VIPSEEN June 2018 by VIPSEEN

SPECIAL FEATURE: A GLIMPSE INTO REGIONALISM

Also Inside: Susan G. KomenÂ® East Tennessee Race for the Cure, Dawn of Hope Golf Classic, and much more

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It's not just a Marina, it's an experience!

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Laurel Marina and Harbor Grill Laurel Marina is a full-service marina with covered, single & double slips, houseboat slips, cruiser slips, uncovered slips, jet ports and lifts available. We, also, offer a fully stocked marine center for all your boating needs. Ask about our membership benefits next time you’re here. Laurel’s Harbor Grill offers a full menu including weekend breakfast items as well as lunch and dinner. Our lunch and dinner menu includes burgers, hot dogs, pizza, chicken wings and tenders, seafood baskets, sandwiches/ wraps, salads, and more. See our full menu on Laurel Marina’s Facebook page. We also provide a full-service department including oil changes, lube, impeller, spark plugs, filters, de-winterization, winterization, exterior/ interior cleaning services, pull out and return. Ask about our bronze, silver, and gold motor packages. 191 Shady Ford Rd. Bristol, TN 37620

(423) 878-3721 laurelmarina.com

For more information about service scan here

Letter from the Publisher

FOUNDER/PUBLISHER Angela J. Baker angela@vipseenmag.com CO-OWNER Mickey J. Baker CREATIVE DIRECTOR Angelica Ares angelica_a@vipseenmag.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Dianna Pilkenton diannapilk@gmail.com EVENTS COORDINATOR Allison Galloway allison@vipseenmag.com VIPSEEN LIVE! Whitney Carr whitney@vipseenmag.com Morgan King morgan@vipseenmag.com ACCOUNT MANAGERS Lark Adams 423.612.3583 lark@vipseenmag.com April Barnes 423.646.4626 april@vipseenmag.com Kirsten Hall 423.502.0695 kirsten@vipseenmag.com Beth Muncy (423) 967.3043 beth@vipseenmag.com COPY EDITOR Lucy Honeychurch BEAUTY EDITOR Sherri Jessee MUSIC EDITOR Anthony Wayne anthony@vipseenmag.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Logan Bailey Sara Burgess Liz Bushong Linda Coffey Kelsey Collins Allison Galloway Beth Street Haley White

She Says ... I am just going to say it: THIS ISSUE IS AWESOME! It is officially my new favorite. To be able to say those words to you after producing a magazine month after month for seven years causes me to feel an overwhelming sense of pride. It just validates that I have the best team and none of us are content with the status quo. We are always working towards being better for our advertisers and our region. There are so many things that I am, literally, obsessed with in this issue. I will give you a quick run down of them and an even quicker “why”, so that you can start reading right away and get all jazzed up like I am. Here they are: 1. The cover and cover story. Steve Smith is truly an inspiring and incredible man. Humble, down to earth, and as genuine as they come. He and his beautiful wife, Debbie, are two of the kindest people I have had the pleasure of meeting since moving here in 2010. 2. The Men of Measure features. Oh my goodness! I love when we create features that are question and answer. So much personality shines through in these answers that it makes me feel like I have known these men for years. I have found this year’s sponsored men to be deeply inspiring. Most, a very large majority, give credit to and thank God for who they are and for what He has given them. I am proud to be sharing their stories about their faith with all of you. 3. The article on regionalism. So. Darn. Good. Andy Dietrich makes a pretty strong case as to why regionalism and why now. Jerry Caldwell and Bob Feathers also weigh in on the hot topic. 4. The American Legends for Mount Mission School at the Olde Farm feature. If you aren’t an avid golf player already, this feature may be the inspiration you have been waiting for your entire life. 5. Lastly, but certainly not least, the EVENTS! Holy cow people! My photographers are going to need new cameras after this past month! Do me a favor…the next time you hear someone say there is nothing to do around here just go ahead and slap them for me, then give a copy of this magazine. Maybe just slap them with the magazine, leave it, and then walk away like a boss. There is so much more about this issue that I love, but I will have to let you do a little discovery on your own. Once again, I want to thank our advertisers and supporters! We could not do any of this without you. Thank you for giving us seven years of sharing our region’s stories! Now, go shop with our advertisers!

PHOTOGRAPHY Logan Bailey Sara Burgess Liz Bushong Linda Coffey Kelsey Collins Allison Galloway Nathan Mays Savanna McDavid Haley White

Angela Baker, angela@vipseenmag.com

DIRECTOR OF DISTRIBUTION Barbara Werner DISTRIBUTION Abigail Gantz Martin Kilgore Mark Kilgore Katherine McClanahan Leslie Morgan WEBMASTER High Road Digital VIPSEEN, Inc., Tri-Cities 151 E. Main Street, Suite 5 Kingsport, TN 37660 423.398.5321

ON THE COVER

Steven C. Smith, Food City President and CEO

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Nathan Mays Photography

WWW.VIPSEENMAG.COM

SPECIAL FEATURE: A GLIMPSE INTO REGIONALISM

Also Inside: Susan G. Komen® East Tennessee Race for the Cure, Dawn of Hope Golf Classic, and much more

june 2018 | www.vipseenmag.com

Calendar of Events / JUNE 2018 JUNE 1 7pm Johnson City Senior Center Prom for Seniors Johnson City Senior Center Johnson City, TN 423-434-6237 Johnsoncityseniorcenter.org

JUNE 5 8am - 12pm Turkeys In Training Science Hill Football stadium Karen Hubbs or Ashley White 423.946.0519 info@thegoosechase.org www.thegoosechase.org

JUNE 1 & 2 19th Annual Blue Plum Festival Founders Park Johnson City, TN Blueplum.org

JUNE 7 5:30pm 13th Annual Legislative BBQ Kingsport Farmers Market Kingsport, TN 423-392-8800 Kingsportchamber.org

JUNE 2 8:30am Woofstock Sugar Hollow Park Bristol, VA 276-591-5790 Mbmspayneuterclinic.org 12pm Summer Open House and Welcome Laurel Marina Bristol, TN 423-878-3721 Laurelmarina.com 7pm 71st Season Reveal Gala Kingsport Theatre Guild Kingsport, TN 423-392-8427 kingsporttheatreguild@gmail.com 7pm 3rd Annual HOPE & Co Taylored Venue and Events Kingsport, TN 423-276-6541 Hopetricities.com JUNE 3 8am - 4pm Ballad Health Criterium Johnson City www.jcomnium.com

1pm - 6pm Marsh Blood Drive Food City 207 Woodland Dr. SW Wise, VA Donate blood and save a life. JUNE 8 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Founders After 5 Concert Series: Demon Waffle A FREE Concert Series Founders Park Johnson City Downtown Johnson City Foundation 423-202-3510 http://downtownjc.com/ grownandgathered/ JUNE 9 11am 3rd Annual Ride to Rescue: Poker Run Ken’s Cycle Center Gray, TN Jurneesjourney.org 6pm Citizenship in Community Dinner Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center Abingdon, VA 276-696-9923 boysgirlsclubme.org

6:30pm Dancing with the Tri-Cities Stars MeadowView Marriott Conference Resort & Convention Center Kingsport, TN 423-292-2919 dancingwiththetricitiesstars.com JUNE 11 1pm Annual Johnson City Chamber Golf Tournament Johnson City Country Club Johnson City, TN 423-461-8000 Johnsoncitytnchamber.com 6-8pm Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies Bristol Library http://bit.ly/BristolLibrary john@symplydatacenters.com JUNE 14 4pm Ta’Vie Boutique Grand Opening Ta’Vie Boutique Johnson City, TN 865-409-4555 Tavieboutique.com 6:30pm - 9:30pm Third Annual Encore Blackthorn Club 1501 Club Ridge Rd Jonesborough TN 37659 Lisa Wilkerson 423-926-8742 om@jcsymphony.com www.jcsymphony.com/events JUNE 15 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Founders After 5 Concert Series: Cha Wa Founders Park, Johnson City Downtown Johnson City Foundation 423-202-3510 http://downtownjc.com/ grownandgathered/ 5:30pm RhythOM Breathe Bristol Yoga

SISTER ACT

Music by Alan Menken Lyrics by Glenn Slater Book by Cheri Steinkellner and Bill Steinkellner Additional Book Material by Douglas Carter Beane A heavenly surprise, filled with powerful gospel music, outrageous dancing and a truly moving story, this feel-good comedy smash will have you jumping to your feet with excitement and joy! A woman hiding in a convent helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she rediscovers her own. Make a joyful noise and join us for this musical comedy smash based on the hit film starring Whoopi Goldberg. “’Take Me to Heaven’ and ‘Spread the Love Around’ bloom into full-throttle disco epics, the latter building up to an ecstatic finale.” –NY Post

11am Cooking with Essential Oils Breathe Bristol Yoga (423) 254-0323 www.breathebristol.com

(423) 254-0323 www.breathebristol.com JUNE 16 6:30pm 34th Annual Friends Party The Virginian Bristol, VA Facebook.com/GirlsIncBristol

JUNE 26 11:30am Welcome Home to Allandale – Kimberly Belle Author event Allandale Mansion Kingsport, TN 423-229-9422 allandalemansion.com/contact

7:30pm Summer Solstice Yoga Nidra Breathe Bristol Yoga (423) 254-0323 www.breathebristol.com JUNE 18 11:30am Kid’s Cooking Class - Make your own pizza Food City 1320 Euclid Ave Bristol, VA. JUNE 22 5pm Tri-Cities Relay for Life Founders Park Johnson City, TN cancer.org/involved/fundraise/relayfor-life.html 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Founders After 5 Concert Series: A Great Disaster A FREE Concert Series Founders Park Johnson City Downtown Johnson City Foundation 423-202-3510 http://downtownjc.com/ grownandgathered/ JUNE 23 8am Race/Walk for a Drug-Free Bristol Sugar Hollow Park Bristol, VA 276-591-7758 Drugcourtbristolva.org

JUNE 28 7pm 3rd Annual Paint the Town Purple Gala The Marsha Washington Inn Abingdon, VA 423-928-4080 alz.org JUNE 29 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Founders After 5 Concert Series: Sulphur Springs String Dippers A FREE Concert Series Founders Park Johnson City Downtown Johnson City Foundation 423-202-3510 http://downtownjc.com/ grownandgathered/ JUNE 30 7pm 3rd Annual LOUD Shirt Gala MeadowView Marriott Conference Resort & Convention Center Kingsport, TN 276-494-4138 Waitingtohear.org

ALSO IN JUNE: Billy, Goat, Gruff: The Musical The Lemonade Stand Steel Magnolias Madame Buttermilk The Book of Mamaw Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

Visit www.BarterTheatre.com or call 276-628-3991 for show times and to purchase tickets.

www.vipseenmag.com | june 2018

June Contents

141 EVENTS 64 72 74 75 76 77 78 84 85 86 87 88 90 92 95 96 97 98 100 101 103 6

Junior Achievement Tri-Cities Business Hall of Fame Masquerade Enchantment: 11th Annual Symphony of the Mountains Gala YWCA Tribute to Women The Bow Tie Benefit Isaacs Pools & Spas 40th Anniversary Customer Appreciation Event Sullivan County Imagination Library Bunco Party Young Life Golf Marathon Floral Workshop with Susan Liles Floral Design Symphony of the Mountains Women’s Symphony Committee Hosts Annual Ball Speedway Children’s Charities Annual Dinner Power of Health Expo and Power of Play 5K The Grand Tour Las Vegas – Fire & Ice Kingsport Chamber 26th Annual Golf Scramble Tri-Cities Go Red for Women Celebration Tennessee PTA Annual Convention, Awards Banquet Discover Bristol Pineapple Awards Run Like a Princess 5K and 3K Wine, Women & Shoes 2018 Boss of the Toss Cornhole Tournament 4th Annual State of the City, County and Town Luncheon AmazinGrace 5K Race

june 2018 | www.vipseenmag.com

104 105 106 107 110 112 113 114 115 116 117 120 122 123 124 125 127 130 133 136 137 138 139 141 144

Abracadabra: The Magic of Reading Revealed March for Babies American Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year Historic Downtown Preservation Awards 6th Annual Bristol Half & Half Marathon Color Splash Spring 5K Ballet & Bubbly Purple Painting Party April Meeting of Birding Kingsport PIE WARS: The Dough Strikes Back Dawn of Hope Golf Classic Run for the Roses: Tricycle Derby and BTVAR Expo Seed: An Environmental Art Experience Kingsport Lifesaving Crew Open House Lucy Simpson Foundation Elvis Live In Concert! James Helms Benefit Bowers Pediatric Dentistry Ribbon Cutting A Ride to Remember Old Shoes & Brews Pollination Celebration Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast 3rd Annual Cocktails: A Night in Black and White Original Long Island Iced Tea Press Conference by Visit Kingsport 2018 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Utility Trailer and Food City Make Significant Product Donation to Feeding America

June Contents

FEATURES 8

SPECIAL FEATURE 2018 MEN OF MEASURE

10 ON THE COVER STEVEN C. SMITH 67 SPECIAL FEATURE THE AMERICAN LEGENDS FOR MOUNTAIN MISSION KIDS’ AT THE OLDE FARM 81 EXCLUSIVE FEATURE A GLIMPSE INTO REGIONALISM 94 SPECIAL FEATURE REAL MEN WEAR PINK 135 BUSINESS PROFILE ATWORK PERSONNEL 25-YEAR CELEBRATION

DEPARTMENTS

128

108 VIP BEAUTY HIGH BUN FUN

128 SERVE IT UP SASSY OH MY STARS!

118 VIPSEEN MUSIC WHAT IT’S WORTH

140 WIT BIT THE NEW NORMAL

MEN MAKE HISTORY AND NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND. IN PERIODS WHERE THERE IS NO LEADERSHIP, SOCIETY STANDS STILL. PROGRESS OCCURS WHEN COURAGEOUS, SKILLFUL LEADERS SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CHANGE THINGS FOR THE BETTER. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Harry S. Truman

june 2018 | www.vipseenmag.com

VIPSEEN

2018 MEN of MEASURE

10 Cover Story: Steven C. Smith,

38 Chaz & Charles Honaker

14 Eric Blevins

40 John Hunter

Millennium Auto Collision Repair

Food City President & CEO

Ballad Health Systems Employee Credit Union CEO

Downtown Bristol Developer & Entrepreneur

42 David Isaacs

16 Chris Bowen

Isaacs Pools & Spas, LLC Owner

Cumberland Marketing Owner

44 Jamie Kyte

18 Zachary Bush

Kyte’s Cabinet and Tile Sales Owner

Matrix Mineral Owner

46 Marty & David Luttrell

20 Jerry Caldwell

AtWork Personnel Services Co-Owners

Bristol Motor Speedway EVP & General Manager

48 Ron Mathews

22 Jeff Cassidy

State Farm Insurance Owner/Agent

Assistant Director & Training Professor of Criminal Justice for the Walters State Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy

50 Mitch Miller

24 Chris Davenport, DDS & Scott Miller, DDS

Northeast Tennessee Regional Economic Partnership CEO

South Holston Dental Designs

52 Todd Muncy

26 Andy Dietrich

Muncy Family Chiropractic Owner

Champion Chevrolet Cadillac Vice President & Co-Owner

28 Mark Drinnon

Horizon Credit Union Chief Operating Officer

30 Jeff Dykes

54 F. Thomas (Tom) Pratt, Jr.

Pratt’s Swine Dining Enterprises LLC DBA Pratts Real Pit Barbecue; Pratt’s Catering; Pratts Honey Glazed Hams; Riverside Events at Ridgefields

57 Michael Parker & Brian Ritz

BrightRidge President & CEO

NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership

32 Bob Feathers

Workspace interiors, CEO; Kingley Investment Group, LLC dba East Coast Wings & Grill Tri-Cities Managing Member

34 Jeff Fields & Nate Monteith Lightning Auto Sales Co-Owners

36 Bobby Flowers

Holston Valley Broadcasting

58 Adrian Sensabaugh

Tennessee Chosen Few Director of Bristol Division/Head Coach/Trainer

60 Jermaine Tucker

Advanced Graphic Installations Owner

62 Benjamin Walls

Benjamin Walls Gallery Owner/Artist

www.vipseenmag.com | june 2018

VIPSEEN Cover Story

STEVEN C.

SMITH Food City President and CEO

VIPSEEN Cover Story

2018 MARKS A VERY SPECIAL TIME IN OUR COMPANY’S HISTORY, AS FOOD CITY CELEBRATES ITS 100th ANNIVERSARY. We are extremely proud to be a local, family owned company. Our heritage dates back 100 years. While the Smith Family entered the grocery business in 1955, the Food City chain we purchased in 1984 dates back to 1918, when the Humphrey’s Family opened their first supermarket in Greeneville, TN. THE GROCERY INDUSTRY HAS CERTAINLY SEEN ITS FAIR SHARE OF CHANGES OVER THE PAST 100 YEARS. From the days of groceries being stored behind the counter to self-service supermarkets, automatic doors, scanning registers, self-checkouts, curbside pickup and home delivery service to LED lighting, advanced refrigeration systems and comprehensive food safety programs – lots of things have changed. But one thing that has remained the same is our unwavering commitment to our customers, our associates, and the communities we serve. In today’s competitive market place, it’s very rare to see a company celebrating their 100th Anniversary. We are extremely proud to have served our friends and neighbors for the past 100 years. We realize this would not be possible without the loyal support of our customers and our valued associates. We have a number of exciting sales, promotions and events planned throughout this year-long celebration. We’re donating $100,000 to charitable organizations throughout our market area through our Food City 100th Anniversary Charity Challenge. We teamed up with several of our local media partners to select participating charities to compete in the challenge. The public votes for their favorite charity throughout the month of May and we will be announcing the winners in June. The charity who receives the most votes in each market area will receive $12,500. Second place winners will receive $7,500 and third place 5,000. We’ve also brought back one of our most unique and successful promotions – the Food City $100,000 Treasure Hunt. Food City shoppers are automatically entered to win each time they use their ValuCard to purchase participating store brand products during the contest. The Food City Prize Patrol is hitting the road in May and June to award some big cash prizes to winners throughout our market area up to $10,000! As we celebrate this incredible milestone in our company’s history, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our valued customers for their support and patronage, and our loyal team of associates for their dedicated service to our company and our customers. Thank you for 100 remarkable years! www.vipseenmag.com | june 2018

LET’S BEGIN BY INTRODUCING YOU TO OUR READERS…TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU DO. I was raised in Buchanan County, Virginia, where my Dad opened his first grocery store in 1955. My elementary and high schools were located next to my Dad’s store, so I rode to school and back home with him every day. My Grandfather was also a businessman and had a tremendous influence on my early life. I was privileged to have two great mentors, who were highly respected men of honesty and integrity. I witnessed the examples they set, the way they treated people and conducted themselves as professionals. Having grown up in a grocery family, I began working for the company at 22, after graduating from James Madison University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. I later married my beautiful wife, Debbie, who I graduated high school with - although she was much too smart to go out with me at the time. It was not until our 10 year high school class reunion that I was finally able to convince her that I might actually be a nice guy. We have two wonderful daughters, Katie 27, who is happily married to a Navy pilot and currently working on her MBA and Chloe, who just graduated high school and will attend Colgate University in the fall to major in International Relations. I’ve watched our company grow from one store, as far back as I can remember, to eleven stores when I began working for the company in 1979, to our present 132 supermarkets, spanning southeast Kentucky, southwest Virginia, east Tennessee,

june 2018 | www.vipseenmag.com

Chattanooga, and north Georgia. I’ve served in a number of different positions throughout the years and been privileged to work with a lot of wonderful people along the way, both inside and outside the company. WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR GIVING SPIRIT? FAMILY GENETICS? LIFE EXPERIENCES? Our company was founded with one supermarket in our hometown of Grundy, VA and grew to a number of other small county seat towns where community spirit was extremely important. I watched as my Dad, and our company, participated in numerous local events, from sponsoring little league teams to Boy Scouts, YMCA, United Way, and scores of other great organizations and activities. Our philosophy has always been that “as a community succeeds, so does our company.” If a community is a great place to live, work, and raise a family, then it will prosper, and as a result our company has a significant chance of prospering as well. Through the years, I’ve tried to set an example for our team by giving back to the community, whether it’s financially or physically, through volunteerism and to provide support and assistance to our friends and neighbors in need. WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPIEST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING AND IN THE COMMUNITY? First and foremost, I like people and the greater part of my job, on a day to day basis, is interacting with people – whether it’s our customers, our associates or community leaders. My happiest moments are seeing my teammates grow and succeed, both personally and professionally.

VIPSEEN Cover Story WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER ANYONE WHO IS JUST STARTING OUT AND WANTS TO BE SUCCESSFUL? I would encourage them to choose a job or profession they enjoy and will provide their family with security. To perform to the best of your ability each and every day and carefully define your life priorities. Work/life balance is important and everything in life that’s worth working hard for has tradeoffs, so choose your career and priorities very carefully. WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO WORK AS HARD AS YOU DO? From the time I was a young person playing sports, I’ve been very competitive. I believe in doing things to the best of my ability, consistently, and I expect the same of my team. In order to have high expectations, I must set an example and be willing to do anything I ask of them – whether it’s working weekends, holidays, or the hours necessary to take care of our customers. At the same time, I understand that you must maintain a good work/life balance to be able to care for your family, your business, and yourself. As one of my mentors always told me, “if you truly love what you do, you’ll never really have to work a day in your life.”

WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT TRAITS OF SUCCESSFUL LEADERS TODAY? NAME YOUR TOP TWO AND WHY? Successful leaders surround themselves with people who are more knowledgeable than themselves and have a passion for what they do. I believe good leaders encourage disagreements, allow their team to challenge them, stand by their people, and are willing to do anything they ask of their team, and set worthy examples. Successful leaders also share their successes, show appreciation, trust, respect, and consistency. I hope my team views me as a consistent leader that trusts and appreciates them for their efforts and works hard to be a good leader and earn their respect. I have so much confidence and respect for my team that it enables me to take larger calculated risks because of the great experiences we’ve shared together. WHAT’S THE BIGGEST RISK YOU’VE EVER TAKEN? DID IT PAY OFF? The biggest professional risk our company has ever taken was in 1984. At the time, we were a group of eleven Piggly Wiggly stores and we purchased Quality Food Stores, Food City’s parent company and essentially tripled the size of our company overnight. We took on a great deal of debt and the daunting

SUCCESSFUL LEADERS SURROUND THEMSELVES WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE MORE KNOWLEDGEABLE THAN THEMSELVES AND HAVE A PASSION FOR WHAT THEY DO. OFTEN, PEOPLE ARE UNABLE TO SEE PAST THE TITLE ON OUR BUSINESS CARDS; WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT OUR READERS WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU? While I’m the CEO of a fairly large company, I truly believe there are more important things in business than just making money. That includes doing the right things for the right reasons, consistently, every day. If we focus on taking good care of our associates and providing exceptional customer service in fresh, clean stores, then success should follow. WHAT DO YOU DO AS A HOBBY IN YOUR FREE TIME? I love to travel with my family, to explore new places and learn new cultures. Of course that always includes a stop in the local supermarkets to glean best practices we can bring back to Food City to better serve our customers.

task of integrating two different cultures. The next few years were challenging, yet extremely rewarding, as the two cultures learned from each other and molded into a much stronger company than either was previously on their own. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY ONE SUPERPOWER, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? I would create a new superpower - one that would force people to take time to listen to one another and be willing to invest the time and effort necessary to fully understand different points of view and be open minded and welcome open, reasonable discussion without the interference of pride or judgment. I believe we could all benefit greatly from that ability.

www.vipseenmag.com | june 2018

Q& A with

ERIC

BLEVINS

MY BRAIN SHORT CIRCUITS A LITTLE WHEN PEOPLE SAY ‘WE CAN’T DO THIS.’ I WILL DEDICATE THE REST OF MY DAY TO PROVE HOW, ‘YES WE CAN.’

june 2018 | www.vipseenmag.com

Photography by Nathan Mays Photography

Downtown Bristol Developer & Entrepreneur

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF. Most people know me as Christina Blevins’s husband, which is fine by me! She is my High School sweetheart from Grundy, VA and my incredible wife of the past 18 years. She is a very supportive spouse and allows me to do what I love to do, which is play inside awesome historic downtown buildings! I am also a very proud father to a threeyear daughter Ruby Claire. Having those two ladies in my life are by far my greatest accomplishments. I have been involved in downtown Bristol, TN/VA’s revitalization efforts for the past 15 years, serving on many no-profit boards downtown including Believe in Bristol, The Paramount and Theatre Bristol. I still serve on the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion Music Committee. While not serving those organizations or being a husband and father, I am working privately to develop property for myself and for others in the downtown and surrounding area. NAME AT LEAST ONE THING IN THE PAST THAT HAS SHAPED YOUR BUSINESS CAREER. I feel that growing up around Grundy, VA and spending most of my young life at Willowbrook Country Club in Breaks, VA sculpted my personal and professional life. PGA Professional Fred Minor offered me my first job washing golf carts at the club when I was only 13 years old. My mother would drop me off at the Willowbrook on her way to work at 7:15am every morning, so I could walk the course and play golf all day. It only took Mr. Minor about 3 days to realize that he had a strong candidate for showing up everyday on time, so he offered me a job. I got to ride a golf cart for free all day, so I would play 36 holes. I spent most days playing with semi– retired successful businessmen, exposing me to a level of maturity and mischief that most were not privileged to at that age and it shaped my personality. I learned that if you worked hard when your young, you might be playing golf all day when your 50 years old, so I had a plan and it is still my plan.

WHAT DREW YOU TO THE CAREER YOU ARE IN TODAY? Oddly enough it was a story in a regional publication, much like VIP SEEN. Marque magazine had a feature on homes throughout the Blue Ridge and one of the homes happened to be the loft apartment on State Street above the company First Class Travel, which is now Wells Fargo. I saw the pictures in article and thought, ”This is in Bristol?” I was immediately intrigued and started visiting State Street regularly. I soon met Jean Burnette, she introduced me to several community leaders and the rest is history. WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST SUPPORTER? My greatest supporter has been and continues to be my parents, Jackie and Nancy Blevins. Many of my accomplishments are also their accomplishments, because we are partners in several deals. Banks laughed me out the door when I was 24 years old asking for a loan. I needed someone who believed in me and would sign their name beside mine. Mom and Dad have always been there for me and I hope to never let them down. Here we are now, 15 years later, the loans and projects are bigger, and we are able to share success together as a family, which makes it very special. WHAT DOES THE WORD “NO” MEAN TO YOU IN BUSINESS? I have NO tolerance for the word no. I argue routinely with anyone who presents me with this word. My brain short circuits a little when people say “we can’t do this.” I will dedicate the rest of my day to prove how, “yes we can”. WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR OUR REGION IN THE NEXT 5 YEARS?

consistent entertainment options. The up and coming hotel projects downtown should really make an impact on many of the small businesses and perception of the city. WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU AND YOUR ORGANIZATION? WHY? Core Values by far. I work in the construction and Property Management business and the simple things are always most important. 1. Show up on time and do what you say. 2. Be honest, always, even when it hurts. 3. Treat everyone fairly and assume they are also honest. I think, how would I react if this was asked of me or happened to me? I strive to base my decisions on those thoughts. Why? If you get those things right you will find successes in the most unexpected places. WHAT WAS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE RECEIVED IN YOUR CAREER THAT YOU USE DAILY ETC.? I remember my uncle Danny Blevins, who is a successful entrepreneur, once said to me, “Eric, you don’t get the good fruit unless you go out on a limb.” That one hit home the most. He also said, “It doesn’t matter what you do, mowing yards, cleaning gutters or whatever, just be the best at it and you will never have a problem.” AS MENTOR, WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE? I would say avoid partnerships, unless everyone has equal skin in the game, otherwise you will find yourself paying their way. IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPERPOWER WHAT WOULD IT BE? To fly! I hate sitting in any kind of traffic!

My vision for downtown Bristol, my primary focus, hasn’t changed in the last 15 years and it certainly seems to be closer to a reality than ever. I want a bustling downtown, full of smiling people, successful businesses, high quality residential options, tasty food, and

www.vipseenmag.com | june 2018

VIPSEEN 2018 MEN of

MEASURE

LET’S BEGIN BY INTRODUCING YOU TO OUR READERS…TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU DO. I’m very blessed to be able to create meaningful work each and every day with people that I love. Getting up every morning and feeling passion for what you do is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Our team helps clients convey their brands, craft their identities, and share stories that matter with the world. Whether through videos, campaign designs, or websites, we use a variety of marketing communication tools to help grow businesses and make an difference in people’s lives. WHAT DREW YOU INTO THE BUSINESS AND/OR INDUSTRY THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN? I absolutely love all aspects of creativity. It’s a thrill to watch our team use cutting edge marketing techniques to help make a difference in our region. We’re fortunate to work with a diverse range of clients from many different industries. I love being a part of projects that help improve people’s lives and seeing the impact of that work play out across the region. WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR GIVING SPIRIT? FAMILY GENETICS? LIFE EXPERIENCES? The spirit of giving is both biblical and practical, and something you have to work every day to develop and improve upon. The richest and most rewarding things in my life result from what I’m able to give to other people. There’s a book Miles Burdine gave me that encapsulates the spirit of giving called The Go-Giver, by Bob Burg and John David Mann. The message in that book captures the heart of what I aspire to achieve, build my company around, and instill in others. WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR OUR REGION IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS? My vision is to help bring about a more cooperative effort and unified voice for our region to share with the outside world. Our region’s natural beauty, festivals, and attractions are so diverse and unique! We need

june 2018 | www.vipseenmag.com

to find a common brand, message, and identity to more effectively communicate our strengths. If we don’t find a way to harness the collective power of this amazing place where we live, we are really missing a generational opportunity to attract new people and business to the region. WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PROVIDE LEADERSHIP AND GUIDANCE TO OUR YOUTH AND UPCOMING GENERATION OF LEADERS? Our kids watch our actions more than they listen to our words, so we must lead by example. Often, showing positive leadership and leading with a giving heart makes more of a lasting impact than what we say. WHAT ROLE DOES GOD PLAY IN YOUR LIFE & LEADERSHIP? I make it a point to spend time each day reading from the Bible and/or motivational or spiritual books. I’m not a religious person, but I do seek to bring glory to God in my character and spirit. These are the things that will always be evident and speak louder than words. It’s an everyday struggle and lifelong pursuit to improve the inner spirit. There are so many obstacles and challenges to overcome, but we owe it to our family, kids, employees, and friends to be the best version of ourselves that we can be. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY ONE SUPERPOWER, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? What a question! If I had to choose just one, I would love to have the superpower of “BALANCE.” I’m very competitive and driven to work hard, but I would love the ability to better balance that intensity with more “chill” time with my loved ones. I love spending time with my five grandkids, wife, kids, and friends, but sometimes it can be challenging to turn off my “work brain.” It would certainly be a superpower for me if I could find more time to simply relax and enjoy life!

