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  March 2016 Newsletter
Mission Statement:    "It's our home, we make it better." 
Welcome New Chamber Members! 
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BB's Furniture & Mattress Gallery
1700 W. Reelfoot Ave.
Union City, TN 38261
Business Representative: Phil Bivens

Salon Arabella
616 Perkins St.
Union City, TN 38261
731 885-4811
Business Representative: Lyndsey Prather

The Southern Suite Salon
206 E. Reelfoot Ave.
Union City, TN 38261
731- 599-1234
Business Representative: Jill Qualls
March Small Business Spotlight

Twin Oaks Technology, LLC is a business to business provider of technology and financial solutions with clients nationwide.  With over 20 years of experience supporting multi-million dollar companies, both public and private, we want to use our skills and expertise to help businesses of any size succeed at a price they can afford.  Our product and service offerings are broad and complement each other nicely giving us the ability to truly be a one stop shop for our customers. 

On the technology side of the business, our products/services include: Remote & Onsite Help Desk; Network Building and Administration; Server and Desktop Management; System Security; Hardware and Software Installation and Support; Data Backup; VoIP phone solutions; Point of Sale solutions; Website Design, Hosting, and Search Engine Optimization; Social Media marketing; Mobile App Development; Software Development; Project Management; and IT Consulting.

On the financial side, our services include: QuickBooks setup, tune-up, and training; bookkeeping services; accounting system design, selection and setup; develop accounting policies and procedures; prepare budgets and forecasts; hiring and training accounting staff; business advice and support; interim Controller/CFO; financial statement review and analysis; and other Financial Consulting needs.

Twin Oaks Technology has a variety of clients in many different industries.  We service small local businesses to large businesses with 60+ locations across the United States and everything in between.  We assist clients in retail, manufacturing, distribution, construction, e-commerce, healthcare, insurance, real estate, non-profit, and many other industries.  Our team members have a variety of credentials, certifications, and experience to assist in many of these specialized facets. 

We are very supportive of the surrounding communities and seek opportunities to give back to the communities that have supported us.  We have sponsored a Technology Club, variety of Lunch-n-Learns, and other community events.  Our team members sit on various community committees and boards. We are always open to new ideas and involvement. 

Twin Oaks Technology can be a strategic partner through all stages of your business; development, start-up, expansion, maturity, and transition.  We understand that every business has unique requirements.  Our recommendations and solutions will be tailored to your needs.  Technology and financial accuracy is critical to the success of all businesses.  Call us to see how we can help you succeed. 
Chamber  Board Member Spotlight
 
Board Member Name: Jim Cheatham
Company Name: Universal Contractors
Position: President
Work Phone: 731-885-2070
Email: JCheatham@LowBidder.US
 
Areas of Expertise: "I graduated from the  University  of Tennessee at Knoxville in 2004 with a Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering.  I worked for six years as a Project Manager for Forcum Lannom Contractors in Dyersburg.  In 2010, I came to work with my father at Universal Contractors here in Union City.  We are a commercial general contractor with emphasis in concrete,  metal buildings , metal studs/drywall, acoustical ceilings, and carpentry items.  We also perform demolition, concrete cutting, and core drill work."
 
Other Interests:   "I enjoy traveling with my wife, singing in the church choir, cooking, and hunting quail or duck.  I love University of Tennessee football, and I am a supporter of Ducks Unlimited.  I am a member of the West TN Area Council Board of the Boy Scouts and serve as the Order of the Arrow Section Adviser for Tennessee, Kentucky, and Northern Mississippi."

Why did you join the Chamber?  "To show our support for an organization that works hard to make Obion County a destination for both families and businesses."
 
 
Why do you serve on the Board of Directors?  "I want to serve on the Board of Directors in order to help other small businesses be represented, recognized, and voiced when it comes to the decisions that are made that will shape Obion County now and in the futre."
 
What is the Chamber's role in the business community?  "Recruit new business to Obion County, educate existing business of new opportunities in this area, and promote the achievements of this area so that others will want to be a part of what makes northwest Tennessee an attractive destination."
Chamber Ambassador Member Spotlights

Ambassador Name:   Donnie Johnson   
Company Name: Johnson Heating & Air
Position:  Owner
Work Phone: 731-885-8325
Email: donnie@johnsonheatingandair.net
 
Areas of Expertise: Servicing and installing residential and commercial heating and air.
 
