenged, in subtle and profound ways, by racial prejudice and discrimination. These struggles are ongoing, and while troubling, I always do my best to respond with grace and dignity.” Facing these struggles with dignity is something that Dr. White Wright has done her entire career; she describes these as “tests of leadership.” Many of us may encounter such tests, but how we handle them is the defining factor. “Over time, in leadership and in life, I’ve learned that I’m never fully prepared for the challenges from difficult situations that emerge and the behaviors of hard-hearted people, their unimaginable ignorance, 80 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2016
apathy, and intolerance. While not pleasant to experience or endure, these instances are the ones from which I have learned the most and have increased my faith and fortitude to move forward.” Moving forward when the chips are down is something that Dr. White Wright has always done and continues to do. It is one of the defining aspects that have made her so successful when others might have folded. Dr. White Wright is never content to rest on past accomplishments. “I believe it’s highly important to always have a personal and/or professional “next” in life. If we’re not advancing or progressing, we’re regressing.” The Scriptures say, “Where there is no vision the people perish.” Brenda completed both her Master’s and Doctorate degrees after she retired and at a time in her life when most would have been resting with their feet up. She is intent on continuing with her “next” items in life and most recently, ran a half marathon, attained certification as a YMCA instructor, and started teaching Tai Chi. It is this positive outlook and constant progression that Dr. White Wright hopes will serve as an inspiration to others. “I am optimistic that my life will be an inspiration to girls, young women, and anyone who may be challenged to believe in their unique potential for success.” She encourages young people to make serving God and others their highest priorities. As a product of the Civil Rights Movement and a participant in its fight for equality, Dr. White Wright is reminded on an everyday basis about the ongoing need to stand up and speak out on behalf of those who are marginalized in our communities. Among the most significant experiences in her life was participating in the Civil Rights Movement as a teenager and traveling years later to Russia with members of Girls Incorporated. “It was the first plane ride for the girls, and the first time traveling internationally
for all of us. I learned that with God and a supportive community, the impossible dream could become a reality.” As a young girl, she could never have imagined what has become her present reality. She is a motivational speaker, storyteller, and trainer with over 40 years of experience in business management, board and organizational development, human resources, multicultural issues, race relations, youth initiatives, community relations, resource development, and radio and television. For over twenty years, she served as President and CEO of Girls Incorporated, a United Way agency that provides programs for at-risk youth. In that capacity, she was named by The Business Journal as one of the region’s “Twenty-Five Powerful Female Executives.” Dr. White Wright has received a Times-News Award for Distinguished Community Service, a national YWCA Racial Justice Award, a Jaycees Distinguished Service Award, a Toastmasters International Communication and Leadership Award and the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce/Leadership Kingsport “Distinguished Leadership Award.” She received a gubernatorial appointment to the Citizens Advisory Commission on Ethics in State Government, and was recognized as a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow for “service above self.” In recognition of her long-term service to providing leadership and diversity training for its students, East Tennessee State University initiated the Dr. Brenda White Wright Emerging Leaders Academy for students who have demonstrated outstanding character, leadership potential, and a commitment to campus involvement.
Since 1968, Dr. White Wright has been married to her husband, Charles Wright, an Eastman retiree. They are the parents of three adult children, Tamala Wright, Jamil Wright, and Shana Q. Wright-Avery (husband Jeffery), and the grandparents of Christopher, Jaisan, and Sean Avery. The White family matriarch is her 90-year-old Aunt Mary Bea White Bryant of Hampton, VA. More than the “what” behind her success is the “who”: those that Dr. White Wright is quick to give credit to for standing beside her on her journey thus far. Most importantly is her husband, Charles Wright. “For almost 50 years, he has been my anchor and primary support.” Her “besties” of 40 years, Dr. Lori Whipple and Carolyn Cox, daily prayer partners, and household of faith are vital parts of her life that continually inspire and encourage her. She is very grateful to numerous community leaders who supported her leadership growth and development including Doyle Burdine, Jack King, Bruce Sites, Jim Welch, Fielding Rolston, Paul Montgomery, Frank Brogden, Caryl Griffin Russell, Zellie Earnest, Larry Munsey, Cora Cox, Betty Devinney, Vicky Byrd, Jane Scott, Shelburne Ferguson, Betsy Hering, Lynn Shipley, and Jeanette Blazier. “Many of them saw a potential in me that I often didn’t see in myself and provided significant leadership opportunities through organizations including Girls Incorporated, Leadership Kingsport, the Junior League of Kingsport, and Grandfather Home for Children. From these individuals and organizations I have learned life lessons that continue to guide and impact my personal and professional aspirations.” Powerful words from a matriarch in her own right: a powerful woman using her gift of teaching to empower others.
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VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Amy Bowie
WILLIAMS
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elationships are important to Amy Williams. They encompass God, family, friends and business. Over the generations, many in her family have worked together in order to create teams stronger together than apart. Her parents were a dynamic duo, working side by side in many business endeavors through Bowie Investment Company. Amy and her husband have been a duo working together, raising five girls while building a business, holding down jobs and community obligations - a task made easier by cooperation. Williams also works with her siblings in their family business. The family matriarch, Amy Stinson Powers, was integral in showing all of them the things that could be accomplished through the love and faith of Jesus Christ. “I could see in her a vibrant living relationship with the Lord that transmitted to unconditional love for everyone,” says Williams of her grandmother, “I wanted to know that same Jesus.” It is clear that, above all else, faith and family is important to Amy Williams: the rock that she stands on and the foundation that she has used to become the successful businesswoman she is today. Williams and her husband started their lives out together as teachers, but it wasn’t long before they caught the real-estate bug and started flipping houses. “The taste for real estate was exhilarating and it wasn’t long after that we created Williams Investments and Properties.” Over the years, Williams and her husband have been able to offer housing to thousands of residents in the Tri-Cities. “Our mission has always been to provide clean, safe, affordable homes and apartments to all socio-economic levels in a professional, fair and respectful manner. We work hard to develop good relationships with our tenants and take care of our properties.” She credits her hard-working team with helping the companies to run like a well-oiled
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STORY BY PENNY GOODWHISTLE
machine. “Duke and the maintenance staff maintain the residential and commercial properties as if they were their own. Call 423-764-RENT, you will hear a kind enthusiastic voice asking if she can help you. That’s Michele and she is known as “our angel.” Williams daughter, Bethany Wilson, the Administrative Property Manager is a hands-on professional who is caring and diligent. Tom Carter, her managing partner on the commercial side, is invaluable to her and her siblings with his knowledge, expertise and details for organization. Williams says, “Everyone works together and it is a beautiful thing.” BRAN Investments LLC (commercial) and Williams Investments & Properties (residential) are two companies that Amy Williams is proud to say she has worked tirelessly so that both entities will do the very best to better the community at large. “It is rewarding to work deals to bring new businesses to our community as well as helping our small business owners be able to make a profit and be successful. I love the challenges of working with both commercial and residential tenants from every walk of life.” Williams has had the privilege of working with a wide array of people over the years on various endeavors creating businesses and developing properties that enhance the community. Buildings and properties that could have been a blight have become an asset. “Another amazing part of my work is selling our properties. I am particularly pleased with the transformation of the Western Steer on Gate City Hwy into a vibrant living church, Covenant Fellowship. I know my mother is in heaven singing over that re-development!” That she was able to transform a day’s gone-by business into a wondrous place of worship was no small feat and a task that Amy feels moved to do on a regular basis.
True leadership, to Amy Williams, is being able and willing to give oneself over to service: something she asks of others only after doing so herself. She is quick to argue that making money is not the highest goal but rather building strong relationships while being fair and honest so it is good for everyone and all succeed. It is people that make up the world of “business and life” and she hopes those ideas of fairness, respect and caring will translate into a valuable quality to be handed down to subsequent generations. Amy and her brother-in-law Tom Carter continue to work together to manage and develop BRAN Investments LLC and she and her husband Doug with their daughter, Bethany, work to keep Williams Investments & Properties successful and running smoothly. Amy Williams wears many hats that she feels “called” to do. “Truthfully my only desire is to do all work as unto the Lord and then it is up to Him to use it for anyone and in any way He has planned.” As long as God leads, she will continue to grow her businesses in a way that is beneficial both for those who work for her, for the community at large and her families. At the end of the day, Amy Williams is quick to acknowledge that the things she holds dear are the relationships of family and friends, faith and her husband of 45 years. It is through those blessings she has been enabled to reach out and help others in her community through the world of business and service. Williams says of her life partner, “Doug’s belief in me, his faithful unconditional love, honesty, and flair to enjoy life together as his business partner and wife has made my life what it is… blessed.”
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE
Power Women
Wendy
WILGUS W
STORY SUBMITTED
endy Wilgus, family nurse practitioner and owner of Prestige Aesthetics, has never been one to back down from a challenge. Even as a child, those who knew her described her as goal-oriented and focused. So when she decided to open a medical spa, she would not stop until her dream had been reached.
Wendy saved enough to pay for the cost of the training class and decided at the same time to go ahead and attend classes for other injectable procedures. In April 2013, she performed 42 sclerotherapy procedures over the course of the fourday clinic. “I could hardly stand up straight by the last day,” Wendy says, “but I absolutely loved it.”
“People ask me all the time how I became interested in aesthetics,” Wendy says. “Believe it or not, it began on the medical mission trip I take to Mexico each year.” After the trip in 2012, she recognized a need in the patients she was seeing in the clinic each day. “These women were coming in complaining of pain in their legs and had terrible varicose veins,” Wendy remembers. “And there really wasn’t anything we could offer them to help.” After the trip, she began doing research with Dr. Paul Brown, the team’s medical director, and decided to become trained in sclerotherapy. This procedure involves injecting painful non-functioning veins in order to provide relief to patients.
