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  April 2016 Newsletter
Mission Statement:    "It's our home, we make it better." 
Obion County JEDC Golf Tournament Registration Deadline is April 18!

Welcome New Chamber Members! 
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Ware Park Apartments
1464 E Cheatham Street
Union City, TN 38261
731-630-4466
Lorraine Henkel, Regional Property Supervisor
 
Union City Insurance Partners, LLC
203 W Church Street
Union City, TN 38261
731-885-5484
Rebecca Harris, Agency Manager
Chamber Board Member Spotlight

Board Member Name:  Trent Ams
Company Name: Union City Carpet Center
Position: Husband in charge; Warehouse Manager; Inventory Control; Lawn Maintenance; Stock Transport, etc.
Work Phone: 731-885-2830 (work) 731-335-3968 (cell)
E-mail: ctams@att.net  
 
Areas of Expertise:
"Master of nothing, familiar with much", pretty well describes me. Like to listen to others and learn. Have been told that I can deliver a presentation, and not put everybody to sleep. Comfortable in front of people, but I don't seek the spotlight. I feel that tact is one of my strong points. I worked at several different jobs at Goodyear and gained experience in many areas of the tire industry."
 
Other Interests:
"I follow the St. Louis Cardinals and the PGA tour. Golf is my main game now as I am too old to play baseball anymore. However, if I were to play baseball again, (and survive) I would be a HAPPY man."
 
Why Serve:
"Having been an employee of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for over 38 years, I have experienced the good times and the ultimate bad time of industry. I wasn't ready to retire, but with the Goodyear plant closing, I did retire and took advantage of the opportunity to join my wife in a great capacity in her business. This has given me a new look at the business world. I would like to meet and get to know various businesses of our town. There is much to learn from others. I have been blessed much and it is my turn to give back."
 
Chamber's Role in the business community:
"The Chamber should listen to the business community and make itself available to help each business succeed. They should also keep the business community up-to-date on the various happenings in the area and opportunities that are here as well as those that are on the horizon."
 
Why it is important to be involved:
"An area survives on its ability to communicate and work together to achieve a common goal. That goal, to me, is Progress. We, as the citizens of this area, must rely on each other. We all pull together in a time of tragedy and heartache, so why not the rest of the time?"
Chamber Ambassador Member Spotlights

Ambassador Name: Debbie Ams
Company Name: Union City Carpet Center
Position: Owner
Work Phone: 731-885-2830

Areas of Expertise:
"I have been the owner of Union City Carpet Center for over 25 years, and during that time, have performed every aspect of business; installing, payroll, scheduling, and problem solving. Having no formal education in the art of interior decoration, I have to rely on my 40 years of experience in flooring business to make recommendations to my customers. While never proclaiming to be an "expert", I do feel I can give good ideas as to the needs or "wants" when it comes to flooring."

Other Interests:
"When you own your own business, you don't have a great deal of time to call your own, but I do enjoy spending time with my grandchildren, reading, and traveling whenever I can get away (which is not as often as I wish)."

Why Serve:
"Having lived in Union City for over 40 years, I have seen this city at its best and at its downside. I realize that it takes everyone to make a prosperous city and it takes businesses that care about the city and its citizens. It is my desire to make Union City a city that is attractive to new business and to help provide the existing businesses with the tools needed to succeed."

Chamber's role in the business community:
"To help promote EACH and EVERY business in the area, no matter how big or small. We are all important."
 
Why it is important to be involved:
"To me, involvement in anything means you CARE. I care about what happens in my community because I have lived here most of my life. I have seen good times and bad times. In the past, there were good people not afraid to be involved. These good people cared about this area, and so do I. It's my turn now."
 

Ambassador Name: John A. Fry
Company Name: White & Associates Insurance
Position: Agency Manager
Work Phone: 731-885-2599
 
Areas of Expertise:
Management, Insurance & Networking. Thru my role as Agency Manager of White & Associates Insurance - Union City, I am able to apply all three of these elements to each and every day. Working in a Multi-Line Insurance Agency provides countless opportunities to work with individual clients, businesses, peers and folks from all facets of life. This type of environment provides tremendous insight regarding the community that we live in. It also provides the potential to learn many different ways to help others whether it is directly thru the business or networking by connecting two entities that could benefit from one another.
 
