Chamber "At Work" News Brief 
Recent News and Events
2016 Business Expo

With over 60 vendors and the new local food sampling stations, Taste of Dyer County, the 2016 Business Expo brought in a crowd of several hundred people to The Lannom Center last Thursday, May 19th!  The vendors ranged between small businesses, non-profit organizations, and large industries with something for everyone.  The public was invited to walk through the expo and learn about each vendor, hear about what they do and even enter for a chance to win a door prize.  Over 55 door prizes were given away by vendors along with free goodies and promotional items!  The Chamber also had a few prize drawings, Holly Moody from Dyersburg Health Care and Rehabilitation won the $200 cash prize, Dianne Ward from the TN Career Center won the $300 cash prize, and Blake Trapp from Verizon Wireless walked away with a TV!  

New this year was the Taste of Dyer County food sampling stations!  Local restaurants and caterers were invited to set up at the expo and showcase their specialties.  The Taste of Dyer County vendors featured The Bus Stop in downtown Dyersburg, The Farmhouse in Newbern, Lupo's Italian Steakhouse in Dyersburg, and Miss Vicki's in Trimble!

For more pictures from the event, a list of vendors, and a list of our Corporate and Event Sponsors visit the Chamber of Commerce Facebook page, Dyersburg/Dyer County Chamber of Commerce.
 

Annual Chamber Golf Tournament

The 37th Annual Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament was held at The Farms on May 13th. This was the first tournament in recent years that wasn't challenged by bad weather. In fact, the weather was perfect and that led to a great day of golf for all 84 participants. The $1,000 cash prize went to the winning team of Charlie Dunn, Clyde Thompson, Mark Hardin and Gregg Morris playing for Delta Chevrolet-Buick-GMC.

We want to thank our Golf Sponsors and Corporate Sponsors!

Grand Prize Golf Sponsor - Sonic
Tournament Co-Sponsor - Dot Foods

Millennium Level
First Citizens National Bank
Platinum Level
NSK Steering Systems America, Inc.
Gold Level
Dyersburg Electric System
Forcum Lannom Contractors, LLC
Tyson Foods, Inc.
Silver Level
Forcum Lannom Materials
Security Bank
Bronze Level
Burks Beverages/Broadcasting
Cable One
Caterpillar Inc.
Eaton Corporation
First South Bank
Lannom Coronado Law Firm
Manpower of West Tennessee
Physical Therapy of Dyersburg
Regions Bank
Simmons Bank
Tencom Services
Tennova Healthcare - Dyersburg Regional


Your Books For Less, LLC Ribbon Cutting

On Wednesday, May 18 th the Dyersburg/Dyer County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at the opening of Your Books For Less, LLC in downtown Dyersburg.  Partners, Cindy Brock and Jack Pruett, were joined by friends and family, other downtown business representatives, Chamber Diplomats, and Chamber President/CEO, Allen Hester, for the ribbon cutting.  Your Books For Less, LLC offers bookkeeping services, payroll and payroll services for the greater North West Tennessee and South East Missouri area.  Their office is located in downtown Dyersburg at 403 W McGaughey Street.  For more information try calling them at (731) 478-6332 or visiting their website, www.ybflllc.com.

Tanglewood Antiques & Gifts Ribbon Cutting

On Friday, May 6 th , the Dyersburg/Dyer County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at Tanglewood Antiques & Gifts in downtown Dyersburg.  Owners, Jack and Cindy Allmand, were joined by some of their vendors and Chamber Diplomats for the ribbon cutting ceremony.  Chamber Membership Director, Hannah Caylor, presented the couple with a plaque commemorating the opening of their new store and Chamber Downtown Development Director, Steve Guttery, welcomed them to downtown.  The couple thanked everyone for coming and the ribbon was cut!  Tanglewood Antiques & Gifts is located at 206 East Court Street in downtown Dyersburg.  They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  They have antiques, repurposed furniture, unique gifts and offer wedding registries and furniture painting classes.  For more information about Tanglewood Antiques & Gifts contact them at (731) 325-5704 or visit their Facebook page, Tanglewood Antiques & Gifts.