Upon returning to Johnson City, Wendy decided to pursue an aesthetics career, but only on a part-time basis. She worked on friends and family honing her skills, but it soon became evident that aesthetics was becoming her passion and it was demanding all her free time. “I was still working full-time as a nurse practitioner in surgery. I would spend my days working and then my nights trying to start my business. I was missing time with my daughters.” One of the nurses she worked with suggested she contact Penny Woods, an aesthetician who was working inside the TriCities Lifestyle Center. “I met Penny and we just clicked. I knew I was where God wanted me to be.” Wendy left her surgery job and in July 2013 began her full-time career in aesthetics.
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“My philosophy with aesthetics is that you feel better about yourself on the inside when you are happy with your appearance on the outside,” Wendy says. “I have so many clients who thank me for making them not only look beautiful, but also feel beautiful.” She believes that when you are feeling badly about your outward appearance, it affects so many aspects of your life. Wendy began renting one room inside the fitness center, but over the next twelve months her business grew and she was renting all available space that the center had to offer her. “We had no more room for growth, and that is a scary place to be for a business,” Wendy says. She had expanded her services from injectables only to laser services, weight loss, and platelet-rich plasma procedures. She and Penny knew it was time to expand further, but wanted to wait until the right place came along. “We both prayed about it constantly. We knew that just as God had brought us both together, He would take us where we were supposed to go next.” Wendy began looking for the perfect place to build her medical spa. Never would she have guessed a 95-year-old house on Unaka Avenue would be it. “I walked in and I could immediately see its potential. I knew then that I wanted to offer everything a woman would need to feel beautiful all under one roof, and I knew that I could do it.” So on August 3, 2015 Wendy opened her full-service medical spa to the public, offering Botox and dermal fillers, laser services, a hair and nail salon, massage therapy, permanent makeup, airbrush sunless tans, and even yoga. “I have never been happier with a career as I am now,” Wendy says. “It is so rewarding and fun. It doesn’t feel like work.”
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Queen of Hearts 2016
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GOODWIN PHOTOGRAPHY
For 52 years, the Queen of Hearts campaign has been helping the Tri-Cities American Heart Association with their fundraising efforts. The goal is to raise money for heart research, and create a program within the schools that would attract young philanthropists throughout the region. Queen of Hearts is awarded to the candidate who has raised the most money in her campaign. The Crump Memorial Award is given to the high school that has collectively raised the most money within a campaign. The Queen of Hearts Gala will be held March 19 at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon, Virginia.
Caroline Kole Creasy A junior at Abingdon High School, Caroline is the daughter of Todd and Debbie Creasy. She is the granddaughter of Charles and Brenda Henderson and Linda Creasy. Caroline also represents her school as a Varsity Cheerleader, on the Varsity Girls Tennis Team, the DECA Club treasurer and a member of the Civinettes. Miss Creasy attends Highlands Fellowship Church. She plans to pursue a career in the medical field as a nurse or physician assistant. Caroline chose to participate in the Queen of Hearts Campaign to honor her grandfather who is a survivor of heart disease. Miss Creasy feels that serving as a candidate of the Queen of Hearts, she has a unique opportunity to give her campaign managers and herself a chance to help make a difference and raise awareness to help prevent heart diseases and stroke.
Kealy Shaye Childress Kealy Childress is the daughter of Keith and Anissa Childress and the granddaughter of Hal and Barbara Salley, Bob and Belinda Childress and Gail Childress. Miss Childress is a senior at Sullivan Central High School and has represented her school for four years as member of the Varsity cheer team. Kealy was voted by the student body as Miss Cougar, football Homecoming Queen and senior superlatives elected her as being the most likely to make someone smile. She is committed and involved in the school Beta Club, EPIC Team, Journalism, Key Club, Math Honors Society, National Honors Society, Science Honors Society, Respect and Leadership and World Language Honors Society. She is active in youth with her church and enjoys volunteering and helping others. After college Kealy plans to obtain an advanced degree in the medical field. Her inspiration comes from the loss of her great-grandmother, who suffered from heart disease. She is inspired to raise funds for advanced technology and research to help save lives.
Maggie Leigh Capell The daughter of Michael and Penny Capell and granddaughter of Charles and Shirley Balthis and Harvey and Dora Capell, and great niece of Betty and George Fields. As a sophomore at John Battle High, Maggie is a member of the school band and was chosen as the co-drum major for this year. She has participated in All County and All District bands and qualified for All State band auditions. She is a member of the FCA, Club121 and serves as the Secretary for the Sophomore Class. Miss Capell is a member of Indian Springs Baptist Church where she takes an active role in youth activities, participates in the praise band, youth choir as well as the church 86 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2016
HAIR AND MAKEUP BY SHAMAIL MCKENZIE
drama team. Maggie plans to attend college and pursue a career in the medical field. Maggie has experienced the impact of heart disease, as her grandfather and uncle are survivors. Sadly, her great grandmother passed away as a result of congestive heart failure. She is participating as a candidate for the Queen of Heart because she wants to help others with this condition and it is such a worthy cause.
Samantha Jo Hess The daughter of Bryan and Rachel Hess and granddaughter of Barry and Ileen Hess and Eddie and Kathy Miller. Samantha is a junior at Tennessee High School. A dedicated dancer for fourteen years, Samantha started at the early age of three. Her other activities include active membership in the Student Council and Delta Charm. She is a graduate of the 2015 Bristol Youth Leadership program and has been a Tennessee High cheerleader since her freshman year. Her long term goals are attending college followed by medical school to become a cardiac surgeon. Her dream is to be able to open a free clinic in Guatemala, providing basic health care for the less fortunate in that region. Samantha enjoys being involved in her community and doing something for the greater good.
Halea Brook Colquitt Halea is a senior at Virginia High School and the daughter of Rayetta Shaw and Rico Shaw and Mack Colquitt. Her grandmothers are Linda Colquitt and Ann Stittner. Halea is the first candidate to participate in the Queen of Hearts Campaign with Special Needs. Miss Colquitt has had the honor to be chosen as the 2000 Ambassador for the March of Dimes and won the Bearcat Pride Award at Virginia Middle School. Halea is well known as a sweet and loving young lady that possesses the ability to make everyone feel happy wherever she goes. She never allows her limitations to stop her from what she wants to accomplish. As a survivor of open heart surgery, Halea knows firsthand the importance of funding ground breaking heart research. Her future plans are to be a bright and beautiful girl.
Madyson Rose Kent A 10th grader at Tennessee High School, Madyson is the daughter of Martin and Vonda Kent and granddaughter of Gordon and Sharon Kent and Jerry and Jean Stokely. Madyson stays very busy with her Tennessee High School activities. She is a member of the Civinettes, Interact Club and yearbook staff. In addition, she is in the Bristol Ballet Senior Company and assists with Bristol Ballet classes once a week. She was featured in the Youth Spotlight of the 2015 April issue of the Magazine for the Arts and received a partial merit scholarship to attend Richmond Ballet’s 2015 intensive five week summer program. Also, Madyson was just recently accepted into a 2016 Tennessee Governor’s School. Madyson doesn’t know what the future will hold for her, but she is very interested in pursuing a career in the medical field. Through the Queen of Hearts Campaign, she feels that she has found a way to make a positive impact in her community and support a cause that she deeply cares about. Since her family
has a history of heart disease and stroke, this campaign means a lot to Madyson on a personal level.
Jasmine Marie Hightshoe Jasmine is the daughter of Kristal Hightshoe and is a senior at Virginia High School. She is a member of Virginia High’s Distributive Education Club or DECA, an active member of Citizens in Action and a participant in Skills USA. Jasmine is a student-athlete and enjoys playing basketball and running track, but her grade are her first priority. She plans to attend a four year college and pursue a profession in education. She hopes to become an elementary teacher in order to give children a good foundation to start their education. The Queen of Hearts campaign is personal to Jasmine. When her brother was twelve he was diagnosed with a condition called cardioneurgentic, a condition of the brain and heart. Jasmine feels that being able to participate as a candidate and represent her school is a major honor for her.
Kamryn Renee Morey A junior at Tennessee High School, Kamryn is the daughter of Shannon and Brett Morey and granddaughter of Bonnie Lucas. Kamryn stays very busy being active in travel Volleyball for NETVC, a member of the Student Council, National Honor Society, Delta Charm and Younglife. In her spare time she is a hostess at Quaker Steak and Lube. Kamryn plans to pursue a career as an elementary school teacher. Her choice to participate in the Queen of Hearts was to be able to provide funding for heart research, so people affected by heart disease can have the hope to live a long and full life.
VIPPROFILE
POWER GIRLS
The Future Of Our Region Shines Through These Up And Coming Local Young Ladies STORY BY LARK ADAMS
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id you ever wonder what the Power Women were like as young girls? To get an idea of what starts a woman on the path to being great, take a peek into the lives of three bright young ladies in the Tri Cities that are already making a difference in their communities. Most of us would agree that just growing up and doing well in school is plenty of work and accomplishment, but these girls take the time out of their already busy lives to help others. One is partial to four-legged friends, another helps sick kids, and the third is learning how to be a leader, one activity at a time. They all have big dreams and hopes for their future, and for other girls (and boys!) in our area. We are pretty sure we will be seeing plenty more of these ladies as time goes on.