Other Interests:
My wife and I (recent empty nesters) really enjoy travel and a good dining experience. Most probably don't know this, but I have a passion for all types of music (well mostly all). I actually used to play in bands and perform solo (back when I had more hair). Outside of family my biggest passion would probably be community. I love being involved and making an impact where I live and work.
 
Why did you join the Chamber?
Our office joined the Chamber for one reason - We wanted to be a Community Partner. We wanted to not only be aware of what's happening in and around Obion County but we wanted to be part of what's happening. To us the Chamber provided a great resource for our financial investment and it just got better as we chose to invest our time as well.
 
Why do you serve as an Ambassador?
I am grateful that I was asked to be a Chamber Ambassador this year. But honestly, even if I wasn't an official "Ambassador, I would still be showing up at every Chamber event that I could. It all comes back to an investment in time and in my community. When I look back at all that I have learned and the people that I have connected with, I am humbled at the impact that this has made on me personally. I chose to get involved. I could easily sit in my office all day and look forward to seeing the newspaper to catch up on resent events but I choose to be a part of these events. This is my community and this is my Chamber of Commerce and I am proud to be a part of both.
 
What is the Chamber's role in the business community?
To me, our Chamber is one of the best resources for all things business from education to networking to opportunity. The Obion County Chamber of Commerce, in my opinion, is the hub that connects not only Chamber Members but Private Citizens, Industry and Prospective New Families and Businesses to our unique Economic Landscape. All of us are literally one connection away from someone or something thru our Obion County Chamber of Commerce.
DPA Unveils New Imagination Playground Play Equipment

The Obion County Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated Discovery Park of America's new Imagination Playground with a ribbon cutting.  Imagination Playground in a Cart features a collection of oversized blue foam parts that allows children to build and re-build play structures with their imaginations!  For more information click here.
Herman Jenkins Business After Hours & Ribbon Cutting

Herman Jenkins recently celebrated their grand reopening with an business after hours, open house, and ribbon cutting.  Over 200 employees, friends, customers, and community members helped them celebrate!
Hamilton-Ryker New Location Ribbon Cutting

Hamilton-Ryker recently hosted a ribbon cutting to celebrate its new location at 1416 S. First Street, Union City.  Contact Agency Manager Jeanette Davis at 731-885-1540 for questions about job openings and staffing services.
ECD Commissioner Randy Boyd Addresses Union City Rotary Club

In early March, State of Tennessee Economic & Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd addressed the Union City Rotary Club.  Pictured left to right: ECD Regional Director Blake Swaggart, Obion County Mayor Benny McGuire, JEDC CEO Lindsay Frilling, ECD Commissioner Randy Boyd, Representative Bill Sanderson, Senator Ed Jackson ECD Regional Business Development Consultant Janna Hellums.
US Senator Bob Corker Addresses Group at DPA

US Senator Bob Corker visited with a group in the Tower at Discovery Park of America on Thursday, March 31.  Pictured left to right: Obion County JEDC Chairman Art Sparks, Senator Corker, Discovery Park CEO Jim Rippy, Obion County Mayor Benny McGuire.
In This Issue
Archived Obion County Chamber of Commerce Newsletters

Join Our Mailing List  

 
  
Topic:
The Bridge
 
Presenter:
Nicole Kincade
 
When:
March 15, 2016
8:00am-9:00am
 
Where:
Obion County Public LIbrary
 
Sponsored By:
Union City Carpet Center
Julie Huggins addressed the group at March Business Matters. Mrs. Huggins discussed The Bridge of West Tennessee, a bridge for the gap between the world and Christ. More information can be found at www.thebridgewesttn.org.

The Etheridge House recently hosted Business After Hours with new director Michelle Johnston.  Chamber Ambassador Tim York is pictured above with Johnston.
Union City J'Cettes Cookbooks for sale!

The 2016 Union City J'Cettes are proud to share with you a taste of simple but delicious recipes passed down from generation to generation within the Union City J'Cettes.

Compiled with a wide variety of recipes, we hope our cookbook will provide you with all your needs to offer family and friends with gracious hospitality and seasonable cooking! 