SERVPRO's 25th Anniversary & Ribbon Cutting


On Friday, April 29 th, SERVPRO of Dyersburg/Union City, Weakley/Gibson/Carroll County celebrated their 25 th anniversary!  The Dyersburg/Dyer County Chamber of Commerce was there to host a ribbon cutting ceremony in honor of their 25 years in business.  Owners, David and Diane Caldwell, were surrounded by their SERVPRO crew, friends and family, and Chamber Diplomats for the ceremony.   David Caldwell took a moment to talk about how they started the business and how things have grown over the last 25 years and then thanked everyone for coming and invited them in for lunch.  SERVPRO specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage. SERVPRO can also mitigate mold and mildew from your home or business.  Located at 104 E. Hwy 77 in Newbern, SERVPRO is here to serve you.  For more information or to get a quote, call them at (731) 627-6251 or visit their website, www.servprodyersburgunioncity.com.


Dogwood Brights and Downtown Delights

As the final event for the Dogwood Festival, Dogwood Brights and Downtown Delights was held on Friday, May 6th in downtown Dyersburg.  The downtown merchants organized and hosted the event as  another free and fun community wide event for the festival! There was music at Pennington Seed & Supply, The Bus Stop, and on the Courthouse Lawn and the merchants stayed open late and offered specials and sales! 

Dyer County Adult Leadership Graduation 

 

Monthly 12@12 
On the 3rd Tuesday of each month, the Chamber hosts it's Monthly 12@12 Luncheon.  We invite 12 Chamber members, new and old, to join President and CEO, Allen Hester, Chairman of the Board, Danny Watson, and Membership Director, Hannah Caylor, for lunch to discuss the benefits of being a Chamber member and various ways of utilizing them.  It is also a time for members to showcase their products and services with other members and create new opportunities and partnerships.  If you would like to attend our next Monthly 12@12 Luncheon please call the Chamber at (731) 285-3433.  *The Monthly 12@12 Luncheons are FREE for Chamber members!

May Attendees:
Matt Emison - Tennessee Industrial Printing
Katherine McGuire - Dyer County Farm Bureau
Tommy Rice - Dyer County Farm Bureau
Larry Lusk - Dyer County Schools
Mike Frazier - Carousel Realty of Dyer County
Cathi Snodgrass - Plunder Design
Debbie Harris - Dyer County Community Cancer Fund
Linda Flowers - Transitions of Dyer County
Kay Castellaw - Tennessee Rehabilitation Center 



WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!!!

Tennessee Rehabilitation Center Dyersburg
1365 Morgan Road
Dyersburg, TN 38024
(731) 286-8315
Kay Castellaw - Manager

Tennessee Industrial Printing
51 Miller Avenue
Jackson, TN 38305
(731) 394-3848
Matt Emison - Dyersburg Rep.


MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
Aseracare Hospice
Boss Hoss Cycle, Inc.
CVS Pharmacy
Davis Wealth Services
Dianne Bizzle, CPA
Dyersburg Electric System
Excalibar Minerals, Inc.
Finley Baptist Church
First Choice Medical Care
J & P Machine Repair
Lewis Norman
Professional Sonographic Imaging
Regions Bank
Sisbro Management, LLC
The Clean Team Property Maintenance
The Outhouse
The Restoration Station
UT Dyer County Extension Service
West Family Care Clinic
Yorkville Recycling, Inc.



Upcoming Chamber Events
   



Thursday, June 2, 2016 at 12:00 p.m.
212 W Court Street

Thursday, June 2, 2016 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The Lannom Center

Friday, June 3, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Williams' Cabin

Thursday, June 9, 2016 at 1:00 p.m.
2315 Lake Road

Friday, June 17, 2016 at 7:00 a.m.
The Lannom Center

Saturday, June 18, 2016 from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
335 Clark Avenue South

Tuesday, June 21, 2016 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The Lannom Center



For more information about these Chamber events or any upcoming community events please click the "Learn More" button or visit our website, www.dyerchamber.com.
Don't forget to add your next event to the Events Calendar!
Member News
  BURKS BEVERAGE EARNS THE CAREY CUP

During the fourth quarter of 2015, Burks Beverage achieved a combined growth of 25.1% in sales for Mountain Dew and Starbucks earning the local distributor the Carey Cup. Burks Beverage was in competition with bottlers across the United States and came out on top, bringing the award home to Dyersburg.

"Winning the Carry Cup is a huge deal for Burks Beverage and all of our Loyal Customers. To win this award you are competing with all bottlers across the whole U.S. and without the support of our Customers these things do not happen. We proudly service Crockett, Dyer, Gibson, Lake and Lauderdale counties with our products. We respectively accept this award not only for Burks Beverage/Broadcasting but for all of our Loyal Customers. We truly appreciate your continued support," expressed Lynn Parker, Director of Sales and Marketing for Burks Beverage.