Ariana HILL
Ariana Hill is a Senior at Tennessee High School in Bristol, Tennessee. At the age of 8, Ariana approached her mother and said she wanted to have a Peter Pan Party for her 9th Birthday. Ariana got the idea from the video of the live action version of Peter Pan her Grandmother had bought her after having to undergo some medical testing. Ariana thought the idea of giving to others was a great idea, even at such a young age. They decided to contact the local Children’s Hospital (Niswonger in Johnson City, TN) to see if they had any suggestions and were provided with a wish list. Ariana was so excited to invite all her friends and ask them to bring a gift for the hospital instead of herself, the party was a huge success. Later that year, Ariana’s Grandmother was in an accident that left her in the hospital for most of 8 months before passing away the following year. During this time, Ariana was diagnosed with numerous health problems and learning disabilities as well. Ariana was found to have lesions on her brain that eventually led to the diagnosis of NF1 and the discovery of multiple tumors throughout her body. Over the last 7 years Ariana has had to have a total of 6 surgeries to correct various issues. Since Ariana’s 9th birthday she has either donated her birthday gifts or her money to various charities every year. Since the age of 10, Ariana has donated her money and many volunteer hour to the local Shrine Center. At the age of 12, Ariana began having a lot of pain in her right knee that was believed to be related to a cheer/dance injury. Ariana saw many local Doctors and underwent numerous hours of physical therapy, but at the age of 15 she was referred to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital in Greenville South Carolina where she was diagnosed with Discoid Meniscus (a previously undetected birth defect). Ariana underwent surgery to correct the issue and on a follow up visit it was determined she also had issues with her left knee and was scheduled for another surgery at Shriner’s to correct those issues. Ariana is still receiving care from Shriner’s Children’s Hospital and has recently been named as the Jericho Shriner’s Hospital Ambassador 2016. Ariana is looking forward to serving in this capacity and sharing her story of how Shriners has helped her. During her time as Ambassador she plans to work on her own service project titled “Loving Lunches”, with this Ariana plans to seek donations to purchase new Lunch Totes for the Patients being transported to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital from the local Temple and fill the totes with snacks for the children so they have snacks on their trip as well as a new lunch tote for when they are well enough to return to school. Ariana has always enjoyed giving of herself and does not brag or boast of her generosity. Ariana works hard to maintain her medical concerns and tries to stay active in the community. Ariana has a huge heart for the Special Needs community and hopes to become a Special Education Teacher or be able to find another career that will allow her to follow her heart’s desire to work with Autistic Children.
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Brooke MOHR
When asked to recommend a young woman in the Kingsport area as a Future Power Woman, Vanessa Bennet of the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce, immediately thought of Brooke Mohr. Although she has known Brooke for years, Vanessa got to work closely with her since she manages the leadership programs for the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce and Brooke was in the 2015 class of the Kingsport Youth Leadership program called S.H.O.U.T., which stands for Students Helping Others Understand Tomorrow. In addition to participating in S.H.O.U.T., Brooke takes AP classes at Dobyns Bennett High School where she is active in HOSA, National Honors Society, Student Council, FCA and BUDS, as well as being on the Softball team. She is also active in her church and serves as president of a community service club, where she has organized groups to help with the Susan G. Komen race for the cure, Thanks for Giving, Operation Christmas Child, a blanket drive, and several other activities. One of Brooke’s favorite quotes was when Henry Ford said, “Failure is simply an opportunity to begin again, and this time more intelligently.” She says she is more willing to get out of her comfort zone, because even if she fails, she is one step closer to getting it right. Another thing this has helped her realize is that no one is good at everything. If she tries her very best and comes up a bit short, she is still proud of herself and her efforts. Brooke plans on attending ETSU next year and majoring in biology. While she is there, she hopes to volunteer at a hospital and get as much experience as possible so she can attend Medical school. Her ultimate goal is to complete medical school and eventually become an emergency room doctor. As Brooke says, “To make good grades and being successful at whatever you do, I believe you need to give everything 100% plus! Go the extra mile, and it will pay off.”
Jaecee Rae CARR Jaecee Rae Carr’s goal is to bring sunshine into the lives of others. At just 10 years of age, this 5th grader from Gray, Tennessee, has already done so for many by amassing over 500 volunteer hours. The main focus of her efforts has been helping the four legged friends both in our community, and all over the Southeast United States. In 2012 she started the “Warm the Shelter Pets” Blanket Drive and received so many items that she was able to far surpass her goal and extend the donations to 20 animal shelters in 7 states. Last spring, she also held a “Humane Yard Sale” and made over $1,000. The money was donated to the Humane Society of the United States, and Jaecee Rae delivered the check personally to their headquarters in Washington, D.C. If all this help to her furry friends wasn’t enough, in 2014 Jaecee Rae organized a Pet Food Drive that gathered over 2,700 pounds of dog and cat food that was then distributed to several humane societies and shelters in the Tri Cities. In addition to winning the hearts of animals near and far, in 2015, JaeCee Rae was the youngest ever recipient of the Tennessee Governor’s Volunteer Stars Award. In the same year she won the Girl Scout Bronze Award. Jaecee Rae has also participated in the American Heart Association’s Annual Jump Rope for Heart Fundraiser, and the Susan G Komen Tricities Kids Mile Run, and is involved with cheerleading, gymnastics, drama club, and Girls on the Run. This Future Power Woman may only be 10 years old, but she has already done more to help her community that many adults do in a lifetime. Please visit Jaecee Rae Carr’s website: www.jaeceeraeofsunshine.org to donate funds to help purchase supplies for shelter pets, or to purchase a Paw Print Pin. These pins are paw-print shaped and say, “Be Someone’s Sunshine,” a quote from Jaecee Rae. All profits will be donated to humane societies.
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This edition of VIPSEEN is all about celebrating strong women and their contributions to our community. As I was pondering what to write, it occurred to me that all women are strong. God made us that way. He made both men and women strong and unique each in their own special way. The problem with most men is that they don’t understand the ways of women. So, with that in mind, I have compiled the following list in an effort to help the men in our lives communicate with us more effectively. Fifteen Things You Should NEVER EVER Say To A Woman… “CALM DOWN”. This is number one on the list, because it is the command that is most likely to cause you to end up with a black eye, fat lip, or trip to the morgue. Saying “Calm down” to a lady ensures that she will do everything BUT calm down.
BY BETH STREET
What NOT to Say...
“ARE YOU GOING TO WEAR THAT”? Asking this question will guarantee that you will be entertaining yourself for the evening and probably for the rest of your life. Even an idiot knows not to ask this question. “DON’T TAKE THIS THE WRONG WAY, BUT…” I can promise that whatever you intend to convey will INDEED be taken the wrong way. Remove that phrase from your vocabulary altogether unless you like sleeping on the couch. “YOU REMIND ME OF A GIRL I USED TO DATE”. Oh really? The one you said was the craziest person you’ve ever met? Challenge accepted. “YOU’LL GET OVER IT”. When a woman hears this phrase, she will not get “over it” until she gets revenge. Consider yourself warned. “YOU LOOK TIRED. ARE YOU SICK”? It is a good possibility that YOU are the reason she looks sick and tired, so it’s best just to keep that observation to yourself. “DON’T BE SO BOSSY” OR “WHY ARE YOU SO EMOTIONAL”? Hell hath no fury like a woman who has been called bossy…. unless it’s a woman who has been told she’s too emotional. “WE PROBABLY NEED TO CLEAN THE HOUSE”. Because every woman knows by “we”, you mean “me”. So, if you are going to suggest “we” clean, I recommend you suggest it while you are folding clothes with one hand and vacuuming with the other. No woman has ever killed a man while he was vacuuming, but I’m pretty sure men have died for telling their wives they need to clean the house. “WHEN’S YOUR BABY DUE”? This is one of those rules that really shouldn’t need to be mentioned, but sadly, the world is full of idiots. If you ask a woman when her baby is due, you are one of them. (Some of you are reading this and wonder why it’s frowned upon to ask a lady when her baby is due. Bless your hearts. Just trust me, even if you see a woman who appears to be pregnant reading “What To Expect When You’re Expecting”, DO NOT ASK!) “YOU DON’T NEED ANOTHER PAIR OF SHOES.” There is never an instance where a woman doesn’t need another pair of shoes. Period. “ARE YOU GOING TO EAT ALL THAT”? Men, I added this one for your own safety. If you feel like you might be tempted to ask this question of your significant other, go ahead and cut your tongue out now. Better to lose the ability to speak than to lose your life. “YOU LOOK CUTE TODAY”. Oh really? What did I look like yesterday? Trust me, no woman wants to be told she looks “cute”. Unless you’re speaking of puppies or babies, “cute” always means mediocre. Adjust your speech accordingly. “HAVE YOU GAINED SOME WEIGHT”? Asking this question has been directly linked to a decrease in life expectancy. Enough said. “IT’S NOT YOU. IT’S ME”. If you ever use this phrase, you’re right. The problem definitely lies with you. “WOMEN CAN’T DRIVE”/”MAKE ME A SANDWICH”/OTHER CHAUVINIST STATEMENTS I can assure you that you do not want to eat a sandwich made by a woman you have offended nor do you want to ride shotgun with her. Use common sense, please. Choose your words wisely.