Other Interests: "I enjoy working out at the gym, serving at my church as a Sunday School teacher, being a deacon and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ so that others might come to know him as their Lord and Savior."
 
Why did you join the Chamber? "I joined the chamber to be able to network with other businesses."
 
Why do you serve as an Ambassador? "As an ambassador, I get to participate in activities at the chamber and network and support other new businesses as they join the chamber."
 
What is the Chamber's role in the business community? "The chamber's role is to focus on the future of the community by bringing in new businesses and helping existing businesses." 


Ambassador Name:  Cassie Hickey  
Company Name: Job World, Inc.
Position:  Marketing Specialist
Work Phone: 731-885-3060
 
Areas of Expertise: Human Resources/Sales and Marketing - At Job World, Inc, I provide customer service to both clients and employees.  I reach out to new industries and companies to build relationships and help them recognize how our services can aid in increasing their profitability.  Job World, Inc. helps bridge the gap for our employees to obtain full-time employment.  Job World, Inc. provides long and short term staffing needs as well as comprehensive drug screening and breath alcohol testing.
  
Other Interests: "My 3 children keep me pretty busy outside of work whether it is going to the park, baseball games or gymnastics.  Outside of that I enjoy just about any outdoor or water activity."
 
Why did you join the Chamber? " I believe it is important to be involved in the community you work in and to give back.  The chamber is always eager to help any way they can.  The chamber provides great opportunities to promote and to encourage business in Obion County and gives opportunity for networking for all its' members."
 
Why do you serve as an Ambassador? " I am not originally from this area and knew that serving as an ambassador would help me be involved in the community and also be able to network with other people and businesses. It also allows me to be able to give back and provide support at events in the community.  I always look forward to meeting new individuals and encouraging new business in Obion County."
   
 What is the Chamber's role in the business community? "The chamber's role is to help promote Obion County and to act as a support to local businesses.  The chamber is also beneficial in helping businesses network with other businesses and individuals in the community."
OC Chamber of Commerce Awarded $10,000 USDA grant

Members of the Obion County Chamber of Commerce and their guests gathered at the chamber office recently to celebrate receiving a $10,000 Rural Business Development Grant. Displaying a replica of the check were (center, from left) Lindsay Frilling, Obion County Joint Economic Development Council executive director; Katie Keathley, Obion County Chamber of Commerce membership director; and Joel Howard, USDA Rural Development area director.
 
The matching grant opportunity resulted in the chamber having $15,500 to assist with the development and purchase of various marketing materials and website upgrades. Marketing materials included a new podium for presentations, a new brochure rack, a retail brochure, jump drives, a camera, a video camera and a pop up banner to promote the area. 

 
Mark your calendar for Friday, May 6, 2016, to enjoy an afternoon of golf, fun, and fellowship! The annual Obion County Chamber of Commerce/Industrial Development golf tournament will kick off with lunch at 12:30pm, followed by a shotgun start at 1:30pm and will conclude with an awards presentation and a pork chop supper. Given that you continually contribute so much to Obion County, we want to thank you by reinvesting proceeds back into our tournament in the form of awards and prizes.
 
Each year, the success of the tournament is due to the generosity of our sponsors. Therefore, your ability to help sponsor this event is greatly appreciated. Depending on your level of sponsorship, you will receive complimentary tournament entry fees. As a sponsor, your company name will be promoted throughout the golf tournament. The sponsorship levels are as follows:
  • Platinum Sponsor     $500 and more (4 complimentary tournament entries)
  • Gold Sponsor             $300-$499 (2 complimentary tournament entries)
  • Silver Sponsor           all other donations (goody bag items in quantity of 100 items)
Please contact Lindsay Frilling at your earliest convenience regarding your interest in being a sponsor for this event. We look forward to seeing you on the greens of Wynridge Golf Course in Troy!
2016 Main Street Tablescape Winners
 
Janet Stewart, "Sugar & Spice and Everything is Nice"-Best of Show 

Davey Frankum, Jorge Frankum and Dani Frankum, "Le Jardin de Tuileries"-First Place "People's Choice"

Pat Wade, "Wizard of Oz"-Outside the Box Award

Jeanie Jones, "Everything's Coming Up Roses"-Best Centerpiece

Susanne Marsidi, "Tailor Made"-Most Creative

Tammy Sparks, "We Are: Union City Schools With a Touch of Class"-Second Place "People's Choice" and Best Theme (tie)

Anna Parks, "Enchanted Garden"-Third Place "People's Choice"

Ashley King, "The Color of Money"-Best Theme (tie)








Press Release                                                                                    February 19, 2016

 First Citizens National Bank Joins NACHA in Celebrating
 National AAP Recognition Day on Feb. 9
 
Dyersburg, TN., February 9, 2016 - In honor of National AAP Recognition Day, First Citizens National Bank joins NACHA in recognizing Accredited ACH Professionals (AAPs) and the integral role they play in an organization's success.
 