Q& A with

CHRIS

BOWEN

Photography by Cumberland Marketing

Cumberland Marketing Owner

OUR KIDS WATCH OUR ACTIONS MORE THAN THEY LISTEN TO OUR WORDS, SO WE MUST LEAD BY EXAMPLE. www.vipseenmag.com | june 2018

Q& A with

ZACHARY

BUSH

NEVER CHANGE WHO YOU ARE OR CONFORM TO SOMETHING YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE GOING TO REGRET.

june 2018 | www.vipseenmag.com

Photography by Nathan Mays Photography

Matrix Minerals Owner

VIPSEEN 2018 MEN of

LET’S BEGIN BY INTRODUCING YOU TO OUR READERS…TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU DO. My name is Zachary Bush and for the last ten years, I’ve owned a rock and mineral company called Matrix Minerals. I’ve done many other amazing things, such as get married to the most amazing woman, Marlaina, and have our beautiful daughter Acacia. In a typical introduction for myself, I get asked the same question a lot. How did you get into selling Rocks and Minerals? I collected rocks and minerals as a child, like most children do, but I just took it to a whole new level. I met a few people in college doing something similar to what I do now and ran with it. I travel all over the country to seek out older stock mineral collections from people and make offers to buy them. Once I’ve acquired the collections, I take the specimens to my private buyers and sell them. WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR GIVING SPIRIT? FAMILY GENETICS? LIFE EXPERIENCES? I get my giving spirit from several past relations in my life. Growing up, I was poor. My mother would sometimes work three jobs to just cover our cost of living. I remember looking at my mother once and saying, “I promise I will never struggle when I get older. I will make a better life for myself.” I’ve always remembered and stuck to that. If I see people struggle, I’m always reaching out to help them. My wife and I will buy people’s groceries or their dinners at restaurants, etc. Pay it forward is all we ask in return. WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR OUR REGION IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS? My vision for the Tri-Cities in the next five years is absolutely great! With a lot of new business coming to the downtown Johnson City area and younger business owners like myself and my wife, wanting a change; the only way to go is up. We see a true potential in the downtown Johnson City area. From bringing 100-year-old buildings back to life, building things such as, the Cereal Lounge, Escape Room, and many other great business’ in downtown. We have a ways to go, but this path is going to be amazing. WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO WORK AS HARD AS YOU DO? I have many motivations in my life. My family is absolutely number one. I want my daughter to never have to go through what my mother and I did when I was growing up. I want to show her there are so many possibilities in life and if you reach

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out far enough, you can achieve them. I work extremely hard to make sure that my wife and daughter are very well taken care of and that’s what motivates me. It’s why I wake up everyday and do what I do. OFTEN, PEOPLE ARE UNABLE TO SEE PAST THE TITLE ON OUR BUSINESS CARDS; WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT OUR READERS WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU? I’ve been somewhat successful in my business. I get to interact with some powerful people, go into places that others simply can’t go, and expierence life on a different level than some, but I’ve never changed the way I dress for anything. If I’m going to a meeting with some big company owners or the board of the largest jewelry company in the world, I wear jeans and a T-shirt. To some, that may be surprising. To others, it’s normal. I want to be comfortable and relaxed. WITH SO MUCH SOCIAL MEDIA BOMBARDING OUR YOUTH WITH AN OVERWHELMING AMOUNT OF MESSAGES BOTH NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE; WHAT WOULD SAY TO YOUNG MEN IN ORDER TO HELP THEM NAVIGATE THE WORLD? The advice I would share with a younger adult navigating through life is: “never change who you are or conform to something you’re going to regret.” Life is full of opportunities! I, myself, am only 27 and I still have a lot to learn about the world and how it works. Let’s help each other open doors to be successful. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR CAREER? What I enjoy about my career the most is the interaction I have with others. Everyone always has a story and I love hearing them. I can always relate to or jive with someone on many levels. My job has allowed me to become somewhat cultured and have a little knowledge about things I thought I could never have. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY ONE SUPERPOWER, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? If I could have any super power, I would want to be able to read someone’s mind. During some tough business transactions I have with some of my clients, I always try and get a read on the situation and sometimes I’m right and sometimes I’m wrong. I just feel as though it would be the most helpful superpower.

www.vipseenmag.com | june 2018

VIPSEEN 2018 MEN of

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TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU DO. My name is Jerry Caldwell and my wife, Belton, and I have four children. I’m blessed to get to call Bristol Motor Speedway my office and work with 72 of the best people in the world. We get to help people have fun and make great memories. WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR OUR REGION IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS? I see us pulling together and being able to identify ourselves within this region as one. I use the example of my family. I want my (four) children to have strong individual identities but I want them to also embrace their last name and family identity. I encourage my kids to embrace their strengths and unique qualities and special gifts that God has given them. At the same time, let’s remember that we are in this family together. We don’t need to look to take away from each other; we need to be interested in what is good for the family. There are going to be times where we need to take turns, to sacrifice for the greater good; and times where one will win. We need to remember, however, that when one gains, we all gain. I see a very bright future for our region as we work together to accomplish great things. DEFINE WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE FOR YOU. Understand that it’s more about the journey than the destination. Surround yourself with good friends that you can be honest with and will be honest with you. You’re going to fall down and make mistakes, but get up and keep moving forward. Enjoy the journey and make sure you’re having fun along the way. Don’t listen to, or believe, everyone you encounter; that’s when those friends that speak truth are so important. WHAT HAVE YOU ACCOMPLISHED PERSONALLY OR PROFESSIONALLY THAT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF? Most proud of my family. My wife and kids are amazing people that love me unconditionally and love me through every day. I’m blessed to be able to do life with them. NAME SOME THINGS THAT YOU HAVE LEARNED FROM MENTORS THE HAVE HELPED SHAPE WHO YOU ARE. I have been blessed to have a few individuals in my life that helped guide me and shape me to who I am. A few of the key take aways: treat people the way you want to be treated, every

june 2018 | www.vipseenmag.com

person is important and created special in the image of God, treat them with respect, listen, be humble, care about what you do, take it personally (with proper life balance), and don’t ask others to do something that you aren’t willing to do yourself. That doesn’t mean you have to do it, but don’t ask others to operate in a way that you aren’t willing to. One last thing, love the people that you work with, they are in your life for a reason. DESCRIBE YOUR WORK ETHIC. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU LIKE TO PASS ALONG TO THE NEXT GENERATION ABOUT WORK ETHIC? Work hard and exceed expectations in everything you do. It will pay off to go the extra mile. Have a work/life balance, but whatever you do; do it with excellence. We aren’t owed any special treatment and shouldn’t expect people to give us special treatment. WHAT DOES THE WORD “NO” MEAN TO YOU IN THE BUSINESS WORLD? No...not yet or take a different approach. This is when it pays off to have great people around you. Get honest feedback about what you’re working on. If it’s a great idea that gets validated by others, don’t accept no, keep pushing. MANY OF US WORK TO BE THE CHANGE WE WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD. WHAT CHANGE DO YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD OR EVEN MORE SPECIFICALLY, OUR REGION? We are all in this journey together and together, as a region, we are strong and can accomplish great things. I want the people of this region to see all of the many blessings that we have here, to be proud, and to know that by joining forces we can accomplish a lot. If we don’t worry about who gets the credit short-term then in the long-term we can all be stronger. WHAT DO YOU DO AS A HOBBY IN YOUR FREE TIME? I have four children, so in my spare time, I love hanging out with my wife and kids. I love traveling with my wife, hanging out with friends, reading, working out, playing golf, and hiking. WHAT, DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT TRAITS OF SUCCESSFUL LEADERS TODAY? I know I’ve said this already, but being humble is the most important trait. Think big. Have a clear message and stay focused. A successful leader remembers that it’s all about people

and we are stronger as a team. Most successful leaders, that I have witnessed, care deeply about their people and are able to balance loving their people with a clear mission. They can make very hard decisions, but do it with heart. WHAT’S THE BEST BOOK YOU’VE READ (OR LISTENED TO) THIS YEAR? Other than the Bible, which is amazing in how relevant and appropriate it can be on a daily basis; “Tattoos on the Heart” or “Simplify.” WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR CAREER? I’m thankful to work with amazing people that are passionate about exceeding expectations. We are blessed to work for Bruton and Marcus Smith; both are visionaries and are willing to take big risks and have a commitment to excellence and people. WHAT ROLE DOES GOD PLAY IN YOUR LIFE & LEADERSHIP? God has created us all for a purpose and with special gifts and abilities in His image. It’s the most important part of who I am. SOME RANDOM THOUGHTS/ ADVICE.... Take care of yourself. Be humble. Work hard. Smile. Have FUN. Spend some quiet time every day getting your mind right. There is no such thing as a coincidence. Everything in life happens for a reason. You have to lead yourself first in order to lead others well. Try big things. Failure is an event, not a person. Believe in you, knowing that God has great plans for you. He has plans to prosper you and give you a bright future. He has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power and love. He has placed you where you are for a reason, go forward in confidence looking to make an impact for the greater good. Life is about more than whatever is on your business card. Your job doesn’t define who you are. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY ONE SUPERPOWER, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? Superpower....hmmmm...that’s a tough one. I can’t choose one, so I’ll give two. First, the ability to fly. I’m on the road quite a bit and it would free up some time if I could just fly places. Secondly, the ability to make ice cream whenever I want. I LOVE ice cream! How great would it be if I could have it whenever I want? Come to think of it, that’s probably not a great idea. I’ll stick with being able to fly.

Q& A with

JERRY

CALDWELL Bristol Motor Speedway EVP & General Manager

Photography by Nathan Mays Photography

Bristol Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board

WE ARE ALL IN THIS JOURNEY TOGETHER AND TOGETHER, AS A REGION, WE ARE STRONG AND CAN ACCOMPLISH GREAT THINGS. www.vipseenmag.com | june 2018

Q& A with

JEFF

CASSIDY GOOD LEADERS DO NOT CARE ABOUT TITLES, RANK, OR CROWNS; THEY CARE ABOUT WATCHING OTHERS BLOSSOM AND FLOURISH. 22

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Photography by Nathan Mays Photography

Walters State Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy Assistant Director and Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice

VIPSEEN 2018 MEN of LET’S BEGIN BY INTRODUCING YOU TO OUR READERS…TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU DO. I am 43 years old and born and raised in Kingsport, Tennessee. I have a lovely daughter, who is a graduate of King University, and I am fortunate to be engaged to Tabatha Mitchell of Mt. Carmel, Tennessee. I am an experienced law enforcement officer, executive manager, and instructor with over 20 years of experience. I am currently the Assistant Director and Assistant Professor of criminal justice at the Regional Law Enforcement-Training Academy at Walters State Community College. I started my career in 1997 at the Sullivan County Sheriff ’s Office and worked in the corrections industry until I graduated from the basic police recruit school in 1999. I then worked on patrol and made my way through the promotional ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, and finally, in 2007, I was appointed to the rank of Captain as the Sullivan County Sheriff ’s Office general departmental instructor over all POST certified officers training. In 2008, I began to oversee operations and supervised 72 employees in five departments: patrol, K-9, dispatch, evidence, and I.T. During my career I have served on Honor Guard Teams, S.W.A.T. (team leader and commander), and supervised, designed and implemented the first dignitary protection unit for the agency. I have received the medal of valor and four separate “Officer of the Year” awards over the course of my career. I graduated Summa Cum Laude with my bachelor’s of Science degree from Bethel University, and I am a graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy in Quantico Virginia. Lastly, I am a candidate for Sheriff of Sullivan County in the August 2018 general election. WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPIEST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING AND IN THE COMMUNITY?

serving the public and giving back to the community that I live in. I currently train new officers that are slated to work patrol after they are certified by their agency. I try to instill in them the understanding and importance of service and protection to the community. I sometimes believe there is a misunderstanding by new recruits when it comes to the idea of service. It involves anything from helping an elderly lady with their groceries to assisting in the changing a tire for a motorist on the side of the road. Compassion and empathy go a long way in law enforcement and in showing the community you care. WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER ANYONE WHO IS JUST STARTING OUT AND WANTS TO BE SUCCESSFUL? Success in law enforcement, in my opinion, requires four important tasks. Firstly, it requires knowledge and constant training. Second, it requires that we be the officer that others want to emulate, which means working hard, learning your job, teaching others, and being a good ambassador for your agency. The third important task is embracing diversity and working for all of the citizens in your zone and community. The fourth task, but by no means the least important, is to put God first, family second, and then work. If you have problems in your home life, you will not succeed in your professional life. WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? I am most proud of the individuals I have had the privilege of managing and training. Many of these individuals have excelled, flourished, and have moved up in their respective agencies. It also is heart-warming to receive calls, texts, or emails thanking me for my training and leadership. I love hearing past students say that what they learned under my tutelage has helped them save their own lives or the lives of others.

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WHAT HAVE YOU ACCOMPLISHED PERSONALLY OR PROFESSIONALLY THAT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF? Going to the F.B.I. National academy in Quantico, VA and completing my B.S. degree in criminal justice. My parents always told me how important education would be in the future and they were right. MANY OF US WORK TO BE THE CHANGE WE WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD. WHAT CHANGE DO YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD OR EVEN MORE SPECIFICALLY, OUR REGION? The drug epidemic in our region is impacting the lives of so many citizens in this county and we have to take a pro-active approach and utilize resources to protect our citizens. We have to work harder on interdiction efforts and in arresting drug traffickers. Another important task we need to undertake is collaborating with the Judges and District Attorneys in alternative sentencing, re-entry programs, and rehabilitative efforts for those addicted to drugs. WHAT, DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT TRAITS OF SUCCESSFUL LEADERS TODAY? NAME YOUR TOP TWO AND WHY? To be a successful leader today you only are as successful as those you place around you. Good leaders do not care about titles, rank, or crowns; they care about watching others blossom and flourish. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY ONE SUPERPOWER, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? I would love to be able to fly like Superman. I love heights, as long as I am safe, and I think it would be breathtaking to view the world at any time from above.

I am a people person and love meeting and talking to people in the community. I love

www.vipseenmag.com | june 2018

VIPSEEN 2018 MEN of

MEASURE

CHRIS DAVENPORT, D.D.S. TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU DO. I grew up in Glade Spring, VA, and graduated from Patrick Henry High School in 2004. I spent four years at UVa-Wise and another four years at VCU’s School of Dentistry where I received my D.D.S. degree. Family has always been a top priority for me, so when my wife and I were looking at places to settle down, we made the easy decision to come back to the Tri-Cities to be near our parents and raise our children. I met Dr. Miller volunteering at a RAM project in Wise, VA and subsequently joined his practice soon after. We have grown steadily and last year we formed South Holston Dental Designs to focus our practice on replacing missing teeth and implant dentistry. Our mission is simple; we treat folks the same way we would want our own families to be treated; in a fun and relaxing atmosphere. There are a lot of people who avoid the dentist because they are embarrassed about dental problems and are afraid of being judged. If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a dentist, it’s that you never know what sort of struggles someone else has been through in their life. Our staff treats each and every patient with compassion and we are empathetic towards their situation. We love a challenge and the satisfaction of exceeding a patient’s expectations of their treatment. I look forward to spending the rest of my career here watching families grow up in the process. DESCRIBE YOUR WORK ETHIC. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU LIKE TO PASS ALONG TO THE NEXT GENERATION ABOUT WORK ETHIC? My Dad would always say, “Son, if you’re gonna do something; do it right!” I’ve tried to live by those words my whole life, and as a dentist, there’s a certain amount of perfection we all strive to attain. The ladies at the office can attest to the time we put into each and every case, and I’m happy to be surrounded by a staff that, when called on, are always willing to go the extra mile for the patient. We are proud of our work and we know that it will define our careers. I would tell the next generation “Don’t half-ass something!” It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to find a shortcut for everything. It takes much more time and energy to fix mistakes than it does to do it right the first time. WHAT DO YOU DO AS A HOBBY IN YOUR FREE TIME? My favorite activity outside of work is offshore fishing. There is no substitute for the exhilaration of being 70 miles offshore and hearing a reel go screaming. I credit my grandfather with getting me hooked

june 2018 | www.vipseenmag.com

when he took my cousins and I on our first charter boat in Destin, FL when I was seven years old. I loved it and have been going ever since. The part I enjoy most is the planning. There is so much that goes into each trip. I use satellite imagery to look at the weather, wind, sea surface temperatures, current, and a number of other things to determine where we will fish. We then get all of our gear ready and baits organized before a final safety check. When you finally hook into one, all that preparation makes it worthwhile. The hard part of course is living in Tennessee and having to make that drive to the coast. I put a lot of miles on my vehicles! WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR CAREER? I like working with my hands and fixing things. For Christmas one year when I was about nine or ten years old I got a kids woodworking set and I can remember making all sorts of stuff with it. I also had some really awesome art teachers in school that encouraged creative expression. I love when a patient brings me a challenge. It gets my wheels turning and sometimes a resourceful solution is necessary. People don’t want to have to always be worried about their teeth, so it’s nice to get someone in, get them fixed, and let them get back to enjoying life. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY ONE SUPERPOWER, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? If I could have one superpower it would be the ability to teleport anywhere! There’s so much in this world that I still want to explore and see, and usually it’s the distance that prevents me from doing so. I would love to be able to just go anywhere and see the world on a moment’s notice. Think about how much time we spend in our cars, on airplanes, and just commuting in general, and imagine if we could spend that time doing the things we love and seeing new places. SCOTT R. MILLER, D.D.S. TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU DO. I am one of only two Prosthodontists practicing full-time between Roanoke, VA and Knoxville, TN. This is one of the nine specialties of dentistry recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA). My practice involves the replacement of missing teeth including implants, crowns, bridges, partial and dentures. I first became drawn to dentistry by my childhood dentist, Dr. Joe M. Adair, who allowed me to spend time in his practice. His passion for helping others inspired me to become a dentist. I often think of the other role models that shaped my life and my practice of dentistry.

WHAT ROLE DOES GOD PLAY IN YOUR LIFE & LEADERSHIP? I have a strong religious heritage. My grandparents were praying people. My paternal grandfather was a preacher. My dad should have been and my younger brother is currently my pastor. Every child also needs a praying mother. Mathew 6:33 is the bible verse I have always been reminded to live by: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” I credit everything I have been blessed to accomplish to those praying people that came before me and a heavenly Father full of mercy and grace. WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS AN IMPORTANT TRAIT THAT HELPS YOU IN YOUR DAYTO-DAY BUSINESS DEALINGS? I believe our practice success also comes from our mission to treat people like we would want to be treated. We have been voted Best of Bristol for six years in a row and credit our success to that simple principal. Our staff and doctors ensure that our patients leave with expectations that are usually met or exceeded. We give our patients treatment options that address their primary concerns and present a couple different predictable ways that allow them to chew comfortably while looking good at the same time. Dental implants are our specialty. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BRING TO THE LIVES OF OTHERS BY WHAT YOU DO? Our team is motivated by helping people. Twice per year they can be found at the local RAM/Mission of Mercy (MOM) projects treating those less fortunate. I am a Director of the Virginia MOM denture team and we have delivered over two thousand dentures to those unable to chew and who didn’t have much of a reason to smile. Our staff shares a common mission to improve our communities by giving our patients more confidence through beautiful smiles and the ability to enjoy a meal. This is accomplished either in our state of the art dental implant facility that finds a skylight above most chairs or in a remote area on a mission of mercy trip. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY ONE SUPERPOWER, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? My super power would be the ability to read the minds of my patients and then be a dental version of Jesus providing immediate rehabilitations. To find out more about our team and office visit www.southholstondentaldesigns.com and be sure to read our reviews.

Q& A with

CHRIS

DAVENPORT

SCOTT R.

MILLER

South Holston Dental Designs

IT’S EASY TO FALL INTO THE TRAP OF TRYING TO FIND A SHORTCUT FOR EVERYTHING. IT TAKES MUCH MORE TIME AND ENERGY TO FIX MISTAKES THAN IT DOES TO DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME. – Chris Davenport

OUR STAFF SHARES A COMMON MISSION TO IMPROVE OUR COMMUNITIES BY GIVING OUR PATIENTS MORE CONFIDENCE THROUGH BEAUTIFUL SMILES AND THE ABILITY TO ENJOY A MEAL. – Scott R. Miller Photography by Nathan Mays Photography

www.vipseenmag.com | june 2018

Q& A with

ANDY

DIETRICH Champion Chevrolet Cadillac Vice-President and Co-Owner

I HOPE THAT WE CAN ALL WORK TOGETHER TO SELL OUR REGION TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD AS ONE GREAT PLACE TO WORK, LIVE, PLAY, AND PRAY. 26

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Photography by Nathan Mays Photography

Chamber of Commerce serving Johnson City - Jonesborough â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Washington County Chairman of the Board

VIPSEEN 2018 MEN of LET’S BEGIN BY INTRODUCING YOU TO OUR READERS…TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU DO.

that we can all work together to sell our region to the outside world as one great place to work, live, play, and pray. I see population growth and new businesses and industries wanting to move here.

I was born and raised in Kingsport, TN and presently reside in Jonesborough, TN. I graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School in 1996. In 2000, I earned my Bachelor of Science degree with a major in business management and an economics minor from Elon University.

THERE ARE SEVERAL WONDERFUL NONPROFITS IN OUR REGION; WHICH ONE DO YOU FIND YOURSELF MOST DRAWN TO SUPPORTING AND WHY?

I currently serve as vice president and coowner of Champion Chevrolet Cadillac in Johnson City, TN. During six of the last eleven years of ownership, Champion has been the number one sales volume Chevrolet dealership in the state of TN. This year, I am serving as the Chairman of the Board for the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce. I am also on the Washington County Ballad Health board. WHAT DREW YOU INTO THE BUSINESS AND/OR INDUSTRY THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN? My grandfather purchased the Ford dealership in Kingsport in 1960 and named it Anderson Ford. When I turned 11, I decided that I wanted to be in the car business. He wouldn’t let me work there until I was 15 years old. I have always enjoyed cars and what makes them go. I have worked in every department in a car dealership and love everything about it. WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPIEST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING AND IN THE COMMUNITY? I am living my dream of being in the car business. Every day is different and exciting. Just when I think that I have seen it all something new happens. We have been very blessed at Champion Chevrolet and it has given us the opportunity to give back to the community that we love so much. WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR OUR REGION IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS? Collaboration, Coordination, Communication, and Cooperation. I hope

I mostly try supporting nonprofits that deal with children. My wife, Hayley, is the Director of Children Exceeding Expectations, a school for children with cancer and compromised immune systems. We also support Niswonger Children’s Hospital, Young Life, CASA, Boys & Girls Club, and Speedway Children’s Charities. MANY OF US WORK TO BE THE CHANGE WE WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD. WHAT CHANGE DO YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD OR EVEN MORE SPECIFICALLY, OUR REGION? I would like to see our cities, counties, businesses, universities/colleges, and neighbors to work better together. The word “regionalism” is gaining momentum and needs to be studied. A plan of action is currently being drawn up to present in the coming months for a starting point. We need to rebrand/rename our region and sell it to the U.S./World. Have one website that a company or person wanting to possibly relocate to our region can visit and see everything they need to know about our great region as a whole. We will have to look at the big picture and realize that, if we want our region to grow, we are going to have to try something new. WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST SUPPORTER? HOW HAS THEIR SUPPORT ENABLED YOU TO ACCOMPLISH WHAT YOU DO? My parents have always been my greatest supporters and cheerleaders. They have always believed in me and have helped me back up when I have fallen. I would not be who or where I am today if it wasn’t for the love and compassion they have showed me over the years.

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WHAT DO YOU DO AS A HOBBY IN YOUR FREE TIME? Hayley and I have one son and one daughter. Hagan is 12 and Hudson is 9. In my free time, I enjoy being with my family, playing golf, boating on the lake, and attending a men’s monthly prayer breakfast. WHAT ARE THE GREATEST CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN PULLING THIS OFF, AND HOW DO YOU PLAN TO DEAL WITH THEM? Getting all of our cities and counties to come together to make regionalism work. There is a good chance that not all of them will want to participate at first. They may have a “wait and see” attitude. If this is the case, we will let them come back when they are ready. At the end of the day, though, I just hope that we can sell the idea and everyone will want to participate to help this region grow together. WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? My two kids, because they have just been great kids who love each other and are good friends to others in school. They are the reason I strive to work hard in my business every day. Hayley and I are trying our best to be good role models for them as well. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR CAREER? Sellling! It’s exciting every time you sell something. It is rewarding and very satisfying. I love to find my customers, friends, and family the right car for them. I love to watch their excitement when they get to drive it off the lot as their own. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY ONE SUPERPOWER, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? If I could choose any superpower it would be to have the ability to fly. The reason I choose this is that I could get more accomplished in a day. Plus, I just like to fly and see the beauty of the earth below.

www.vipseenmag.com | june 2018

Q& A with

MARK

DRINNON I AM HUMBLED TO BE IN A POSITION THAT ALLOWS ME TO HELP PEOPLE ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS AND ENJOY THE FRUITS OF THEIR LABOR. 28

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Photography by Nathan Mays Photography

Horizon Credit Union Chief Operating Officer

VIPSEEN 2018 MEN of

LET’S BEGIN BY INTRODUCING YOU TO OUR READERS…TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU DO. I currently serve as the Chief Operating Officer for Horizon Credit Union. My role is to ensure that the credit union is in compliance with all rules and regulations and develop loan and deposit products that meet the needs of our members. My roots in the financial industry span over 38 years; I have a passion for helping people reach their monetary goals. I am married to Teresa – we have three children (Tim Drinnon, Amber Collins, and Laura Jones) and four grandchildren (Sam, Neyland, Emma, and Aubree). We recently acquired two more children (Finn and Maggie) who are currently seven months old and weigh 75 lbs! (Finn and Maggie are Great Shepherds.) I am blessed to still have both of my parents, Rev. Neil and Ruth Drinnon, who still reside in my childhood home. We have strong family ties, and continue to gather at their home every Saturday for a family lunch. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BRING TO THE LIVES OF OTHERS BY WHAT YOU DO? We’ve developed products and services for people of all socio-economic levels. Whether the consumer is looking for the best rates in town or the financially challenged clients who may have less than stellar credit, we are committed to eliminating barriers to allow equal access to financial products. Credit unions have always been viewed as consumer champions, “people helping people.” While it’s true that credit unions can’t help everyone fix their financial situation, there are many creative solutions that can help members achieve their financial goals.

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NAME AT LEAST ONE THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU EARLY ON IN YOUR CAREER THAT HAS SHAPED THE TYPE OF BUSINESSMAN YOU ARE TODAY. As a very young man, I started my banking career at 1st National Bank of Sullivan County as a collection adjuster. I learned early on that many people who were having financial problems were hard working individuals who had experienced unexpected financial circumstances that were outside their control. I realized that these people deserved my respect and I treated them with dignity. Understanding their situations and helping them work through these difficult times helped create many lasting business relationships. In turn, I earned their trust and respect and continue to enjoy doing business with many of these people today. TELL US ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT. I currently serve on the Board of Mayor and Alderman for the City of Church Hill. It has been an honor and privilege to serve my community for the past 12+ years. I volunteered for over 30 years as a Little League coach and served as the chairman of the Church Hill Recreation Department for several years. I am a Tennessee Achieves mentor to high school seniors. I am proud of the community involvement Horizon Credit Union participates in: Boys & Girls Club, Girls Inc., Tri-Cities Military Affairs Council, annual Kingsport City Employees Picnic, Mt. Carmel Block Party, and the Hawkins County School System. WHAT DO YOU DO AS A HOBBY IN YOUR FREE TIME? I mow – a lot!! I enjoy four-wheeling adventures, boating, kayaking, swimming, and spending time on the lake with my family. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANYONE’S SUPERPOWER, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? I think we have all been blessed with unique God given talents that we can use to help our fellow man. I am humbled to be in a position that allows me to help people achieve their goals and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

www.vipseenmag.com | june 2018

Q& A with

JEFF

DYKES BrightRidge President & CEO

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU DO. I am originally from Elizabethton, TN but my career in the public and private energy business has taken me to North Augusta, SC and Kansas City, MO, as well as, Tennessee. As president and CEO of BrightRidge, I get the opportunity to work in a rapidly changing industry. I get to serve our customers and community by seeking innovative ways to adapt advancing technologies to benefit them in every area of their lives. I graduated from Elizabethton High School and Milligan College, so it is only natural that orange and black are perhaps my favorite colors. Probably the most important thing in my life is family. My wonderful wife, Ricki teaches Special Education at Lake Ridge in the Johnson City school system. I have two amazing children. My daughter, Kala, also a graduate of Milligan College, is a Registered Nurse. She and her husband, Matt, live in Kansas City, MO. My son, Jordan has a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in chemical engineering from Caltech and lives in Denver, CO. While my career has taken me to several places the one constant has been my faith in God and my family. WHAT MAKES YOU THE HAPPIEST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING AND IN THE COMMUNITY? What makes me happiest is that I get the opportunity to meet people, get to know them, and hopefully make some positive difference in their life. Our business touches our customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lives in so many ways and my goal and the goal of my fellow employees is that, through what we do, each day we can make things better for our customers and community. Creating value for a customer by providing services that help use energy more efficiently, impacting a business through positive change, helping a business expand, or helping a business move to our area are ways that we can positively impact our community and region. The opportunity to be home after working in other areas of the country is a blessing and drives me each day to do something that can have a lasting impact for our area.

GOD IS THE CENTER OF MY LIFE AND SERVING HIM IS HOW I TRY TO LIVE EACH DAY. 30

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VIPSEEN 2018 MEN of WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR OUR REGION IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS? I would like to see our region continue the direction it is beginning to take. Thinking as a region will have the biggest impact for our community both now and in the future. Organizations, such as the Northeast Tennessee Regional Economic Partnership (NETREP) is a positive change in how we represent our community to others. It makes a bold statement that we are moving to become competitive with other areas economically, educationally, and culturally by working together. Our competition should not be with one another in the region but with other regions. The opportunity for us to regionally work together to promote our area, beyond just in the state of Tennessee, can impact economic growth and build something stronger for future generations. Having lived other places, I see that our region’s assets are second to none. The most important of these are the people who live here. I hope that BrightRidge and I can be a part of this exciting regional discussion. I hope that we see more discussion, cooperation, and desire to make our voice heard on a much larger scale. WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO WORK AS HARD AS YOU DO? I love what I do, and I can’t ever imagine retiring. I would guess there are many things that motivate me. I grew up in a family that in worldly terms did not have a lot, but my mother and father were an example of working hard but more importantly that love of family and friends is more important than anything. When you are young you often don’t realize the sacrifices your parents are making to provide things for you. It is often later, when you look back, you realize how hard they worked to provide you with opportunities they never had. It was important to them that I attended college. My mother had registered for college but did not have the money to attend and my father completed the eighth grade before leaving school to go to work. My desire to make them proud and to provide opportunities for my family drive me to work whatever hours it takes to be successful and in the process what my parents taught me gave me a desire to help others. The opportunity to serve, help, and have an impact drives me each day to work hard. We should always remember we are not here to create a legacy for ourselves but to serve others and the Kingdom of God.