To celebrate and reward their employees, the company held an Employee Appreciation Day on Thursday, March 24th that included a meal prepared by company leaders and drawings for valuable prizes.


 CARDBOARD BOAT REGATTA AT DISCOVERY PARK OF AMERICA

UNION CITY, TN- Discovery Park of America has set Saturday, May 28th as the date for its "Third Annual" Cardboard Boat Regatta. Last year, 17 teams signed up for the challenge. "This was one of the most exciting and fun events that we had at Discovery Park last year," John Watkins, Grounds Director said. "Each year, we think it will be even bigger and better!"
If you would like to build a cardboard boat and enter this year's race, the registration packet is available online. "Just go to our website and click on the Cardboard Boat Regatta graphic on our home page," Watkins said. "The rules and entry form are easy to find." Or, you can call the park and ask for the special events department.

For the past two years, the actual race proved to be a great spectator sport, with hundreds of spectators and regional television coverage! You can see a video of last year's event by clicking on the Cardboard Boat Regatta graphic on the park's website's home page if you need inspiration. "Most of the teams that competed the first year were back for the second year," Watkins said. "We had a few that never participated in a Cardboard Boat Regatta before, and we hope to have even more this year," Watkins added. "The boats have been quite impressive considering that this is a new concept in this area," he went on to say. "We expect our sponsors will take advantage of the tremendous marketing opportunity with even more elaborate boats this year," a park spokesman said.

The deadline to enter the Regatta is Saturday, May 21st. Entrants are asked to be at the park with their boat for inspection by 9:00 a.m. on race day, May 28th. The races will begin at 11:00 a.m. This unique event, which has already become an annual favorite, will take place in the South Lake near the Final Flight Reelfoot Landing. Registrants will via for six awards including 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, "The Team Spirit Award," The Titanic Award" (given for the most spectacular sinking), and "The Van Gogh Award" (given for the most creative boat).
There will also be hotdog and Dippin' Dot carts on the grounds. Commemorative t-shirts will be available. For more information about the Boat Regatta or other DPA events, visit the website at www.discoveryparkofamerica.com.

Discovery Park of America is a unique blend of history, science, education and fun. It opened in November of 2013 and has brought over 615,000 visitors to this rural northwest Tennessee region. For a complete calendar of upcoming events, visit the website, or call the park at 731-885-5455.


 
FIRST CITIZENS NATIONAL BANK ANNOUNCES OFFICER PROMOTIONS

Jeff Agee, Chairman & CEO of First Citizens National Bank, recently announced the promotions of several of the bank's teammates. In making the announcement Agee stated, "These teammates are tremendous assets to First Citizens National Bank. They are well respected by peers and are devoted to meeting the needs of our customers. We are proud of each teammate recognized."

Brandon Brewer was promoted to Senior Vice President and Senior Trust Officer & Manager. Brewer previously held the position of Vice President and Senior Trust Officer & Manager for FirstCNB. He is a graduate of Arkansas State University, Southern Trust School, and ABA Trust School at Northwestern. Brewer currently serves as the Chairman of the Tennessee Bankers Association of Trust and Wealth Management. He is active in the community by sitting on the boards for Dyersburg Kiwanis Club and Dyersburg/Dyer County Education Foundation. You may contact Brandon Brewer at 731-287-4233 or emailing bbrewer@FirstCNB.com 


Vicky Floyd was promoted to Senior Vice President and continues to serve as Controller for First Citizens National Bank. Floyd began her employment at FirstCNB in 2001 and has previously served as Credit Analyst, Staff Accountant, Senior Accountant and Assistant Controller. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from Union University and holds a Master of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee at Martin. She currently serves on the Board and is Treasurer for Lifeline Blood Services of Dyer County and is active with March for Babies and Relay for Life. You may contact Vicky Floyd at 731-287-4386 or by emailingvfloyd@FirstCNB.com