ome! c l e W e r a You e,Beth Lov
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CENTURY 21 LEGACY Jamie Skeen, Owner
These professionals are full time REALTORS® representing CENTURY 21 LEGACY in the Tri-Cities area
Kathy Garland
Kathy has resided in Johnson City for over 30 years. She is a full time licensed REALTOR® and Top Producer at CENTURY 21 LEGACY and has received the topaz award. Kathy is committed to developing relationships of trust with clients and peers. Being Passionate about her work and diligence leads her to successful transactions. High quality marketing products offered by CENTURY 21 LEGACY and staying on top of the market information is a priority and has proved sucessfull over the years. Kathy credits her business success to her family and friends which have been a huge support and referral base. Her mission is as always “satisfaction defines my success” . 423-833-7118 KGarlandHomes@gmail.com
Peggy Dykes
Peggy Dykes is an Affiliate Broker for CENTURY 21 LEGACY of Johnson City. She has a long record of successfully assisting and guiding local and national clients. She earned a B.S. degree from ETSU and has been in real estate for over 30 years. She has been a multi-million dollar producer for over 25 years. Peggy holds the Certified Residential Specialist designation - CRS. Peggy brings the highest attributes to the table when servicing her clients. She is well known for tenaciously protecting her clients’ interests. Her customers appreciate her knowledge of effective negations as well as her market strategies. Peggy was recently recognized by CENTURY 21 as a top producer nation wide and was awarded the coveted CENTURY 21 Ruby Masters Award again for 2015 having won it 3 times in the past. And is also a recipient of the Emerald Masters Award and the Quality Service Award. In addition she was named by CENTURY 21 as one of the top 100 of the Mid-South Region for 2015. 423-483-2350 PeggyDykes@realtor.com
Kathryn Wilder
In 1985, Kathryn made a career change and took a leap of faith into the world of real estate. She first achieved her Affiliate Broker license in 1985 and two years later achieved her Broker license status. In 1996, she achieved the CRS- Certified Residential Specialist status. Since becoming a member of the CENTURY 21 team she has earned the Gold, Sapphire and Topaz awards from CENTURY 21. Being a top producer in the Johnson City office she is proud to be associated with the CENTURY 21 team. Being a Johnson City native, Kathryn enjoys promoting the community and making life long friends along the way. Her client testimonials attest professional, ethical & honest attributes. Kathryn was voted #1 REALTOR, Readers’ Choice Award in 2015 423-483-2313 KatWilder1@yahoo.com kathryn.wilder@century.com
www.MyC21LEGACY.com 3 Limited Centre, Johnson City, TN 423.282.1885 93 N. Rufe Taylor Road, Greeneville, TN 423.639.6781 Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated
210 Colonial Heights Road, Kingsport, TN 423.239.6112 217 Broad Street, Kingsport, TN 423.247.8107
Featuring Party on the Moon® America’s Top Party and Dance Band
MAY 13, 2016 • 6-11:30 pm ON THE LAWN at THE MILLENNIUM CENTRE JOHNSON CITY, TENNESSEE A GALA BENEFITING SYCAMORE SHOALS HOSPITAL Call 423-302-3126 for more information. www.mshafoundation.org
HOLIDAY INN
SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY
3rd Annual
Lucy Simpson
Foundation Dance STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID
The 3rd Annual Lucy Simpson Foundation Valentine dance and silent auction was held at the Holiday Inn in Johnson City on February 12th. Attendees enjoyed a fun night of dancing and bidding to raise money to help grieving families. People from around the region came out to support such a great cause and were able to celebrate Valentines day with a purpose.
Carrie Lingerfelt and Sarah McKinney
John and Lisa Vance, with Jonathan and Melissa Winstead
Nicole Davis and Austin Witt
Hunter and Mimi Simpson
The LSF walks along side families that have lost children. The LSF will pay for grief counseling, medical bills, Hope boxes and grave markers. They will also be a friend and shoulder in a time of need. The LSF aims to make the burden of losing a child easier on parents and everyone involved. To learn more about them, seek their services and find out how to help, please visit their website at lucysimpsonfoundation.com.
Bryan Boyed, Melissa Ayers, with Amber and Andrew Price
Paul and Jan Jacobson, with Tyler Mackie
Brian McKenny and Lance Lingerfelt
Lauren and Dustin Clark
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SEEN IN ERWIN
THE BRAMBLE
Swing &
Swank STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDA COFFEY
The Bramble, located in Downtown Erwin, hosted their first Valentine’s event on Saturday, February 13th. Antique Cars lined the street outside and music greeted guests from “Big Band Theory” as they entered the beautifully decorated venue. Guests were treated to a four-course Noli dinner, prepared by Chef Jason. Guests also had the option to purchase dessert and dancing tickets. Lucas and Kristin Anders, Jamie and Matthew Rice purchased the building (which was built in 1910) and converted it into an enchanting event venue.
Jeff Robinson and Jennifer Ford
Tammy and Shane O’Hare
Owners of The Bramble (Lucas and Kristin Anders, Jamie and Matthew Rice)
Ashley Howell and Scott Saylor Big Band Theory from Kingsport, TN
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Kent and Rebekah Markham
Leslie and Jeff Rogers
Whitney and Michael Jones
Charlene and Mike Peterson
Callie and Green Faircloth
Rylie and Cody Scott
Tom and Julie Irmeger
Antique Car Show (Lee Brown, Jeff Rogers and Lucas Anders)
COMING SOON MARCH 1ST NEW
ROTISSERIE-STYLE
CHICKEN RAISED WITHOUT ANTIBIOTICS
SUBWAY® is a registered Trademark of Subway IP Inc. ©2016 Subway IP Inc.
MEADOWVIEW CONVENTION CENTER
SEEN IN KINGSPORT
Kingsport Chamber 69th Annual Dinner
STORY SUBMITTED | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID, LINDA COFFEY, MICKEY BAKER, AND SHERRI JESSEE
Hosted at the MeadowView Marriott Conference Resort & Convention Center, “the Nation’s Number One Party Band,” Party on the Moon, entertained another record and sold-out crowd of more than 1,700 at “Kingsport’s Social Event of the Year!” “We are so grateful to live in such a great city,” said Miles Burdine, Kingsport Chamber president and CEO. “It was a perfect evening to enjoy our home community of Kingsport. We are also appreciative to all of our sponsors and those who attended the event. This evening and all we do at your Kingsport Chamber would not be possible without the ongoing support of our many members.” The event remains the largest Chamber annual dinner in the nation. Eastman served as title sponsor and WJHL News Channel 11 was host sponsor. Holston Valley Medical Center was the entertainment sponsor, Eastman Credit Union served as concert hall and stage sponsor, Appalachian Power was the program sponsor and Food City was the printing sponsor. As part of the celebration, the Kingsport Chamber showcased several community projects and endeavors that were accomplished last year.
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SEEN IN KINGSPORT
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MEADOWVIEW CONVENTION CENTER
SEEN IN KINGSPORT
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SEEN IN KINGSPORT
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MEADOWVIEW CONVENTION CENTER
SEEN IN KINGSPORT
ARTSEEN
The Willow Tree STORY BY JENNIFER ARES | PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE WILLOW TREE
Coffee House and Music Room
Purveyor of Music and Art W
alking into the Willow Tree Coffee House and Music Room it is easy to see why it has become such a popular place in just two short years. Homey doesn’t do justice to the comfortable atmosphere that is found through the front doors. The coffee bar is small, but coffee and beer is not the point of Willow Tree. “We always started this place as a music venue that just happened to sell beer,” says owner Teri Dosher. It is clear that music, artwork, reading, pottery, and other artistic endeavors are put at the forefront of the coffee house. Coffee might get people to come in, but it is the music and artwork that keeps them coming back time after time. “When Zoe and I talked about a coffee house it was really because we wanted to bring music to Johnson City that we liked: bands that we loved and wanted to see right here in our own backyard.” The art in the coffee house works that way as well and everything that has been hung and sold is a piece of artwork that Dosher personally enjoys…up to a point. “I feel that the art that hangs out front has to fit in with the “vibe” of the coffee house,” she says, “It definitely cannot be artwork that stresses me out because I have to look at it for twelve or more hours a day.” Dosher grins wide and admits that the artwork that she is
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starting to let hang in the coffee house, music room, and bookstore is not necessarily her personal choice, but this is a concession she knows she has to make. “There is a definite feel for the coffee house that I want to maintain, but I understand that I can’t keep hanging art in here that only I like and that’s okay because I’m being introduced to new artists and styles and that’s great.” One artist who has sold material in the coffee house happened to visit Willow Tree on a trip to town from Maryland. Six of his pieces have been sold and all of the money goes directly to the artist. “We are a music venue first, which is an art, but the paintings and pottery that we have had in the coffee house are a bonus. I love promoting artists who have a talent that they want to show off and if they sell something, then great, they get the money. They get to show their stuff off and I get great artwork to spruce up the place!” The win-win situation is working well at Willow Tree and Dosher admits that this art was just one of the driving forces behind her decision to open the eclectic coffee house downtown Johnson City. Looking back on her two-year journey and how it began with simple mother/daughter conversations she is amazed at what the business has accomplished. “I must have been a woman
possessed. I mean, I barely remember some of what happened it was all such a whirlwind. I was cleaning out some papers at my house the other day and found a bubble graph that I had made before all of this got started. Everything stemming from center, the coffee house, has been done or come true and I’d completely forgotten I even made that silly graph.” She admits that things have run relatively smoothly as far as starting a business is concerned and that she is lucky to have gotten this far. A self-proclaimed business know-nothing Teri is amazed that she was able to open a business from scratch and come out on the other end relatively unscathed. “Oh my gosh I’ve been so busy these past two years and I have lived here at the coffee house but the music that we have brought in has been wonderful and the reception tremendous.” Her long days are still frequent, but Dosher finally has a little income to hire some help and recently left town for a couple of days without things going to the dogs in her absence. How Willow Tree treats its artists and musicians is unheard of and it is this motherly niceness that has earned Willow Tree such a fabulous reputation with musicians. Word on the street is that not only are they paid well, with money and not just food and beer, but that the musicians are welcomed into the fold they are treated like family and this reputation is a huge selling point. “Man, word gets around! I don’t have to call anyone and ask them to come here to play. I have a wish list, but artists call us and ask to play here because the coffee house has earned the reputation as a music lover’s venue. Our patrons have run obnoxious “talkers” out before and most everyone who comes here knows not to talk over the music.” The coffee house is for conversation and the stage side is for music and Teri wouldn’t have it any other way. “One of the dreams in my “bubble graph” was to allow others to follow their dreams as well. We’re a community and a community should support each other as much as possible and I really do believe that so we support as much as possible.” Artists such as Ren Allen, Mark Anthony, and Laura Blankenship are just a few of those who have