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST SUPPORTER? HOW HAS THEIR SUPPORT ENABLED YOU TO ACCOMPLISH WHAT YOU DO? My greatest supporter has always been my wife, Ricki. Throughout our marriage she has been there supporting and encouraging me both during great times and those times when roadblocks really caused me to be discouraged. As a leader, you often keep things bottled up inside when you are discouraged. You need to keep focused to make sure you are there to guide and support those you work with. Ricki is the one who always is supportive no matter the situation and help me keep things in perspective. She has always been there when I said I wanted to take a risk on an opportunity, but it requires us moving. She never once hesitated. Everyone encounters those times when you get discouraged and it is always she who says to me, “God has you here for a purpose.” IF YOU WERE ABLE TO TRAVEL BACK IN TIME TO YOUR SENIOR YEAR IN HIGH SCHOOL, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOURSELF ABOUT THE YEARS AHEAD? First, I would tell myself that your hair will fall out someday so don’t spend time worrying about it when it starts. Also, when you hear about startup companies called Microsoft, Walmart, and Amazon buy as much stock as you can even if it means eating spam sandwiches every day. On a more serious note, I would tell myself that, while you might not believe it now, your parents are the smartest and most loving people you will ever know, so listen to the advice they are giving you. Also, spend as much time with your father as you can as he will die before you get married and have children and it is a void in your life and theirs that will never be filled. Tell your mother every day you love her and thank her for faithfully reading the Bible to you as a kid, as those memories will mean more to you as you grow older. I would also tell myself there will be highs and lows ahead of you, but you will make it through them. Treat everyone with the same type of grace that Christ gives you. I would tell myself there will be tests in your life but remain faithful as God is always faithful and he is going to bless you with a wonderful wife and two great children to share your life with. WHAT ARE SOME THINGS YOU DO TO UNWIND FROM A BUSY DAY? Some would say I never unwind from a busy day. I don’t sleep a lot as I am often working

MEASURE

late, but that is only because I enjoy what I do and have a strong desire to become better at it. Every day is a day to learn more about my business and to become better at what we do for our customers and community. Many might call me the proverbial workaholic. I do enjoy reading, studying, golfing, and spending time with my wife. We both miss not having our children nearby to spend time with. Being back in East Tennessee does allow me to spend quality time with many of my family and friends; those I missed while having lived away for so many years. WHAT ROLE DOES GOD PLAY IN YOUR LIFE AND LEADERSHIP? God is the center of my life and serving Him is how I try to live each day. I have a wonderful family, great friends, a great career, and opportunities that are more than I deserve. I keep pictures of my family and a Bible on my desk. It reminds me to keep grounded in my faith, represent my family in a positive manner, and always put others ahead of me. Christ was the greatest example of leadership in history. He showed us that leadership means we are to be a servant. I want to serve my customers, my employees, my family and my community. When we approach our business in the way Christ has taught, then even when we make mistakes, which we will; our faith will be there to lift us back up to move forward. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? In business, my greatest accomplishment has yet to take place. I would tell anyone to set your goals and dreams high, but always remember anything you accomplish was not done by you and you alone. Everywhere I have been and now with BrightRidge, if there was, or is, an accomplishment it is only done by, and with, the people I work with. Each step you take and goal you reach only moves you towards even greater goals and opportunities. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY ONE SUPERPOWER, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? If I could have a superpower, it would be the ability to go back into the past and take others with me. This would let me take my children back to meet their grandparents and other family members, as well as, famous people they have heard about but could not meet. The wisdom, strength, and love they could gain from that would be amazing. They no longer would be just hearing about these people, but they would build real personal memories.

www.vipseenmag.com | june 2018

VIPSEEN 2018 MEN of

MEASURE

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF. I grew up in Kingsport and am the fifth generation to call East Tennessee home both maternally and paternally. I graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Architecture and Planning in 1986 and lived in Atlanta, Houston, Northern NJ, and Philadelphia before returning to Kingsport in 1992 to take over Joe Barker Builders, which became Barker Building Company, Inc. I purchased Todd Interiors, Inc. in 1999 and it operates today as Workspace Interiors, Inc., a Steelcase dealership and commercial interiors firm with locations in the Tri-Cities and Knoxville. I’ve been involved with many organizations over the past 20 years including Rotary (past Chairman), Junior Achievement (classroom volunteer), The Symphony of the Mountains (past Chairman), Kingsport Parks and Recreation (Advisory Council), Mountain States Health Alliance (past Chairman), Ballad (vice chairman Finance), the Kingsport Economic Development Board (past Chairman), and the Kingsport Chamber Board (current Chairman). I am married to Jennifer, a 1986 Vanderbilt College of Engineering graduate and father to Lauren, a 2018 Business graduate from the University of South Carolina, and Rebecca, a sophomore in the Honors and Engineering College at the University of Tennessee. I enjoy any outdoor activity, but mostly golf, swimming, hiking, and snow skiing. WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR OUR REGION IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS? My vision is that we will become one marketed region composed of the contiguous counties that makeup northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia. We will mutually construct strategy that is focused on recruitment of major employers that complement our existing large employers – healthcare, pharmacy, chemical engineering, logistics, and glass as examples. A mutual agreement/policy will be adopted by both Tennessee and Virginia that benefits both states in business recruitment. We will land at least one major new employer and Ballad has spurred rapid expansion of ETSU’s medical research and a new research campus is in the works. The region will realize the results of our mutual cooperation with the addition of unique retail, dining, and entertainment venues following viable population growth, improved aesthetics to our major gateways is occurring, a rapidly diminishing housing inventory is evidenced by rising housing costs, continued demand and expansion of technical and vocational education to support job growth, and rapid and creative evolution of our primary education systems to accommodate our increasingly challenging socioeconomic conditions. Ballad will be recognized as one of the top health care organizations in the country, leading the improvement of a region’s health and will begin to grow bottom line revenue and

june 2018 | www.vipseenmag.com

employment in response to a growing population and cutting edge treatment options. WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER ANYONE WHO IS JUST STARTING OUT AND WANTS TO BE SUCCESSFUL? “Naivety is bliss” was a phrase I had heard often growing up. There are so many complexities involved with any business that cause fear of launching, the multitude of tasks, and responsibilities one would not think about until facing. I would equate this to when one brings a newborn baby home for the first time. There is just no way to fully comprehend the immediate demands and expectations until faced with them. Sheer determination, ambition, and commitment will dictate success or failure. Fear must remain in check, but respected. Follow your gut more often than your heart and remember that you have failures. Fail early and fail forward. Learn from your mistakes. We all get a second, third, and as many tries as we can muster. NAME SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU EARLY ON IN YOUR CAREER THAT HAS SHAPED THE TYPE OF BUSINESSMAN YOU ARE TODAY. There are really two major experiences that shaped my ethic. First, while a teen mowing lawns, I had several lawns in my tight knit neighborhood that I mowed weekly. One of my customers, a very successful entrepreneur asked me to “just take care of my yard and landscaping.” This family had landscape beds around the entire perimeter of their property that required weekly weeding in addition to mulching, trimming, etc. I had numerous yards to mow in addition to this yard. So, I hired a buddy and subcontracted this “high maintenance” customer to him. When this customer figured out that I was not the person working on his yard, he fired me and hired my buddy directly, for the same amount he was paying me. After a few weeks, this customer called me back to apologize as my buddy was not meeting his expectations and asked me to take his yard back. I wanted to say “no,” but talked to my dad who advised that I should charge him more and that he agree that I would use other labor when needed. It worked and the customer became a friend and mentor. In my first professional job after college, I quickly realized as a young architectural graduate that real world projects required experience equal to the technical learned facts. By default one morning, I had to fill in for the principal I worked for in a client meeting. I had taken unauthorized creative liberties and made changes to the original design solution prepared by our consultant partner. This consultant, much to my surprise, was in the presentation when we arrived. A vice president of our firm allowed me to present the revised solution in the meeting. I knew I was in trouble when I noticed his smirk while I was speaking.

The consultant inquired as to why the solution did not resemble what had been provided to me. I responded, “I didn’t much care for what had been provided and I made the decision to ‘improve’ it.” I looked at my boss who very smartly stated, “Uuuurrr, wrong answer.” I then experienced my first, of many, roastings. Pick your battles wisely, be attentive, and always consider other perspectives. WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST SUPPORTER? HOW HAS THEIR SUPPORT ENABLED YOU TO ACCOMPLISH WHAT YOU DO? I am fortunate to be happily married for 28 years, have two amazing daughters, and now nearly an empty nest. Obviously, owning and managing a business is consuming and becomes a priority that takes time from being a husband and father. Factor in involvement with a community or civic organization, and your family can feel second fiddle. My wife not only manages our family but keeps my feet firmly planted and my focus on what is important. She recognizes that no matter what one of us is involved with, something gets cheated. It is easy to get swept up in the moment so having an understanding accountability partner that is my wife has been key in my ability to juggle. WHAT DO YOU DO TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY PRIORITY #1? As I stated previously, something or someone is going to be cheated at any moment. My career supports my family so it is a supporting priority. My involvement outside of home and work are important to my career so that is a supporting priority. Not to sound corny, but making your family priority #1 requires understanding and acceptance that your commitment is to what is best for them. I feel very lucky that my wife trusts me first and that my interests and involvement have benefitted our family. I am committed to that first and foremost. I am fortunate that I can be present when I need to be and have to make a choice on occasion, do I make the soccer game or the dance competition or do I attend a board meeting? In my case, this has always seemed to work out and it is a result of the organizations I am involved with that respect member’s priorities as much as my commitment to family. THERE ARE SEVERAL WONDERFUL NONPROFITS IN OUR REGION; WHICH ONE DO YOU FIND YOURSELF MOST DRAWN TO SUPPORTING AND WHY? For those that know me, healthcare has been a focus for my entire career. I had the privilege of serving on the Mountain States Health Alliance Board from its inception until it merged to form Ballad Health. The view from that seat as the system prioritized access to health care in the region made a lasting impression. Assimilating nine community hospitals into the system brought

Q& A with

BOB

FEATHERS Workspace Interiors, Inc. President and CEO

Kingsley Investment Group, LLC dba East Coast Wings +Grill Tri-Cities Managing Member Kingsport Chamber Chairman of the Board an empathetic community perspective. The adopted vision by both Wellmont and MSHA forming Ballad Health will continue to appeal to my sense of helping create impactful change for this region.

Photography by Nathan Mays Photography

WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS AN IMPORTANT TRAIT THAT HELPS YOU IN YOUR DAY-TO-DAY BUSINESS DEALINGS? Good leaders don’t always make the best decisions, but good leaders are confident regardless. I don’t always like the outcome and am quick to acknowledge a misguided outcome. I am empathetic as to other’s positions and impositions; taking into consideration the impact decisions result. I am quick to own a problem or shortcoming and take responsibility for mistakes made by our team. I believe that admitting to a mistake, apologizing, offering amends, and taking action to prevent future occurrences is imperative. If all else fails, just fake it till you make it. IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPERPOWER, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? The ability to see the future. I think the reasons are obvious…

PICK YOUR BATTLES WISELY, BE ATTENTIVE, AND ALWAYS CONSIDER OTHER PERSPECTIVES. www.vipseenmag.com | june 2018

MEASURE

NATE MONTEITH TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU DO. I am a 36-year-old Bristol native who grew up racing anything I could get into. Throughout my career in racing, I have to say the biggest highlights have been racing NASCAR at Daytona speedway, breaking numerous world records in NHRA drag racing, and collecting over 70 feature wins in Stock Car racing. With the birth of my first child in 2012, I turned my focus to business and opened Lightning Auto Sales. WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPIEST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING AND IN THE COMMUNITY? Spreading passion for the car industry and getting our youth involved. From selling a kid their first car to sponsoring racing at Bristol dragway that offers our youth a safe and controlled environment in which they can race their cars. WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS AN IMPORTANT TRAIT THAT HELPS YOU IN YOUR DAYTO-DAY BUSINESS DEALINGS? My work ethic. Running your own business demands many hours and attention to detail. Having my background in racing instilled in me the traits needed to build a business from the ground up. I guess I could say all those late nights at the race shop really paid off! WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO WORK AS HARD AS YOU DO? My family is my motivation. I get up everyday with the drive to work hard so that I can provide and sustain the lifestyle I want for my family and their future. WHAT DO YOU DO AS A HOBBY IN YOUR FREE TIME? Predominantly Quarter Midget racing with my six year old son, Brayden. Man, it’s amazing to see him race and to see his mind working in such creative and complex ways. I really feel like racing builds family bonds and teaches so much about hard work and dedication. Of course, there are some weekends throughout the year you can still find me at a half mile event with a drag car, or behind the wheel of a stock car at some local NASCAR short track! WHAT DO YOU DO TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY PRIORITY #1? My family is always my first priority and if I am not at work I am with them. I come home to have dinner with them and help my wife with the night time routine. Bath time, reading stories, getting glasses of water, and tucking my kids in at night is very much the normal routine. My wife and I do everything as a team, and I think that is most important in keeping family priority #1!

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AS A MENTOR TO US ALL, WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE THAT YOU WOULD GIVE TO READERS? “The sky is the limit.” Don’t be afraid to set high goals and take risks. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY ONE SUPERPOWER, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? Jet propulsion. JEFF FIELDS TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU DO. I grew up learning hard work, dedication, and what it means to be passionate about your job. As a young boy, I began working for the family business, a Midway Gulf Gas and Service Station on the Lee Highway in Bristol, VA. While pumping gas, cleaning windshields, and checking the oil of various makes and models of cars, I started seeing the work I did as more than just a job. At the age of eight, I knew I wanted to work with cars for the rest of my life. My father, Graham Fields, saw this and helped to foster in me, not only a love of cars, but also a commitment to taking care of the customer above all else. In 1988, I opened my first business at nineteen years old – a small detail shop in Bristol, VA. In a little over a year, I caught the eye of J.B. McReynolds, owner and operator Country Auto Sales. Mr. McReynolds offered me my first job as a salesman and my boyhood dream of working with cars on a daily bases was realized. God has blessed me throughout my career with other professional and integrity driven investors. Investors like Roger Foster, Mike Felty, Daniel Johnson, and Alan Hurley have been and, in many ways, still are, integral to my ongoing development and success. Along with my business partner, Nate Monteith, I am still living my boyhood dream as the owner and operator of Lightning Auto Sales and Motor Mile Motors in Johnson City. OFTEN, PEOPLE ARE UNABLE TO SEE PAST THE TITLE ON OUR BUSINESS CARDS; WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT OUR READERS WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU? I never finished high school. For a time, this was a sore area for me because I would have to explain to employers as a young man that I failed to complete my high school education. It was a different time then and when I showed that I was accountable and worked hard, my employers understood the value that I brought to their business. I worked until I was in the yearly running for salesman of the year which I parlayed into becoming the General Sales Manager for local Toyota dealerships and, eventually, to owning multiple car dealerships. Not having a high school diploma forced me to work harder

because I knew that I could never fall back on my education and all I had, as a professional, was my reputation and work ethic. MANY OF US WORK TO BE THE CHANGE WE WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD. WHAT CHANGE DO YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD OR EVEN MORE SPECIFICALLY, OUR REGION? I love working with children and young adults to help shape and mold their lives. I coached my son, Colby, in baseball, and coached my daughter, Keelye, in softball. While I never coached my oldest daughter, Blair, in volleyball, that did not prevent me from taking an active role in helping her develop as a young athlete and person. Sports aside, though, I believe that this type of involvement by parents, an active role and interest in the lives of their children, can truly change the world because there is no better way than showing a child that you love them than by taking an interest in their life and development. WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST SUPPORTER? HOW HAS THEIR SUPPORT ENABLED YOU TO ACCOMPLISH WHAT YOU DO? The car business is really a business about time: time traveling to and buying cars at auctions, time prepping and cleaning up cars coming off the truck, time drawing up contracts for sale, and time working to fit the customer with the right car. I have not always been the owner and operator of two successful car lots and, in the lean times, if it had not been for the love, support, and understanding of the love of my life and wife of thirty years, Kim, and my three wonderful children, I would have never been able to make it to where I am today. WHAT ROLE DOES GOD PLAY IN YOUR LIFE & LEADERSHIP? I place God first and foremost at the front of my business and understand that without God and the blessings that I have received over the last thirty years, I would not be where I am today. I made a point to raise my family in church because I credit church and my church family with making me who I am today. Because of my faith and trust in God, I know that when the tough decisions come my way, I will strive to make the right decisions for my family, business, and customers. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY ONE SUPERPOWER, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? If I had one super power I would wave a wand to keep children on the right path and to keep them out of trouble. And, as long as it is a super power, I would wave that wand again so that I could take home every hot rod that is on my list of favorites.

Photography by Nathan Mays Photography

VIPSEEN 2018 MEN of

Q& A with

JEFF

FIELDS NATE

MONTEITH Lightning Auto Sales

I PLACE GOD FIRST AND FOREMOST AT THE FRONT OF MY BUSINESS AND UNDERSTAND THAT WITHOUT GOD AND THE BLESSINGS THAT I HAVE RECEIVED OVER THE LAST THIRTY YEARS, I WOULD NOT BE WHERE I AM TODAY. – Jeff Fields

I GET UP EVERYDAY WITH THE DRIVE TO WORK HARD SO THAT I CAN PROVIDE AND SUSTAIN THE LIFESTYLE I WANT FOR MY FAMILY AND THEIR FUTURE. – Nate Monteith

www.vipseenmag.com | june 2018

VIPSEEN 2018 MEN of

MEASURE

LET’S BEGIN BY INTRODUCING YOU TO OUR READERS…TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU DO. I have worked in Kingsport since 1979. That’s when I started work at Holston Valley Broadcasting. My current job is taking care of the television stations. I’m not an engineer, but in the day of automation, television is not what it used to be. So, October will be 39 years at HVBC. I handle the commercial production and the monitoring of our different network streams. We are METV, Cozi, Hero’s and Icons, Bounce, Grit, Laff, and Escape. The broadcast industry is going through some major changes and challenges and not all of them good. There are too few companies owning the majority of stations. In the summer of 2016, with the urging of a good friend, I started back to college. I enrolled at King University in the Bachelor of Social Work program. I started college in 1978 at ETSU in Mass Communications, but I was offered a job and I quit college to continue full time work. By God’s grace, I graduated in April 2018. I wanted to help people and believe that the degree I have earned will open other doors to help my community, especially the homeless population in Kingsport. WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR OUR REGION IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS? My vision for our area is that we treat the homeless like a part of our community. Right now, the city governments consider the homeless to be both a nuisance and undesirable. The fact is that most families are two paychecks away from being out on the streets. We have seen an increase of families living below the poverty level. There are some great organizations working hard to help meet the needs of the homeless or the people and families living in dire poverty. THERE ARE MANY WONDERFUL NONPROFITS IN OUR REGION; WHICH ONE(S) DO YOU FIND YOURSELF MOST DRAWN TO SUPPORTING AND WHY? Like I mentioned earlier, there are some amazing organizations in Kingsport, whose passion is to help

june 2018 | www.vipseenmag.com

the homeless. I did my internship at Family Promise of Greater Kingsport. Family Promise can take in up to four families or 14 people, as long as they have minor children. They give them a temporary place to live, help individuals find jobs and affordable housing. We helped with budgets and transportation. Family Promise also helps to find the aid that the guests need to move beyond their circumstances. Monika Williams, the director of Family Promise of Kingsport, was a great teacher. You have to meet people where they are, but help them move to a better place. Some other great nonprofits are The Oasis Women’s Ministry, Providence Medical, and Engage Tri-Cities. My dream is to be able to pull all these organizations together, to provide a one-stop facility for the poor and homeless to get the help they need. WHAT ROLE DOES GOD PLAY IN YOUR LIFE & LEADERSHIP? God is everything. He got me through college, which when you have not had an algebra class since Jimmy Carter was president, is a miracle in itself. He has brought me through serious physical problems, including cancer. I have been a Chaplain with Ballad Health for almost 17 years. I have seen God move in amazing ways, during traumas, he is the healer; in the most hopeless of moments, he is hope. I have been there when a person takes that last breath, passes from this earthly life to a heavenly one. Maybe the biggest sin we commit is not taking care of those that have very little. One of my favorite verses is Isaiah 1:17, “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” Justice is very important to the Lord. Justice, as the scripture indicates, comes in many forms. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY ONE SUPERPOWER, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? If I could have one superpower it would be invisibility. I would love to be able to move about and help without being seen, go to the places of injustice, and bring the people out.

Q& A with

BOBBY

FLOWERS

Photography by Nathan Mays Photography

Holston Valley Broadcasting

LEARN TO DO GOOD; SEEK JUSTICE, CORRECT OPPRESSION; BRING JUSTICE TO THE FATHERLESS, PLEAD THE WIDOWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CAUSE. Isaiah 1:17

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MEASURE

Many of us try our hardest to live by The Golden Rule. This is the principle that states that we should treat others the way we want to be treated. At Millennium Auto Collision Repairs, in Kingsport, Tennessee, this is not only the way that Charles and Cassie Honaker run their business, but it is the philosophy that guides their personal lives as well.

our jobs so much easier. For example, we don’t have to wait to air dry cars that have been painted, and we can actually make it home each night to see our families.

LET’S BEGIN BY INTRODUCING YOU TO OUR READERS…TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU DO.

CHAZ HONAKER: I work in the shop on vehicles, and my wife Ashley works in the front office with our mother-in-law, Cassie. Together Cassie and Ashley process paperwork and bills, and both Ashley and I are being groomed to take over the family business one day. We all try to make sure the entire environment (both front office and back in the shop) is as warm and welcoming as it can be for customers.

CHARLES HONAKER: Along with my wife Cassie, I own Millennium Auto Collision, and it is truly a family affair for us. We employ several family members, including Chaz Honaker, my son and Cassie’s step-son. Chaz does a little bit of everything around here. I am in charge of day-to-day operations and production, and Chaz is like my right arm.

WHAT DOES THE WORD “NO” MEAN TO YOU IN THE BUSINESS WORLD? CHARLES HONAKER: Around Millennium, there is a definite

emphasis on doing everything we can to do a great job for our customers. This includes fighting for our customers with insurance companies. Sometimes you have to be a bulldog for your customers. If an insurance company tries to deny all or part of a claim, we do everything in our power to make sure they don’t try to pass along those fees to our customers.

HOW DO YOU CULTIVATE PASSION WITHIN YOUR ORGANIZATION? CHARLES HONAKER: A main focus at Millennium is on technology. We have the latest and greatest machines, and our technicians are trained to fix a car correctly and efficiently. We have obtained several OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) certifications and are proud to be a preferred body shop for Honda/Acura repairs, as well as several other major car brands. These certifications require rigorous testing and inspections to maintain this status, and Millennium regularly sends Chaz Honaker, as well as our other service professionals to training classes. In addition, we have had experts brought in to train staff on products like the Matrix Wand, which is 3D measurement technology that delivers efficient estimating, and repair verification.

DESCRIBE YOUR WORK ETHIC.

CHAZ HONAKER: At 15 years of age, I started a co-operative

education experience with my family at Millennium, alternating working and going to school until I joined Millennium full time after high school. In the beginning, there were a lot of 15-16 hour days in order to get vehicles back to customers as soon as possible. Now modern technology makes

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WHAT DO YOU DO TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY PRIORITY #1?

CHARLES HONAKER: We have had people kick back in our recliners and fall asleep while waiting for their vehicle. To add to the great experience, every car is detailed before being returned to its owner, something we believe is just part of the job of getting a car back to where it needs to be.

We are a family, so sometimes we get frustrated with each other. But at the end of the day we can still go fishing together or get together and remember what is most important – each other.

CASSIE, HOW IS IT WORKING WITH THESE TWO MEN BY YOUR SIDE? CASSIE HONAKER: There is a saying that behind every good man is a good woman. At Millennium, it is just the opposite. I love working every day with my husband and stepson, and what I love the most about both of them is the how much they love the lord, and always do what they can to help others. The Make a Wish Foundation contacted Charles about restoring a Jeep truck for a young man in remission from cancer. Without hesitation, Charles said yes. Charles also came up with the idea to give a car to a deserving local high school student. In addition, Chaz really looks up to his dad. He is following in his father’s footsteps by spending numerous nights at our shop after hours, helping people who don’t have the money to fix their cars mechanically. I consider myself the most blessed woman in the world to have these men in my life.

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY ONE SUPERPOWER, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? CHARLES HONAKER: I feel a strong kinship to the wolf, for its

patience and strength.

CHAZ HONAKER: If I could have any superpower, it would be the ability to heal people. Since I ‘heal’ cars every day, getting things fixed and back to normal is part of my DNA, and that of everyone at Millennium.

Photography by Nathan Mays Photography

VIPSEEN 2018 MEN of

Q& A with

CHARLES

HONAKER CHAZ

HONAKER Millennium Auto Collision Repair

IT IS NOT ONLY THE FIRST IMPRESSION, BUT ALSO THE LAST IMPRESSION, THAT KEEP PEOPLE COMING BACK. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Charles Honaker

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Q& A with

JOHN

HUNTER

Ballad Health Systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Employee Credit Union Chief Executive Officer

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU DO. I like to say I am a native of our region rather than one particular city or county. My family has been in upper east Tennessee for over seven generations and our region as a whole is something to be proud of. After graduating from ETSU I worked in sales for a few years until meeting a great friend and mentor, Robert H. Williams. Robert brought me into the world of community banking and finance. I moved into progressively more demanding roles over the years and I found great satisfaction and accomplishment in providing the financial structure that a large portion of downtown Johnson City has been rebuilt upon. Three or four years ago, an opportunity was presented to me that I could not pass up. That opportunity has allowed me to become the CEO of our health systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (Ballad Health) employee credit union. It has been an exciting time and I have been honored to serve the employees of the 4th largest employer in the state of Tennessee.

RECOGNIZING THAT WE CAN ONLY INSULATE AND PROTECT OURSELVES IF WE SUPPORT EACH OTHER WILL BE KEY TO NOT ONLY MAINTAINING, BUT ELEVATING OUR REGION. 40

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Photography by Nathan Mays Photography

In my free time I try to be as involved in our community as possible, serving on and engaging in community boards and committees whose goals align with my desires to better a place that my children can thrive and see more opportunity than ever before. As I am currently wrapping up my time serving on the Johnson City School Board, preparation has begun for my bid to serve on the Johnson City Commission later this year.

VIPSEEN 2018 MEN of My wife (life coach, counsellor, advocate, etc.) and I have been blessed with the responsibility of raising two great children who constantly amaze us. WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR OUR REGION IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS? Our region has so many great resources, both tangible and intangible. I believe we have just begun to realize them ourselves. We have mountains and tributaries that provide such amazing opportunities for recreation, universities and school systems that are nationally recognized, and a proud people with an amazing story of self-sufficiency. Our region has some significant hurdles to overcome as well. Over the next 5+ years, our leaders in the business community, elected officials, and other centers of influence will need to make significant strides towards coming together as a region united to combat issues we all currently face and try to address individually. Recognizing that we can only insulate and protect ourselves if we support each other will be key to not only maintaining, but elevating our region. WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO AS HARD AS YOU DO? I work hard, but I hope that my children will recognize that what I try to do is work smart, work efficiently, and work for a purpose. My children are my motivation, I want to be a model for them and their future. My goal is to show them habits, best practices, and qualities to look for and emulate. My hope is that they see passion and understand that we should be mission driven and people focused, looking to do the best we can at whatever one attempts to accomplish. WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE ABOUT BUSINESS OR LIFE THAT YOU EVER RECEIVED? HOW DID FOLLOWING THIS ADVICE HELP AND WHEN DID IT REALLY HIT HOME THAT THE ADVICE WAS SO HELPFUL? Growing up I spent a lot of time on the family farm in Unicoi near the Scott’s Strawberry packing house and facilities. My father always admired Wayne Scott and said that the key to Mr. Scott’s success was his never-ending search for answers. Mr. Scott never stopped asking questions, always looking for a better way to improve process. People who know me, know that I ask a lot of questions. Asking questions lets people know you care about them and their

MEASURE

situation. As silly as it sounds it’s the best way to find answers. Never be afraid to ask a question.

high cost of entry that most people are unable to start a business.

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST SUPPORTER? HOW HAS THEIR SUPPORT ENABLED YOU TO ACCOMPLISH WHAT YOU DO? I have so many great supporters and everyone of them have played a special role in my life helping in my development and enabling me to realize and accomplish my goals. I don’t know that I could mention all of them in one interview. Obviously my wife, Rhiannon, has been one of the greatest. We have learned a lot as a team and grown up together. She has so much patience and grace in her heart that I have been blessed with. As I mentioned earlier, Robert Williams taught me so much about banking and community development. David Berry at TPI Corp helped me get my first real job out of college. Mrs. Street, my second-grade teacher at Happy Valley Elementary, brought me to church to find my faith. My mother showed me what it means to be involved and how to care for others. Most recently I have gained a whole group of supporters through my board of directors for the credit union. They have been such a great support in allowing me to fulfill our mission of helping people meet their financial needs.

Trade professionals are in high demand, there is a low supply and the cost of entry is attainable by most any individual. If I could go back in time I would have suggested that I look at not only going to school for a business degree but to attend a trade school so that I could have started a business 10 or 15 year earlier.

WHAT DO YOU DO AS A HOBBY IN YOUR FREE TIME? In my free time, I like to be with family and friends. I like cooking meals that they enjoy eating and seeing their smiles. One of my favorite pastimes is singing loudly, animated, off key, and out of tune in the car when I drive my oldest daughter to school every week day. I also love trading corny jokes with my youngest. On rare occasions my wife and I have the opportunity to go on dates, which allows us to reconnect during this hectic time in our lives and that is something I cherish. IF YOU WERE ABLE TO TRAVEL BACK IN TIME TO YOUR SENIOR YEAR IN HIGH SCHOOL, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOURSELF ABOUT THE YEARS AHEAD? In my role as a banker I have had the opportunity to look at a lot of tax returns and financial statements. Although I love the career path that I am on, I see so much opportunity in the trade and skills job markets. In this day and age, it has become difficult to start a business due to so many government regulations and ever-increasing requirements that create such a

HOW DO YOU CULTIVATE PASSION WITHIN YOUR ORGANIZATION? The best way to cultivate passion is to get out of the way and let the people you hired do the job you selected them to do. If you want people to be passionate about working for your organization you have to let them take ownership of their work and their position. Supporting and assisting them when they need it is still crucial. But I believe if you can’t trust people within your organization to do the job you hired them to do then one of three issues need to be addressed, 1) you possibly hired someone that isn’t right for the job 2) as a superior you need to reevaluate how to help them do what is required 3) you may not be the one in the right position. Ultimately, giving people freedom to do the task creates confidence which will create a sense of ownership that will cultivate passion. WHAT ARE THE 3-5 LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES YOU HAVE DISCOVERED AND EXECUTED THAT HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO YOUR SUCCESS? To the best of my abilities I try to follow these principles or ideas: • Work smarter not harder • Listen more than you are heard • Don’t stop asking questions • Be honest • Be kind IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY ONE SUPER POWER, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOSE? If I could have any superpower, I think I would call it “buffet power”. With this super power I could eat as much as I wanted without worrying about working out, sodium swelling, health problems, or food stained shirts. Although frivolous and self-serving, this would be an awesome super power in my opinion. A close second would be the ability to see into the future.

www.vipseenmag.com | june 2018

Q& A with

DAVID

ISAACS THERE IS NO BETTER FEELING THAN TO HEAR SOMEONE TELL ME HOW MUCH ONE OF MY EMPLOYEES HELPED THEM WITH A PROBLEM. 42

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Photography by Nathan Mays Photography

Isaacs Pools and Spas, LLC Owner

VIPSEEN 2018 MEN of

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LET’S BEGIN BY INTRODUCING YOU TO OUR READERS…TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU DO.

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST SUPPORTER? HOW HAS THEIR SUPPORT ENABLED YOU TO ACCOMPLISH WHAT YOU DO?

I grew up in the Tri-Cities and worked in the family swimming pool business as long as I can remember. I certainly never thought I would own the company; in fact, I decided to pursue an entirely different career. I attended Milligan College with the goal of becoming a high school English teacher. I continued my college career at Florida State University in 2000 to pursue a career as an academic. However, through a circuitous and convoluted series of events, I joined the family swimming pool business and now own Isaacs Pools and Spas, LLC in Johnson City, TN. My wife, Nikki, and I live in Johnson City.

My greatest supporters are my family, excellent employees, and loyal customers. Without their support, I simply would not be in business.

WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER ANYONE WHO IS JUST STARTING OUT AND WANTS TO BE SUCCESSFUL? The best advice I can give anyone starting out would be: be willing to work hard and make sacrifices. Above all, take ownership for your decisions and actions. The time you spend blaming everything and everyone else for your problems or lack of success in business could be better spent in the pursuit of finding answers and solving problems. WHAT DOES THE WORD “NO” MEAN TO YOU IN THE BUSINESS WORLD? The word “no” means I am one step closer to “yes”! I was told “no” over ten times when I tried to find financing for our current building on Bristol Highway. I would never say that I didn’t get discouraged, but I also never gave up. Every time I heard “no” I knew I was one step closer to “yes.” After two years, a bank in Texas said “yes.” The rest is history! WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE ABOUT BUSINESS OR LIFE THAT YOU EVER RECEIVED? HOW DID FOLLOWING THIS ADVICE HELP AND WHEN DID IT REALLY HIT HOME THAT THE ADVICE WAS SO HELPFUL? “All opportunity comes through others.” Following this advice has taught me that the world is bigger than me, and that hubris and an unchecked ego are barriers to success. There is no better feeling than to hear someone tell me how much one of my employees helped them with a problem.

WHAT’S THE BEST BOOK YOU’VE READ (OR LISTENED TO) THIS YEAR? John O’Leary’s book, “On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life.” WHAT’S THE BIGGEST RISK YOU’VE EVER TAKEN? DID IT PAY OFF? The biggest risk I have ever taken was to move the company from Elizabethton to Johnson City in 2011. It has paid off in ways I could have never imagined. Our company has grown substantially since the move and we are now located more centrally to our customer base. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS YOU DO TO UNWIND FROM A BUSY DAY? I just go home, take off my shoes, sit down in the recliner, take a deep breath, and watch something funny on TV. WHAT ARE THE 3-5 LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES THAT YOU HAVE DISCOVERED AND EXECUTED THAT HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO YOUR SUCCESS? Leadership can be defined numerous ways. As a business owner, I think of it as the execution of a strategic vision; that is, leadership is rooted in action. My experience as the leader of Isaacs Pools and Spas, LLC has taught me that the 5 following principles can lead to higher morale, a sense of purpose, creativity, a stronger company culture, and productivity: 1. Be transparent and honest. 2. Serve others. 3. Unite people with an inspired vision and provide the strategic leadership to accomplish that vision. 4. Have an attitude of gratitude. 5. Take pride in helping others realize their potential. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY ONE SUPERPOWER, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? Since my first trip on an airplane in 1996, I have always wanted the ability to fly. My reason is simply this: I believe a bird’s eye view can be extremely advantageous.