Eric Robertson was promoted to Vice President and Loan Officer. Robertson joined First Citizens National Bank in 2010, where he previously served as Credit Analyst and Special Assets Representative. Robertson is a graduate of The Southeastern School of Advanced Commercial Lending and Consumer Credit. He had previously earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Robertson served as the 2016 Dyersburg Dogwood Festival Chairman and is a member of Dyersburg Kiwanis Club. He also serves as a board member for Dyersburg City Schools Disciplinary Hearing, Downtown Development, and Dyersburg/Dyer County UTK Alumni Association. You may contact Eric Robertson at 731-287-4319 or emailing erobertson@FirstCNB.com


Leslie White was promoted to Vice President and Loan Process Analyst. Leslie White began her FirstCNB career in 2001. In 2005, she graduated from Union University in Jackson, TN with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. In 2009, Leslie received a Master of Accountancy degree from The University of Tennessee at Martin. Previous positions with FirstCNB include Customer Service Associate, Credit Analyst, and Loan Training Coordinator. You may contact Leslie White at 731-288-4518 or emailing lwhite@FirstCNB.com.
 
DISCOVERY PARK OF AMERICA MILITARY LIVING HISTORY

UNION CITY, TN- World War II ended 71 years ago, lasted six years and claimed more than 60 million lives from 1939 until 1945, making it the deadliest conflict in modern history. Most baby boomers grew up hearing war stories from their grandparents, who are now in their 80s and 90s, or are no longer alive. For younger Americans, WWII is perhaps one of the most life changing chapters in their history textbook.

The Vietnam War started in 1955 and lasted over 19 years, ending with a North Vietnamese victory. Prior to that, in 1950, the Korean War lasted a little over three years and was deemed a stalemate. Most recently, the Gulf War was fought in just over six months and ended with a decisive coalition victory.

Discovery Park of America wants to bring history to life as they invite you to attend Military Living History on the Great Lawn Memorial Weekend. This Memorial weekend event will pay tribute to these important wars and the people who fought in them. Whether you are a senior citizen coming to reminisce, or a parent hoping to find a unique way to educate your child or teenager, it is an opportunity not to be missed. The three days of Military Living History, May 28th - 30th, will occur on the Great Lawn during regular park hours, 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. each day. Guests will experience the sights and sounds of these historical conflicts as well as at least two weapon demonstrations daily. The weekend is being sponsored by Union City Coca Cola, Leaders Credit Union and Reelfoot Bank.

According to CEO, Jim Rippy, all veterans, military and their dependents will be admitted free on Monday, May 30th, Memorial Day, with all other guests paying just $10 for a ticket that day. (Three and under will be free.) The park, which is usually closed on Mondays, will open regular hours on Memorial Day. Wrapping up the weekend, there will be a special ceremony on Memorial Day at 2:00 p.m. in the ATA Traveling Exhibit Hall. There will be special recognition of our visiting Veterans during this service. Everyone is invited, and it is free for all veterans, military and dependents, as well anyone with park admission.

Organizer Chris Gunlefinger, Assistant Education Director at Discovery Park, encourages everyone to mark their calendar and plan to come out at least one of the three days and talk with these historians. "They are truly experts and can answer almost any question you throw at them about the wars," he said.

The historians will be setting up their camps on Thursday and Friday, according to Gunlefinger, with a WWII Stuart Tank arriving around 4:00 p.m. Friday. Saturday, May 28th will be highlighted with weapons demonstrations at 1:30 and 3:30. On Sunday, May 29th, there will be a non-denominational Field Worship Service at 10:30 a.m. Then, on Memorial Day, the 2:00 p.m. service honoring our veterans and military will complete the scheduled activities. However, all weekend long, guests are invited to visit with the historians, view their exhibits and learn about what life was like for the soldiers during these major historical conflicts.

Several vehicles from each of the wars will be on display on the Great Lawn throughout the weekend including several jeeps, a Vietnam "Mechanical Mule," a "Mighty Mite," an M3 Halftrack, a "Deuce and a Half" 2 ½ ton truck and others.

Additional highlights during Memorial weekend at the park include a Cardboard Boat Regatta in the South Lake on Saturday, May 28th at 11:00 a.m. There will also be live music Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 6:00 until 9:00 at the Libation Station train bar, which is free to the public.

Discovery Park is located at 830 Everett Blvd. in Union City, TN. You can see the 2015 Calendar of Events, including upcoming educational and entertaining events, by visiting the website at www.discoveryparkofamerica.com . The park is open Tuesdays through Sundays, Memorial Day, Labor Day and the 4th of July, from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and is a unique blend of history, science, architecture, art and fun.

 
Community Events