brought their talents to the Willow Tree, but every Wednesday there are countless, nameless talents put on display when Willow Tree holds its weekly Open Mic. “There is a ton of talent out there that is just waiting to be discovered so we started open mic night and we have stuck to it for one reason: to help others achieve their dreams.” That many of these dreams are only achieved for one night on a small stage in Johnson City is of no matter to Dosher, or anyone in the audience, because following a dream is following a dream and that is what The Willow Tree Coffee House and Music Room is all about. “There was this little guy who kept coming in here, especially on open mic night, and he talked about his guitar playing and I could tell he wanted to sing but wouldn’t. So I told him that if he got up there and played a song on his guitar on open mic night that I would give him a beer for free.” Months passed and the man who longed so badly to play on stage came into the Willow Tree one night: guitar in hand. Teri knew what he was there for and a huge grin appeared. “You’re here for your free beer aren’t you?” What happened next is something magical that can be witnessed every Wednesday at the coffee house stage side: a man overcame his fears and showed his talents to a room of strangers. “Oh my goodness he played so well and he had a wonderful voice. The audience could tell he was nervous. He had to stop and start again, but they clapped and cheered him on and rooted for him, this man who was a stranger, and he played and we were all treated to such talent.” That lovely gentleman might never play in front of a crowd ever again, but he did one night at a coffee house in Johnson City and he was cheered and loved and lifted up by a room full of strangers who knew talent when they saw it. Those in attendance that night, and endless others, understand that to appreciate art one has to stop and absorb what is being presented to them in whatever art form the artist has chosen. Talking means not hearing and looking doesn’t always mean seeing, but Teri Dosher aims to aid her patrons with both listening and seeing by presenting them with stupendous music and breathtaking art that dares not be ignored. MARCH 2016 | VIPSEEN | 105
KING UNIVERSITY
SEEN IN BRISTOL
Bristol Chamber of Commerce
First Friday Breakfast PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID | STORY SUBMITTED
The Bristol Chamber of Commerce held its initial First Friday Business Briefing of 2015 Feb. 5 with Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, Va., serving as sponsor for the event. Johnston Memorial presented a program that focused on heart disease, which coincided with National Wear Red Day, which was also Feb. 5, in hopes of increasing awareness of women’s heart disease. The nearly 300 attendees viewed an eye-opening, yet light-hearted video that showed how women can suffer a heart attack and not immediately recognize the symptoms. Chamber members not only learned about National Wear Red Day but also met the newest businesses to join the Bristol Chamber of Commerce. After the presentation and breakfast, members were able to network with one another, one of the great benefits of joining the Chamber. The First Friday Business Briefings typically take place the first Friday of the month.
Cathy Buskell and Aaron Hopkins
Peter Holler and Ronan King
Johnston Memorial Staff
Carolyn Ferrell, Bill Sorah, and Helen Scott
Peggy Hurley, Cristy Ward, and Melissa Plymal
SEEN IN KINGSPORT
DOBYNS-BENNETT HIGH SCHOOL
National Signing Day STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID
Dobyns-Bennett held an event for National signing day that hosted the signing players and their families in a celebration of the players’ accomplishments. Everyone gathered in the upstairs of the field house to hear the announcement of each player’s fate. Six young men committed to six fantastic colleges. Landon Salyers committed to West Point. Jacoby Thompson is going to the University of the Cumberlands. Michael Foster will be attending Mars Hill. Brett Rodgers committed to Butte Junior College in Sacramento. Drew Pierce will be playing at Columbia State Community College. Luke Hurd committed to Florida College. Congratulations to all the young men.
Landon Salyers-West Point
Drew Pierce- Columbia State Community College
Jakobie Thompson- University of the Cumberland
Bret Rogers- Butte Junior College in Sacramento
Mike Foster- Mars Hill
Luke Hurd- Florida College
CENTER STREET
SEEN IN KINGSPORT
16th Annual
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Holiday Parade STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID
The 16th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Parade was held on Monday, January 18, 2016 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. on Center Street in downtown Kingsport. Citizens from all over the community came out to either participate in the parade or to watch from the sidewalk. Men, women, young and old walked through downtown Kingsport to keep the memory of the loving D. King alive and celebrate what the day stands for. Everyone gathered right outside of city hall and prayed together. After that, Kingsport Mayor Clark spoke about the importance of history, its remembrance and how vital it is to stand together in love and unity. Despite the below freezing temperatures, everyone stayed to hear the inspirational tribute.
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Pet Personals VIPSEEN TRI-CITIES CLASSIFIEDS
March 2016 | The Premier Meeting Place for Pets and their Prospective Owners
Sullivan County Animal Shelter 2141 Idle Hour Road | Kingsport, TN
HI, I AM CHARLIE! I am a super sweet kitty with one year experience with families. I am litter-trained and great with kids. I am living in the Kingsport Animal Center and would love to go home with the perfect family.
(423) 247-1671
HELLO. MY NAME IS CANDY and I am as sweet as they come. I am a little over a year old, which means I am perfect for your family. I love hugs, but I also love to play. I am looking a family that will love me forever.
Unicoi County Animal Shelter 185 N Industrial Dr Erwin, Tn 37650 (423) 743-3071
HOWDY, MY NAME IS MAURICE! I am an adult kitty looking to share my life with the perfect family. I am easy to get along with. I love other cats and am friendly with dogs. I am house-trained and am ready to spend the rest of my life with you.
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HEY THERE! I’M WILLOW. If you are looking for the perfect pet, I’m your gal. I am an incredible listener and cuddler. I am great with kids and other animals. I ain’t nothing but a hound dog and would love to spend the rest of my life with you and your family.
HI, I AM SOPRANO! I am, what you would call, a male diva! I love to make beautiful music with my meowing. I am also friendly and affectionate. I have all the qualities that a family with kids, dogs, and even other cats will need. Come and find me at the Unicoi County Animal Shelter.
HELLO THERE! MY NAME IS MORRIS! I know, I know, you think that because I am a senior, you don’t want to adopt me. But I am a spunky senior. I love to dance when I get excited and love my daily walks. I want to live out the rest of my days with a great family.
Happy March
Happy Birthday Jeanne Vaughn!
Happy Birthday Evelyn Minton!
‘The journey reaching our 50th & 60th birthdays has been nothing short of an adventure! Gracious for a blessed life every day’. Barbara & Dave Clark
Happy Birthday to the best Mom and Grandma! We love you!!
Happy Birthday Sean Phillips!
Happy Birthday Sweetie, Love Momma!
Happy Birthday to our little Boo! We love you!
Happy Birthday Peggy Dykes!
Happy Birthday Lark! We love you!
Happy Birthday Karen Jobe!
Happy Birthday Jamie Skeen!
Happy Birthday 18th Birthday, Ethan! We are proud of you!
Happy Birthday Mackynzie Archer! Happy Birthday Ken Miller!
Happy Birthday John Demuth!
Happy Birthday Lonnie Salyer!
Happy Birthday to the ever-beautiful, Sherri Jessee!
Happy Birthday Lucy Fleming!
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SEEN IN KINGSPORT
CONSERVUS REALTY
Conservus After Hours STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID
The Kingsport Chamber of Commerce as well as the Downtown Kingsport Association welcomed Conservus Real Estate Group to their downtown location on Main Street, Kingsport. A ribbon cutting kicked off the business after hours on January 28th. Many community members came out to show their support for the growing new business. Music and delicious food made the event a party. The open house gave the community a chance to tour the newly renewed downtown building.
Nate Courter and Ted Bradford
Chris Verbel and Rachel Kendall
Conservus Real Estate Group is a real estate firm dedicated to surpassing all expectations in the industry. A unique team has been assembled to ensure that no matter the real estate situation, Conservus will ensure top customer satisfaction. The team of professionals at Conservus Real Estate Group has over 50 years of combined experience in the real estate market. Conservus strives to be excellent in everything they do, whether they are selecting a new floor plan, assisting a homebuyer, or working with a seller. Christy Steadman and Joe and Amy Wenk
Josh Wallace, Leslie McCrackin, and Troy Malone
Jackie Hewit, Angela Vachon, Lisa Tolliver, and Donna Baker
Matt and Sarah Elkins
Brian and Logan Hullette
Katie Douthat, Charlie Dotson, and Leanna Komoromi
Tina Karst, Joyce Rolston, Bill and Kathy Moore
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JOHNSON CITY COUNTRY CLUB
SEEN IN JOHNSON CITY
F.L.I.G.H.T. Benefit Concert featuring
Austin Moody STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES HELMS
Lieutenant Colonel Bill Powley has been working with students in an aerospace education program called F.L.I.G.H.T. for nearly 25 years. The program began at the Unicoi High School with the JROTC program and in 2001 the program moved to Sullivan County. Thousands of students have attended the program getting flight instruction and many have earned their solo certificates and some have pursued careers in the aviation field. Tonight’s benefit dinner and concert recognizes a former student who was involved in the F.L.I.G.H.T. program and from a very early age he discovered two of his passions were flying and singing. That student is none other than Kingsport’s own Austin Moody. Austin Moody discovered the F.L.I.G.H.T. program at Sullivan South High School and worked with Lt. Col. Bill Powley. He also started singing in a blue grass band around age 15 or 16. A very talented singer and song writer Austin now calls Nashville home but his roots run deep here in the Tri-Cities. It is evident in the original songs that he performs that pays homage to life here in Kingsport. He is a throwback to country music that favored substance over fast guitar licks evident in the covers he performs of acts such as Don Williams, George Strait, Fleetwood Mac, and even Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car.” His soulful sound, humble modesty, and normal guy attitude are the reason a large crowd drove many miles tonight in the snow to watch him perform. Austin is currently working on a new album and continues to tour the country. He says he feels blessed to have had so many doors open up for him but one of his biggest joys is helping young students achieve their dreams. To find out more about Austin Moody please visit his Facebook page or visit www.austinmoody.net.