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LET’S BEGIN BY INTRODUCING YOU TO OUR READERS…TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU DO.

WHAT HAVE YOU ACCOMPLISHED PERSONALLY OR PROFESSIONALLY THAT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF?

My name is Jamie Kyte and I am the owner of Kyte’s Cabinet and Tile Sales in Bristol, TN. Kyte’s Cabinets is a family-owned business started by my father and uncle in 1969. I am a Bristol native and graduate of Tennessee High School. After high school graduation, I served in the United States Army. I was trained as an Army Ranger and served overseas in Korea at the DMZ. After my service in the Army, I attended the University of Tennessee and ETSU. I live in Bluff City with my wife of 21 years Priscilla and sons Jay and Jake. We are very active in football and baseball with our sons.

I am proud of my military service. I feel the military helped shape my values and work ethic. I learned many valuable lessons and made lifetime friends that became my extended family.

WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS AN IMPORTANT TRAIT THAT HELPS YOU IN YOUR DAY-TO-DAY BUSINESS DEALINGS? Listening to our clients is an important trait. It takes a unique skill to make clients concepts and dreams a reality. Being a good listener and learning to ask proper questions helps me in my quest to provide the best customer service I can. This quality allows me to make sure I am creating the dream project the clients want. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BRING TO THE LIVES OF OTHERS BY WHAT YOU DO? We hope to improve our client’s lives. In our business we are able to help individuals design home spaces they use each and every day. Some of our clients have specific needs such as improving access to kitchen and bath areas. I especially enjoy seeing our elderly client’s lives become easier with home improvements to help with their mobility.

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WHAT DO YOU DO AS A HOBBY IN YOUR FREE TIME? In my free time I enjoy my passion for Corvettes. I have adored these machines since I was a small child and possess all kinds of random corvette trivia information. Not only do I enjoy my own cars, I also love viewing others at local car shows. I try to participate in our local Tri-Cities Corvette Club activities anytime I can. Also, I enjoy road trips with my family. I have passed on my love for these automobiles to my boys. WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU AND YOUR ORGANIZATION – MISSION, VISION, OR CORE VALUES? WHY? The most important thing is our customer satisfaction. My family started this business in the 80s and over the years we have found our best form of advertising is happy customers. We strive to do our best and pride ourselves on being the best. We have several repeat customers and our customer base refers us new business over and over again. WHAT, DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT TRAITS OF SUCCESSFUL LEADERS TODAY? NAME YOUR TOP TWO AND WHY? Hard work and ethics. Many people are not willing to put in the time and effort to be successful. Some people think

owning their own business is easier than working for a company or someone else. The truth is, to be successful you are on the clock 24/7 and are always representing your business. You are the everything. If something needs attention you take care of it. Many people see starting a business as a quick monetary gain and take the easy way for the quick cash. You have to put the effort in to grow the business if you want to be around for the long haul. If you keep these two traits they will help build a successful customer base and a continuous stream of referrals. WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? I am most proud of my family. I have been married to Priscilla for over 21 years. I take great pride and joy watching my sons, Jay (17) and Jake (13) grow and be successful in their endeavors. They are kind and hardworking and every day I am thankful that I get the chance to help mold them into great young men. Without them business success would mean nothing. WHAT ROLE DOES GOD PLAY IN YOUR LIFE & LEADERSHIP? I seek guidance from God each and every day. Growing up in the Baptist church my family instilled values that I carry with me today. I look for ways to give back and help in our community. I also thank Him for my many blessings; both personal and business. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY ONE SUPERPOWER, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? Stay young forever and to have the time to enjoy it. As we all know with age comes wisdom. Only if we could be young and have the wisdom we possess now. Oh, the potential would be endless.

Q& A with

JAMIE

KYTE

Photography by Nathan Mays Photography

Kyteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cabinet and Tile Sales Owner

I AM PROUD OF MY MILITARY SERVICE. I FEEL THE MILITARY HELPED SHAPE MY VALUES AND WORK ETHIC. www.vipseenmag.com | june 2018

MEASURE

DAVID LUTTRELL TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU DO. I was born in California, and raised in Wisconsin, Kentucky, and Tennessee. I have two older brothers, one of whom (Marty), is my business partner. I have lived in Rogersville for the past 34 years and work in Kingsport where our headquarters recently moved. I’m co-owner of the local AtWork Personnel Services franchise. This is our 25th year in business and we currently have 34 locations in six states. We have about 180 internal staff members and several thousand associates assigned at several hundred client companies; all of whom greatly contribute to the success of our organization. I have a 25-yearold son and and a 27-year-old daughter, both of whom also work in the business. WHAT DREW YOU INTO THE BUSINESS AND/OR INDUSTRY THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN? In 1993, I was given the opportunity to purchase the Greeneville, Tennessee AtWork branch, which had been struggling to see success. At the same time, I opened a location in Rogersville, Tennessee and within six months, both were profitable. About a year later I asked my brother, Marty, to come work with me, and we eventually became business partners. WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR GIVING SPIRIT? FAMILY GENETICS? LIFE EXPERIENCES? A little bit of both! Our parents raised us with an attitude of giving, and I have always enjoyed helping others and giving back to the community. There are so many needs and I believe in making a positive difference in as many lives as possible.

the details, but I quickly changed my mind after I went on a long truck run with a friend. WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES/INTERESTS IN YOUR FREE TIME? I enjoy hiking, boating, watersports, and playing golf. WHAT ROLE DOES GOD PLAY IN YOUR LIFE & LEADERSHIP? I believe in putting God first. He’s the primary reason our company is successful. AS A MENTOR TO US ALL, WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE THAT YOU WOULD GIVE TO READERS? Always do the right thing, even when no one is watching. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY ONE SUPERPOWER, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? Healing of diseases, cancer, and other ailments. MARTY LUTTRELL TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU DO. I was working as a mechanic at McKee Foods and had been there for 11 years. The opportunity to get involved in the staffing industry was new, different, and challenging, and I was ready for a change. Also, it represented the chance to work with family.

WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPIEST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING AND IN THE COMMUNITY? I’m helping to create livelihoods for my employees and associates who work for us at many different companies. It’s about making people matter most.

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF YOU. If I am not on the road traveling, this is a usual routine: Up about 6 am. In order to start the day off with the right mindset I have a devotional time till 7 am, spending time in prayer and reading the Bible. At 7 am I have breakfast with my wife and two daughters of 12 and 17. At 7:30 am I drive my 12 year old daughter to school in Gray. If I don’t have morning appointments, I usually head over to the Tweetsie Trail in Johnson City where I will run/walk for 8 - 10 miles. I can be on the phone with different staff during this time period plus respond to emails on my phone all while getting some exercise. Oh, the benefits of technology!

OFTEN, PEOPLE ARE UNABLE TO SEE PAST THE TITLE ON OUR BUSINESS CARDS; WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT OUR READERS WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU? When I was 19, I went to truck driving school because I used to dream of being an owner-operator truck driver. I’ll spare

I then head to Lifestyle gym in Johnson City and take a shower before going to the office in Kingsport. Sometimes I will meet my wife for lunch in Kingsport at one of our favorite restaurants. The afternoon may be spent in our Kingsport headquarters or in another office location. If the weather is good and there is nothing pressing I will try to get out around

june 2018 | www.vipseenmag.com

3:30 - 4:00 pm to play nine holes of golf. After that it is home, or on Wednesday evenings I have a prison ministry Bible study that I go to in Mountain City. My wife fixes a great supper every evening and we eat together as a family. Around 8:30 - 9 the family gathers around for devotional time and prayer; then it is off to bed. WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR GIVING SPIRIT? FAMILY GENETICS? LIFE EXPERIENCES? I believe the “spirit of giving” was really ingrained from my family and Christian beliefs. My parents taught us kids that this life was temporary and our calling was to be faithful stewards of all that was entrusted to us. I observed my parents paying faithful tithes and offerings and always willing to help those in need. WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO BRING TO THE LIVES OF OTHERS BY WHAT YOU DO? That they, as individuals, are extremely valuable and I recognize their value. WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER ANYONE WHO IS JUST STARTING OUT AND WANTS TO BE SUCCESSFUL? You can teach a person lots of skills, but without integrity and the determination to get the job done, one cannot be successful long term. WHAT DOES THE WORD “NO” MEAN TO YOU IN THE BUSINESS WORLD? The word “no” means it is time to work harder and figure out how to turn that “no” into a “yes!” WHAT DO YOU DO TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR STAFF? It has always been my desire to provide a wonderful environment for our staff to work in. We offer great pay and benefits to our team, and an incentive plan so that everyone can share in the profitability of the business. But more than all that, it is our goal to treat others as highly valuable assets to the business and as individuals. We celebrate together and actively look for ways to make our office environments fun and enjoyable. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY ONE SUPERPOWER, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? The superpower I would like to have is TRUE wisdom and the strength to always act upon it. In other words, to always treat others the way I want to be treated; to really love my enemies; to really care and share with those in my sphere of influence every day.

Photography by Nathan Mays Photography

VIPSEEN 2018 MEN of

Q& A with

MARTY & DAVID

LUTTRELL AtWork Personnel Services Co-Owners

YOU CAN TEACH A PERSON LOTS OF SKILLS, BUT WITHOUT INTEGRITY AND THE DETERMINATION TO GET THE JOB DONE, ONE CANNOT BE SUCCESSFUL LONG TERM. – Marty Luttrell

I’M HELPING TO CREATE LIVELIHOODS FOR MY EMPLOYEES AND ASSOCIATES WHO WORK FOR US AT MANY DIFFERENT COMPANIES. IT’S ABOUT MAKING PEOPLE MATTER MOST. – David Luttrell

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LET’S BEGIN BY INTRODUCING YOU TO OUR READERS…TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU DO. I’ve been married to my wonderful wife Mitzi for 33 years. We actually met on a blind date. She already had plans the first two times I called. But I had fun talking with her even though she passed on her opportunity to go out with me. I remember sitting with my friends Andy and Dave in their apartment laughing, and saying, “I’m going to give this girl one more chance.” Luckily, for me, she caved. We now have three great kids. Eric, our oldest is a new State Farm agent in Denver who is getting married next month to the mother of his dog and his best friend, Lindsay Wiggers. Our daughter Kelly, lives in England with her husband, Ross Stockford who is from Wales. They met on a bungee jumping tour in New Zealand. They were the only two of the 15 in the group that actually ended up going through with it! Kelly went first and just touched the water. Ross had to “one up” her by actually submerging. Reid, our baby lives in Myrtle Beach and works as a Financial Advisor for one of the top firms, Berry Financial. He has been married for two years to our wonderful daughter-in-law, Jana. I’ve been an agent with State Farm for over 28 years and I still love what I do. To most people, insurance is just a “big black hole” that they throw a bunch of money in to. Most of them know that they have to have it, don’t like paying it (nor do I) but – it is a necessary evil. I understand why they think that. In my job, I actually see the other side of it. Last year – out of my agency alone – we had over 600 automobile claims that were paid out. Three homes burned to the ground, not to mention countless other types of home claims - water pipes bursting, commodes over flowing, and so on. In addition, in the last six months we’ve paid eight death claims. The home and auto claim “bug” may not get you, but good luck escaping the death option! WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR CAREER? I like explaining the coverage’s people have on their policies and making sure they have what they need – no more – no less. Insurance liability limits protect your assets. If people don’t have a lot of assets (and have no hope of having any), they may want to lower their liability limits. If they have a lot – they need a lot of protection. The question is – “How much do you have to lose if you’re sued?” Here is where I come in.

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One of my main business goals going forward is to make sure people have enough life insurance to protect their family and the dreams that they have for their family. I’ve seen where family members did not have the coverage they needed and the family struggled. Then I’ve also seen where, even though there was a loss of a loved one–the family wasn’t financially devastated. I also like to discuss the tax benefits that are available in a life insurance policy that a lot of people aren’t aware of. My social security seminars are another way I like to help people. These seminars help clients make the best decisions on when to take social security. Everyone’s needs are different, but by having the facts and numbers - the correct decision can make life go easier in the golden years! WHAT MAKES YOU THE MOST PROUD ABOUT LIVING IN THIS COMMUNITY? I feel lucky to live and work here in Northeast Tennessee. We have some of the friendliest people in this area compared to all of the places I’ve lived. Our community has a strong religious/faith history, which is alive and thriving throughout our many churches. Our Chamber of Commerce, under the leadership of Miles Burdine, is unparalleled. Our current Mayor, John Clark and the rest of the City leadership continues to strive to make our area even better! Angela Baker, by creating VIPSEEN is helping bring our community even closer by sharing stories about our area and highlighting the opportunities and charities that we can get involved in. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE? My plans for the future are to try and improve my no longer dormant tennis game. It’s so much fun playing and being involved with the great people in the tennis community! I also plan on continuing to work for State Farm and helping people until they have to pay out my huge, dog choking amount, life insurance death benefit to my very deserving, and at that time, very rich wife, with some money left over for my kids and their families. IF YOU COULD HAVE ONE SUPERPOWER, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE?

If I could have a super power, it would be to be able to transport myself and Mitzi to Colorado, England, or South Carolina in the blink of an eye to see our kids. I would probably go a few other places as well, if permitted. I mean, really, if all it took was to blink my eyes!

Q& A with

RON

MATHEWS

Photography by Nathan Mays Photography

State Farm Insurance Owner/Agent, CLU, CHFC, RICP

I FEEL LUCKY TO LIVE AND WORK HERE IN NORTHEAST TENNESSEE. WE HAVE SOME OF THE FRIENDLIEST PEOPLE IN THIS AREA COMPARED TO ALL OF THE PLACES Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;VE LIVED. www.vipseenmag.com | june 2018

VIPSEEN 2018 MEN of

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LET’S BEGIN BY INTRODUCING YOU TO OUR READERS…TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU DO. I enjoy a challenge and pushing myself to reach new heights. I grew up in Lincolnton, North Carolina which is a small town about 30 minutes outside of Charlotte. After graduating from Appalachian State University in 2009, I went back home and began working in economic development. Immediately, I fell in love with the profession because you are challenged every day to shape your community and you truly are a servant to the area by being tasked to create opportunities for others to succeed. I’ve been in Northeast Tennessee now for eight years and absolutely love the area and the natural environment that surrounds our region. I constantly find myself planning weekend hikes where my son (Samuel) and I can get outdoors and appreciate what makes this region special. WHAT IS YOUR VISION OF OUR REGION IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS? A change in how we view ourselves internally. We, as a region, must continue to embrace new ways to work together but also find an identity that brings us closer together, yet sets us apart from other regions. Our natural environment is an asset that communities like Charlotte, Nashville, and Atlanta wish they had. I truly believe it is the piece that can bring us together as a region and if we can work together to understand all that we have to offer while marketing it to those outside our region, it will open the door to other opportunities where we can partner for success. NAME AT LEAST ONE THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU EARLY ON IN YOUR CAREER THAT HAS SHAPED THE TYPE OF BUSINESSMAN YOU ARE TODAY. I began pursuing job opportunities in Northeast Tennessee back in late 2009 and had just a few years of economic

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development experience under my belt. A job opportunity became available with the City of Kingsport and I applied for it. I felt that I did a great job presenting myself and my desire to take on the responsibility, but it didn’t work out like I had hoped. What stood out to me the most, though, was the follow-up and character of Jeff Fleming, who at the time was the Assistant City Manager. I still remember our conversation as he walked with me after the interview and his phone call where he let me know that I had a bright future in this region regardless of the outcome. It made me appreciate the power of communication and to have a kind heart towards others. MANY OF US WORK TO BE THE CHANGE WE WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD. WHAT CHANGE DO YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD OR EVEN MORE SPECIFICALLY, OUR REGION? The change I would love to see in this region centers around embracing Southwest Virginia and Western North Carolina. I love the concept of focusing on the blue ridge corridor (Interstate 26 and 81) which could highlight the many assets we all have along with the potential to bring talented professionals here. By embracing change and understanding that we can all work together to see success, the potential is endless. HOW DO YOU CULTIVATE PASSION WITHIN YOUR ORGANIZATION? Communicate, dream, and believe. You must be willing to be open with your staff and do what is necessary to help them be successful. It’s so important to share your vision on where you want to take the organization but allow them to help shape the vision and get behind them. I don’t try to know everything and continually find myself learning new things from those I work with. I share with them frequently that it is up to us to change the culture here in the region and I believe they come

to work every day with that mindset: to embrace positive change. WHAT ARE THE 3-5 LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES THAT YOU HAVE DISCOVERED AND EXECUTED THAT HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO YOUR SUCCESS? Struggle is the key to success: You learn how to succeed by working through struggles. Remain positive: It’s so easy to see the negative in situations but keeping a positive mind helps keep you focused on the end goal. Don’t try to control situations: God is in control and, if you trust in Him, the rest will take care of itself. Embrace change: Change is constant and the minute you resist, you stop learning and growing. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS YOU DO TO UNWIND FROM A BUSY DAY? I have come to appreciate the natural beauty that this region offers. My perfect day is spending time with my son hiking to places like Margarette Falls or spending hours at Beauty Spot as he runs around and plays. I find it relaxing to take in the beautiful scenery, but I also want my son to appreciate what makes this region special. My time with him is everything to me and I love exploring the many things that make this place so great. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY ONE SUPERPOWER, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? Omnilingualism…In the economic development business, you find yourself in conversation with different nationalities pretty frequently. I’ve had the opportunity to visit places like Japan, Germany, and France and it would be nice to have the ability to understand and have a conversation with someone no matter what language they speak.

Q& A with

MITCH

MILLER

Photography by Nathan Mays Photography

Northeast Tennessee Regional Economic Partnership Chief Executive Officer

OUR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT IS AN ASSET THAT COMMUNITIES LIKE CHARLOTTE, NASHVILLE, AND ATLANTA WISH THEY HAD. I TRULY BELIEVE IT IS THE PIECE THAT CAN BRING US TOGETHER AS A REGION... www.vipseenmag.com | june 2018

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TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU DO. I am originally from West Virginia. I moved to Tennessee in 2001 after receiving my doctorate in Chiropractic Health Care at Life University in Atlanta, GA. I have owned and operated Muncy Family Chiropractic since 2004 and I am a professor for King University. I am also one of the team physicians for Emory and Henry athletics. I have been married to my wife Beth for twenty-one years. We have two boys, Ethan (17) and Ryan (15) who both attend Tennessee High School. I have always played an active role in my kid’s sports through coaching. I have also been an active member of Masons and Shriners. WHAT DREW YOU INTO THE BUSINESS AND/OR INDUSTRY THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN? In August of 1988, I was injured while serving in the United States Army. The incident caused me to fracture four vertebrae in my spine. I experienced a great deal of pain from the injury and lost the ability to lead an active lifestyle. The only answers I found at the time were to take medications and wait for surgery to take place. As I researched methods of helping myself, I found Chiropractic Health Care. I decided to give it a try and found tremendous relief. After finishing my BS in Biology, I decided to further my education by going into the healthcare field. I chose chiropractic health because I wanted to give others the same relief I had been given without having to resort to a life of medications and surgery. WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR GIVING SPIRIT? FAMILY GENETICS? LIFE EXPERIENCES? I get my giving spirit from my parents. Growing up in West Virginia we did not have a lot of material possessions. My parents had four children, one of whom was handicapped. I watched them continuously do for others and contribute their time and energy to the community and their family.

WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPIEST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING AND IN THE COMMUNITY? Through chiropractic, I help people recover from health issues without the aid of drugs and surgery. Many of these patients were told they would have to learn to live with sickness and stay on medication for the long haul. I see them return to the healthy, active lifestyle they love and live their life to the fullest due to receiving chiropractic care. WHAT IS YOUR VISION FOR OUR REGION IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS? My vision for our region is to be a healthy lifestyle and proactive community. This means, taking the approach of not waiting for a health crisis, but taking care of the body God gave us in a more proactive form. This is done through chiropractic care, proper nutrition, and exercise. I believe that this type of lifestyle would put a huge dent on the current opioid crisis that our region is experiencing. THE WORLD CERTAINLY CAN BE A CHAOTIC PLACE AND WITH OUR YOUTH BEING BOMBARDED WITH AN OVERWHELMING AMOUNT OF MESSAGES BOTH NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA, WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD SAY TO YOUNG MEN IN ORDER TO HELP THEM NAVIGATE THIS ASPECT OF THEIR LIVES? My biggest piece of advice is to learn to communicate face to face. Look people in the eye and speak to them. Our tone of voice and body language play a huge role in communication, these things cannot be heard or seen through social media and electronic communication. Spend more time meditating on the positive things during the day and steer yourself away from negative people and media. What we take in is often what we put out. WHAT, DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT TRAITS OF SUCCESSFUL LEADERS TODAY? NAME YOUR TOP TWO AND WHY? Integrity. Your word and handshake should be your bond. People should always count on you to live up to your word. Honesty. People

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should be able to trust you and know that you are doing what is right and noble. WHAT ROLE DOES GOD PLAY IN YOUR LIFE & LEADERSHIP? God plays the largest role in my life. He gives me peace when the world is chaotic. Through my faith I am able to continue even when life goes opposite of what I have planned. AS A MENTOR TO US ALL, WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE THAT YOU WOULD GIVE TO READERS? We must balance our time. By that, I mean we must have the three principles of time management in our life prep time, prime time, and play time. Prep time is when you are preparing yourself for the tasks at hand. Prime time is when you are performing those tasks. Play time is the time you take for yourself and family. All of these must hold equal value in your daily life. Too many times the prime time is all we focus on during the day, when this happens our tasks or jobs are not completed properly, and our personal life suffers due to neglect. IS THERE A GAP BETWEEN WHAT OTHERS PERCEIVE YOU DO FOR A LIVING VERSUS WHAT YOU ACTUALLY DO FOR A LIVING? Yes, many times people believe that chiropractors crack and pop your back to relieve pain. The truth is that we are wellness professionals. We study over 3,500 hours of health care training in courses such as neurology, orthopedics, radiology, and general health. Chiropractors are highly skilled professionals that do much more than pop bones. We work with the body’s neurological system and its structure to improve many health conditions not just aches and pains. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY ONE SUPERPOWER, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? I feel like I already have a superpower. I am able to strategically use my hands to adjust the bones and joints of the body to improve function of the neurological system and allow the body do what God designed it to do, heal itself. It’s not magic…IT IS CHIROPRACTIC!

Q& A with

TODD

MUNCY

Photography by Nathan Mays Photography

Muncy Family Chiropractic Owner

SPEND MORE TIME MEDITATING ON THE POSITIVE THINGS DURING THE DAY AND STEER YOURSELF AWAY FROM NEGATIVE PEOPLE AND MEDIA. www.vipseenmag.com | june 2018

Q& A with

F. THOMAS (TOM)

PRATT, JR. Owner Pratt’s Swine Dining Enterprises LLC DBA Pratts Real Pit Barbecue; Pratt’s Catering; Pratts Honey Glazed Hams; Riverside Events at Ridgefields TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF.

I was born and raised in Kingsport and have spent my entire life here. My parents, Frank and Edna Pratt, started their own garden supply store on a shoestring budget; near the original Pal’s on Revere Street. It was called Pratt’s Farmland. They later opened Colonial Heights Hardware and Virginia Garden Center in Weber City. They were very successful during that time due to extremely hard work and reliable life-long employees. Lowe’s or Home Depot were not around back then, so competition was minimal. I started working for mom and dad when I was 8 or 9 years old. They taught me a work ethic that I still adhere to. Spring was one of the busiest times of the year, so I never got to go to the beach at spring break like other kids. I don’t regret that though, because it helped me realize the value of hard work and what it could provide.

VERY LITTLE IS ACCOMPLISHED OVERNIGHT. SUCCESS TAKES TIME, PATIENCE, PERSEVERANCE, AND DETERMINATION. NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR GOALS AND DREAMS. 54

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Photography by Nathan Mays Photography

At age 20, with no true direction or plan, I knew I wanted to own my own business like my parents. In 1971, they purchased Honest John Trading Post from Honest John Barker and wife Mabel. Little did I know that my life and career would be based in that building. They bought Honest John for the gift shop, but didn’t realize the small restaurant on the end would drive them crazy in the next year. They wanted the gift shop, but not the restaurant, so my wife at the time, Chris Barger, took the restaurant over. Remodeling was done and Honest John’s became Pratt’s Barn with the design by architect Larry Poole. Over the years, the Esso gas pumps were removed. The gift shop and souvenirs eventually disappeared, and the restaurant started focusing on barbecue and went from 48 seats to 188 seats.

VIPSEEN 2018 MEN of Pratt’s Catering began about 1978 and, besides Nick Nave, we were the only caterer in Kingsport for quite a while. After spending a little time in Philadelphia, I returned to start selling homemade gourmet ice cream with ideas I got from Hilary Gourmet Ice Cream. I had a Marine Surplus ice cream freezer that was vintage and only made two and a half gallons at a time. I developed over 40 recipes and had Weigle Dairies produce special ice cream bases just for us. Business picked up weekly with flavors like bigger, better, butter pecan, and cherry amaretto. We were even wholeselling ice cream to all the country clubs in the region and a few restaurants. That was about 1985 and called Pratt’s Gourmet Ice Cream. Our slogan was “Lick the best.” Back at the restaurant, we already had a good smoked turkey, but I got frustrated watching all of our turkey customers drive to Knoxville to buy honey baked hams. My goal became to find out their secrets so I could make my own hams. I spent two years trying to figure out how they made their hams so special that people would drive 100 miles to Knoxville and wait in huge lines to buy an expensive ham. My persuasiveness ultimately paid off and God blessed me by having someone in the ham business show me everything. I started Pratt’s Honey Glazed Hams and by 1987 we were a household name in the region. We sold about 80 hams that first Christmas, but business kept growing to the point that we sell up to 10,000 hams every holiday season. Our business is thriving at our Stone Drive location and with select Food City stores. They have been amazing partners to work with and we are so thankful for them. Pratt’s Catering has also thrived over the years and we have over 14,000 parties under our belt. Our largest was 5,000 people in one afternoon and recently 8,000 people in one week. My amazing staff makes this happen with their loyalty and dedication. My three main, and longest-serving cooks, have a combined service time of over 80 years with Pratt’s. I’ve been blessed to have them and it’s, sort of, like my Dad’s employees were. They have spent their entire adult lives dedicated to Pratt’s and that is rare these days. I’m thankful and very blessed to still have a thriving business after 46 years. God has been good to me and I am beyond thankful.

WHAT DREW YOU INTO THE BUSINESS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN?

My parents instilled in me a phenomenal work ethic, but I didn’t know where it was going to take me. Then at the ripe age of 20, I met Pal Barger’s only daughter, Chris. We married a year later, and Pal became my father-in-law. Even though Chris and I are only good friends at this point, I have always considered Pal my father-in-law. Just as my dad

did, Pal taught me a lot about business, people, the desire for a new lifestyle, and that with desire, perseverance, and hard work, you can have anything you want. He was, and still is, a mentor and hero to me. With my parents and Pal, I got two different perspectives on life and I think I landed somewhere in the middle. My parents were very conservative and old-fashioned and Pal was the complete opposite, wide open and anything but conservative. My parents and Pal have both been amazing and smart. I’m thankful for their influences in my life.

WHAT’S THE BEST BOOK YOU’VE READ THIS YEAR?

The best book I’ve read in the last couple of years is “The Magic” by Rhonda Byrne. I just keep reading it over and over and use it like a reference book to refresh myself. It’s amazing what will happen in your life if you apply the principles in this book. Basically, it’s about everything! Even all the things that most of us take for granted. I was guilty of that too and that’s why I still use the book as a guide because it’s easy to fall back into the same rut. Gratitude, gratitude, gratitude is one of the keys to a happy and successful life. The more grateful we are, the more miracles happen in our lives. Nothing is an accident. All things happen for a reason. I have started expressing thanks for everything good. The more we express our thanks, the more we are blessed. It’s a very simple thing. Try it and see how well it works. It has changed my life.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?

I inherited a strong drive to be successful from my parents and my father-in-law at the time, Pal Barger. I’ve never quit trying to grow. I think people that are successful are constantly thinking of new things and new ideas; trying to grow and to improve. As I mentioned in the introduction, it took two years to perfect Pratt’s Honey Glazed Hams. But that drive and determination eventually paid off. Pratt’s Hams have become a holiday tradition for thousands of loyal customers in our entire region and they won’t go through a holiday without one. Developing the Pratt’s brand, especially with the hams, has been a great source of pride and accomplishment.

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR GIVING SPIRIT? FAMILY GENETICS? LIFE EXPERIENCES?

A lot of people don’t realize that the key to an abundant life is giving. If you give with a cheerful heart, you automatically receive. My dad’s business was very successful during its time back in the 60s. The church we went to had hard pews to sit on and were not comfortable at all. Magically, one Sunday there were padded cushions in all the pews. No one knew where they came from, but

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they sure were appreciated by everyone. I later found out that my dad had provided them for the whole church but didn’t want anyone to know. Eventually, people figured it out but he did not want to take credit and boast about it. I learned a lot from that and it made a lasting impression on me. I am trying to live with the example he set, although I’m not sure I have reached his standard yet. I am still learning. I try to over give, over tip, and help people that I wouldn’t use to. I give to people now at stoplights when they have a sign asking and I don’t question or care what they do with it. It seemed like every time I give, something good happens.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? Besides still being successful in business and hanging in there for about 46 years, I’m most proud of my two sons. I was 25 and 27 years old when my sons were born, and I’m glad I had them reasonably young so I can still enjoy golf with them and other things. Hanging out and talking over a nice dinner is the best. They have told me that I’m a major reason they have amazing work ethics. I’m not sure they appreciated that when they were little, but they do now. They both grew up catering and processing hams before they were teens. They have been major contributors to our business. Landon is working on his residency in Tucson and is helping a lot of people by becoming a doctor. Jonathon is an incredible people person. He is one of the most successful managers at the Chop House in Murfeesboro. That store does an extraordinary amount of business and he is very instrumental in their success. Jonathan and his wife have two beautiful daughters and are beyond loved!

WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS AN IMPORTANT TRAIT THAT HELPS YOU IN YOUR DAY-TO-DAY BUSINESS DEALINGS?

Very little is accomplished overnight. Success takes time, patience, perseverance, and determination. Never give up on your goals and dreams. I think my best asset is my personality and people skills. I started dealing with the public and my dad’s employees before I was ten. I love dealing with customers and I love working with brides and grooms to help their wedding be successful. I have great patience. Sometimes too much, but that is one reason we have very minimal turnover with employees. I never yell and scream, but I do try to correct mistakes. Everybody makes mistakes, but my employees know that, if they do make a mistake, they will not get yelled at. I do not want them working in fear.

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VIPSEEN 2018 MEN of

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TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU DO. BRIAN RITZ: My wife, Mary Beth, and I are proud residents of Sullivan County. We met in college and decided to live and raise our boys (Sam, 14 and Will, 12) in the Tri-Cities because we share a love and passion for this region. Simply put…this is home! To me, that means more than just where I decide to buy a house or enjoy my evenings. The same passion that drove me to make the life decisions I’ve made also drives my career in economic development. Being a Project Manager at NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership is my dream job because I get to serve the community where I was raised. Working with amazing people that are like family, in a profession that I am passionate about, in a region that I deeply care about… I personally don’t know how I could have a life any better than this! MICHAEL PARKER: I am originally from the Nashville area and moved to the Tri-Cities in 2007 to complete my education at East Tennessee State University where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and my Master’s Degree in Public Administration. During my time at ETSU, I met my wife Morgan who is from the TriCities region. We have been married for almost two years now and are expecting our first child, Lillian Franklin Parker, in September. Morgan is my rock and my best friend. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her by my side. I started working at NETWORKS in February of 2011 as an intern through my master’s program; I would never have guessed that the internship would develop into a very fulfilling career opportunity. Today I am the Executive Project Manager at NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership, the economic development organization for Sullivan County and the cities of Kingsport, Bristol and Bluff City. Additionally, we assist neighboring Hawkins County with their economic development efforts. I focus on the recruitment of new industrial companies and major employers to the area. Additionally, I lead a team on several inbound/outbound marketing initiatives including the Northeast TN Red Carpet Tour. WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS AN IMPORTANT TRAIT THAT HELPS YOU IN YOUR DAY-TODAY BUSINESS DEALINGS? BR: Being a team player. I’m a former baseball player and now volunteer my time coaching youth baseball. I love the game of baseball, but what I love most about sports are the life lessons they teach. As a youth coach, I stress these things: be coachable, be a great teammate, root for others, put your team above yourself, and understand your role each day. My time on the diamond also gave me the experience of meeting new teammates or being on a new team. It is imperative to learn about the team and the role of an individual team member before you try to use your own skills and talents to improve upon anything. Learn what others are doing, then make an impact using your talents.

