DO YOU HAVE BIZ RELIEF FUNDS?
The Business Relief Program is for companies which have reduced revenue form the time period from April 2019 to today. The verification deadline is September 25, 2020. Included in the PDF link below is the criteria for the revenue reduction and the categories of companies which are eligible. On page 2, you will see the directions on how to assess to program on the company TNTAP account on the Department of Revenue page.

GO VIRTUAL WITH OUR AM CONNECT
We bring connections to you with our virtual networking option. Held the second Friday of every month, these online meetings are a companion to our in-person coffee clubs. Here you have the opportunity to meet new people in breakout rooms.

The next virtual event is September 11 at 8:15 a.m. sponsored by Kingdom Design Ministries.


For those who have never participated in an online meeting, here's some useful tips.
  • Please include your name and company name
  • Keep microphone muted when you aren’t speaking
  • Raise your hand (virtually) for a turn
  • Chat is available for questions
  • Look into the camera instead of looking at yourself talking on the screen 
IS YOUR BIZ RESILIENT?
Success in 90 Seminars
Creating the Resilient Firm of the Future
Sept. 2 at 8:30 a.m. | REGISTER HERE

In this session we will discuss business continuity and pandemic planning and the steps that your company can take now to protect your employees, make informed business decisions for returning to the workplace, working with clients and ensuring organizational resiliency and profitability. Presented by Kathryn Scourby, CBCP of KNS Consulting.
ARE YOU GETTING THE "MAX" FROM YOUR CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP?
Learn more about the Blount Chamber and the many opportunities that go along with being a member. Learn how to make the most of the benefits afforded to you.

The virtual event is September 9 at 10 a.m.


R E M E M B E R !
Your membership is a corporate membership. Please encourage co-workers to get involved, educated, network and promote your company via Blount Chamber events and opportunities.
NEED ASSISTANCE IN
HR, MARKETING OR ACCOUNTING?
Have you experienced supply chain disruptions, staffing challenges, a decrease in business or a business closure as a result specifically due to COVID-19

Through the CARES Act the TSBDC has received funding to hire industry professionals to provide consulting at no cost for our clients. If you need assistance in the areas of accounting, marketing and human resources contact our center!

Let our consultants help navigate the complexities of business ownership during a Pandemic.  


With barriers brought on by COVID-19, we believe small businesses still need that human connection to help identify pools of opportunity. With the simple press of a button, you can find yourself meeting virtually with a consultant who wants to help you and your business succeed on every level.
SHARE YOUR TESTIMONY
If you've ever wanted to Share your Chamber testimony about how the Blount County Chamber of Commerce has been a benefit to you during the COVID-19 pandemic or has assisted you in general. Please share with us.

We would like to use your quote on social media as a way to thank you for your investment.
COMPLETE THE CENSUS
Please complete the 2020 Census and we ask that your family and friends do the same by September 30. Blount County has a response rate of 70.2% which is below the 71.6% response rate in 2010.

The process is simple and can be completed online.

There are 12 easy questions and no citizenship questions.
Why is this important?
The 2020 Census will determine congressional representation, inform hundreds of billions in federal funding every year, and provide data that will impact communities for the next decade.
GET A GRIP ON CONFLICT
The September 25 edition of soft skills classes offered by the Blount County Public Library is quickly approaching.

This Zoom Webinar session is entitled "Conflict De-escalation and Resolution." Here, you will gain insights into your conflict management style and the styles of your team. Discover your own emotional triggers, explore ways to deal with conflict, and leave with best practices you can apply in professional and personal settings.

All participants will earn .5 CEUs per session for participating. They will also receive an email survey two months after workshop participation to assess application of new ideas.
WEBINAR CALENDAR
Building Resilience & Handling Stress In Uncertain Times
September 9 from 9-10:30 a.m. | REGISTER HERE
Do you feel empowered to respond effectively to the change in your life?

Your Leadership Journey
September 15 from 1-3 p.m. | REGISTER HERE
Are you looking for guidance on the next step in your leadership journey?
The Tennessee Small Business Development Center is hosting a myriad of online training webinars to assist you in all facets of your businesses. Take advantage of training opportunities with the SBDC at no cost.

Get the Facts on PPP and EIDL
Hear from SBA every Monday and Friday at noon ET until December 21. Find out what is a myth and what is a truth on SBA loans for small businesses. REGISTER HERE 

September 17 from 9-10:30 a.m.

September 17 from 9 a.m.-noon

September 18 from 9-11 a.m.
Grow with Google
Get Your Business on Google Search and Maps
Sept. 15 from 2-3 p.m. | REGISTER HERE

Learn about Google My Business, a free tool for local businesses that want to connect with customers on Google Search and Maps. Get (virtual) hands-on help in creating or updating your business profile or a simple website.

In this live webinar, you will learn how to:
• Create or claim your Business Profile on Google
• Manage your business info across Google Search and Maps
• Use Google My Business to connect with potential customers
• Create a free website using the info from your Business Profile
Virtual Network Training Class with Raeus Jae Cannon
Sept. 22 from 3-4:30 p.m. | REGISTER HERE

Raeus Jae Cannon asks audiences:
• How would your life and business improve if you could stop making cold calls?
• Are you prepared to steer more prospects into your funnel?
• What are you doing to accelerate and improve existing relationships?
• Would you profit from relationships that drive business to your door?

Raeus is highly energetic and enthusiastic as she asks you to "read the signs" on the networking highway. Enjoy learning common sense driving tips and techniques you can use before you leave and continue to use for years to come.
Virtual Security in a Crisis
Sept. 23 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. | REGISTER HERE
 
During this unprecedented time providing security to protect our assets can be challenging. Join us on September 23rd at 8:30 a.m. as trained Crisis Manager, retired FBI agent Ricky Hill and owner of A&A Investigations and Consulting Group shares a process he developed to protect personnel and system infrastructure.

This training will show you how to:
  • Identify your risk
  • Develop protection planning, response planning, business recovery planning and continuity planning
WHAT'S HAPPENING?
August 31-September 6
September 1 -- Tuesdays at Two

September 7-13

Save the Date
TENNESSEE PLEDGE
As businesses reopen across the state, Tennessee’s Economic Recovery Group released guidance for businesses. The Tennessee Pledge guidelines recommend capacity limits, spacing requirements, and frequent sanitization, among others.
 
The full guidance offered by the state can be found here as well as printable guidelines.
COVID-19 CASES IN BLOUNT COUNTY
Distance
The City of Maryville publishes a daily web page that breaks down all the COVID-19 cases in Blount County.

Bookmark it to make sure you know the facts.
TRACK THE ECONOMY
Credit Card
If you're interested in an economy tracking information chart from the national, state and local levels, view and interact with this website.
BE SURE YOU'RE FOLLOWING US
If you aren't following us on social media, you must. We are constantly updating information as each day progresses. So, give us a like and stay up-to-date as we move through this crisis.
 
 
And follow tourism updates here:
Here's a great way to offer Member-to-Member deals using your chamber member account. Check the deals.

Members can post Coupons and Discounts to this page at no charge. Click Here
REMEMBER WHEN
Topping the Billboard Top 100 this week in 1980 was "Sailing" by Christopher Cross. The song won Grammy Awards for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Arrangement of the Year, and helped Cross win the Best New Artist award.
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