Don and Diane Kruse
Makaela and Etan Presley
Lt. Col Bill Powley and Austin Moody Margaret, Phillis, and Cort
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SEEN IN KINGSPORT
PURE FOODS
PureFoods
Grand Opening STORY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANGELICA ARES
The specialty snack company PureFoods celebrated the opening of its global headquarters and primary manufacturing location with Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and other officials Friday, January 29th. The 88,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art Gateway Commerce Park manufacturing facility produces nutrient-dense and reducedfat snack foods for distribution in Canada, the United States and Mexico. Several regional and state organizations collaborated to help secure the location that has over 22 million invested including the grounds, equipment and facility. Pure Foods uses high-quality, carefully sourced, non-GMO ingredients in its snack production. The company’s new Kingsport location offers industry-unique techniques and technologies that allow for the integration of fresh fruits and vegetables into snack forms, preserving up to 95 percent of nutrient value while reducing food waste, cost and overall impact on the environment. To learn more, go to purefoodsco.com.
Miles Burdine as Master of Ceremony
Tiffany McFail, Darlene Goins, and Perla Pelaez
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John Frostad, President and CEO of Pure Foods
Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey
Governor Bill Haslam
Emily Yiu, William McFetridge, and Nathaniel Misri
Joey Whitaker, Rodney Warren, Sabrina Whitt, and Michael KingÂ
Greg Allen and Joseph Hattrup, Fastechnology Group
Ivan Urago and Marco Stucky
Charles Glass, Mark Eversole, John Rothkopf, and Steve Hiscutt
Steve Reed and Lisa Corbett
Kingsport Mayor John Clark
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VIP NONPROFIT Profile
Bellafina Chocolates Chocolate that makes a difference
Bellafina Chocolates is a Kingsport-based gourmet chocolate company with a difference…the company is staffed entirely with volunteers and directs 100% of its net proceeds to children’s charities. Started five years ago as a homebased business, the company has now expanded to a commercial chocolate production kitchen and retail shop in downtown Kingsport. The mission of Bellafina Chocolates is threefold: 1.
To help children threatened by disease, poverty, abuse, or neglect
3.
To inspire others to find Christ’s purpose in their lives and work for a cause greater than themselves
2.
To help women of all ages and circumstances lead productive, purpose-filled lives, and
Bellafina Chocolates supports threatened children in our region and around the world. The company donates all proceeds, net of ingredients and other operating costs, to selected 501C3 charities such as Serving Orphans Worldwide, Samaritan’s Purse, The Literacy Council, CASA, Children Exceeding Expectations, Morrison School, Speedway Children’s Charities, Youth Villages, St. Jude’s Hospital, Folds of Honor, and others. The company likes to form lasting partnerships with the organizations it supports. These partnerships often include holding fundraisers and helping to build awareness of their work through special edition chocolate boxes and special events.
Maria’s dark eyes sparkled as she saw the beautiful new dresses, quilts, and toys that the staff was unpacking at her home at New Life Nicaragua, a Christian ministry for abused, neglected, and abandoned children. “All for us?” her friends were shouting with happy smiles. In that moment, Maria couldn’t imagine that a group of women half a world away were busily making chocolate with her in mind. 118 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2016
The good work done by Bellafina Chocolates is only possible through a group of devoted volunteers who have chosen to use their God-given time, energy, and talent to help others. On any given day in the chocolate kitchen, you might find a handful of women laughing, talking, and making chocolate. Others greet customers in the retail shop or sew clothing and quilts to donate to underprivileged children in our region or in orphanages around the world. As the company grows, it intends to add a few paid positions and hopes to use these positions to employ women who are struggling and need someone to believe in them. They may be single mothers, homeless women, or women transitioning from a recovery program back into the workforce. Customers often say that Bellafina Chocolates’ truffles are some of the best that they have ever tasted. “The chocolate industry typically adds several types of sugars and sometimes preservatives to their chocolates to extend the shelf life,” explains Brenda Barnicki, President and Founder. “We don’t do that because we think it interferes with the flavor of the chocolate. We make our truffles fresh to order and you can really taste the difference!” Besides gifts for individuals and special events, Bellafina Chocolates specializes in customized company gifts. “We can put a company’s full color logo or artwork on any of our chocolate boxes, and can even imprint a logo right on the truffles themselves,” said Barnicki. “And since every box contains a card explaining that 100% of the net proceeds from its purchase benefit children’s charities, it leaves a memorable and lasting impression with a company’s customers.” Bellafina Chocolates ships gifts year-round and across the U.S. Bellafina Chocolates has grown 50-75% per year every year it has been in business, and has been able to grow its contributions to children’s charities in a similar way. This past Fall, the company moved into its new home at 123 Cherokee Street in downtown Kingsport. This 5000 square foot facility is home to an expanded commercial chocolate kitchen and a retail space carrying
chocolates as well as unique handmade gifts to benefit various children’s ministries around the world. “This building has really allowed us to ramp up production and expand the business,” explains Barnicki. “Shortly after we moved in, we were able to produce a 1000 box order in 4 days!” That extra space will be important for the company to reach its ultimate vision. Bellafina Chocolates hopes to be able to write million dollar checks to charity someday, and to do so perpetually. “I want the company to continue to help children in a significant way long after I’m gone,” says Barnicki. The company envisions continuing to produce their decadent chocolates and create jobs in our region, but serve a market across the country for corporate and personal gifts. So what’s next for the company? “We are in growth mode right now,” says Barnicki. “We would love to get introduced to some of the best companies in our region and across the U.S. to talk with them about placing their corporate gift business with us. And we hope to catch the attention of some of the major media outlets to help tell our story and ultimately, be able to help more children.” It’s an ambition that can change the lives of children like Maria.
123 Cherokee Street – Downtown Kingsport, Tennessee (423)292-2271 or admin@BellafinaChocolates.com Online orders at www.BellafinaChocolates.com Retail shop open weekdays 10am-2pm
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SEEN IN KINGSPORT
KINGSPORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Racks by the Tracks
Press Conference STORY SUBMITTED | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SAVANNA MCDAVID
With over 12,000 people attending Racks by the Tracks each year, the festival is one of the most popular events in the Tri-Cities. The Marshall Tucker Band performing in the Tri-Cities, over 70 unique craft beers, over 20 fine wines, and a wide variety of barbecue – this is what’s in store for attendees at the 9th annual Racks by the Tracks Festival on Saturday, May 14th. This year’s headliner, The Marshall Tucker Band is one of music’s most influential southern rock bands, the group combines rock, country, and jazz, with most of their albums having gone gold or platinum. In addition to the headliner this year, Racks is also giving attendees the opportunity to see the number one Bon Jovi tribute band in America. Wanted: The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute Band has had such a successful career they have headlined shows at the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame and all over the U.S. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.RacksByTheTracks.com or contact event organizers at (423) 863-3998.
VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE COMMUNITY COVERAGE MARCH 2016
Seen on the Scene AUTISM SOCIETY KICKS OFF 5TH ANNUAL TRI-CITIES CONFERENCE Knoxville, TN – The Tri-Cities Autism Conference is back for its fifth year of providing residents in the East Tennessee area with the most current and helpful information about autism. The Autism Society of East Tennessee (ASAETC) (http://www.asaetc.org/) has partnered with experts across the state from many different organizations including ARC of TN, STEP, Special Needs Law Center, and Tennessee Respite Coalition to provide a wide variety of resources for those attending.
EASTMAN ANNOUNCES FOURTH-QUARTER AND FULL-YEAR 2015 FINANCIAL RESULTS KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) announced earnings, excluding non-core items, of $1.59 per diluted share for fourth quarter 2015 versus $1.64 per diluted share for fourth quarter 2014. Reported earnings were $0.83 per diluted share in fourth quarter 2015 versus $0.11 per diluted share in fourth quarter 2014. For detail of the excluded items and reconciliation to reported company and segment earnings, see Tables 3A and 4.
This conference is being reviewed for .5 Continuing Education Units (CEU) by the Office of Professional Development at East Tennessee State University, and will be an incredible opportunity for parents, teachers, medical professionals, and other community members to learn about Autism Spectrum Disorder.
“We delivered our sixth consecutive year of solid earnings growth and record cash from operations in 2015,” said Mark Costa, chairman and CEO. “These results reflect the strength and robustness of our strategy to transform towards a specialty portfolio as we managed through a very challenging global business environment. We benefitted from volume growth in specialty businesses, mix upgrade in Advanced Materials from growth of high value, innovative products, accretion from high quality specialty acquisitions, and continued disciplined cost management.” See “Outlook” for the items excluded from annual earnings comparisons.