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MP: The ability to control my emotional response and remain calm, cool and collected when things change on the fly or when a project seems to be falling apart. As an economic developer, projects rarely go as planned and things are constantly changing. In order to keep projects from “running off the tracks” as they say, it is very important to be able to react in an appropriate manner when these things happen. WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER ANYONE WHO IS JUST STARTING OUT AND WANTS TO BE SUCCESSFUL? BR:Once you find something you are passionate about, go after it with a full heart, and don’t look back. The energy level a person brings to a situation cannot be artificial. Passionate people instantly bring real energy and tangible assets to the table. The success comes easily at that point. Call me naïve, but I think success always comes to those who work the hardest and care the most about what they do. MP: Well I’m not sure I’m wise enough to pass along advice to someone just starting out, but I will say this, be open to receiving advice from others. Never stop learning from those around you and never become complacent with your abilities. Technology, and the world itself, is changing every day. You must be willing to continue learning your entire life. Never let yourself believe that you have all the answers and never be ashamed to seek help. WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO WORK AS HARD AS YOU DO? MP: It all starts with having passion for helping your community. I pursued a career in public administration because I truly felt that I had something to offer the community and that I would be able to make a noticeable impact on the lives of its people. Not only is this what motivates me to work hard every day, but it is also the single most rewarding aspect of my job. I get to go home everyday knowing that my efforts will have an impact of the region and its people. IS THERE A GAP BETWEEN WHAT OTHERS PERCEIVE YOU DO FOR A LIVING VERSES WHAT YOU ACTUALLY DO FOR A LIVING? BR: Economic development is one of those obscure professions where people have a ton of theories about what it is. I can understand that, as there are lots of things that come front and center in regards to what the public sees versus the reality of what really makes an economic development project successful. For example, incentives. Financial incentives are a single piece of economic development projects. Workforce, site readiness, infrastructure, community assets, and educational institutions within close proximity are all things that rank over incentives and all reasons a company or a site selection firm will eliminate your community from consideration if you don’t have them. Being an economic developer is almost a hybrid between a carpenter and a teacher. Think about your community partners and assets as tools; you need

the right tool for the job at the right time in the project. Also, think about being a good teacher and understanding the most efficient way to get the information to those trying to learn. That is the approach we taken when preparing information for a prospect, economic development partner, or site selection consultant. WHAT DO YOU DO AS A HOBBY IN YOUR FREE TIME? MP: I love to go bowling and play video games in what little free time I can find. Most of my free time is spent cutting the grass and working in the yard, but I’m not exactly sure I would call that a hobby. Most recently, my free time has been devoted to preparing our house for the arrival of our little girl in September. WHAT, DO YOU BELIEVE ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT TRAITS OF SUCCESSFUL LEADERS TODAY? NAME YOUR TOP TWO AND WHY? BR: Ethics and empowerment. This is where leaders really have an opportunity to make a difference. Leaders are tasked with bringing out the best in people. Good leaders don’t just project a positive image for their organization, they strive for the organizational culture to match that. They are genuine and care about the world around them. My current boss, Clay Walker, and my dad, Mike Ritz, exemplify these traits daily. Clay is the best boss I’ve ever had. He not only takes the ethical principles of economic development seriously, but as a constant guide of how NETWORKS should operate. He empowers his staff to be more productive by giving us the right amount of guidance and communication. He’s also a fellow Yankees and Star Wars fan, that doesn’t hurt my feelings either. My dad is a retired baseball coach who was the ultimate player’s coach. He loves the kids that played for him, and he wanted them to feel like it was their team not his. He was also never thrown out of a baseball game by an umpire in 40 years of coaching. I asked him about that when I was younger. His response was “Brian, I’ve never thought I could do an effective job coaching my team from the bus in a parking lot.” MP: I believe successful leaders build up those around them and are honest and loyal in their dealings. Someone once told me that real leaders will always bring out the best in those around them and make sure the efforts of those beneath them are acknowledged. Good teams are built upon trust and respect, and any successful leader has to earn both of those before they can lead any team to greatness. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS YOU DO TO UNWIND FROM A BUSY DAY? Michael Parker: Finding a way to unwind after a busy day is extremely important to me. The last thing I want to do is bring the stress of the day home with me and have it affect my mood for the rest of the evening. While not always possible, I typically play 20 minutes of video games once I get home in the evening to unwind. Call of Duty or God of War are my go-to games at the moment.

Q& A with NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership

MICHAEL

PARKER

Executive Project Manager

BRIAN

RITZ

Project Manager

Photography by Nathan Mays Photography

WHAT DO YOU DO TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY PRIORITY #1? BR: I have been blessed with a great family, so I’ve never had to work at that aspect of my life. I married my soulmate, my best friend, and college sweetheart, Mary Beth, a teacher at Ketron Elementary School in Sullivan County. She loves her children and teaching them math. I have two amazing kids, Sam and Will, who I am extremely proud of. I love watching them play baseball! I grew up in a loving, middle-class home in Kingsport and was the son of two hardworking parents, Mike and Sharon. My brother Tony is the toughest and most courageous person I have ever met. He is a congestive heart failure patient, which stemmed from a rare virus attacking his heart in his early 20’s. His Faith in God inspires me daily. I have great relationships with all my aunts and uncles. My in-laws have loved me from the moment I met my wife. If you can’t make family Priority #1 after that, I don’t know if it is possible. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY ONE SUPERPOWER, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? BR: I would choose Superman’s flying ability. Traveling to Bora Bora, Venice, or Paris in a matter of minutes would be quite appealing. For work purposes, you could visit your prospects or consultants in a matter of minutes. Never having to deal with traffic or any type of delay ever again would be nice! MP: This one is difficult, but I would have to say my superpower would be the ability to teleport. Self admittedly, I hate traveling and often find that there are not enough hours in the day to be all the places I need to be. I wish more than anything I could just teleport to places on demand and never have to worry with traveling in the conventional manner in the future.

www.vipseenmag.com | june 2018

Q& A with

ADRIAN “FLIP”

SENSABAUGH THE REWARD OF SEEING A YOUNG GIRL OR BOY TURN THEIR LIFE AROUND BECAUSE OF SOMETHING THAT I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PROVIDE FOR THEM, IS PRICELESS.

june 2018 | www.vipseenmag.com

Photography by Nathan Mays Photography

Tennessee Chosen Few Director of Bristol Division/ Head Coach/Trainer

VIPSEEN 2018 MEN of

MEASURE

LET’S BEGIN BY INTRODUCING YOU TO OUR READERS…TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU DO.

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISIONS THAT YOU FACE DAILY AS A LEADER IN YOUR ORGANIZATION?

I’m originally from Bristol, VA. I’m a proud father of two boys, Yatil and Yaturi. I have a B.S. degree in psychology from Austin Peay State University. Seven years ago, I began a basketball program with the intentions of helping young players gain interest and scholarships for college. This program, which is now called Tennessee Chosen Few, has grown greatly and now has over 150 active members.

My program has a variety of youth with many needs. Some are great basketball players that want to get to college and others are kids that lack self-esteem or discipline. I maintain very intimate relationships with all my kids and parents. It’s a 24-hour a day job.

After traveling with basketball, I moved back to Bristol and found that many young people were not getting the opportunity to gain the exposure needed to be seen by universities. I began to work with elementary aged kids and that’s when the growth really started. This program far exceeds just being about basketball. There is spiritual growth, social education, and discipline.

God plays the biggest role in the Chosen Few Program. We maintain an active prayer life in practice, during games, and meetings. The local churches play a big role as well. Many of the facilities we use are a part of the church.

WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPIEST ABOUT WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING AND IN THE COMMUNITY? Although the teams that I form are usually successful on the court and win a lot of championships, the most rewarding aspect is seeing a young person’s confidence rise. I’ve witnessed tremendous progress in their grades, attitude, and even in their home lives. The reward of seeing a young girl or boy turn their life around because of something that I have been able to provide for them, is priceless.

WHAT ROLE DOES GOD PLAY IN YOUR LIFE & LEADERSHIP?

WHAT ARE THE GREATEST CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN PULLING THIS OFF, AND HOW DO YOU PLAN TO DEAL WITH THEM? The greatest challenge is facilities. Our goal is to build our own and we are actively searching for ways to accomplish that. WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU AND YOUR ORGANIZATION – MISSION, VISION, OR CORE VALUES? WHY? Passion is cultivated by showing my passion in loving the kids and the game of basketball and by creating achievable goals and helping these kids reach them.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO WORK AS HARD AS YOU DO?

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?

My motivation to do what I do comes from the love and direction I received as a youth. I am able to look back and see exactly what it was and how it shaped and molded me. My goal is to just mimic the teaching and love I received; maybe even enhance it.

My greatest accomplishment has to be this program. Another great accomplishment is to see kids who were written off, for whatever reason, change their lives and become great leaders in our community. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY ONE SUPERPOWER, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? If I had a superpower it would be a “love” ray. Something that I could shine on people who do not feel loved or alone. I would like them to feel God’s love for them.

www.vipseenmag.com | june 2018

VIPSEEN 2018 MEN of

MEASURE

LET’S BEGIN BY INTRODUCING YOU TO OUR READERS…TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU DO. I am a native of Bristol, VA and I love calling this area home. I am married to my high school sweetheart Megan and we have four beautiful children–McKinley, Kileeah, Daityn, and Amari. My family is my pride and joy, so you will hear me bragging about each of their accomplishments every chance I get. My girls enjoy dancing, so I spend a lot of my time at dance recitals/competitions. My son enjoys sports, like his dad, so when I’m not at dance, I am on a ball field or court. My family is the most important part of who I am and the reason why I strive for success. To unwind, I like to stay active by participating in sports, such as basketball, softball and, my favorite, golf. WHAT DREW YOU INTO THE BUSINESS AND/OR INDUSTRY THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY IN? I would have to say that opportunity and a will to succeed drew me into this industry. I was contracted to do installation work for someone else and that person mentored me. He told me to become certified and I could start my own business. I investigated what it entailed to become certified. With prayers and well wishes from family, I got on the plane to Chicago and have not looked back. WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO WORK AS HARD AS YOU DO? My family! They depend on me every day and I want to set a good example for my kids. NAME AT LEAST ONE THING THAT HAPPENED TO YOU EARLY ON IN YOUR CAREER THAT HAS SHAPED THE TYPE OF BUSINESSMAN YOU ARE TODAY. Lack of knowledge about the business and the office-side of running a business. It has taken me a while to admit this, but as I talk with other entrepreneurs I realize that not everyone knows everything and for the things I don’t know, I can hire someone who does. Organization is not my strong point, so my first year and a half of trying to do everything on my own was very hard. I have hired a strong office staff and I am learning more about the business side of things, so I can continue to grow.

WHAT DOES THE WORD “NO” MEAN TO YOU IN THE BUSINESS WORLD? The word “no” in the business world means that I have to work harder to turn the “no” into a “yes.” WHAT DO YOU DO AS A HOBBY IN YOUR FREE TIME? My hobbies consist of sports. I absolutely love basketball and love to hit the golf course when time permits. WE ALL HAVE WEAKNESSES, WHAT IS YOURS? My biggest weakness is my empathy towards others. I know some will say that empathy towards others is a strong point and normally it is, but with me it is not. I give too many chances to people and it usually does not end well for me. I am realizing that I cannot help everyone, and some people are just out to take advantage. You can only help those who truly want to help themselves. WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? I’m most proud of my children. They make me so proud every day and I am blessed to be their daddy. WHAT’S THE BIGGEST RISK YOU’VE EVER TAKEN? DID IT PAY OFF? The biggest risk to date that I have taken is starting a print shop. Now, I am a well-rounded company, we can print and do the installation. I think being able to print and install is paying off very well for my company. I hope to be adding more printers soon. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT? My greatest accomplishment is starting this business. When I got on the plane to get certified, I thought I would employ a few family and friends and we would have fun and all make some money to support our families. As I am learning more about this industry, I am realizing all the opportunities and I am now focused on growing bigger and better. IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY ONE SUPERPOWER, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? I would like to have Ninja Turtle power. I have to choose Ninja Turtles, because my kids like them so much and my purpose for all that I do centers around my kids.

june 2018 | www.vipseenmag.com

Q& A with

JERMAINE

TUCKER

Photography by Nathan Mays Photography

Advanced Graphic Installations Owner

MY FAMILY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF WHO I AM AND THE REASON WHY I STRIVE FOR SUCCESS. www.vipseenmag.com | june 2018

VIPSEEN 2018 MEN of

MEASURE

LET’S BEGIN BY INTRODUCING YOU TO OUR READERS…TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND WHAT YOU DO. I travel worldwide to capture fine art images of our last great wild places. My work can be seen locally at the Benjamin Walls Gallery in downtown Bristol. I produce work in four genres—landscape, abstract, wildlife, and black & white. I also show work in museums such as the Smithsonian, The Natural History Museum in London, The Tennessee State Museum, etc. My mission is to inspire others to experience and protect the places and animals depicted in my work. You can view my portfolio as well as a virtual tour of my gallery at BenjaminWalls.com I also own WALLSabout™ Luxury Travel. We take small groups on Luxury African Safaris. I utilize the contacts I have made during my visits to Africa and my degree in tourism to curate a truly exceptional travel experience for our guests. You can view videos and photos of our previous trips at www.WALLSabout.com WHAT’S THE BIGGEST RISK YOU’VE EVER TAKEN? DID IT PAY OFF? Funny you should ask…I’m embarking on the biggest risk of my life right now! I’m in the process of trying to open my second gallery location. There is so much to tell, so I’ve made a short video that explains it all at BenjaminWalls.com/gallery2. It’s not going to be easy, but I do think it will pay off! WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER ANYONE WHO IS JUST STARTING OUT AND WANTS TO BE SUCCESSFUL? 1. Trust yourself (no, really–be quiet and listen to your heart). 2. Ignore (or find ways to be ignorant to) the naysayers. 3. Pay close attention to your failures; there’s a valuable lesson to be learned in each failure, but only if you set aside your emotions and pay attention. 4. Transcend the dogma; If you’re living your life for someone else or following all the “rules” of life you will never live up to your potential, you will end up being someone else’s battery. 5. Reality check: The more exciting your path in life, the more savvy, lucky, hardworking, or just damn good you’ll have to be in order to be successful. 6. Stay hungry and find something that really challenges you or you’ll loose your edge. 7. Stay humble and

june 2018 | www.vipseenmag.com

so focused on the future that when you are complimented for your success it feels foreign…like someone else did it. WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST SUPPORTER? HOW HAS THEIR SUPPORT ENABLED YOU TO ACCOMPLISH WHAT YOU DO? Can you imagine going to your parents and saying, “Instead of going for my MBA, I’ve decided to travel and take photographs for a few years in hopes of one day selling them in galleries and showing them in museums.” My parents actually supported that crazy vision, and never doubted I could pull it off. Today, thousands of collectors also support my vision and thus the growth of my company. This is humbling; I carry their faith in me with great pride. Their support gives me strength and motivation when I need it most. DESCRIBE YOUR WORK ETHIC. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU LIKE TO PASS ALONG TO THE NEXT GENERATION ABOUT WORK ETHIC? I love what I do and I’m passionate about the vision I’m working towards, so I work 70+ hours per week. I’ve changed my diet, workout habits, and routines so that I can be as productive as possible with each working hour. My advice on work ethic: 1. Find something that you truly love to do; it will fuel your work ethic. 2. Turn off anything that “dings” on your phone/computer. 3. Check your email once per day (max) and check your physical mail once per week (max). 4. Stop paying attention to everything everyone else is trying to get you to do and instead work on what you know you should be doing. MANY OF US WORK TO BE THE CHANGE WE WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD. WHAT CHANGE DO YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD? I believe our generation will be the last generation with the opportunity to put vast tracts of land aside for future generations; my life’s mission is to inspire and solicit this type of conservation. To put it simply, I want to see land—especially in developing countries—set aside as conservation areas such as National Parks, Forest Preserves, Land Trusts, etc. I specifically mention “developing countries” because most of the opportunity to do this in “developed countries” has come and gone—

the land is already occupied in a manner that would be next to impossible to change on a large scale. However, some developing nations are in a unique time period, similar to the USA during the 1920s and 1930s—the last window of opportunity for land conservation is open. In the USA, this is when bold moves were made to preserve lands that we all cherish today. Places like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The Blue Ridge Parkway, Grand Teton National Park, and Acadia National Park. These were all lands with occupants and/or commercial interests, yet environmentalists, wealthy entrepreneurs, and savvy politicians were able to work together to create these iconic public lands. There are similar windows of opportunity in developing countries today. These countries may not have the political infrastructure and financial resources we enjoyed in the 1920s and 30s, but we have a resource today that didn’t exist then—an awakening global community. I want to be a part of this rising movement and use my work to help inspire land conservation in my lifetime. MANY OF US WORK TO BE THE CHANGE WE WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD. WHAT CHANGE DO YOU WANT TO SEE IN OUR REGION? Our region is like a “best kept secret” that I want to share. I see tourism as a powerful economic engine; I want to see more tourists visiting our region—exploring our mountains, visiting our downtowns, and experiencing our culture. If we work together, I believe tourism can open up a whole new series of opportunities (and economic promise) for the people of our region. At the Benjamin Walls Gallery we are constantly inviting folks downtown, and then encourage them to explore our incredible regional wonders such as South Holston River, Grayson Highlands, Roan Mountain, Clinch Mountain, the VA Creeper Trail, and others! It’s so exciting to see the new hotels opening in downtown Bristol—this will enable visitors to base out of a vibrant downtown and then get out and explore the area! WHAT’S THE BEST BOOK YOU’VE READ (OR LISTENED TO) THIS YEAR? “The Perennial Seller” by Ryan Holiday. Ryan is easily the best author I’ve read since Malcom Gladwell with regards to effectively translating powerful ideas. It’s a “must read” for any creative that strives to produce great work (music, art, literature, etc).

Q& A with

BENJAMIN

WALLS

Benjamin Walls Gallery Owner / Artist

WHY ARE YOU DRESSED LIKE THAT? I live a dual life: On one hand, I spend countless hours in the field creating my work. On the other hand I’m passionate about sharing it with others so I present my work at receptions in my gallery, at traveling art shows, and at museum exhibit receptions. I couldn’t do one without the other, so photographer Nathan Mays and I collaborated to create an image that told that story. It was originally inspired by Mickey Baker’s iconic cover shot of Steve Johnson in VIPSEEN a few years back. We are lucky today to live such multifaceted lives! I’d love to have you at one of my shows so I can share my work with you in person, sign up for invites here: BenjaminWalls.com/attend WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUOTE? I actually have a few compiled at BenjaminWalls.com/favoritequotes WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO KEEP UP WITH YOU? Sign up for my monthly newsletter at BenjaminWalls.com/attend

Photography by Nathan Mays Photography

IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY ONE SUPERPOWER, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE? Time travel! The more I see, the more that time’s vast scale and influence fascinates me. Many of my greatest curiosities lie beyond my own finite human timeline.

I WANT TO SEE MORE TOURISTS VISITING OUR REGION—EXPLORING OUR MOUNTAINS, VISITING OUR DOWNTOWNS, AND EXPERIENCING OUR CULTURE. www.vipseenmag.com | june 2018

SEEN IN

KINGSPORT MEADOWVIEW MARRIOT CONFERENCE RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER

RAUL PATEL, TIM CERIO, ALAN LEVINE, AND JASON ROSENBERG

DANEA AND MITCH WALTERS (MASTER OF CEREMONIES)

CHAIBA BLOOMER (JA DIRECTOR)

Junior Achievement Tri-Cities

Business Hall of Fame PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LINDA COFFEY

Junior Achievement of Tri-Cities TN/VA has been building partnerships between business and education in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia for over 52 years. On Tuesday, May 1st, they held their 25th Annual Laureate Induction Celebration at Meadowview Resort in Kingsport. The Junior Achievement Hall of Fame was established in 1994 to honor the champions of free enterprise and to present role models in business to youth. Business leaders who are honored have met the following criteria: Ethics and responsibility, Leadership, Recognition, and Reputation. Mitch Walters, 2015 Laureate, served as the Master of Ceremonies for the well-attended event. Former Laureates were recognized prior to the induction of the 2018 Laureate.

2018 JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT BUSINESS HALL OF FAME LAUREATE, ALAN LEVINE (PRESIDENT AND CEO OF BALLAD HEALTH)

The Laureate for 2018 is Alan Levine, whose bold leadership and vision on healthcare and regionalism maps the course and blazes new trails for Ballad Health and the region. Mr. Levine has 25 years of hospital operations experience and currently serves as chairman, president and chief executive officer of Ballad Health. Junior Achievement is supported solely by the business community, individuals and organizations which view their mission as an investment in the American system of competitive private enterprise. Junior Achievement is available for K-12 students, with programs to prepare students for the real world. For more information on Junior Achievement, visit their website at www.juniorachievement.org.

CAHD WALLACE AND TAMERA PARSONS (JA DIRECTOR)

june 2018 | www.vipseenmag.com

TONY KECK, SHANNON ROBSHAW, TAYLOR HAMILTON, AND GRANT SUMMERS

RHONDA AND WALTER JOHNSON (JA DIRECTOR)

ANDY AND HAYLEY DIETRICH

BOB FEATHERS, JULIE BENNETT, GARY MILLER, AND BILL ARGABRITE

JENNIFER FEATHERS, DONNA NOLAN, AND LAURA LEVINE

DEE DEE HASH AND CLAUDIA BYRD

NIKKI AND SCOTT NISWONGER

JERRY AND EMMA MILLER

JEFF AND CEEGEE MCCORD WITH DEBBIE AND MONTY MCLAURIN

STEVE AND DEBBIE SMITH

KEITH WILSON, DENNIS PHILLIPS, RANDY BOYD, AND BOBBIE PHILLIPS

GREG AND DENISE DEPRIEST

ALAN LEVINE AND DAN MAHONEY

JENNIFER AND MAJOR GENERAL GARY HARRELL

BOB POWELL

www.vipseenmag.com | june 2018

june 2018 | www.vipseenmag.com

www.vipseenmag.com | june 2018

june 2018 | www.vipseenmag.com

www.vipseenmag.com | june 2018

SEEN IN

KINGSPORT MEADOWVIEW MARRIOT CONFERENCE RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER

MASKING FUN!

MICHELLE BROWN AND FRANK HARRINGTON

VALERIE KETRON AND BETSY BOYD

Masquerade Enchantment

11th Annual Symphony of the Mountains Gala PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LINDA COFFEY

As the masked guests arrived, the sounds of music were in the air for the eleventh annual Symphony of the Mountains Gala. “Masquerade Enchantment” was held on Saturday, April 21st at Meadowview Conference Resort in Kingsport. Guests had the opportunity to show their style in Victorian-style ball gowns, Edwardian tuxes, masquerade ball masks, and all things glittery! Table and room decorations created a festive mood for the evening. Cornelia Laemmli Orth, Conductor of the Orchestra, greeted everyone and ensured that the event was enjoyable.

BONNIE AND SCOTT MACDONALD

MATT GREENE AND JESSICA OWENS

The evening began with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at the Cattails Ballroom while shopping among items in a silent auction. Guests were treated to a six-course dinner with specially selected wine pairings. Music was provided by musicians of the symphony, Suzanne Kearney-Quillen and Clark Parker and the Fred Goodwin Band. The sold out event is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Symphony of the Mountains, which has been creating live, orchestral music in Kingsport for 70 years. The schedule for the 2018-19 season was announced during the gala and ticket sales begin on May 15th. For more information on the Symphony of the Mountains, visit their Facebook page or website www.symphonyofthemountains.org.

DAVID AND DEE GINN

june 2018 | www.vipseenmag.com

JOHN AND MELISSA ROBERTS

ASHLEY AND SHANE SMITH

JEFF AND SUZANNE QUILLEN

ANITA DEANGELIS AND STEVE JACKSON

BILL AND ELAINE WASHINGTON WITH DAVID AND ROBERTA DUGGAR

BOB AND MARTHA FUNKE

CORNELIA LAEMMLI ORTH

CLARK PARKER, MARGOT HUMBY, BETH GENO, SUZANNE KERNEY-QUILLEN, AND FRANK HARRINGTON

PEGGY KING

ROSE MARIE BURRISS

SEEN IN

BRISTOL BRISTOL TRAIN STATION

AIMEE DAVIS

DR. LOUISE FINCHER

DR. DOROTHY CONLEY DOBBINS

YWCA 2018 Tribute to Women STORY BY BETH MUNCY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BETH MUNCY AND RACHEL KATHLEEN

YWCA Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia has a long history of empowering underserved populations throughout the region. Nationally, the YWCA USA hosts more than 2.6 million members and 300 local associations all focused on a common mission: YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Originating in 1992, Tribute to Women was born from the YWCA’s commitment to empowering women and honoring the many contributions they make throughout the Tri-Cities. Donations and volunteer involvement support the women, children, and families of our region through the YWCA’s innovative community programs.

LISA CARTER

KAREN TURNAGE BOYD

DR. MARTA WAYT

NITA SUMMERS

The 2018 Tribute to Women award recipients were recognized in three categories: Nurture: Dr. Rebecca Buchanan, Dr. Dorothy Conley Dobbins and Dr. Marta Wayt Empower: Lisa Carter, Dr. Louise Fincher and Jimmie C. Miller Transform: Karen Turnage Boyd, Dawn Roller and Nita Summers

JIMMIE C. MILLER

THE 2018 TRIBUTE RECIPIENTS: (TOP)DR. DOROTHY CONLEY DOBBINS, DR. LOUISE FINCHER, JIMMIE C. MILLER, NITA SUMMERS, DR. MARTA WAYT (BOTTOM) LISA CARTER, DAWN ROLLER, DR. REBECCA BUCHANAN, AND KAREN TURNAGE BOYD

june 2018 | www.vipseenmag.com

DR. REBECCA BUCHANAN

SEEN IN

ABINGDON GLENROCHIE COUNTRY CLUB

The Bow Tie Benefit PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY HALEY WHITE ROB HACKEMEYER AND MATT HARTMAN

CAROLYN AND DAN SWANSON

RACHEL BALES AND SARAH BUNDY

JASON LANSDELL, TASHA HALL, AND BRIANA MULLINS

On April 20, The Southwest Virginia Chapter of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association hosted the 6th annual Bow Tie Benefit and Golf Tournament in memory of Clay Copeland. Guests from all over the country came out to support this fundraiser that went to benefit the Clay Copeland Memorial Scholarship Fund for future Virginia Tech Students of Southwest Virginia. Over $10,000 in scholarships have been awarded so far. Guests were welcomed to sport their best bow tie, enjoy music, food and beverages provided by Glenrochie Country Club, catch up with old friends, and bid on a variety of amazing items in the silent auction. Popular packages included dining certificates, a weekend getaway in Abingdon, replica cars, artwork, signed sports memorabilia, a special Hokie Bow Tie handmade quilt, and the “All Things Clay ” package that included some of Clay ’s favorite things. On Saturday April 21, friends, family, and fellow golf lovers could play in the annual Bow Tie Golf Tournament that also went to benefit the Clay Copeland Memorial Scholarship Fund. It was a great weekend filled with fun and fellowship to honor the memory of Clay and benefit future Hokies of Southwest Virginia.

COPELAND FAMILY

MELANIE WRAY AND JON ZEITZ

SEEN IN

JOHNSON CITY ISAACS POOLS AND SPAS

KRISTA AND EMMA BYRD

BRAND AND HEATHER LANGSTON

MELISSA AND KAYLA

Isaacs Pools and Spas 40th Anniversary

Customer Appreciation Event PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ALLISON GALLOWAY

Isaacs Pools and Spas celebrated 40 years of business with the ultimate customer appreciation event. Discounts, sales, a lot of giveaways were a way that the local business wanted to give back to its loyal customers. Purchases came with a free 18oz Yeti! Free lunch was provided to the loyal customers; each customer got a ticket to enjoy yummy tacos and a delicious salsa bar from Me and K’s food truck. The celebration lasted all day long with giveaways every hour, and a grand prize drawing for a year ’s supply of Bioguard 3-Step Program chemicals and Maytronics M200 Pool Cleaner, which retails at over $1,000!

MIKE AND DREAMA BELLS

KEVIN AND MARTY

Isaacs Pools and Spas is a family business, spanning three generations. Although some things have changed, such as equipment and location, much has stayed the same. “What has not changed is a commitment to hard work, honesty, integrity, and craftsmanship. Over the last 40 years, we have developed a tradition of trust within the Tri-Cities community,” said David Isaacs, current owner of Isaacs Pools and Spa. For more information, visit isaacspools.net or stop by their Johnson City location.

THE “K” OF ME AND K’S FOOD TRUCK, KERSTIN

june 2018 | www.vipseenmag.com

TRACY AND ALYSA

DAVID ISAACS, MILDRED ISAACS, AND ARLISS CAMPBELL

JENNIFER AND MARTY STAPLETON

SEEN IN

KINGSPORT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

STANLEY FISH, DREW STREET, AND ELAINE ZOELLER

BUNCO PRIZES

CARRIE SCHWARTZ

Sullivan County Imagination Library

Bunco Party PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LARK ADAMS

In 1996, Dolly Parton launched an exciting new effort to benefit the children of her home county in east Tennessee. Dolly wanted to foster a love of reading among her county ’s preschool children and their families. Moreover, she wanted to ensure that every child would have books; regardless of their family ’s income.

KARA AND BETH HASLER

RHODA BLIESE AND BRENDA MORIARTY

So she decided to mail a brand new, age appropriate, book each month to every child under 5 in Sevier County. With the arrival of every child’s first book, the classic, The Little Engine That Could, every child could now experience the joy of finding their very own book in their mail box. These moments continue each month until the child turns 5-and in their very last month in the program they receive, Look Out Kindergarten Here I Come. The Sullivan County Imagination Library (SCIL) is a model of Dolly ’s early program. All children who are legal residents of Sullivan County (including Bluff City, Bristol, and Kingsport) from birth to age 5 can be registered for this program. On May 1, the SCIL held a Bunco Party fundraiser called ‘Rolling for Readers’ at the First Presbyterian Church in Kingsport, TN. Over 100 people enjoyed a delicious homemade soup supper and dessert, and then the Bunco fun began. This easy game was enjoyed by people of all ages, and the SCIL tried to ensure that almost every attendee received a prize of some sort.

