THIS WEEK'S NEWSLETTER PRESENTED BY:
SHOP SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
The Blount Chamber wants to celebrate Small Business Saturday on November 28 with you! It's a special holiday created so communities can show love for small local businesses. And it wouldn't be a celebration without businesses like you joining us!

We are trying to get the word out about shopping locally at the beginning of the holiday season, by producing an ad in The Daily Times and doing social media posts the week leading up to Small Business Saturday. 

DOWNTOWN MARYVILLE HOLIDAY MARKET
For the fifth consecutive year, Downtown Maryville will be celebrating Small Business Saturday on November 28 by hosting a Holiday Marketplace filled with local business and local/regional makers!

Downtown businesses will fill their space with holiday cheer and goodies – so come ready to shop. This will be a great opportunity to purchase gifts for the holidays as well as support our community. On site is a free cookie decorating station with hot chocolate. Food trucks will be on the main street as well. We will be having vendors outside on the sidewalks all along Broadway.
WHAT'S NEXT FOR PPP RECIPIENTS
PYA, in conjunction with the Blount Chamber, is presenting a webinar entitled, "What’s Next for PPP Recipients—Navigating the Forgiveness Process and (Finally) Planning for the Close of 2020 for Income Tax Purposes," on December 2 from 3-4 p.m.

PYA Principals Debbie Ernsberger and Mark Brumbelow will discuss the PPP and related year-end tax strategies as we wind down 2020. Key takeaways include the following:
  • Appropriate use of PPP loan proceeds, and documents to retain for record-keeping
  • Forgiveness application forms required for completion
  • Key components of the PPP loan forgiveness application
  • Impact of forgiveness determination on expense deductibility
  • Tax planning strategies for minimizing the tax impact of forgiveness
  • Needs for legislative and guidance clarity

Register in advance for this meeting: 

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
LETTERS FOR LAMAR
Maryville's native son, Lamar Alexander, is retiring from the U.S. Senate in December. In recognition of his service to Blount County and all Tennesseans throughout his career, the Blount Partnership is gathering letters and emails to present to him during his last days on The Hill.

We will gather and bind these articles in a professional manner so Sen. Alexander can look back with fond memories.

If you wish to send Sen. Alexander a message, please send an email or attach a PDF note on company letterhead to jmuir@blountpartnership.com
THINKING AHEAD
Operation Thank You, a special opportunity for your business information to be distributed to 1400 businesses and individuals in Blount County is being moved from its traditional end of February eventto the last week of March.

“Operation Thank You” is a special event that is part of Blount Chamber’s “ABC theory” – Always Buy Chamber. It is a form of targeted marketing that lets you put your services directly in front of potential clients eager to see what you have available. This is a rare opportunity for any sort of business, and you will want to design your offer on a B2B basis (business to business). 

As you budget for 2021, be sure to include a little for swag merchandise, business promotional items or even gift certificates for your business.
GET PLACEMENT IN BASICALLY BLOUNT
The 2021  Basically Blount  lifestyle magazine and membership directory is entering production once again. This annual, full-color lifestyle magazine and chamber membership directory is initially distributed to all Chamber members starting Feb. 2021, along with distribution four times throughout the year via area professional offices, newcomers, visitors, and new businesses all looking to relocate to Blount County. DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 4.

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of Basically Blount, the importance of supporting the Chamber, and how to get your business involved, contact:

Rick Ford of Marcon Marketing at 865-705-8580

Vicki Hawkins of Marcon Marketing at 865-310-2963

We are pleased to offer a variety of advertising opportunities at cost effective rates through our media kit.


As we begin to publish, please make sure we have your latest information (i.e. contact name, address, phone, email, web address). To see what is listed, please go here. 
STEP UP YOUR NETWORKING GAME
The December 11 edition of soft skills classes offered by the Blount County Public Library is quickly approaching.

This Zoom Webinar session is entitled "Networking Strategically." Build a network that is beneficial and strategic. Learn how to avoid networking traps and break out of the mold in order to advance project and professional goals.

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
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 

December 2 from 6-7:30 pm.

December 8 from noon-1 p.m.
WHAT'S HAPPENING?
November 23-29
November 28 -- Small Business Saturday

November 30-December 5
December 5 -- Little River Run 5K

Save the Date
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 Hot 100 this week in 2000 was "Independent Women" by Destiny's Child. The song first appeared on the soundtrack to the 2000 film adaptation of Charlie's Angels (2000), serving as its lead single, and was later included on the group's third studio album, Survivor (2001). "Independent Women" was Destiny's Child's first single to feature vocals from band member Michelle Williams who had joined the band in January 2000.
NEWLETTER SPONSORS