This informative event was held on March 12, 2016 at Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church in Johnson City.
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VIPSEEN EXCLUSIVE COMMUNITY COVERAGE MARCH 2016
Seen on the Scene KINGSPORT CITY SCHOOLS NAMES BRYANT AS ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT - INSTRUCTION KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Kingsport City Schools has named Dr. Carmen Bryant as Assistant Superintendent – Instruction, effective immediately. Dr. Bryant will be responsible for the leadership and implementation of all aspects of the district’s instructional programs. She replaces Dory Creech, who recently retired from KCS following a 27-year tenure with the district. “I am pleased that Dr. Bryant will continue to share her experience, knowledge, and commitment to excellence as the KCS Assistant Superintendent – Instruction,” said KCS Superintendent Dr. Lyle Ailshie. “Her background and philosophies in the areas of curriculum and instruction directly align with our district’s guiding tenets, and I am confident that her leadership will propel us toward our vision of being a world-class school system.” Dr. Bryant’s experience includes 18 years in the field of education, most recently serving as the KCS Chief Academic Officer - Secondary. She began her career in Washington County, Tennessee Schools, teaching middle school math and science, as well as high school chemistry. She has twice been selected to Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers and while in Washington County, also served as an assistant principal and principal of David Crockett High School. She began her tenure with Kingsport City Schools in 2011, providing district-level leadership in the areas of curriculum, professional learning, and district initiatives such as STREAM, RTI, and Transforming Teaching and Learning.
“I am thrilled to assume the role of Assistant Superintendent – Instruction for Kingsport City Schools,” said Dr. Bryant. “KCS is blessed to have a highly effective and committed group of educators, and leading the teaching and learning process for the district is an exciting endeavor. Parents, students, and all associated with KCS have high expectations regarding the education of our community, and I am pleased to help guide those efforts in this new role.” Dr. Bryant holds a Bachelor of Science degree from East Tennessee State University in Biology, a Master of Education degree from Milligan College, and a Doctor of Education from ETSU in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis. She is a member of Delta Kappa Gamma International Society for key women educators, has served as a mentor for doctoral candidates seeking administrative endorsement, and has served on the Board of Examiners for the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence. Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a public school district located in Kingsport, Tenn., serving students in Sullivan and Hawkins counties. The district is comprised of 13 schools, including a Pre-K, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school and a non-traditional school; with total enrollment over 7,100 students. The vision of Kingsport City Schools is to be, Student Focused … World Class. KCS has been named the top school district in Tennessee as winner of the 2014 SCORE Prize District Award by the State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) and has earned the 2014 Achievement Award in the annual Excellence in Tennessee Recognition Program by the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence (TNPCE). For more information on KCS, visit k12k.com, listen live on WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, read our blog, We Are KCS, or call (423) 378.2100. We’re social too; follow us on Facebook (Kingsport City Schools), Twitter (@KCS_District) and check out our YouTube Channel (KPTSchools).
NEW LIVE AND INTERACTIVE PLANETARIUM PROGRAM, “THE TRANSIT OF MERCURY FEATURING ‘SOLAR QUEST,’” NOW SHOWING! On May 9th, the planet Mercury will transit the Sun. This event happens when Earth and Mercury are in just the right positions for alignment with the Sun. Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium presents a new program to bring attention to this rare celestial event. Bays Mountain Planetarium is proud to present “The Transit of Mercury featuring ‘Solar Quest.’” In this new, live and interactive program, visitors will explore the small, rocky world of Mercury from its rare glimpses in the twilight skies to recent explorations by the Messenger spacecraft. The powerful nature of our Sun is presented through a short segment entitled “Solar Quest,” which was produced by the Buhl Planetarium at Carnegie Science Center. A live activity demonstrating the relative sizes and distances of Mercury, Earth and Sun highlights why transit events are somewhat rare occurrences. The program concludes with information about the upcoming transit and how to observe this event safely. “The Transit of Mercury” will show at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and at 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
BLOCK RETURNS TO SERVE AS NEW CHAIR OF OB/GYN AT QUILLEN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE JOHNSON CITY – A familiar face at East Tennessee State University’s Quillen College of Medicine has returned to the school to serve as the new chair of the Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology. Dr. William Block, who received his medical degree from Quillen College of Medicine in 1992 and held various faculty positions at the medical school from 1998-2004, took on the new role at ETSU in January. He returns to the university from Minnesota where he most recently worked as the medical director for the Midwest Fetal Care Center.
HANNAHLILY ANGUS HIRED BY THE BRISTOL PUBLIC LIBRARY Bristol TN/VA: Teen Services librarian Hannahlily Angus has been hired by the Bristol Public Library to direct activities for tweens and teens, ages 11-18. Her arrival coincides with the completion the new teen area remodeling being done at the Library.
HUMANS OF CENTRAL APPALACHIA BRISTOL, TN – At a time when it seems there is nothing positive coming out of the mountains of Appalachia, documentary photographer Malcolm J. Wilson is rooting stories and images out of the hills and hollers much like an accomplished ginseng hunter.
Ms. Angus worked as the Teen Coordinator for the Johnson City Public Library for the last eight years. “I am delighted to now have the opportunity to work with teens and tweens in Bristol,” commented Ms. Angus. “I plan to resume book clubs immediately, and I hope to soon incorporate other types of fun programs and events that fully utilize the exciting new teen space.”
Wilson launched the Humans of Central Appalachia (HOCA) Facebook page in June, 2015, as a documentary project aimed at presenting honest stories from Appalachia in an effort to quell stereotypes perpetuated about the region by mainstream shock culture photographers.
Under the direction of Teen librarian Pam Neal who retired last December, the BPL Teen Services program ranked fourth in the State of Tennessee in 2014. Only Nashville, Chattanooga, and Sevier County provided more programming for teens. The Bristol Teen Program works not only in the Library but does outreach book clubs with several community organizations such as the YWCA’s Tech Gyrls and the Boys and Girls Clubs. “I am so excited to meet all the young library patrons and am eager to hear their ideas on how to make the Bristol Public Library the most welcoming and enriching place for tweens and teens!”
Humans of Central Appalachia focuses on the people and stories from nearly 200 counties in Eastern Kentucky, Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, Western North Carolina and West Virginia.
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Seen on the Scene THE BIRTHPLACE OF COUNTRY MUSIC ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF “16 TONS” MUSIC COMPETITION MARLENÉ PIGFORD TO PERFORM AT TENNESSEE ERNIE FORD TRIBUTE FEBRUARY 13 Bristol, VA/Tenn. – The Birthplace of Country Music is excited to announce the winners of the “16 Tons” Music Competition. The competition began last year in November and encouraged artists from the region to submit video performances of the Merle Travis hit made famous by Tennessee Ernie Ford.
ABINGDON MAIN STREET HIRES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OPENS APPLICATIONS FOR NEW BOARD MEMBERS Abingdon, VA -- Abingdon Main Street is poised for growth in 2016, with a new Executive Director at the helm. In October 2015 the Board of Directors hired Jennifer Montgomery as Executive Director. This month the non-profit organization also began accepting applications for three open spots on the AMS Board of Directors.
Patrick Long and The Wicked Pines of Clarksville, Tennessee earned first place in the competition. Second place honors went to Marlené Pigford of Johnson City, Tennessee, and Kingsport, Tennessee’s The Real Life Heavies received third place.
Jennifer Montgomery is the third Executive Director in the organization’s history. As ED, she’ll oversee Abingdon Main Street’s activities, including signature events like Main Street Busker Fest (September 3, 2016) and Abingdon’s Fourth of July celebration. She’ll also work with downtown businesses to promote economic growth, and act as a liaison with Town government.
The concert was held on Saturday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m. at the Paramount in Bristol on what would have been Ford’s 97th birthday. The show featured songs from Ford’s vast repertoire performed by The Paramount Chamber Players, special guests were The Jeff Little Trio, a choral ensemble and vocal soloists, along with accompanying narration. The tribute concert was companion programming to the “Tennessee Ernie Ford: A Life On Stage” special exhibit at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum which came to a close on Sunday, February 14.
A southwest Virginia native, Ms. Montgomery graduated from Radford University with a BA in Journalism before beginning a career in public relations and non-profit management. In 2003 she was hired by Wine America, the national trade association of American Wineries, where acted as Director of Grassroots and Political Affairs. Most recently, she was the first Executive Director of the Nebraska Winery & Grape Growers Association before being hired as Executive Director of the Illinois Grape Growers & Vintners Association.
MOUNTAIN STATES FOUNDATION’S CAR RAFFLE WINNER SAYS SHE’S BLESSED, AND ALSO GLAD TO SUPPORT NISWONGER CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Kathy Mead didn’t buy a Mountain States Foundation raffle ticket thinking she’d win a new car. She bought it to support Niswonger Children’s Hospital. Even after she got the phone call that her name had been drawn as the raffle winner, she didn’t believe it. “I wasn’t even thinking about it that night,” she said. “I was just sitting at home in my recliner. When the call came that I’d won, I didn’t recognize the number, so I don’t usually answer that kind of call – but I did this time. At first I didn’t believe it and I probably didn’t sound so excited, because I was still thinking, ‘Is this a crank call?’ “I was in disbelief until the following Monday morning when I talked to someone at Mountain States Foundation – because I’ve never won anything of this magnitude. I feel very blessed.” Mead’s lucky ticket was drawn at the foundation’s annual Spirit Gala. The raffle and gala raised money to create a new NAS (neonatal abstinence syndrome) unit, as part of Niswonger’s neonatal intensive care unit, to help treat drug-addicted newborns.