First Citizens National Bank joins NACHA in recognizing teammate, Janiece Wright, who holds the AAP designation. Judy Long, President & COO, stated "This accreditation is supported by NACHA as a means to educate ACH professionals on new developments in the ACH network. The internet and rapidly changing technology have greatly impacted the way cash management products and services are sold, delivered, supported and used. By earning this prestigious designation a payment professional increases their credibility and value to corporate customers. First Citizens National Bank is very proud to have an Accredited ACH Professionals on the bank's team."
 
To be awarded the AAP credential, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam that is administered by NACHA each fall.  The exam tests an individual's knowledge of subjects including the NACHA Operating Rules, the ACH Network and other payments systems, technical and operational ACH requirements, risk management, and payments-related regulations. More than 4,000 professionals currently hold the credential.
 
On Feb. 9, a U.S. flag will be flown above the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., in recognition of all AAPs nationwide. The flag then will be awarded to an AAP at the annual AAP Reception sponsored by the Regional Payments Association  at PAYMENTS 2016, which will be held April 17-20, 2016, in Phoenix, Arizona. Registration is now open .
 
First Citizens National Bank, along with more than 1,700 organizations across the U.S., will be celebrating National AAP Recognition Day in various ways, as well. F or more information on National AAP Recognition Day, visit  https://www.nacha.org/events/aap-recognition-day
 
 
First Citizens National Bank, headquartered in Dyersburg, TN with 21 locations throughout Tennessee, is a full service community bank with approximately $1.2 Billion in assets offering deposit, lending, wealth management, cash management, trust, insurance, and investments. For more information about First Citizens National Bank please visit www.FirstCNB.com .
 
 
NACHA - The Electronic Payments Association
Since 1974, NACHA - The Electronic Payments Association has served as trustee of the ACH Network, managing the development, administration and rules for the payment network that universally connects all 12,000 financial institutions in the U.S. The Network, which moves money and information directly from one bank account to another, supports more than 90 percent of the total value of all retail electronic payments in the U.S. Through its collaborative, self-governing model, education, and inclusive engagement of ACH Network participants, NACHA facilitates the expansion and diversification of electronic payments, supporting Direct Deposit and Direct Payment via ACH transactions, including ACH credit and debit payments, recurring and one-time payments; government, consumer and business transactions; international payments, and payments plus payment-related information. Through NACHA's expertise and leadership, the ACH Network is now one of the largest, safest, and most reliable systems in the world, creating value and enabling innovation for all participants. Visit nacha.org for more information.
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

Lynette Henderson addressed the group at February Business Matters. Ms. Henderson discussed employing citizens with disabilities. More information can be found at http://www.tennesseeworks.org/.



The second Tablescape "Business After Hours" was held at The Venue at Center Point on Friday, February 5th hosted by Union City Insurance, Main Street Union City, Inc., Obion County Chamber of Commerce and Center Point Business Solutions.  Local residents viewed the beautiful, themed tables and enjoyed a live auction of luxury items. The Tablescape luncheon followed on Saturday, February 6th where Main Street celebrated it's 25 anniversary and awarded winners of the tables. Nancy Williams, State program manager of Main Street was the guest speaker.
Breakfast with the President
Quarterly, new chamber members gather to have breakfast with our Chamber President Amber Jones.  The goal is to engage our new members with one another and to inform them of networking opportunities available included in their chamber membership.
Adult Leadership Obion County-Economic Development Day 
 
Recently, the 2016 Adult Leadership Obion County class had Economic Development Day. The day consisted of a presentation from Lindsay and Katie from the Obion County Chamber on Economic Development and the Chamber of Commerce followed by a presentation from Texas Gas. The group then toured Titan Tire, Everett-Stewart Regional Airport and Final Flight. 
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!
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.

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.


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