CHRIS MANLEY, KERI-LYNN PAULSON, AND STEVE PAULSON

FLORINA MARKWALDER AND FERNANDA RODRIGUES

DIXIE KEITH AND GWEN ROLLER

During the event, they highlighted their, ‘Road to 50,’ initiative to try and obtain 50 monthly donors in 2018 that will ultimately sponsor 12 children each month for an entire year of receiving Imagination Library books. This cost is just $12.60 per month, for an annual donation amount of just over $150. In fact, the SCIL is grateful to get donations in any amount, and people can give on their website for as little as a one-time donation of $12.60. Donations can be made at http://scimaginationlibrary.org/

EVELYN EDWARDS AND KAREN BAKER

STACIE HAWK AND JESSI HOFFMAN

www.vipseenmag.com | june 2018

SEEN IN

BRISTOL THE VIRGINIAN GOLF CLUB

CIARRA MEEKER, AMY MCCRACKEN, AND MATT RICHARDSON

ON THE COURSE

Young Life Golf Marathon PHOTOGRAPHY BY BETH MUNCY | STORY BY MATT RICHARDSON

Young Life, a worldwide Christian outreach organization for teenagers, has been at work with young people in Bristol for the last 10 years — being available to middle-school, high-school and college students, providing fun, safe and comfortable gatherings, giving them the right to be heard, and communicating God’s love in terms these students can understand. Young Life is mainly a volunteer-led organization worldwide, and Young Life Bristol is no exception. The organization wouldn’t exist here if it weren’t for caring adults in Bristol. More than 30 Young Life volunteer leaders are currently reaching out to kids at Tennessee High, Virginia High, Sullivan East, Vance Middle School, Virginia Middle School and King University. Through weekly meetings called “club,” small groups, summer camps, weekend excursions, and one-on-one time with kids, Young Life leaders build unconditional relationships with teenagers and model God’s love. Young Life has a long legacy of effective work with kids and a reputation for excellence among adults. Since 1941, Young Life has been making a difference in the lives of kids around the world because adults who care about kids in their community support us. Each local area raises their own budget, and the Bristol Golf Marathon is one of two major fundraisers that enables staff and volunteers to do what they do best: build authentic friendships with teenagers. Our staff and leaders are trained in time-tested methods of relating with adolescents, and we are equipped by a world-class organization that is dedicated to making an impact on kids’ lives.

JERRY GILLIAM AND CHAD MCKRACKIN WINNER OF CLUB CHUCK

june 2018 | www.vipseenmag.com

JAMES AND JAMEY BOWLING

EDWARD BLOCK AND TODD MUNCY

CLUB CHUCKIN CONTEST

BRAD PROFFITT AND DANIEL ADAMS

CHAD KEEN AND DOUG HENARD

CONGRATULATIONS

CUMBERLAND MARKETING

STORY BY LOGAN BAILEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATHAN MAYS

Bob Feathers Kingsport Chamber Chairman of the Board

Jerry Caldwell

Bristol Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board

Andy Dietrich

Chamber of Commerce serving Johnson City - Jonesborough Washington County Chairman of the Board

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“Our approach as a region should focus on attracting and growing businesses that are complementary to our existing professional skills base to start. Incentives should support businesses that offer, at minimum, ‘livable wage’. It is important to note that consumer retail and service businesses will follow the money when demand is created.” – Bob Feathers, Kingsport Chamber Chairman of the Board

he Chamber of Commerce serving Johnson City – Jonesborough – Washington County 2018 Chairman of the Board and Owner/Vice President of Champion Chevrolet-Cadillac, Andy Dietrich, addressed the latest hot topic within our community: regionalism. Since the announcement of the Ballad Health merger within the Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia regions, an underlying question has emerged. Will our community also move towards a more regionalized approach to align with this monumental event? Before diving too deep into the details of what regionalism would look like, why now, advantages, who would be involved, and when it will happen, let’s first gain a better understanding of the term regionalism. Regionalism can be defined as, “the theory or practice of regional rather than central systems of administration” (Essentially, the act of separate entities or communities working together). Andy defines regionalism for our community as, “all counties and cities in the Ballad Health footprint working together under one common umbrella.” This umbrella of regionalism that Andy speaks about will include twenty-one counties, three major cities, and over one million people. Ballad Health’s footprint includes the following: • Kingsport, Bristol, and Johnson cities • Tennessee counties including: Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington • Virginia counties including: Buchanan, Dickenson, Grayson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe

What will regionalism look like for our community? Andy foresees the characteristics that make each city and county unique will be marketed together as one, all-encompassing package. He anticipates that this will be a huge selling point for our region and will offer something for everyone. “We’re hoping that by marketing ourselves as a single region, people will see why this is such a great place to live, work, play and pray,” says Andy. He imagines that if a new business were looking to locate to the area, they would have to only look to one resource to find all the information about our region including housing, attractions, demographics and more. If we can sell the region to a new business or individual, then everyone would benefit from it, no matter where they land within our footprint, believes Andy. Aside from the Ballad Health merger, another great example of our community’s existing ability to collaborate is the recent aerospace park project. This project brought together city and county officials who pulled funding from their separate budgets to support an effort that would help bring more jobs and residents into the region. You may be asking yourself, “why now?” “We’re trying to build off of the momentum from the Ballad Health merger,” Andy says. This merger has created partnerships throughout the region that may have never been formed without the Ballad Health project. With collaborations now in place, this has set the groundwork for additional relationships to be made. Another reason behind the push for this effort now is that population growth for the Tri-Cities area is

“Our existing businesses and industries provide a strong economic base which allows us to pursue a broad range regional effort.” – Andy Dietrich, Chamber of Commerce serving Johnson City – Jonesborough – Washington County Chairman of the Board

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“I’m very encouraged by the enthusiasm that I’ve seen from people in the region. Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia have so many wonderful qualities and it’s inspiring to see so many incredible people wanting to work together for the greater good. The key to long-term success moving forward will continue to be strong communication and understanding that we’re all in this together.” – Jerry Caldwell, Bristol Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board

projected to decline over the next five to ten years. “We need growth. We do not need a decline,” Andy urges. He says that we can either continue to keep doing what we have been doing – competing with each other – or we can all work together to improve the region as a whole. If we choose to partner together, we may be able to compete with larger cities like Knoxville, which has a population growth of 10% annually. Andy states that we have to try to take a chance on regionalism while we have these community partnerships in place. He clarifies that our community is not trying to be the next Nashville or another major city, but that growth is still necessary. According to Andy, “the stars are aligned and the time is right.”

Johnson City – Jonesborough – Washington County, and several elected officials.

What are some of the advantages of regionalism?

All of the Tri-Cities Chamber Chairmen and CEO’s are very supportive of this effort and have already started to meet regularly to discuss future plans and partnerships across the region. Next steps include increased education and communication to the community on plans surrounding regionalism. The Chambers will be reaching out to key partners in the community to join in the conversation. For any individuals who are interested in participating in this effort, please reach out to your local Chamber of Commerce to inquire. Andy anticipates that this regionalism committee will start small, then grow and evolve into a larger effort.

Andy details several benefits, many of which will have a “trickle-down” affect which will continue to expose new rewards over the years. These benefits include: job growth that may result in better incomes, more retail and restaurants, more tax revenue that could improve infrastructure, increased neighborhoods, and, to the benefit of Champion Chevrolet-Cadillac, people will buy more cars! The hope is that our region will first appeal to new businesses, which will relocate to the area. Those businesses would hire employees who would then live, work, and play within the whole region and the cycle would start again growing the population and increasing the value of our region each time. Who is supportive of regionalism and how can you get involved? Key partners that support regionalization include Ballad Health, East Tennessee State University, Bristol Motor Speedway, Eastman, Eastman Credit Union, the Kingsport Chamber, Bristol Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber of Commerce serving

Andy is excited to say that he has received lots of positive feedback from the community so far on the efforts around regionalism. He even has business leaders and city officials stopping by the dealership to share their support. Andy urges, “We have the chance right now with organizations, universities, chambers, and several local government officials behind the effort. Now’s the time to try to make a difference for all of us. To make our lives better here.” When will our community start moving towards regionalism?

“Give change a chance,” Andy says. He anticipates that there will be barriers along the journey to regionalism but believes that those challenges will be worth the effort when we all succeed in the end. Show your support of regionalism and get your questions answered by stopping by your local Chamber of Commerce. If you are interested in learning more about regionalism from Andy Dietrich, please contact the Chamber of Commerce serving Johnson City – Jonesborough – Washington County at 423-461-8000.

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JOHNSON CITY RECLAIMED INSPIRED GOODS

LISA HOLT

ROSEMARY WHITSON

BITSY HUMPHREYS

Floral Workshop with

Susan Liles Floral Design PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY HALEY WHITE

Inspired by Mother ’s Day, Reclaimed Inspired Goods hosted a floral workshop on May 5th featuring local floral designer, Susan Liles. This fun exclusive event included the instruction of the talented Liles, fresh beautiful flowers and greenery, and an exquisitely curated floral workshop kit. Guests were able to create their own one of kind floral arrangements to take home. This event was a fun and creative experience that guests could share with the special women in their lives.

DEE MCQUAIN AND LAURA AIKEN

The floral workshop filled up within 24 hours. So, if you are interested in events like this one or others exclusive events from Reclaimed Inspired Goods sign up for their email list by contacting shop@ reclaimedinspired.com Reclaimed Inspired Goods is located in Downtown Johnson City on 414 S Roan St. They offer unique home décor, interior design, and friendly service to the Tri-Cities. We also offer custom lifestyle photography by Tina Wilson.

KAYLA JANEWAY AND SHEILA NEIKIRK

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SUSAN LILES FLORAL DESIGNER

REBECCA MERCER

COURTNEY MILLER AND HANNAH RINGLEY OF RECLAIMED INSPIRED GOODS

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KINGSPORT MEADOWVIEW MARRIOT CONFERENCE RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER

Symphony Of The Mountain’s

Women’s Symphony Committee

Hosts Annual Ball PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY SUBMITTED

The Women’s Symphony Committee of the Symphony of the Mountains presented 28 Kingsport Dobyns Bennett High School senior honorees at the annual Symphony Ball on March 10 at Meadowview Convention Center.

2018 WOMENS SYPHONY HONOREES

The honorees are the sons and daughters of members of the Women’s Symphony Committee (WSC) which has a 50-year history of supporting and fundraising for the symphony. WSC members help manage the box office and usher at symphony events and hold an annual “Prom and Mom” fundraiser. The Symphony Ball is an opportunity for members who have served on the committee for four years to have their children presented at a formal dance and dinner.

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BRISTOL BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY

BOB AND LELA KILKENNY

LEE AND NANCY BROWDER

BRETT AND ANNE MARIE BAKER

Speedway Children’s Charities

Annual Dinner PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ALLISON GALLOWAY

The Bristol Chapter of the Speedway Children’s Charities held their annual dinner on Thursday, April 12th at the Bruton Smith Building at Bristol Motor Speedway, a tradition that has taken place for over the past 10 years.

“The Speedway Children’s Charities Annual Dinner kicks off race weekend, and it’s a great opportunity for our sponsors, our attendees, and our special guests to swap racing stories,” said Betsy Holleman.

BARB STREET AND JT THOMAS

JERRY CALDWELL AND CLAUDIA BYRD

Special guests were Ray Evernham, Larry McReynolds, and Jeff Hammond. Evernham is in the NASCAR Hall of Fame for being a three-time championship winning crew chief for Jeff Gordon. McReynolds is highly regarded as one of the most successful crew chiefs of all time with 23 cup wins between drivers Davey Allison and Dale Earnhardt. Hammond was crew chief for Darrell Waltrip, winning two championships and 43 races. Following the dinner, which was presented by Tele-Optics, and the conversations with the special guests, there was a live auction with all proceeds benefitting the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities. Items included autographed NASCAR memorabilia, the Chairman’s Experience at Bristol Motor Speedway, and a private ice rink party during the The Pinnacle Speedway in Lights. Speedway Children’s Charities provides funding for hundreds of nonprofit organizations throughout the nation that meet the direct needs of children. Their vision is that each child has the same opportunity no matter what obstacle they are facing. For more information, visit www.speedwaycharities.org/bristol.

DAVID AND JACKIE JENKINS

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EARL AND TERESA BREWINGTON

SPECIAL GUESTS RAY EVERNHAM, LARRY MCREYNOLDS, AND JEFF HAMMOND

MILLIE SCHUTTE AND CONNIE GEORGE

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BRISTOL BRISTOL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

BRISTOL TENNESSEE CITY SCHOOLS RUN CLUB PARTICIPANTS (GREY TEAM)

LAUREN ROPER AND HER DOG, JASIAH DUFF, GRACIE OBEISTIE, AUBREY TESTER

Power of Health Expo and

Power of Play 5K PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY SARA BURGESS

TITUS AND LUKE

MADDIE ATKINS AND ZION HARRIS AFTER THE RACE

Ballad Health, Bristol Tennessee Schools, and Bristol Virginia Public Schools have all partnered together to create the Power of Health Expo and Power of Play 5K. This event took place at the Bristol Regional Medical Center on Saturday, April 28 from 8 a.m. to noon. With a new record of over 500 racers, children and adults alike participated in both the Health Expo and 5K race. Many people with various health-related booths lined the bottom floor of the Medical Center. They patiently educated passersby about having a healthy lifestyle, as well as the benefits of staying fit. Ballad Health provided free heart and vascular screenings to those aged 45 and older. As soon as it was time to race, everyone gathered at the starting line and prepared for their sprint to the finish line. Once everyone had competed, participants gathered in the presentation room to collect their prizes. Rebecca Craddock, the health and communications coordinator for Bristol Tennessee City Schools, announced the winners of the 5K race. She began by announcing the school participation award, which went to Fairmount Elementary School. Children from that school were absolutely elated to receive the award, and were further motivated to continue working hard in their Run Club. The fastest runners were then announced and were given trophies and glass cups, depending on their accomplishment during the 5K.

BRISTOL TENNESSEE CITY SCHOOLS RUN CLUB MEMBERS GATHER BEFORE THE RACE

For more information regarding Ballad Health and the services they provide, please visit www.balladhealth.org.

GO TEAM BLUE!

BRISTOL TENNESSEE CITY SCHOOLS RUN CLUB PARTICIPANTS (ORANGE TEAM)

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KINGSPORT MEADOWVIEW MARRIOT CONFERENCE RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER

LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

HOLLOWAY DANCE

The Grand Tour Las Vegas – Fire & Ice PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LINDA COFFEY

Vegas came to Kingsport on Saturday, May 12th! Well, actually it was a Grand Tour-Las Vegas Fire & Ice event to support the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kingsport. The convention rooms at the MeadowView Marriot Conference Resort & Convention Center were transformed into Vegas of the past. Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, and Mae West mingled with the guests while they strolled the Freemont St. storefronts. Actors from the Kingsport Theatre Guild provided drama and singing throughout the evening. It wouldn’t have been Vegas without dancers providing a kick line (Holloway Dance) to get the party started! However, the star of the evening sat quietly in the corner, waiting for the raffle drawing to see who would drive home in a 2018 red Porsche! Turns out the winner was not present, but he did accept the news over a phone call from Kasey Marler of WJHL.

JERRY AND EMMA LEE MILLER

Attendees had the opportunity to bid on silent auction items and a live auction was held for the lively entertainment of all! Auctioneer Danny Slater had the crowd bidding high for several desirable items! A mock casino was set up for the after party and lasted into the wee hours of Kingsport night life. All proceeds from the event go to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kingsport to make an impact in the lives of youth in our community. For more information about the organization, visit their Facebook page or www.kbgc.org.

DON CAMPBELL AND AMY DORAN

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ANGIE AND TONY MELSON

LISA BEILHARZ

LYNN AND BARBARA JOHNSON

MAE WEST!

CEEGEE AND JEFF MCCORD

JENNY AND CURT ROSE

JOHANNA MONTGOMERY AND CHERRY MONTGOMERY

GREG AND EMILY DEPRIEST

BEVERLY BOLING, MELISSA ROARK, MELANIE BUCHANAN, AND DIANA BAKER

MARILYN MONROE!

KINGSPORT THEATRE GUILD

NANCY AND MIKE BERRY

RAFFLE FOR THE PORSCHE!

NEWLYWEDS, LILLY AND ALEX WEGERBAUER

ED AND THERESA GIBBONS

CASINO TIME!

VICKI AND BRAD PAINTER

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KINGSPORT RIDGEFIELDS COUNTRY CLUB

BANK OF TENNESSEE

ERIC KISTNER TYLER GREENFIELD HOLSTON VALLEY MEDICAL CENTER-BALLAD HEALTH

JEFF RICHARDSON AND CHUCK KING

Kingsport Chamber 26th

Annual Golf Scramble PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY HALEY WHITE

It was a beautiful Monday at Ridgefields Country Club on May 7, where the Kingsport Chamber hosted the 26th Annual Golf Scramble Tournament. Sponsored by Food City, Pepsi, and Hunter Smith Davis, the tournament benefited the Keep Kingsport Beautiful and Leadership Kingsport Programs. Awards were given to the top three places in two flights in both the morning and afternoon rounds that began at 8:45 AM and 2 PM. Players could also participate in hole competitions that included prizes from longest drive, most accurate drive, and closest to the pin on each of the four par threes. Prizes were provided by a variety of local business sponsors.

KENDALL / EATON

“Your Kingsport Chamber Golf Scramble is always a fun and very popular event and a great way to network with a number of Kingsport business leaders,” Kingsport Chamber President and CEO Miles Burdine said. “This is an important fundraiser for two of our vital programs – Keep Kingsport Beautiful and Leadership Kingsport.” Burdine also added, “We are most grateful to Ridgefields and its outstanding and talented team for hosting the Kingsport Chamber Golf Scramble again now for the twenty-sixth year. Ridgefields is a beautiful club and it’s a huge asset for our community.” The event was catered by Texas Roadhouse and Food City. Media Sponsors included the Kingsport TimesNews, AM 640 WXSM Xtreme Sports Monster and Spectrum Reach.

RICK STOREY AND JAKE HARRIS, TEAM CITIZENS BANK

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RICK STOREY AND JAKE HARRIS, TEAM CITIZENS BANK

WES BURLESON, TEAM MATTERN AND CRAIG

TEXAS ROADHOUSE

BRENT DAVISON WITH KING UNIVERSITY

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BANK OF TENNESSEE

CHRISTINE BRADISH, CITI

JAIMA AND CHAD PENNINGTON

Tri-Cities Go Red for Women Celebration PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY HALEY WHITE

On Thursday April 19th, The American Heart Association hosted the annual TriCities Go Red For Women Celebration at Meadowview Resort and Conference Center in Kingsport. The event celebrates the yearlong fundraising campaign that creates awareness and educates women about cardiovascular diseases, the #1 killer of women. The event also celebrates and honors local women who have survived a cardiac event or stroke. In the United States, cardiovascular diseases kill approximately 1 in 3 women each year. For more than a decade, the American Heart Association has been fighting for equal health opportunities for women in research, diagnosis, and treatment. Since its creation in 2004, Go Red For Women volunteers have proudly worn red, shared their stories of survival and elevated awareness of heart disease and stroke. Prior to the dinner, Ballad Health, Food City, Bank of Tennessee and Blue Cross Blue Shield, sponsored and hosted interactive stations that included health screenings and activities designed to educate guests about improving their heart health through lifestyle changes. Guests were invited to have fun photos at the Food City “Break-Up With Salt” Photo Booth and the Blue Cross Blue Shield “Picture and a Promise” Selfie Photo Bar, where they received a photo reminder of their promise to themselves to make one change in the next year for a healthier lifestyle. Guests also had an opportunity to purchase a ticket for the “Chance To Win” to take home one of the many great donated items. Doors to the ballroom opened at 6:45 and guests took their seats in the red themed ballroom. Mitch Cox Companies and United Development Company co-sponsored the first annual Go Red Survivor Fashion honoring local survivors as they modeled lovely outfits of their choice from local boutiques. Hair Benders Salon and Faces by Ren provided the hair and makeup for this amazing group of ladies. WJHL’s Anna Zook , served as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening. 2018 co-chairs Kim Baker and Kattie Casebolt closed the event with a powerful message encouraging women and their loved ones to unite and take action to prevent heart disease and stroke. To learn more about the Go Red For Women Campaign and how you can support this national movement to end cardiovascular disease in women, visit www.goredforwomen.org

HANNAH AND JEANNIE GOODMAN

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KIM GARRETT, LISA FRANKLIN, AND RENE RUSH

MISSIE HUMPHREYS AND DONNA HUGHES

KIM HALL-CITI, AND KATTIE CASEBOLTMITCH COX, 2018 CO-CHAIRS OF TRICITIES GO RED FOR WOMEN

LAURA MUFF, BRITTANY SONGSTER

TINA AND ELIZABETH MCLAUGHLIN

GLORIA AND KEN HUNT

JO ANNE BULLINGTON

CAROL AND KEVIN CLARK

PATTI FRAIZER AND SHELLY KEYS

BEVERLY MILLER, AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

AREN HARRIS AND JENNIFER EAVES, BALLAD HEALTH

WHITNEY CARR, MELANIE BUCHANAN, BEVERLY BOLING, AND MORGAN KING

BRANDON WILKENSON AND KATHERINE REDMOND, LMU MED STUDENTS

RHONDA MARSHAL, TRACI LEICHLITER, AND CAROLYN WALLEN

LOCAL LEADERS TO RAISE AWARENESS AND FUNDS IN THE FIGHT TO END BREAST CANCER

In its 4th year in the Tri-Cities, 20 area leaders will unite to fight breast cancer with the American Cancer Society through participation in the Real Men Wear Pink campaign. Participants will also raise awareness for breast cancer by wearing pink from now through the end of October. While this campaign is a fundraising initiative, it also provides strong awareness efforts in the local community for the American Cancer Society and its efforts to save lives from breast cancer. Dollars raised help the American Cancer Society save lives from breast cancer through early detection and prevention, innovative breast cancer research, and patient support. For more information about breast cancer, visit cancer.org or call 1-800-227-2345.

AARON Hawkins Credit Opts Analysis at Citi

JEREMEY Livesay Movement Mortgage

BRACKTON Smith Edward Jones

COLBY Hurd Signature Properties

DAVID Hatley Owner of LPI and Aqua Life

PAUL Hoilman Owner of RBI Tri-Cities

ERIC Parks MD Watauga Orthopedics

JEFF Goebel Owner/Operator of GoBelieve Fitness

JOHN Henry WJHL

ERIC Donahue VIPSEEN

JOSH Foster Owner of Parkway Auto

KEDDRAIN “KD” Bowen Owner of Fanatics 101

LINCOLN Walters Keller Williams

MICA Taylor Taylor Made Barbershop Owner

ADAM Gratz Barley Waters Owner Operator

DR. HADIE elBazouni State of Franklin Health Care Associates

CHRIS Hill Owner of Toyota & Lexus of Kingsport

TYLER Begley Owner of JBT Construction/ Realtor at Century 21

LEIGHTON Woods Owner/Orthodontist at Wood & Jewett Orthodontics

TRAVIS Patterson Owner of Patterson Homes

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JOHNSON CITY SCIENCE HILL HIGH SCHOOL

BETSY LANDERS MEMBERSHIP AWARD WINNER, LATICIA TAYLOR

NOTES OF SUCCESS WINNER, MARY EDWARDS

OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL, KARNS HS

TN PTA Annual Convention, Awards Banquet PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY KELSEY COLLINS

Spirits were high and laughter abounded during the Annual Tennessee PTA Awards Banquet, held on Friday, April 20th. The event was held at Science Hill High School in Johnson City, TN. This particular awards event is held to recognize all of the hard work and diligence that teachers, principals, and superintendents do to ensure students success in and out of the classroom.

JC SUPERTINTENDANT STEVE BARNETT

MATTHEW HILL, TN STATE REPRESENTATIVE, SPEAKING ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PTA

Attendees had live entertainment by the Science Hill High School Choir, and a three-course dinner was served by the Science Hill Culinary Arts program. Several awards were given out, including a very special award to Tennessee State Representative Matthew Hill. Denise Sultz, Secretary and Treasurer for the National PTA made a touching keynote speech for all in attendance, saying “when we decide to care for a child, we become someone who can.” Those involved with the National Parent Teacher Association are devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. To get involved in the efforts of the TN National PTA, visit www.tnpta.org, or visit the National website at www.pta.org

300 HOURS OF LITERACY AWARD WINNERS

TEACHER AWARD JAKE NEBLIT

AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING SUPERINTENDENT, BOB THOMAS

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE IN ADVOCACY, MIDDLE SCHOOL, POWELL

KEYNOTE SPEAKER, DENISE SULTZ

AWARD OF EXCELLENCY, HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL, SCIENCE HILL

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BRISTOL BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY

CHELSEA KETRON, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COURTNEY CACATION, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF DISCOVER BRISTOL

SAVANNAH AND KRISTEN KISTNER

ASHLY STEELE AND KAYLA DEAL

Discover Bristol Pineapple Awards PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ALLISON GALLOWAY

To celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week, Discover Bristol hosted their first Discover Bristol Pineapple Awards on Thursday, May 9th. A pineapple is the traditional symbol of hospitality, an important aspect of tourism. The awards recognized exceptional service by employees at local restaurants, hospitals, hotels, and more. Award winners have gone above and beyond for their guests and made their visits to the area unforgettable. JOSH ADAMS, HOSPITALITY HERO AWARD

Discover Bristol is dedicated to promoting economic development through overnight stays and visitor spending in both Bristol, TN and Bristol, VA. For more information, visit www.discoverbristol.org.

AWARD WINNERS

HEATHER GARRISON, HOSPITALITY HERO AWARD

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LOGAN MCCABE, VICE-PRESIDENT OF CONSUMER GROUP AT BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY

PATSY MIKEAL, LEGENDARY SERVICE AWARD

ELLEN PERRY, HOSPITALITY HERO AWARD

CAPTAIN MAYNARD RATCLIFF, HOSPITALITY HERO AWARD

GAIL HULSE, LEGENDARY SERVICE AWARD

BILLY LOVELL, HOSPITALITY HERO AWARD

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KINGSPORT BAYS MOUNTAIN PARK

JUSTIN MULLER AND BROOKE ESCH

BROOKE BRICKEY, DAPHNE RINGLEY, AND JESSICA ASTACIO

DAVID AND LOUISE RITENAR WITH JAMES BLEDSOE

Run Like a Princess 5K and 3K PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ALLISON GALLOWAY

The 5th annual Run Like a Princess 5K Run and 3K Walk took place on a sunny Saturday, April 28th at Bays Mountain Park. The Goshen Valley Fire Department did the 3K walk in full gear to show their support. This race is run to celebrate the birthday of Delilah Kennedy Watts. Delilah was born on April 25th, 2013. She suffered from a disease called Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. She overcame many challenges in her time on Earth and touched the lives of many.

HOLLY REINHART AND PENNY FLEMING

DAVID AND MARY ANN GOINS

“The courage, bravery, and fighting spirit of Delilah Kennedy Watts, will always be remembered and she will always hold a piece of our hearts,” said Heather Watts, Delilah’s mother. All proceeds benefited the Princess Delilah Foundation, which honors the memory of Delilah Kennedy Watts by providing support, positive energy, and encouragement to the parents of NICU babies and their nurses. For more information, visit www.princessd.org.

VOLUNTEERS

RUNNERS

HEATHER WATTS

MIKE AND PAM BRITTON WITH BO

KATIEE, JOSH, AND KENNEDY

DONNA AND STEVEN WATTS

KRISTEN AND MCCLURE BOYD

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BRISTOL THE VIRGINIAN GOLF CLUB

JENNIFER AND MARLENE MITCHELL

BOB AND JENNY FEATHERS

YVONNE RADEN, KATHY SANDERS, AND LEIGH BERGEMANN

Wine Women & Shoes PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ALLISON GALLOWAY

Wine Women & Shoes, hosted by Ballad Health Foundation, raised more than $159,000 to increase access to and affordability of breast cancer screenings in the region. Nearly 1,000 local women will receive assistance through proceeds from this fourth annual event, held at the Virginian Golf Club. Wine Women & Shoes drew nearly 300 attendees and included silent and live auctions and exclusive shopping at the eventâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s marketplace. Attendees left the event with their purchases, along with swag bags and a special photo keepsake in the style of a VIPSEEN magazine cover. Women also participated in a Best in Shoe contest in the categories of sassy stilettos, fabulous flats, wonderful wedges and bodacious boots.

GREG RUSSELL AND GEOFF NEWMAN

KATY CRAIG AND BETH HOOK

Even though the majority of Wine Women & Shoes participants were women, a group of men from the community also made their mark. These volunteers, called Shoe Guys, assisted women with wine pairings, shopping options and raffle ticket sales. They also raised money in the weeks leading up to the event in a fundraising competition to see who would be named King of Sole. To learn more about Ballad Health Foundation, please visit www.balladhealth.org/foundation.

ALYSSA HUNT, CHAUNA STOKES, MISTIE HAGAMAN, AND SAMANTHA MOONEYHAM POSING FOR THE COVER OF VIPSEEN!

MARILYN ROBERTSON AND SUSAN CADLE

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ALICIA VANHOOK GIBSON AND PATTI VANHOOK

LAUREN BAUMGARDNER AND JANA STITT

STACY LONG AND PATTY LIGHT

MELANIE BUCHANAN

TRACY ADDINGTON AND JENNIFER BOGNI

MORGAN AND LINDA KING

GAIL SMITH AND SUZANNE LAY

STACEY GRIFFITH AND PAIGE SUMMERS

AMY SMITH AND REBECCA WHITE

RUSTY LITTLE AND CHRISTOPHER ALBA

DEBBIE OSBORNE AND LESLIE HOFFMAN

LAURA PERRY AND LEANNA WILLS

ANGEL CRABTREE AND ANGELA WACKOWSKI

LOGAN MARSHALL AND SARAH FULLER

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JOHNSON CITY FOUNDERS PARK

JODY SPEAR, PERFORMING IN THE LONGEST TOSS COMPETITION

STEPH MYERS AND NOLA WATCHING THE TOURNAMENT

2018 Boss of the Toss Cornhole Tournament PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY KELSEY COLLINS

Weather was perfect for a day of cornhole at Johnson City’s Founders Park on Saturday, April 28th. The tournament raised money for the Johnson City/Jonesborough/Washington County Chamber of Commerce Leadership 2020 Program, as well as Second Harvest Food Bank. Spokesperson for Second Harvest, Kristan Ginnings, explained to the crowd how just one dollar in proceeds from the tournament could feed four people. Tournament play started at 2pm and lasted until 6pm, with every team guaranteed to play at least three games. Winners received a custommade cornhole board. Even those who lost their first game could potentially win a board in a “Lovable Losers” bracket, which encouraged those participating to hang around and enjoy time with family and friends. Smiles abounded at the first inaugural Boss of the Toss Cornhole Tournament, with families and individuals coming together as a community to raise money for wonderful educational and community causes. For further information on the tournament and winners, visit the Facebook event page “2018 Boss of the Toss Cornhole Tournament”. For more information on the Johnson City/Jonesborough/Washington County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Program, visit www. johnsoncitytnchamber.com/leadership-2020-leadership-alumni/ For Second Harvest Food Bank information, visit www.netfoodbank.org

LINK ELMORE, JOHN HAGEMANN, KRISTAN GINNINGS, MATT OSBORNE, ELISA BRITT, AND WESLEY FLETCHER

SECOND HARVEST COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER, JOSIE RUSSELL

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JOHNSON CITY MILLENNIUM CENTRE

MITCH MILLER, DIANNA CANTLER (NETREP), AND MELINDA COPP (MAINSTREET JONESBOROUGH)

JAKE HARRIS AND JACOB GRIEB

LARRY ENGLAND AND LINDSEY HARRIS

4th Annual State of the City,

County, Town Luncheon PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY HALEY WHITE

On Friday April 27 at the Millennium Centre in Johnson City, Tennessee, Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union presented the 4th annual State of the City-County-Town Luncheon. The event provided guests with the opportunity to hear an update from Mayors David Tomita of Johnson City, Chuck Vest from the town of Jonesborough, and Washington County Mayor Dan Eldridge. BEN DAUGHTERY WITH ADAM ROSEMBALM AND KATE PHILLIPS, ROAN SCHOLARS

MARY TRIGIANI AND MARY FINUCANE

The event was sponsored by Servpro of Washington County, Ballad Health, Bank of Tennessee, Bristol Motor Speedway, Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, Eastman Credit Union, Bright Ridge, Citi and many others. The luncheon was catered by the Millennium Centre.

DAN ELDRIDGE, WASHINGTON COUNTY MAYOR AND ALAN HILL

WESLEY FLETCHER, HUGH FERGUSON, CINDY ANDERSON, AND LOGAN MCCABE

TARA CHADWELL AND LAURI KERNS, BALLAD HEALTH

RICK STOREY

CITY OF JOHNSON CITY

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KINGSPORT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH KINGSPORT

REV. MARVIN CAMERON, FBC

FLEET FEET GROUP

STAYING TOGETHER!