NISWONGER CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL FEATURED AREA MUSICAL PRODIGIES IN SUPER BOWL AD JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Young East Tennessee musicians EmiSunshine Hamilton and Fiddlin’ Carson Peters were featured during the Super Bowl in a new TV spot for Niswonger Children’s Hospital. The two budding stars donated their musical talents to support the hospital. The 30-second music video aired on local CBS affiliate WJHL TV-11 during the third quarter of the championship game between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos. “This is an inspiring song and video that really shows what Niswonger Children’s Hospital is all about, done by two incredibly talented young musicians who gave their time and talent to support the hospital,” said Alan Levine, president and CEO of Mountain States Health Alliance. Hamilton and Peters perform a song called “I Am Able” that Hamilton wrote and donated to Niswonger Children’s Hospital for this video. The video includes the faces of many children who have been treated at the hospital. A full version of the song, at just over three minutes long, will be available at www.NiswongerChildrens.org once the commercial airs.
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Seen on the Scene STUDENTS FROM LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS RECOGNIZED AS FINALISTS IN EASTMAN’S ANNUAL ORATORICAL CONTEST KINGSPORT, Tenn., Jan. 26, 2016 – Eastman recognized 15 local high school students, their families and educators during a luncheon today at The Eastman Lodge. The company hosted the annual oratorical contest and recognition event as part its celebration of Black History Month, honoring the traditions and contributions of African-Americans to science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM). “It’s important for us to celebrate and recognize the achievements that AfricanAmericans have made in STEAM fields, and to bring a greater awareness to the importance of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math in education today,” said David Golden, Eastman’s senior vice president, chief legal officer and corporate secretary. “At Eastman, we have an increasingly diverse, global team of talented and dedicated people working together to innovate for the future and create a brighter tomorrow. We need students to be excited enough about these subjects and to choose careers that will give them unlimited opportunities in companies like Eastman.” Winning the contest and a $1,000 cash prize was Katheryn Luckadoo, a sophomore at Volunteer high school. Katheryn will present her essay at Eastman’s Black History Month community event featuring Dr. Mae Jemison. The event will be held on Feb. 4, 2016 at 7 p.m. at the Toy F. Reid Center, and is open to the public.
UNITED WAY OF SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA ANNOUNCES 2015 CAMPAIGN RESULTS (Abingdon, Va.) - United Way of Southwest Virginia has surpassed its 2015 campaign goal raising a total of $1,504,635. “We are excited to deliver this news to the community,” said United Way of Southwest Virginia CEO, Travis Staton. “It is a testament to the generosity of our community and an example of the confidence donors place in United Way every year. We are fortunate to have committed volunteers as well as a very hard-working staff that helped make meeting our goal possible.” One of the largest contributions to the non-profit is its employee-giving campaigns, where employees from various businesses in the region have the option of contributing a portion of their paycheck to support the United Way. Businesses leading the 2015 employee giving campaigns include Utility Trailer, Universal Fibers, Mountain States Health Alliance, and Food City. Funds from the 2015 campaign will be used to fund initiatives that improve the education, financial stability and health for the most vulnerable residents in our region in the 2016 fiscal year.
Coming in second with a $500 cash prize was Grant Wilkins, a freshman at DobynsBennett high school. Third place with a $300 cash prize went to Elizabeth Spitznas, a junior at Science Hill high school. And fourth and fifth places, with $250 cash prizes, went to Daniel Zou, a junior at Science Hill high school and Myeka McIver, a freshman at Sullivan Central high school.
Although the 2015 campaign has concluded, individuals and organizations can look ahead and contribute to the 2016 campaign. Those wishing to contribute should contact United Way of Southwest Virginia at 276-628-2160 or visit www. unitedwayswva.org.
LOCAL OPERA SINGER TO MAKE INTERNATIONAL DEBUT IN AUSTRIA TATUM SPEARS TO SING LEAD ROLE WITH PRESTIGIOUS VOCAL ACADEMY IN CITY OF SALZBURG Weber City, VA – Tatum Spears, soprano, will make her international debut with the FrancoAmerican Vocal Academy in Salzburg, Austria this August. She will be singing the leading role of Donna Anna in a fully staged production of Don Giovanni, one of Mozart’s most well-known and widely performed operas.
HEALTHY KINGSPORT HOLDS PRESS CONFERENCE TO UPDATE ON THE PROGRESS OF THE LIVE SUGARFREE PLEDGE Healthy Kingsport in conjunction with The Public Good Projects (a national, nonprofit media organization that uses the power of the media and marketing to help solve our nation’s greatest health problems) held a press conference to update the Tri-Cities region on the results to date of the Live Sugarfreed campaign, launched on September 22, 2015, and provide information on the second phase of the campaign, which is centered around celebrating the local organizations who took a Live Sugarfreed pledge and encouraging more local organizations to adopt healthier beverage policies.
The FAVA in Austria Program is a four-week intensive study program that includes voice lessons, coaching, role preparation, German language study, master classes, dance and movement, and career building. Spears holds a Bachelor of Music degree from East Tennessee State University. She completed one year of graduate studies in opera performance at the Cleveland Institute of Music in Cleveland, Ohio, where she covered the leading role of Vitellia in Mozart’s La Clemenza di Tito. In 2014, Spears was the recipient of the Frances Shafter Recognition Award from the Metropolitan Opera National Council.
EASTMAN BECOMES ‘PACESETTER’ IN MOVEMENT TO BRING MORE WOMEN TO IT KINGSPORT, Tenn., February 22, 2016 – Eastman Chemical Company is becoming a national “Pacesetter” in the movement to bring more women to careers in information technology and computing. Eastman has joined a cohort of companies and universities who commit for two years to being part of the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Pacesetters collective. Organized by NCWIT, the Pacesetters program is designed to break down barriers and perceptions that prevent more women from choosing careers in IT. Eastman had already become a NCWIT member company in 2015 and collaborated on a Sit With Me event that addressed the issue of declining numbers of women in IT, but participation in the Pacesetters initiative is an even longer stride forward.
EASTMAN ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP RETIREMENTS AND APPOINTMENTS KINGSPORT, Tenn., – Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) announced the retirement of two executives and the appointment of two new executive leaders. Effective July 1, 2016, Chief Operating Officer Ronald C. Lindsay will retire after 36 years of service. Godefroy A.F.E. Motte will retire effective April 1, 2016, after 31 years of service. Motte is currently Senior Vice President, Integrated Supply Chain and Chief Regional and Sustainability Officer.
RUNNELS, FLETCHER TAKING ON NEW LEADERSHIP POSITIONS FOR MOUNTAIN STATES HEALTH ALLIANCE JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Two physician leaders with Mountain States Health Alliance have accepted new positions in the organization. Dr. Clay Runnels will move from chief medical officer (CMO) of Washington County (Tenn.) into the role of VP of HospitalBased Programs and Service Line Development. Dr. Andrew Fletcher has accepted a newly created position, Assistant Vice President of Resource Management and Physician Engagement.
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VIPPROFILE
A Discovery Moment With
Pastor Tony Marr She has these eyes. From the first moment I saw them I was captured. Her eyes met mine and it was almost as if she knew like I did, that she was mine and I was hers. I had never really believed in love at first sight…until that moment. And as the doctor placed her in my arms I knew that I would do everything in my power to protect her, to love her, and to make all of her hopes and dreams come true. I was her daddy; she was my daughter. As I held her that first night, my thoughts were flooded with scenarios beyond my control. This world is a dangerous place. People can be unfathomably mean. Society is often unfair. I made a commitment to protect her, keep her safe. I vowed to help her achieve all of her goals and aspirations. Yet what if the plans she has for her life don’t fall into our cultural acceptance? What if she wants to be president of the United States? What if she wants to play baseball for the Dodgers? There are still so many places in society that don’t seem to give women equal opportunity. What if she wants to follow in my footsteps and be a pastor? The sad reality is that for many denominations, the church can be one of the most sexist entities we know. Sadly, many churches are male dominated organizations where a woman’s role is relegated to women’s ministry or child care. My oldest daughter is now 13 years old and the world has changed a lot in that time. There are many more opportunities for women in the workplace than a decade ago. We even have a woman running for president! Yet it seems as though the church is not keeping pace with the rest of society. A recent Barna study showed that only 10% of American congregations have a female in senior leadership. The 2014-2015 Church Law and Tax Compensation Handbook showed that women in senior leadership were paid 40% less than their male counterparts. It is impossible to argue that women have not played a critical role in Christ’s church through the centuries. In the Old Testament, we see the leadership of women like Deborah and Miriam who were instrumental in leading Israel. In the New Testament, women like Priscilla and Phoebe are seen leading the cause of Christ. Not to mention Hulda, Ruth, Esther, Mary, Tabitha, Junia, or Lydia who practically funded Pauls’ missionary journey! You cannot have a good understanding of scripture and not realize the critical importance women have had in God’s story of redemption. There is reason for optimism however. The same Barna study states that the number of women in leadership in Protestant churches has doubled over the last decade. The 2016-2017 Church Law and Tax Compensation Handbook states that women in church leadership receive 27% less in compensation and benefits than their male counterparts. That is a huge change from 40% just 2 years ago! The church where I serve have women serving communion, leading worship, hosting our worship services, and serving in critical leadership positions. Maybe its not unrealistic to think that one day, if God leads her, that my daughter could be leading and teaching me about the life changing power of Jesus. 124 | VIPSEEN | MARCH 2016
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