To purchase your cookbook stop by the chamber today!
Pathways to Prosperity Survey Participants Needed!
Roughly half of all Americans reach their mid-20s without the skills or credentials essential for success in today's increasingly demanding economy, according to the 2011 Harvard Graduate School of Education report, Pathways to Prosperity: Meeting the Challenge of Preparing Young Americans for the 21st Century. If we fail to expand ways to prepare youth for post-secondary education and the workforce, their quality of life will suffer, our society will lose out on their potential contributors, and the costs to our economy will be severe. In June 2012, Tennessee was selected to join a multi-state consortium, the Pathways to Prosperity network, a multi-state initiative aimed to address the "skills gap" that threatens the preparedness of young Americans entering the workforce. Entrance into this consortium lead to the founding of Pathways TN. The Northwest region became part of the Pathways consortium in 2015. Our mission is to provide TN students rigorous academic/career pathways which are linked to economic and labor market trends in our local area. Our framework is comprised of:
  • Active industry involvement in student learning, starting in middle school
  • Strong integration of student supports, interventions, and counseling
  • Utilization of early warning indicators and remediation strategies
  • Allows students to acquire post-secondary credits and/or industry certifications in high school
  • Supports seamless transition from secondary to post-secondary education institutions
  • Participants have multiple entry and exit points through grades 13-16
  • Program completers are competitive in Tennessee's fastest growing sectors
We are interested in learning about your company needs and your willingness to be involved with our young people.
The link to the survey is www.surveymonkey.com/r/nwtnpathways.
OCCHS Hosts Obion County Workforce Development Officials
George Leake, CTE Director for the Obion County School System recently invited workforce development officials to OCCHS to show off the school's career and technical education facilities.  The culinary class prepared breakfast for the group while a nursing class demonstrated CPR skills.

Adult Leadership Obion County Legislative Day
The Adult Leadership Obion County (ALOC) Class of 2016 recently visited our Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville.  The class was welcomed by Secretary of State Tre Hargett, Senator John Stevens, Representatives Bill Sanderson and Andy Holt.  Each of the legislators addressed the class followed by questions from the attendees.  ALOC Executive Director is Phyllis Rauchle (far left).
At Tyson Foods, we're committed to being more transparent about how we operate responsibly and our desire for ongoing improvements. We have outlined this focus in the company's first comprehensive sustainability report since its 2014 acquisition of The Hillshire Brands Company.
 
For the first time, the online report is being issued in segments over five weeks, beginning with our recent release of an update on the company's animal well-being efforts. Upcoming segments will cover corporate giving, environmental stewardship, product development and workforce.
 
Each segment is designed to highlight the company's performance in an open, honest and understandable way, which reflects Tyson Foods' commitment to share its successes and challenges in a meaningful and relevant manner.
2016 Tennessee Vacation Guide
 
The 2016 Tennessee Vacation Guide is out and looks great; you can view the official TN eGuide here . There is a vast reach in the 550,000 printed distribution and even more important, it is very specific to our Tennessee Visitors planning to travel! The TN Guide can be directly requested, or picked up at one of the State's 14 Welcome Centers. I hope you can take a minute to dive into the pages that showcase our story so well.



Any Chamber member interested in receiving the hospital's cafeteria menu weekly may contact Emily Medley, food and nutrition services director, at emily.medley@bmhcc.org.  

The Workforce Board is pursuing Work Ready Community status for all 11 of the counties we serve, including Obion County. One of the goals is Employer Support. By completing the form, employers are simply stating they are in favor of the Work Ready Community initiative and see value in the NCRC assessment. In no way is an employer committing to do anything, buy anything, require the certification, or anything of that nature. The employer is stating support for the initiative. You can visit the website and see our progress at http://workreadycommunities.com/TN/13.

Attention Job Seekers and Employers!

The Tennessee Career Center at Union City is offering Resume W riting work s h ops on   Tuesday afternoons at 1 PM. Job seekers interested in attending a workshop will need to complete a resume' worksheet prior to attending a session. Space is limited, so registration is required. Register by   calling  731-884-3868 between 8-4:30 Monday - Friday.

List Your Available Commercial Property With Us

 

Let us help you spread the word about your available commercial property by listing it at www.obioncounty.org. If you have commercial property you would like to list, please contact Lindsay Frilling at lfrilling@obioncounty.org.

Interested in sponsoring Business Matters

or Business After Hours?

Contact Lindsay Frilling at lfrilling@obioncounty.org