AmazinGrace 5K Race PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LINDA COFFEY

First Baptist Church of Kingsport hosted the 10th Annual AmazinGrace 5K on Sunday, May 6th. The afternoon was perfect; with crystal blue skies and mild temperatures. As people arrived, games, activities and food trucks were set up in the parking lot of the church. Children enjoyed face painting, hula hooping, and jumping in the bounce house. Many other activities were available for all ages. It was not unusual to see a child with a brightly colored mouth from the frozen ice vendor!

MIKE NANNENGA, 1ST PLACE OVERALL 1K

SALLY MCREYNOLD 1ST FEMALE OVERALL 1K

Two races were held; a 1K and a 5K. The 1K had runners and walkers participating. Mike Nannenga placed as the 1st Male Overall and Sally McReynold placed as the first Female Overall. Prior to the start of the 5K, Reverend Marvin Cameron on First Baptist offered a prayer and Abbie Edwards sang a beautiful rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner ”. J Penny won the 1st Place Male Overall and Natalia Rivas Lopez Foster won the 1st Place Female Overall. The AmazinGrace 5K has been sponsored by First Baptist Church for ten years. Jessica Hatfield had the dream for the event and continues to organize the race. Chad Smith has served as the Emcee for most of those years. Proceeds from the race benefit Providence Medical Clinic, a faith-based ministry that provides medical services to those in need. It was announced that over $100,000 has now been raised by the race through the years.

THE 1K BEGINS!

Mark your calendars for May 5, 2019! For more information, visit their website www.fbcamazingrace5k.com

ALLISON JONES, EVENT ORGANIZER

DICK SLACK AND CHERIE PORTER

HANK BROWN

ABBIE EDWARDS PERFORMED THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

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SEEN IN

EMORY EMORY AND HENRY MCGLOTHLIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS

SARAH LILLY, CRYSTAL BREEDING, AND UVA WRIGHT

Abracadabra:

SODEXO REPRESENTATIVES (PATRICIA ODUM, ANGIE PRESTON, DANIELLE ROBERT, SCOTT FOOR, AND ALEX SCHNEIDER

The Magic of Reading Revealed PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LOGAN BAILEY

Magic was in the air on Saturday, April 28th at United Way of Southwest Virginia’s Abracadabra: The Magic of Reading Revealed event. This event, sponsored by Food City, Ballad Health, Eastman Credit Union, and UVA Wise, kicked-off United Way ’s new partnership with the National Campaign for Grade-Level Reading. United Way of Southwest Virginia (SWVA) joined 300 other communities in the campaign which focuses on three pillars: chronic absence, kindergarten readiness, and summer slide. Along with the partnership announcement, United Way SWVA also shared that they ’ve received their largest in-kind contribution ever from the SOHO Foundation. The donation included 50,000 books valued at over $500,000. “61% of low-income children don’t have books in the home”, says United Way SWVA Regional Coordinator Carolyn Koesters. These children’s books will be distributed in the SWVA region to help students in need to stay on track for success. Dozens of United Way partner organizations will assist in the distribution process.

SARA ROUSE AND DAKOTA FULTON

JESSICA AND LEVI TIGNOR

Several statistics were shared throughout the event, which educated attendees on why third grade reading is so important. These facts mentioned: decreased high school drop-out rates, better school attendance, and more jobs opportunities just to name a few. “If we want to improve our region, what better place to start than grade level reading”, says United Way SWVA CEO and President Travis Staton. Featured performances by local band “Lodi” and nationally-acclaimed magician Justin Flom drew a sizable crowd to the event. For more information please visit United Way of Southwest Virginia’s website at unitedwayswva.org. Want to learn how to help United Way SWVA distribute free children’s books? Visit unitedwayswva.org/books.

JEFF AND JACKIE PHIPPS

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SHANNON AND DENNIS BLEVINS

NATIONALLY-ACCLAIMED MAGICIAN JUSTIN FLOM

STACEY MOWEN AND OLIVIA DORAN

MUSICAL PERFORMANCE BY LODI

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BRISTOL THE PINNACLE

DAVID QUICK AND SUSIE RACEK

GATES FAMILY

SIGNING THE “WHY DO YOU WALK” BANNER

March for Babies PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ALLISON GALLOWAY

FAMILY-FUN EVENT!

CURTIS, JOHANNA, AND PAUL MONTGOMERY – APPALACHIA AMBASSADOR FAMILY

The 2018 Appalachia March for Babies took place on Saturday, May 5th. Despite the rainy weather, there was a great turnout of families and supporters of preemie babies. Families could write thank you notes to the NICU nurses and sign a banner telling why they participate in the walk. There were many fun activities for children including corn hole, coloring, inflatables, and the popular superhero sprint! The event concluded with the 2-mile walk around the Pinnacle led by the Appalachia ambassador family, the Montgomerys. Proceeds benefitted the March of Dimes. March of Dimes fights for the health of all moms and babies by advocating for policies to protect them, working to radically improve the health care they receive, pioneering research to find solutions, and empowering families with the knowledge and tools to have healthier pregnancies. For more information, visit marchofdimes.org.

HEALTHY MOMS, STRONG BABIES TEAM

MISSION INTO MOTION TEAM

PAUL’S POSSE

PHOTO BOOTH FUN!

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SEEN IN

KINGSPORT MEADOWVIEW MARRIOTT CONFERENCE RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER

2018 American Red Cross

Humanitarian of the Year Breakfast PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ALLISON GALLOWAY

The American Red Cross Humanitarian of the Year Breakfast took place on Tuesday, April 10th. The organization recognized Claudia Byrd, executive director of the Bristol Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities. Claudia was chosen as the 2018 Humanitarian of the Year because of her active volunteer work in the community and her great work for the Speedway Children’s Charities organization.

DAN BLAIR, CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

JERRY CALDWELL (BMS) INTRODUCING CLAUDIA BYRD

“Claudia is a person that prefers to be in the wings and lead from the back, but she does so much for the community that we thought she deserved it,” said Clark Parker, a member of the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross. The keynote speaker of the breakfast was Barbara Joines, executive director of the Mountain Tough Recovery Team in Gatlinburg. She leads the community based recovery efforts following the November 2016 devastating wildfires that affected the Sevier County community. The American Red Cross of Northeast Tennessee serves Carter, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington counties in Tennessee. For more information, visit www.redcross.org/local/ tennessee/local-chapters/northeast. CLARK PARKER, CLAUDIA BYRD, JOEL SULLIVAN, AND GLENDA BOBALIK

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SEEN IN

BRISTOL BIRTHPLACE OF COUNTRY MUSIC MUSEUM

Historic District Preservation Awards PHOTOGRAPHY BY STUDIO BRISTOL PHOTOGRAPHY AND FINE ART AND ALLISON GALLOWAY | STORY BY ALLISON GALLOWAY

May is National Preservation Month, and to celebrate, the 5th annual Historic District Preservation Awards ceremony for the City of Bristol, Virginia was held at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum on Thursday, May 10th. The ceremony recognizes and encourages excellence in preservation by honoring property owners and developers who engage in quality preservation and/or maintenance projects within the city’s five historic districts. The five historic districts are the Euclid Avenue Historic District, Solar Hill Historic District, Virginia Hill Historic District, Bristol Downtown Commercial Historic District, and Bristol Warehouse Historic District. COMMITTEE MEMBERS

WILLOW CREEK ANTIQUES AND COLLECTABLES

“It really is important that homeowners preserve their properties and maintain the rich history and culture that we have here in our city. It really changes the unique and beautiful landscape of our city if properties are removed that could have been renovated. Preservation helps revitalize the community. Beautiful, well-maintained properties assist in promoting Tourism and Economic Development in our city ’s historic districts,” said Catherine Brillhart, Chair of the Historic District Preservation Award Committee, on the importance of preservation to the City of Bristol, Virginia. The Historic District Preservation Award Committee selects award winners from public nominations. Winners are selected based on the exterior appearance of the commercial or residential property. The 2018 award winners were Willow Creek Antiques and Collectables and Emmanuel Episcopal Church.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH

HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARDS WINNERS

Nominations are being accepted for the 2019 Historic District Preservation Awards through March 31, 2019. For more information and to submit a nomination, visit bristolva.org or call 276-591-6952.

VIPBEAUTY

High Bun Fun

BY SHERRI JESSEE

HAIR & MAKEUP: SHERRI JESSEE PHOTO: MICKEY BAKER MODEL: VICTORIA DONAHUE

1 STEPS FOR A HIGH BUN 1. Smooth hair high up on the head and secure with an elastic band. 2. Move the ponytail forward and pin a bun pad on the head. 3. Sweep the ponytail back and cover the bun pad. Tuck under and pin the ends. 4. Sweep the side back and pin at the center back. Repeat on the opposite side.

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SEEN IN

BRISTOL BRISTOL VA / TN BORDER

CASSANDRA AND JOE BAINBRIDGE

GILLIAN AND GEORGE HOLT

KATELYN ROBBINS, SUMMER HAWKINS, AND KELLY FULTS

6th Annual Bristol

Half & Half Marathon PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY HALEY WHITE

On Saturday April 21, the city of Bristol welcomed runners to participate in the 6th annual Bristol Half and Half Marathon, 2-person relay and 5k run/walk. The proceeds from the races went to benefit the American Cancer Society. Runners were able to run through one city and across two states for a great cause. The half marathon began at 8am at Virginia High School, then runners made their way through Virginia and into Tennessee on State Street. 5k runners started at the Bristol Sign on State Street at 9am. This is also where the relay runners traded places. Throughout the course, runners also were able to tour some of Bristolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic and beautiful residential neighborhoods. The finish line for all participants was at Tennessee High School inside the Stone Castle football field. Family members and local churches yelled words of encouragement and offered cups of water to passing runners. The sun was out and shining on this beautiful spring day as many people came out to support the American Cancer Society and also experience the hospitality and beauty of the great city of Bristol. For more information about the American Cancer Society visit www.cancer.org

SUSI REYNOLDS AND JANIE SAMUEL

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JENNIFER SMITH AND TERRI ENGLISH

STEPHEN BURKE

MATTHEW SLUSS

CHUCK LAWSON

SUZANNE AMORUSO

STEPHANIE YODER AND ANNA THE DOG

CPR Guide

Hands-Only CPR vs. CPR with breaths

CPR Training

CALL 911

PUSH HARD AND FAST IN THE CENTER OF THE CHEST

Public awareness campaign to get more people to act when they encounter a cardiac arrest. Starting point to get more people to learn CPR. Will not meet requirements if you need CPR for your job.

COMPRESSIONS + BREATHS

Offered through online or in-person classes. Provides more in-depth training with an instructor, including CPR with breaths and choking relief. Often necessary for people who need CPR training for work.

How does it work? Chest compressions are good for the first few minutes someone is in cardiac arrest pushing remaining oxygen through body to keep vital organs alive. Buys time until someone with more skills can provide help.

CPR with breaths combines chest compressions and breaths, providing additional oxygen to circulate throughout the body.

Who can I use it on? Anyone who is in cardiac arrest, including: adults and teens, infants and children, and any victims of drowning, drug overdose, collapse due to breathing problems or prolonged cardiac arrest.

Adults and teens.

How do I learn? Go to

Go to

heart.org/handsonlycpr

heart.org/cpr

to learn the steps of Hands-Only CPR.

and click on FIND A COURSE to find a class online or near you. ÂŠ2014 Amerian Heart Association. 02/14 DS6410

SEEN IN

JOHNSON CITY SOUTH SIDE ELEMENTARY

TAWNY CLARK AND LESSA WILSON

MISTY ADAMS, ADDY ADAMS, ADDILYN BOESCH, AND TORI HOPPSON

ANNA AND KAHLAN LYNCH WITH KRISTEN SANTUCCI

2018 Color Splash Spring 5k

by Girls On The Run PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY HALEY WHITE

On Saturday May 5, Girls on the Run of Northeast Tennessee hosted the Color Splash Spring 5k race at Southside Elementary School in Johnson City. The race was open to girls and boys of all ages and began at 9 AM. Local elementary schools could register as teams for a chance to win $1,000 for their school by having the most team participants. Before the race, runners could enjoy music provided by a DJ, face painting, and could check out Girls on the Run merchandise. Participants were “splashed” with multicolored powder before the start of the race. Water was kindly provided by Culligan Water.

ADDISON BAILEY

KAYLEIGH AND KATELYNN WINTERS

Girls on the Run(GOTR) is a non-profit prevention program that inspires girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. GOTR combines training for a 5k with healthy living education. The 10-week program is delivered by volunteer coaches and teaches very specific social and personal skills. The program includes a non-competitive fun 5k event, which celebrates the girls and gives them a sense of accomplishment. To learn more about Girls on the Run or if you are interested in volunteering visit www.gotrnetn.org or call (423)502-6910. BOONES CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

INDIAN TRAIL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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LILLI ALVIS AND DAKAYTA ANDERSON

AVA, ALLISON, AND MYA

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BLOUNTVILLE CHATEAU SELAH

BERTINA DEW AND STACEY MILLER (COMMITTEE CHAIR)

MICHAEL EADES AND MONIQUE RICHARD

STEPHANIE AND RICHARD HARBIN

Ballet & Bubbly PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LINDA COFFEY

The Kingsport Ballet held their yearly fundraising event, “Ballet and Bubbly ” on Saturday, April 28th at the iconic Chateau Selah in Blountville. The event featured silent and live auctions, music provided by The Diamonds Jazz, and dance performances by the Kingsport Ballet Company. The Ballet Company performed several excerpts from the company ’s “Seeds of Change” production, choreographed by Erika Ballard. Entertainment for the evening also included a solo entitled “Bird in a Guilded Cage,” by soprano Agnese Goin and pianist Morissa Diamond. Guests enjoyed delicious food, craft beer, wine, and champagne while relaxing in the beautiful atmosphere on top of a mountain, offering exceptional views. JENNY AND RANDY FALCONER

CINDY AND KRIS SAADEH

Event chair Stacey Miller and board president Lee Houston welcomed guests, thanked the many donors and committee members, and spoke to the unique value of the scholarship programs offered to the community. Mistress of Ceremonies, Lynda Fontaine facilitated a live auction to support year-round ballet students who require financial assistance. Almost all of the provisions are donated for the event by businesses and individuals. Funds raised help support outreach programs provided by the organization. These are funded in part by grants through the Tennessee Arts Commission’s Funds for At Risk Youth and by the City of Kingsport. The Kingsport Ballet was founded in the early 1980’s and is currently housed in a 15,000 square feet facility on Cherokee and Market Streets. For more information, please visit their Facebook page or their website at www.kingsportballet.org.

BALLET COMPANY

MICHAEL AND MEREDITH SEIBER

JON AND ANITA CAMPBELL

CLAUDIA CORRADINO, LYNDA FONTAINE, SUZANNE BARRETT JUSTIS, AND BECKY MILLS

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JOHNSON CITY MASTERPIECE MIXERS

REBECCA MYERS AND ANDREA PENDLETON

DONNA CORBETT AND LISA KERLEY

PAUL AND KELLY JONES

Purple Painting Party PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ALLISON GALLOWAY

Cindy Thurlow’s Boones Creek branch of Edward Jones hosted a Purple Painting Party at Masterpiece Mixers in Johnson City. Painters got to follow along with artist, and owner of the organization, Elizabeth Greenwell, to paint their own purple tree in honor of those affected by Alzheimer’s disease. It was a fun evening of laughing and painting! Since Edward Jones is the National Presenting Sponsor of the Walk to End Alzheimer ’s, they fundraise throughout the year for that organization. Additionally, Cindy has planned a 3-part event series for 2018 entitled “Commitment to Compassion.” The next two fundraisers will be a celebration of veterans for July and a children’s charity fundraiser for December.

FILOMENA MORAN AND EVELYN HART

SHERRY STARNES AND KELSEY FRAZIER

Proceeds from the painting party went to the Alzheimer ’s Association. The Alzheimer ’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer ’s care, support and research. For more information, visit www.alz.org.

HOPE SHEESLEY, ELIZABETH GREENWELL, OWNER OF MASTERPIECE MIXERS, AND CINDY THURLOW

FINISHED PRODUCTS

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ANDREW BAILEY AND CHRISTY SHELL

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KINGSPORT TOY F. REID EASTMAN EMPLOYEE CENTER

April Meeting KAY ANN AND PARKER SMITH, JEANIE BREHL, LOIS COX, AND JOHN HAY

of Birding Kingsport

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BILL GRIGSBY AND KEN HENDRIX | STORY BY KAY ANN SMITH

BETTY AND GARY BAILEY, SPEAKER

JEAN AND NEAL HENSON WITH BILL LITTLE

BETTY FRITZ, LEE BOCKMAN, AND PRISCILLA LITTLE

SHAHRAM MALIK AND HARRY NORMAN

Birding Kingsport, Fred J. Alsop III Chapter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society, connects area birders with all things birds. At the regular monthly meeting of the club on Tuesday, April 24, Gary Bailey, well-known and well-traveled area Birder, presented ‘Birding Adventures in Alaska’. Gary shared his outstanding photographs of the birds, wildlife, and Northern Lights of Alaska. Helen Sirett, President of Birding Kingsport, led a brief business meeting and club members and guests enjoyed social time to discuss the latest bird sightings and searches. Birding Kingsport, formed in 2015, meets the 4th Tuesday of each month at 7:00 typically at the Toy F. Reid Eastman Employee Center, 400 S. Wilcox Drive, Kingsport, Tennessee. A short program about birds or nature is presented at each meeting. The club also hosts bird walks and trips. Novice to expert Birders are welcome to attend the monthly meetings and join any of the club activities. More information about the club is available at birdingkingsport.org.

SEEN IN

JOHNSON CITY CARNEGIE HOTEL

BENJAMIN AND KESHA

MARSHA GRINDSTAFF AND AMY THOMAS

SHYMA AND JARED ADAMS

PIE WARS: The Dough Strikes Back

PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ALLISON GALLOWAY

Pie Wars: The Dough Strikes Back was held on Thursday, April 26th at the Carnegie Hotel. Attendees tried pizza from all over the region and got to vote for their favorites in Best Overall Pizza, Best Cheese Pizza, Best Pepperoni Pizza, and Best Crust! Pizza places competing for the titles included Johnny Brusco’s New York Style Pizza, Mellow Mushroom, The Main Street Pizza Company, Scratch, Marco’s Pizza, Pie Five Pizza, The Black Olive, and Luke’s Pizza. The Main Street Pizza Company reigned supreme for the second year in a row as winner of the Best Overall Pizza.

TAYLOR LEWIS AND BLAKE SMITH

BRANDY AND NATE GABLE

This event was planned by the Young Professionals of the Tri-Cities. The organization strives to provide young professionals who work, live, and play in the region with a variety of opportunities in which they can enrich their lives and further their professional development. For more information, visit www.yp-tri.org. Proceeds from the event went to Dawn of Hope. The organization was chosen by votes on Facebook. Dawn of Hope is a non-profit agency designated to provide a wide array of services to people with intellectual and/ or developmentally disabilities. For more information, visit dawnofhope.com.

TONYA AND KEVIN YOUNG

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SARAH AND CODY CROSS

PIE FIVE

ASH WILLIAMS AND NOAH DAVIS

SEEN IN

JOHNSON CITY JOHNSON CITY COUNTRY CLUB

ROB SAMPSON

JOE MILLER AND MIKE DAVIS

A LITTLE PRACTICE!

Dawn of Hope Golf Classic PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LINDA COFFEY

The Dawn of Hope Foundation hosted their 31st Annual Golf Classic on Monday, April 30th at the Johnson City Country Club. The weather was perfect and so were the scores (so they say!)! The tournament was a 2-person team, select shot event. Tee times were 8:30am and 1:30pm, with a breakfast and/or lunch included. All participants received a complimentary moisture-wicking polo, a bag of goodies, and entrance into the door prize drawing. A silent auction was also provided with numerous items donated by the community and individuals. ED GIBBONS AND JIM WOOD

RALPH BALES AND LEE CHASE

Prizes were awarded for putting, longest drive, closest to the pin, and closest to the line. Ralph Bales, Dawn of Hope service recipient, hit the first shot to open the tournament. The event is one of the longest running tournaments in our area. Lee Chase has attended all 31 tournaments, but this was his last tournament as Executive Director of Dawn of Hope. Proceeds from the golf classic provide crucial funding to the Developmental, Residential, Vocational, and Health Programs that aim to increase an individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s participation in their community, independence, employability and an overall enhanced quality of life. For more information about Dawn of Hope, visit their website at www.dawnofhope.com.

VOLUNTEERS

CARL MCINTURFF

LEE CHASE AND LISA PAWLEY

TINA WHITSON AND SAM EAST (CHAIR)

CHRIS VAUGHN

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VIPSEEN

MUSIC by Anthony Wayne

What SCENE It’s Worth 1

“It scares me that people are going to stop writing music. I don’t mean music that has to be physically written down, buy they’ll stop using their brain which is without a doubt the most powerful tool that you could have in any art.” – Glenn Branca “There is no motivation higher than being a good writer.” – Tom Wolfe “This is the artist, then, life’s hungry man, the glutton of eternity, the beauty’s miser, glory’s slave.” – Tom Wolfe IT ALL BEGINS WITH THE SONG. No matter what, it will always begins this way, in some form or fashion. The careful construction and communion of melody and words. The initial thought and bravery that comes from saying what you mean, meaning what you say and not being afraid to be honest, be captivating with your words and presentation, and to be firm in your delivery. Straight from the heart, very little filter. You’re digging deep into the middle parts of it all to tackle the topic at hand and lay it all on the line for the love of your Art. Many mediums are attempted and succeeded in this way; painting, writing, songwriting, etc. The “attempts” are never failed. Since they they are created and attempted, THAT is the win. “Art is never finished, only abandoned.” – Leonard da Vinci Some base their level of success at different heights, so this “win/loss” ratio is forever an elevator with many floors and basements. THAT is the initial start. The song (in this scenario, the first strokes onto the canvas or the first few paragraphs of the novel), you get the idea. No matter how many people like or dislike, share or discourage, love or hate; and ends with the song. A human, on a couch, with a chordal instrument, and a heart. Scenery is relative. That’s the first part, and truly the easiest, in many ways. The initial idea. The idea will take many forms over it’s life. It will be changed, become better and stronger, and will truly never BE finished, only revisited with varied frequencies. It will be kept hidden, bought, sold, performed, loved and hated over it’s life, but it will always Be. Because you had the courage to create. Realizing there are many end results for said song but a possible next step would be to road test and/or record the song. This is when the finance of it all enters the equation and the growing of this song starts to occur. Figuratively, the song is creating distance from our hearts and becoming some118

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thing bigger. It becomes what it was intended to be. It’s not going to be yours anymore, it will be theirs. A multitude of emotions pour in. Doubt, Fear, Intimidation, et al. There aren’t enough pages or space to truly lay out all of the particulars, touring and recording are different animals in and of themselves where the song will grow exponentially. Kind of like the figurative child is leaving home and has to fend for itself now. Basically, to tour, you have to have gear, transportation, booking, merchandise, business savvy, and a vast list of other emotional and tangible things and those tangible things’ sub lists of Do’s and Don’ts and fails and successes. Remember I mentioned finance. Equally, to record, you have to have equipment, studio, programs, licenses, space, et al. This list goes on just as long and just as deep. School for this baby is going to get expensive. The larger point being, creating the song was the easiest and most rewarding part. Whatever you do, please cherish this part. Relish in the creativity and reward your hearts with kindness and grace. It had our attention and our hearts were in it. Then we have to let the song fly. Sadly, some never get past this stage. It’s tough on our spirits. That is how it goes. We chose it, or it chose us. The verdict is still out. We play shows, with some venues struggling to stay just as alive as we intend to be, trying to get people in the room and leaving hardly a guarantee or low fee some of the time. That is completely understandable. Everyone has to pay bills, including venues owners. They are truly taking chances every time they book. IF you do well, you come back. It’s our job as songwriters to play the middle, be yourself but make it enjoyable to be seen and heard. That seems simple, right? Don’t get mad or spiteful when you don’t get the gigs. Work harder, it’s your job now. Music has changed. WE have to adapt. We sell music online and at shows and it never covers the cost of what it took to make it. Digital and vinyl are the preferred currently and at lower level status, they hardly pay for themselves. This goes in line with the “Step 2” part of the journey and all wraps up nicely to illustrate the possible cost of it all. That cost is passed on to the consumer, the fan, the friend, the concert goer, music buyer, gracious believer of creativity; in various forms. The twenty dollar merchandise item (shirt or vinyl possibly), a ninety nine cent online single download (that cost thousands and thousands to create) or maybe even the five or ten dollar cover charge to see you do your thing in a live setting. This is truly to illustrate possible avenues of what one might encounter

to create something from the heart in musical form. This is just one medium. Other mediums encounter similar trials as well. None are more important or less significant. We chose our path. We are truly happy and tortured by it simultaneously, I say this in jest, however there is always a little truth in every lie. Loving to illustrate points, I simple encourage in two ways. To everyone outside this happy and tortured circle, please support all of these artists. In whatever way you can. There is nothing too big or too small that won’t help. Buy the music, buy the painting, read the books, Like and Share on social (IT’S FREE), buy these things direct as possible (usually BandCamp or their website), attend shows, spreading the word (ALSO FREE), promoting, word of mouth. Anything and everything works well. Especially if you like it. These creations are designed to move you in some way. If they do that ONE thing, then tell the world. For less than a coffee drink or a streaming service monthly payment, you can become a member of their fan club/website or their Patreon, and receive the coolest stuff. Again, if the product is worth it and the creator is on the ball. It’s all relative. In the current climate, a high percentage are independent and without any bigger machine support. Working daylight to dark to create in a world and time when creation is lacking in creativity, and the spirit of it all is wounded. Again, by our choosing, creatives are born on this path. Almost as if we popped right out and landed smack in the middle of the road and got to work. So please do what you can to support and nurture this creative spirit. They are truly leaders and heroes in their fields and i’m afraid, as the elders are expiring, they aren’t being replaced. The second encouragement is for there artists themselves. Love what you do and love eachother. There are many layers to this credo, however, Love

is all there is. At every step of the creative process, if you don’t truly love it, then the process will destroy you. So you must love it. and in turn, loving the journey will show you how to better love yourself. It’s cyclical really. Love the process, Love the journey, become Love. If you love what you do and create in that same spirit, then you are able to share that. So with that said, we must cultivate our scenes. We have to nurture and grow the scene surrounding our Art. In order to accomplish this, artists MUST support other artists. This is non-negotiable. Share their bands and music, Like them, help them get gigs, go to the shows, buy their shirts, wear their shirts, Share them with other folks who you know might pass it along or really enjoy it. Anything and Everything. Don’t bash them, say negative things, make fun, bully them, trash talk, etc. That does nothing for them and says everything about you. Lead with your heart. They are just as vital to the scene as you. There are truly enough gigs to go around so competition is silly. Be part of the scene and it will grow, I promise. Take care of yourself, mind, body and spirit. If you are only operating at half your capacity, then you can’t expect people to give all of theirs to support you. Remember, it’s cyclical. Give all of yourself to your Art, don’t leave any decisions to the judges. If we only focus on ourselves then we will never see how strong we are collectively. Become One. Together, we are stronger than any weakness. We are artists.

IT’S OUR STORY. WHAT’S YOURS?

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BRISTOL HOLIDAY INN

GERALD AND DENISE JONES

DONNA TUCKER

JUSTIN SHEPHERD AND JACK HARMON

Run For The Roses: Tricycle

Derby and BTVAR Expo PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ALLISON GALLOWAY

The Bristol Tennessee/Virginia Association of Realtors hosted the Run for the Roses: Tricycle Derby and Expo on Friday, May 4th. With a Kentucky Derby theme, attendees were encouraged to wear their best Derby hat for a chance to win $500! A variety of vendors were set up with giveaways and information. The highlight of the day was the hilarious tricycle race.

JESSICA LEWIS AND HUNTER PUGH

JEFF CHALFA AND JIMMY ASHBY

The money raised went to award scholarships to local high school students. Students are asked to write an essay on what home ownership means to them, and ten students are chosen to be awarded a $500 scholarship from the BTVAR. The Bristol Tennessee/Virginia Association of Realtors strives to be a collective force influencing and shaping the real estate industry, while maintaining high standards of ethical conduct, promoting cooperation and serving our membership. For more information, visit btvar.net. BRITTANY RUTHERFORD, CARRIE HOLT, MELISSA, AND JESSA HALL

JANE FLETCHER

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BRITTANY RUTHERFORD, BEST HAT WINNER, AND LAURA MCMILLAN, TRICYCLE DERBY WINNER

KELLY ROBINSON

AMANDA SHELL AND KELLY GOIN

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JOHNSON CITY THE TIPTON GALLERY

JOHNNY ARCHER AND LINDA WAKELY

TINA BOUTHILLIER AND JARED KELSAY

PATRICK VINCENT ARTWORK

Seed: An Environmental

Art Experience PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY HALEY WHITE

On May 4, The ETSU Department of Art and Design, Slocumb Galleries, and Artlandia, Inc. presented the reception for Seed: An Environmental Art Experience at the Tipton Gallery in downtown Johnson City. The reception also took place during “What’s the Buzz” festival. The show was curated by Kelly Celeste Porter from the ETSU Department of Art and Design and Virginia Salazar-Buda from Art-Landia, Inc. The reception honored some of Johnson City ’s visionaries, environmental artist Catherine Murray, Phil Pindzola from The Public Works Administration, and Commissioner Jenny Brock. The show featured work from eight environmental artists whose pieces were very interactive and engaging. “I wanted things that people could walk away with” says curator and artist Kelly Celeste Porter, “a piece of education, or they could take a piece of the work home with them or be inspired with curiosity to learn more about something.” Guests were able to adopt a plant to take home or trade an item on their person for a “seed bomb” to plant. Seed showcased a variety of styles including graphic design, fiber art, sculpture, video, and more. Each piece not only shined with local pride, but also inspired a sense of conservation, appreciation, education, and progress in viewers. The show made a lasting impression on viewers by encouraging them to go forward and be the change in their environment and communities.

LYN A GOVETTE AND HER PIECE “THE BEAUTY STRIP”

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LINDSEY ROGERS

VIRGINIA SALAZAR-BUDA, ART-LANDIA, INC. CURATOR

ALICE SALYER AND ASHLEY GREGG

KELLY PORTER, VIRGINIA SALAZAR-BUDA, AND KARLOTA CONTRERAS-KOTERBAY

PHIL PINDZOLA, PUBLIC WORKS ADMINISTRATION

VANESSA MAYORAZ, FEATURED ARTIST

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KINGSPORT KINGSPORT LIFESAVING CREW

CLAUDIA ARNOLD

THIRD DAY RESURRECTION

EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE!

Kingsport Lifesaving

Crew Open House PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LINDA COFFEY

For the past seventy years, the Kingsport Lifesaving Crew has been dedicated to serving the emergency needs of residents in Kingsport and the surrounding areas. The Kingsport Crew was the first established rescue squad in the state of Tennessee. The all-volunteer agency is head-quartered next to the Civic Auditorium between Fort Henry Drive and Center Streets.

JOHN LUFI REPELS DOWN THE TOWER!

JOHN LUFI

On Saturday, May 12th, the Crew hosted an Open House to celebrate their 70-year Anniversary. The day was perfect for visiting the center and touring the facilities and equipment. Third Day Resurrection provided music and the Crewettes served up cake and other refreshments to those attending. Crew members were available to demonstrate the rescue equipment available for us in any type of emergency situation. Chief Rusty Rotenberry was present to share about the history of the facility and the services provided. Ballad Health had their helicopter on site and a highlight of the event was watching it take flight. John Lufi demonstrated repelling skills and even took a moment to turn upside down to the delight of the crowd! The Kingsport Lifesaving Crew is a nonprofit organization. For more information about the Crew, please visit their Facebook page.

TIM COX, BILL HENSLEY, AND STEVE LEWIS

LAINIE ENJOYS THE REFRESHMENTS!

ALLEN LARK AND JIM BEAN

CHIEF RUSTY ROTENBERRY OR

BRAYLEN LEARNS TO DRIVE!

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JOHNSON CITY THE VENUE

The 5th Annual Lucy Simpson

Foundation Charity Event PHOTOGRAPHY JERRIS SENSABAUGH | STORY BY ALLISON GALLOWAY

The Lucy Simpson Foundation held its 5th Annual Charity Event at the Venue in Johnson City. The event included dinner, drinks, dancing, and a silent auction. It was a successful event with over 175 guests in attendance and over $24,000 raised for the organization. The proceeds help the Lucy Simpson Foundation heal hurting hearts by giving out Hope Boxes locally and across the country, help families with funeral expenses, and connect moms that have suffered the tragic loss of a child with their local Hope Group for bereaved moms. The mission of the Lucy Simpson Foundation is to offer comfort, care and financial assistance to families that have lost children. For more information, visit www.lucysimpsonfoundation.com.

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SEEN IN

KINGSPORT KINGSPORT CIVIC AUDITORIUM

ETHEL REED AND SALLY DUTY

MICHELLE HELMS AND BRITTANY PANZANHAGEN

JAMES HELMS

Elvis Live In Concert! James Helmes Benefit PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LOGAN BAILEY

ELVIS LIVE IN CONCERT!

Elvis is in the building…the Kingsport Civic Auditorium to be exact! A benefit concert for James Helms, featuring Elvis Impersonator, Matt Dollar, was held on Saturday, April 21st. The event also featured a bake sale, silent auction, and Elvis souvenirs. A percentage of the proceeds went to benefit James Helms who was diagnosed with end stage renal disease and began dialysis in November 2016. James is currently searching for a kidney donor and is trying to raise funds to help cover medical costs. To donate to James Helms, please go to the Go Fund Me page for James Helms or to find out how you can help call (662) 306-0289. For more information on this event, please contact Matt “Elvis” Dollar at 423-612-2072.

ELVIS IMPERSONATOR (MATT DOLLAR) MERCHANDISE

ROY FERGUSON AND JUDY MUSKAL

RANDY AND MARCI ROARK WITH GRANDCHILDREN COLBY AND KADE

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JOHNSON CITY BOWERS PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

KIM THURMAN, SARAH MYERS, GLENNA FINE, LAURA PRICE, AND BECCA BLACKSTOCK

TRACY AND DR. BRIT BOWERS

DR. LAUREL BATEMAN

Bowers Pediatric Dentistry

Ribbon Cutting PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIM THURMAN | STORY BY KIRSTEN HALL

JOHNSON CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RIBBON CUTTING

DR. BOWERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; STAFF LOVES TO MAKE KIDS SMILE!

DR. STURGILL AND DR. STURGILL

Dr. Brit Bowers and staff celebrated their grand opening at their new location with a Johnson City Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Tuesday, May 1. The office is now located at 801 Sunset Drive, Building D, Suite 1, which is just behind their former location. Their brand new facility houses state-of-the-art pediatric dental equipment to give families and patients the best dental experience in the Tri-Cities! Dr. Bowers and his staff can handle general, emergency, preventative, and orthodontic dental care. For an appointment, call the office at 423-610-0556. www.nocavitybug.com

GRACE BOWERS, SADIE HARRIS, WENDY BRADFORD, KIRSTEN HALL, AND HATTIE BRADFORD

PAT GUINN, KATIE BEAN, MISSY SCHWITZERLETT, KIM MORTON, SADIE HARRIS, MELANIE ABEL, LAUREN COLLINS, AND CHRISTY BURROUGH

DR. BILL ARMSTRONG, DR. RICK BATEMAN, AND DR. JAKE BATEMAN

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

Oh My Stars!

h my Stars! “Red and white and starry blue the emblem of the brave and true! Hurrah for the flag of the free! May it wave as our standard forever, the gem of the land and the sea …” Celebrate this summer with patriotic themed picnics to formal dinners with the All American red, white and blue color scheme.

Show off your star spangled pride with a beautifully set table this 4th of July. Decorating with red, white and blue can be tricky for some, but with these simple ideas your table will have your guests saying… oh my stars! One of the first things to consider for this patriotic shin-dig is the location of the event. Whether entertaining in your backyard or by the lake, be sure to take advantage of the summer breeze and late afternoon shade. Locate the table to frame the view from each place setting so everyone has a lovely vista. The all- star adventure begins with selecting the table(s) and setting the foundation for the dinnerware. For our table, a solid navy linen table cloth was chosen to compliment the multiple layers of colorful dishware. Layering plates will help repeat the color scheme as well as provide the necessary serving pieces for each part of the meal. The classic white dinner plates serve as chargers for this setting, with cobalt blue and red polka dot appetizer plates complete the colorful layers. The true star at each setting is the red and white checked napkin that is sandwiched between the dinner and salad 128

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plate. The napkin is folded over itself to form a pocket for the silverware and placed at the top of the dinner plate instead of the traditional sides. This unexpected way to showcase the flatware will create interest and fun table conversation. Here’s a decorating tip; when setting tables repeat the table cloth color at least three times in the setting to bring everything together; whether it is a napkin, a salad plate or place card setting. Feel free to use colorful melamine or paper dinnerware to create the same color scheme and ideas, especially if you are serving a crowd. You can set a lovely table using these creative dishes. The shining star of this table is the centerpiece. To make this simple arrangement gather three glass canisters, a cake stand, white satin ribbon and felt star stickers to create a star-themed centerpiece. White satin ribbon bands surround the base of each canister while felt star stickers adorn the sides. The canisters are filled with fresh water and floating candles for a super-star centerpiece. As an alternative to the flicker and flame from candles, consider red carnations or Gerber daisies for a stunning and simple table centerpiece. In keeping with the star theme and with eye- catching presentation, serve a delicious Cran-Raspberry Mirror Pound Cake for dessert on a star shaped serving plate. The almond flavored pound cake is baked in the base of a large cupcakebaking pan and frosted with buttercream frosting. In the center

Serve it up Sassy of the cake is a shiny jewel like mirror- reflected cranberry glaze. Fresh raspberries encircle the outer edge of the frosted cake. Cranberry juice concentrate produced the bright red mirror topping but any red juice concentrate can be used in this recipe. Thawed juice and cornstarch are boiled together until thick then cooled before adding to the frosted cake. Everyone will say, “Oh My Stars” when they see this dessert and your lovely table.

So gather your family and friends together and celebrate this 4th of July by hosting a patriotic, flag waving red, white and blue gathering! And while you are celebrating the fireworks and sounds of Stars and Stripes Forever, take a moment to pray for our nation, the President, our veterans and those who are serving away from home. As John Phillip Sousa proudly penned, “Red and white and starry blue the emblem of the brave and true!” Well said Mr. Sousa and God Bless America! Happy 4th of July! National March of the United States, Stars and Stripes Forever, by John Phillip Sousa https://youtu.be/a-7XWhyvIpE

Cran-Raspberry Mirror Almond Pound Cake INGREDIENTS: 1-Package Duncan Hines Classic White cake mix 1-3 oz package Instant pudding and pie mix- vanilla 4 eggs 2 tablespoons confectioner’s sugar 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1 cup water 1 tablespoon almond extract FROSTING: ½ cup shortening ½ cup butter, softened 4 cups confectioner’s sugar 3 tablespoons heavy cream 2 teaspoons cream bouquet or almond extract Mirror Garnish: ½ cup cranberry frozen juice concentrate, thawed 1 teaspoon cornstarch or arrowroot 1 cup fresh raspberries INSTRUCTIONS: Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour bottom base of jumbo cupcake pan or two 6 -inch round cake pans. In large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, dry pudding mix, confectioner’s sugar, water, oil, eggs and extracts; beat on low speed to combine, beat 2 additional minutes. Pour batter into greased and floured pan(s). Cake batter makes 4 cups. Bake at 350 25-30 minutes or until center is done, cover with foil if necessary to prevent burning top of cake if not done in 30 minutes bake additional 10 minutes. Cool in pan(s) on wire rack 15 minutes, remove from pan and cool completely. Refrigerate cake to chill for frosting. In large bowl, cream shortening, butter and confectioner’s sugar, add extract and heavy cream to make smooth frosting Frost cake top, layer if making two cakes and sides. Place remaining frosting in piping bag, fitted with star tip. Pipe cake top edge and bottom with frosting stars. Make mirror glaze: in small saucepan, combine juice and cornstarch, whisk continuously until mixture boils and thickens. Remove from heat, cool 10 minutes. Spoon glaze in center top of cake. Before serving, arrange raspberries around top edge of cake. Yield: 6 to 8-1” servings

Helping you Make a Statement, Make is Sassy and Make it Yours!® For more ideas and recipes go to lizbushong.com, follow on Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube. Liz Bushong is an expert in the three-dimensional art of entertaining. She transforms simple dining occasions into beautiful and memorable moments by adding a touch of her own “sassy” style. For the past several years Liz been entrusted to decorate the White House for several Holidays. She is a featured monthly guest chef/designer on WCYB Noon Show, Daytime Blue Ridge, Daytime Tri-Cities and other television shows. Liz is the author of the Just Desserts and Sweets & Savories cookbook as well as a contributing writer for VIPSEEN Magazine. For more information about Liz go to www.lizbushong.com or www.serveitupsassy.com www.vipseenmag.com | june 2018 129

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BRISTOL BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY

JOHN JONES, RANDY SALYER, RUSSELL SULLIVAN, AND DONNIE MEADOWS

ERIK ESTRADA WITH FANS!

Ride to Remember PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LINDA COFFEY

The 2018 Ride to Remember was held on Saturday, May 12th at the Bristol Motor Speedway. The weather was perfect for the event, which was held to honor police officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The event brought hundreds of participants to the Speedway, but one participant had the crowd loudly cheering, actor Erik Estrada arrived on his famous motorcycle to lead the ride. As the actor dismounted his bike and began to walk toward the stage, he stopped to greet fans, elected officials, and officers along the way. He guaranteed the crowd that he would make time to great everyone after the ride was over because this event was so important to him. Sheriff Wayne Anderson made Mr. Estrada a deputy of the Sullivan County Sheriff ’s Office earlier in the day and took him on a tour of the jail facility.

BIKES!

JAXSON IS READY TO RIDE!

Congressman Phil Roe, Sheriff Wayne Anderson, and Sheriff Fred Newman also spoke to the crowd about the need to raise community awareness of National Police Week and to honor the officers who have fallen in the line of duty. As riders revved up their engines and began the 53-mile trek, several of the bikes stopped at the Sullivan County Sheriff ’s Office to place roses at the monument to fallen officers. Proceed for the event go to the national Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. For more information about the Fund, please visit www.nleomf.com

SGT. TIM WOLFENBARGER

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ERIC HENDERSON

LARISSA DAVIS, KEVIN HURD, AND MARK TIPTON

APRIL BROOKS

Rhonda Krenzer Real estate is personal.

READY TO ROLL!

PRETTY IN PINK!

Rhonda Krenzer knows that nothing is more personal than where you choose to live. She knows because she’s helped her East Tennessee friends and neighbors buy and sell more than 4,000 homes.

Morristown’s favorite and one of East Tennessee’s top realtors.

For your own personal real estate experience, call Rhonda at (423) 312-4488 or email rhondakrenzer@aol.com

423.581.8881 / office | 2320 W. Morris Blvd., Morristown, TN 37813 | (423) 581-8881 rhondakrenzer@aol.com | www.RhondaKrenzer.com

WHITNEY AND MORGAN

LORA DAVIS

JIGSAW JANE

SHERIFF NEWMAN AND DONNIE MEADOWS

CONGRESSMAN PHIL ROE AND BILL DARDEN

Each office independently owned and operated

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JOHNSON CITY THE CARNEGIE HOTEL

KIM ADLER â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DANCING WITH THE STARS PROFESSIONAL AND DUSTY BLACKBURN

ROB STACY AND MITCH BUCKNER

TORI RYANS AND JENNIFER BURGESS

Old Shoes & Brews Fundraiser for SteppenStone Youth Services PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY HALEY WHITE

ROBIN AND JEFF WILLIAMS

DESSI FOSTER AND MAILIEN ROGERS

DANNY AND DUSTY BLACKBURN, MIKE AND KIM ADLER, WITH DESSI AND JOSH FOSTER

KATIE SMITH AND RUSTY MABE

CARLY MCCOY AND BRIDDGER CHATMAN, FOUNDER OF OLD SHOES AND BREWS EVENT

On April 21, guests were invited to break out their oldest shoes for a great cause. The Old Shoes and Brews Fundraising event took place at the Carnegie Hotel in Johnson City and all the proceeds went to benefit SteppenStone Youth Treatment Services. This event also celebrated that a pair of brand new shoes was given to every current boy at SteppenStone. Each guest received a name tag of one of the boys to wear for the duration of the event. Everyone walked a mile in their oldest pair of shoes to create awareness and show support for the boys at SteppenStone Youth Treatment Center. Then, guests were welcomed to enjoy draft beers and appetizers provided by Carnegie Special Events. Prizes were given out for the oldest, ugliest, and even smelliest pair of shoes that night. Guests could also read personal thank you notes written by the boys at the facility. For some of these boys, this was their first pair of brand new shoes. SteppenStone is a non-profit residential treatment facility for adolescent boys ages 13-17 who have experienced significant trauma, abuse and/or neglect and have developed emotional and behavioral disorders. The mission of SteppenStone is to help these young men heal and develop skills to become successful and healthy adults. This year, the 10th annual Dancing With The Tri-Cities Stars is the primary fundraiser for SteppenStone. To learn more visit www.steppenstoneyouth.org.

EVAN JONES, MIKE ROGERS, MERYCK ROGERS, AND JEFF JONES

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Excellence. Grit. Integrity. Service. AtWork Personnel’s new Corporate Headquarters – 1040 Tidewater Ct. Kingsport, TN

hose are the four values our company is built on, and the four values that make it the success it is today. Excellence in all we do, because that’s what separates us from our competition. Service, because its highest form is nothing less than what our clients & associates have come to expect. Integrity, because success is worth nothing to us if it doesn’t come with our honor intact. But why a word like “grit,” when another word might do just fine? Because we wanted to convey a rugged, dogged, tenaciousness that goes beyond anything some wimpy word like ‘perseverance’ or ‘determination’ could possibly describe. Because ultimately, with God’s help, it’s grit that built our company from the ground up, and what continues to drive its growth today. From the hard work of an ordinary, yet extraordinary, salesman who refused to give up. From the rugged persistence of staff members who, over the past 25 years, went toe to toe against the biggest names in the industry and carved out a market share where there was none before. Because grit is entwined into every fabric of our story… In the mid 80’s to early 90’s, David Luttrell had tried his hand in several areas of the sales business, from promotional items to insurance. Broke and nearly bankrupt from a short-lived business venture, it wasn’t until the Spring of 1993, 25 years ago this year, that the foundation was laid for a business that would eventually generate well over $100 million in annual revenue. David had worked for around a year at a commercial staffing agency called AtWork Personnel, selling light industrial and office / admin

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staffing services to area clients. The franchise owner, John Hall, saw great potential in his, at the time, top salesperson, and decided to give David a shot at turning around their struggling Greeneville, Tennessee branch. At the time, David had plenty of grit – which is why John believed in him – but not nearly enough money to purchase a staffing office. Thankfully, John agreed to let him borrow the money on a note payment, even if the CFO at the time was so unsure about the move that he bet a Coke with John that David wouldn’t be successful. And he wasn’t, not at first anyway. David had set out with his lone office to compete with the staffing giants in the area, including Kelly Services, Interim, Manpower, Olsten, etc., and they were eating his lunch. David spotted a slight, but noteworthy, opening in an area those agencies seemed to have overlooked – his hometown of tiny Rogersville, Tennessee, however and opened an office there to complement his Greeneville location. Even then, success seemed far away. As the weeks turned into months, David kept plugging away; cold-calling businesses all over Greene and Hawkins counties, to little avail. But he never stopped and never gave up. Finally, after six months of dogged persistence, just before John was about to pull the plug on the whole thing and buy his doubting CFO a Coke; David landed two large accounts, one for his Greeneville location and another one for Rogersville, both would eventually become a cornerstone for a growing staffing franchise. The wolf successfully beaten away from the door, David was able to hire some employees to help him build his business, one of whom included his brother, Marty, who helped David open an office in nearby Bristol, Tennessee.

VIPSEEN Business Profile

Things didn’t go well for Marty at first, either. Working all alone out of the Bristol office, Marty tried to drum up business every day just like David had done for his offices, but like his brother his early efforts drew scant results. After months of frustration, he became discouraged enough to seriously consider going into another occupation. Marty recalls getting the newspaper out and looking for jobs, occasionally wondering whether just taking a nap in his office would be more productive than the futility of trying to sell when so many clients weren’t buying. The answer, of course, was never a nap, but it WAS plenty of grit. Turns out, Marty had a lot in common with his younger brother. After several months of selling to no avail, Marty presented a proposal to a Bristol, Virginia concrete products manufacturer called Permatile in early 1995, then headed back to the office. With the way things had gone so far, a call was the last thing he expected. But the call did come, and it was just the lifeline Bristol needed – an order for four employees from a company that remains a valued client to this day. Instead of being forced to close the Bristol branch, Permatile’s order was just the spark Marty needed to get Bristol off the ground, and it only grew from there. About a year later, Marty formed his own corporation (Marty, Inc.) and took ownership of the Bristol office, eventually opening up several locations in Virginia and, later, Johnson City, Tennessee. David continued to expand as well. In 2000, Marty and David merged their two companies and became partners as Professional Personnel Service, Inc. (d.b.a. AtWork Personnel Services). A couple of years after the merger, they bought a staffing service in Dandridge, Tennessee called D& D Staffing, which included the nearby Morristown territory. They soon turned it into the most profitable office in AtWork franchise

history. Our Morristown office continues to be the franchise leader week after week. In late 2014, the company expanded into Bowling Green, Kentucky and the surrounding areas with the purchase of Quality Personnel’s six longstanding offices. Not long after, they acquired six additional locations in middle Tennessee, Illinois, and California. Today, David and Marty Luttrell own over 30 AtWork branches in six states, ranging geographically from Roanoke, Virginia to Knoxville, Tennessee and all the way to Gainesville, Georgia, Schaumburg, Illinois, and Salinas, California. Each branch provides thousands of jobs and generates well over $120 million in revenue. Through aggressive growth and acquisition strategies, they have no plans to stop expanding anytime soon. Their dedication, and focus on providing the best in customer service, led David and Marty’s franchises to recently spearhead AtWork Personnel’s listing on the prestigious Inavero ‘Best of Staffing’ Client and Talent Lists for over six years straight. The company is also among the top 1% largest staffing firms in the U.S. Finally, boasting a rate of over 15% of staff, who have been with the company a decade or longer, Professional Personnel Service, Inc. (d.b.a. AtWork Personnel Services, Inc.) is an industry leader in internal staff turnover, a testament to the owners’ generosity, sense of fairness, and adherence to the ‘Golden Rule’ in their treatment of employees. April 2018 marked 25 years of service to our valued clients and associates. David and Marty attribute all that they have been able to accomplish to their dedication as individuals and as a company to Excellence, Integrity, Service, Grit, and most of all, the grace of the God they serve. www.vipseenmag.com | june 2018 135

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JONESBOROUGH THE BLACKTHORN CLUB

PEGGY CANTRELL AND MIKE BARROSO WITH CANTARROSO FARMS

JIM BAXTER AND FREDDIE MALONE

LANA GIBSON AND PHILLIP FULMER

Pollination Celebration: A Night with Coach Phillip Fulmer PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ALLISON GALLOWAY

A Pollination Celebration was held on Thursday, May 3rd at the Blackthorn Club with special guest Coach Phillip Fulmer. Coach Fulmer is the former head football coach at the University of Tennessee and the current director of athletics – and he also happens to be a beekeeper! Johnson City Brewing brewed a special beer for the occasion using Coach Fulmer ’s honey called Coach’s Choice: it is an Orange Honey Blonde Ale. Honey-laden hors d’oerves, a special cocktail, and samples of honey from local area farms made for a sweet evening!

DAN AND CHRISTY GREEN

STEVE AND KAREN MEARS

CARA SHUTE AND MICHELLE KING

TUCKER AND LISA CARTER

KIM BLAINE AND JILL SCOTT

GERARDO AND KRISTIN

Proceeds from the night benefitted What’s The Buzz, a local nonprofit supporting pollinator-friendly habitats such as the garden at Jacobs Nature Park, JCMC Healing Garden, and Children’s Pollinator Garden at Gray Fossil Site. For more information, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ WhatstheBuzzJC.

ANNE VAUGHN AND JESSIE FEATHERS

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HOLLY DOCKERY AND COURTNEY ANDREWS

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KINGSPORT GLEN BRUCE PARK

MAYOR JOHN CLARK

MAYOR JOHN CLARK AND STEVE LAHAIR

COMMISSIONER SAM JONES AND RONNIE HAMMONDS

Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LOGAN BAILEY

Mayor John Clark led the Kingsport community in prayer on Thursday, May 3rd at the Glen Bruce Park in downtown Kingsport. Community members, elected officials, and pastors gathered together to pray for the city, state, and country. All faiths were encouraged to participate in the event. After the conclusion of the prayer, attendees were provided a light breakfast. The prayer breakfast aligned with the National Day of Prayer, which was established in 1952 by the United States Congress. It is predicted that more than 35,000 prayer gatherings were conducted by about 40,000 volunteers across the United States on this day.

PASTOR MICHELE BECK, PASTOR DOUG TWEED, AND PASTOR WILL SHEWEY

JASON CARDER AND JENNIFER SALYER

For more information about the Mayor ’s Prayer Breakfast, please contact Your Kingsport Chamber at 423-392-8800.

POLICE CHIEF DAVID QUILLIN AND JIM EVERHART

NOVA HAMBRICK, ADRIANNE ADAMS, AND DAWN BROOKS

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JOHNSON CITY THE VENUE AT THE KINGS CENTRE

REX AND JAMIE FINK

LISA BAKER AND LINZI HATLEY

TAYLOR MOLLISH AND KAYLA THORNBURG

3rd Annual Cocktails: A

Night in Black and White PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ALLISON GALLOWAY

On Saturday, April 21st, the Junior League of Johnson City hosted their 3rd Annual Cocktails: A Night in Black and White at the Venue at the Kings Centre. The evening consisted of both a live and silent auction, dinner, and a presentation from ETSU’s Prescription Drug Abuse/Misuse Working Group. Guests donned black or white apparel and enjoyed special black or white cocktails.

PHILIP AND AMANDA BACHMAN

JOE AND ALISA CAMARATA

The Junior League of Johnson City is a group of women committed to raising awareness, gathering information, and educating women and the community regarding women and children’s health and well-being. Members have logged hundred of volunteer hours with local organizations, and the JLJC has donated over $35,000 to ETSU’s Prescription Drug Abuse/Misuse Working Group. For more information, visit www.juniorleagueofjc.com.

MORGAN KING, KELSEY WILSON, AND ARIEL DENTON

ROBERT BALDAV, BRITTANY BUTLER, KATIE KEITH, WITH CLAIRE AND RICHARD CRAWFORD

EVENT PLANNING COMMITTEE

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BLAKE AND ANNIE HOWARD

BRANDON AND EMILY JONES

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KINGSPORT KINGSPORT CHAMBER

JUD TEAGUE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF VISIT KINGSPORT

THE “ORIGINAL”

Original Long Island Iced Tea

Press Conference by Visit Kingsport PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY ALLISON GALLOWAY

Don’t mess with the original! Visit Kingsport held a press conference on Tuesday, May 8th to announce Kingsport’s best kept secret… Kingsport is home of the Original Long Island Iced Tea! The drink was first produced on Long Island along the Holston River in Kingsport during the 1920’s. This “original” concoction was made by mixing rum, vodka, whiskey, gin, tequila, and a little bit of maple syrup. The original recipe is credited to Charlie “Old Man” Bishop, who lived on Long Island in Kingsport during the prohibition era. His son, Ransom Bishop, later added lemon, lime, and cola. “The Bishops were definitely intriguing characters,” said Jud Teague, executive director of Visit Kingsport. “Despite the regulations at the time, they were intent on producing flavorful concoctions and the Long Island Iced Tea was a product of their creativity.” Local Kingsport businesses are helping reclaim Kingsport’s history by offering specialty items and the original recipe drink! Little Cake has created a Long Island Iced Tea flavored cupcake, and Bellafina Chocolates has a special chocolate truffle inspired by the beverage. To the New Yorkers that lay claim to creating the drink in the 1970’s, Visit Kingsport says, “Bless their hearts.” For more information about Kingsport and the Original Long Island Iced Tea, visit www.visitkingsport.com.

KANDY CHILDRESS AND JOHANNA MONTGOMERY

VISIT KINGSPORT TEAM

NORA DAVIS AND LOGAN BAILEY

STEVE LAHAIR

The New Normal

here’s a lot of talk these days about Millennial/Gen Z kids and how they do things very differently than we Gen X’ers and Baby Boomers. I think that point is no more obvious than in the area of “proposals” and weddings. If you don’t believe me, look at any middle or high schooler’s prom pictures. Never heard of a “promposal”? Well, let me fill you in…. Gone are the days when a boy walks to a girl’s locker and simply says, “Wanna go to prom with me”? No, that would be too ordinary – too 2005. These days a boy must hire a professional photographer, rent a horse and chariot and/or airplane, purchase approximately 798 white candles, sacrifice three unblemished goats, and include the whole town in an elaborate proposal – just so a girl will go to the prom with him. If this is your first time hearing about “promposals”, then I’m sure you think I’m making this up, but let me assure you, promposals are real and they are completely out of hand. Most promposals are much more elaborate than the actual wedding proposal most of us received, but apparently this is the way of things now. It’s no longer about a sweet, heartfelt invitation, but about how many likes can be gained on Instagram - #promqueen.

THE

WIT

BIT

When I went to prom in 19_ _, my dress cost $78 and my dyed shoes cost $20. I did my own hair and makeup (gasp). I did my own nails and didn’t even get a massage before the big day. I know it’s been a minute since I went to prom and I understand inflation, but prom dresses today cost more than my actual wedding dress (and they are made up of MUCH less fabric than my wedding dress was, but that’s another topic for a different issue). I’m not even kidding when I say that I recently heard one mother say that she spent $1,200 on her daughter’s Junior Prom dress. Twelve hundred dollars? That’s an above-average house payment! You could purchase a used car for that amount, for crying out loud. No one does their own hair or makeup for prom and, God forbid, a girl go to prom without a full set of acrylic nails and Fabu-lashes. If you’ve spent $1,200 on the Junior Prom dress, just imagine what will be expected for the wedding dress in a few years! In fact, the only difference between prom and a wedding these days is the bachelorette party. Speaking of bachelorette parties - oh wait, there is no such thing anymore. Bachelorette parties have evolved into Bachelorette weekends. What? Instead of taking the bride out for a fun night before her wedding, now the custom is to go on a fancy trip before the wedding - and guess what? We’re all chipping in on it, because nothing says, “I’m happy for you” like spending $1,500 to celebrate your marriage. Don’t worry; you are going to look gorgeous in the white robes that say “Bridesmaid” and tank tops that say “Squad”. You’ll totally be able to wear those after the Bachelorette weekend. Oh, and don’t forget to use #lastflingbeforethering or #idocrew in all your Instagram posts. You heard that right, the new custom is to party it up in Mexico or cruise to the Bahamas to commemorate the upcoming nuptials. One-night Bachelorette parties are totally lame now. Why? Because the kids that demanded promposals are now getting married and “over the top” is the norm for them. Maybe someday we will go back to simplicity, but I’m pretty sure that day is not coming anytime soon, so parents, go ahead and cash in your 401k’s to purchase prom dress and fund promposals. Twenty-something’s, forget paying your student loans or house down payments, you can worry about those things in your 30’s when all your friends are already married.

Love, Beth Beth is a wife to Stephen, mother of 2 boys, and business owner who is passionate about Jesus. She likes the color orange, good grammar, and junk food; she detests misspelled words, laziness, and mouth noises of all kinds. She is also passionate about helping people create residual income by working part time from home. www.bethstreet.myrandf.com 140

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KINGSPORT DOWNTOWN KINGSPORT

NICOLE TAYLOR AND LORI BROWN

FIRST PLACE OVERALL MALE – BIN WANG

TAMMY COLEMAN, CINDY BLANKENSHIP, AND NIKKI HELTON

2018 Tri-Cities Race for the Cure PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY LINDA COFFEY

The 2018 Tri-Cities Race for the Cure® was held on Saturday, April 21st in Downtown Kingsport. Tents and staging were put up in the parking lot of Higher Education for the first year, with the course being run on the streets of downtown Kingsport. Whitney Carr and Morgan King of VIPSEEN Live! served as emcees (and entertainment) for the event. After warming the crowd up with aerobics, Morgan got in the pace car and Whitney continued to introduce special guests and speakers. Dr. Teresa Lord, a representative of Ballad Health, addressed the crowd prior to the invocation by Reverend Calvert and the National Anthem by Tisha Sanders. Amy Dunaway, Executive Director of Susan G. Komen® East Tennessee welcomed the crowd and recognized the effect the event has on increasing awareness of breast cancer.

DOBYNS-BENNETT ROTC

After the race, the survivors were invited on the stage to celebrate as Honorary Survivor, Jequita Moore and family released white doves. The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Series is the world’s largest and most successful education and fundraising event for breast cancer. What started as one race and 800 people has grown to 140 races and nearly 850,000 people! The vision is to create a World without Breast Cancer. For more information on breast health or breast cancer, please call the Tri-Cities office at 423-765-9313 or visit the website at www.KomenEastTN.org. JUDY CROSS

ROB BOATMAN

TISHA SANDERS

LOTS OF CROWD SUPPORT!

VOLUNTEERS

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DARA RATLIFF AND MORGAN CUNNINGHAM

KATHRYN AND LAURA CORASANITI, WITH ABBEY BIRSCHBACH

VOLUNTEERS

SURVIVORS AND FIGHTERS

FIRST PLACE OVERALL FEMALE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; KATHRYN CORASANITI

WHITNEY AT THE START LINE!

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DR. TERESA LORD

HONORARY SURVIVOR, JEQUITA MOORE

ALANA WILSON, SAVANNAH AND KAYLA MURRAY, LARISSA DAVIS, AND ALYCIA FAULK

NEVER TOO YOUNG!

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KINGSPORT DOWNTOWN KINGSPORT

OLIVIA BALDWIN AND KATIE SIGUENZA

TERRY JOHNSON

HOLLY AND HALLE

TISHA SANDERS, KENNETH CALVERT, AND BAILEY STODDARD

LAKEYSHA APLES WITH KEITH AND SHIRLEY JOHNSON

ANGELA VACHON

REP. BUD HULSEY, VICE MAYOR MIKE MCINTIRE, AND MORGAN KING

UNDER 14 WINNERS

JESSICA WADDEL

ANDY AND SISSY CALDWELL

CELEBRATING!

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ABINGDON

Utility Trailer and Food CityMake Significant

Product Donation to Feeding America PHOTOGRAPHY AND STORY BY SUBMITTED

The employees of Utility Trailer Manufacturing in Glade Spring, VA recently teamed up with Food City to make a significant product donation to Feeding America Southwest Virginia. The product was delivered to the Feeding America Southwest Virginia Distribution Center in Abingdon, VA earlier today.

region,” says Steven C. Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer. “We would like to applaud the Utility Trailer employees for their generosity in helping make this donation possible.”

“The Harvest Home Community Kitchen located inside Feeding America Southwest Virginia is very appreciative of the donated food. It comes at a time when our supply of canned food is low. Each week the kitchen serves approximately 750 meals. We are very fortunate to have the community support from Utility Trailer and Food City,” says David Millsap, branch director of Feeding America Southwest Virginia.

The Glade Spring manufacturer supports a number of ongoing community initiatives, including annual food drives, toy drives, United Way employee campaigns and programs to benefit Ballad Health and their Cancer Center. “At Utility Trailer, we not only work to build top quality trailers, but we also work to give back to the communities where we live, work and educate our children,” says Sam Cassell, plant manager for Utility Trailer Manufacturing.

“Food City is proud to have the opportunity to partner with our friends at Utility Trailer Manufacturing to help provide food assistance to our friends and neighbors in need throughout our

The Glade Spring manufacturer is scheduled to produce their 100,000th trailer later this year. They are also the proud recipient of Liberty Mutual’s 2017 Safety Award.