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  May 2016 Newsletter
Mission Statement:    "It's our home, we make it better." 
Welcome New Chamber Members! 
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The Winda Ninja
1319 High St. 
Union City, TN 38261
731-796-2866
benjamin@thewindaninja.com
www.thewindaninja.com
Benjamin Dees, CEO
 

JEDC Welcomes Lauren Bennett as Membership Director
 
The Obion County Joint Economic Development Council is excited to introduce Ms. Lauren Bennett as Membership Director!

Lauren was born and raised in Murfreesboro, TN and graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture Communications, minoring in Communications. Her career experience is in agriculture, sales, and marketing, most recently serving the Corporate Marketing Coordinator for Greenway Equipment in Marion, AR. At Greenway, she had a wide range of responsibilities including social media management, product promotions, advertising, sales, and customer service.

Lauren is passionate about community success and advocating for the support of local businesses. With a diverse background and career experiences, we feel that she will bring a positive presence to our community and Chamber.

Lauren will be a true asset to Obion County. Please join us in making her feel welcome at membership@obioncounty.org.
Chamber Board Member Spotlight
 
Board Member Name: Skipper Bondurant
Company Name: Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union City
Position: Administrator and Chief Executive Officer
Work Phone: 731-884-8601
 
Areas of Expertise:
I earned degrees in education, exercise and sports medicine, and business administration. I have worked in the health care industry since 2001 and have seen health care continue to change at a rapid pace. I work to ensure that our community hospital is positioned to continue to meet the medical needs of Union City and northwest Tennessee. This is my hometown community, and I am dedicated to continuing the standards in health care excellence currently in place at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union City. I enjoy maintaining a collaborative relationship with the medical staff and the community to ensure Baptist Union City is the hospital of choice for quality, patient-centered health care.
 
Other Interests:
I enjoy spending time with my wife Ginger and our children Carter and Shelby, and I have fun supporting their hobbies and interests. I have always been extremely passionate about coaching my children's sports teams. I like to lift weights and run. I participate in 5K races when I can. I enjoy spending time outdoors and hunting with family and friends. As a family, we find great joy spending time with our fellow congregants at Second Baptist Church-Union City.
 
Why did you join the Chamber?
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union City appreciates the benefits and advantages of being a member of the Obion County Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is most helpful when promoting our new physicians, programs, and services. The staff has always been so accommodating when recruiting physicians to our community and when helping us share our news with fellow Chamber members and with new families and business leaders who have moved to the area. The Chamber supports the area businesses so well with their expertise and this helps strengthen the community in all areas of growth and prosperity.
 
Why do you serve on the Board of Directors?
I consider it an honor to represent Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union City and the health care industry. As a member of the Board of Directors, I have the wonderful opportunity to discuss local hospital happenings and have the pleasure of networking and building relationships with others who are passionate about their organizations. Together, we are all proud to live, work, serve, and have fun in Obion County.
 
What is the Chamber's role in the business community?
The Chamber keeps business and civic leaders on top of important, ever-changing issues and trends within our community and local marketplace. They help bring us all together for a common purpose of growing this community's businesses.
Chamber Ambassador Member Spotlights

Ambassador Name: Allison Aumiller
Company Name: The Union City Messenger/Weakley County Press
Position: Account Representative
Work Phone: 731-885-0744
E-mail: sales@ucmessenger.com
 
Areas of Expertise:
Over 35 years' experience in printing and advertising sales. Passionate about growing her client's business and increasing their sales.
 
Other Interests:
Growing flowers and veggies in the Spring and Summer. Painting interior walls during the Fall and Winter when more time is spent indoors. This is especially true if I watch the Home and Garden network during the colder months! Crossword puzzles and any word games keep my mind alert and sharp!
 
Why did you join the Chamber?
I joined the Chamber as a method of networking in this area. Although I've done business for a couple of decades in Obion County, I recently moved here (4 years ago) and wanted to get to know the people in my new home town. I love Obion County and the NW Tennessee area. I may not have grown up here, but I came here by choice, and it's been a great choice! The Chamber is a welcoming organization and really reveals the pulse of the local business community. I especially enjoy the Business Matters meetings to educate and inform. Even if the topic is not directly related to my position, I find it beneficial for many of my clients and can help keep them informed about the issues facing business owners.
 
Why do you serve as an Ambassador?
When a new member joins the Chamber, I want to be at that ribbon cutting to encourage them and welcome them. It allows you to meet the new owner, find out about their passion and why they got into business and then help influence people to do business with them. Every successful business in Obion County is a community success. Every business contributes to our community success. I want new businesses to know and feel that.
 
Further, I've been to other Chamber's business functions. I have to say that the Obion County Chamber is one of the friendliest and inclusive Chambers I've ever encountered. Of course I want to be a part of that! I want to be a person that makes new members feel welcomed. And I want members of long standing to know how important their involvement is, too, in making our chamber one in which we can all take pride,
 
What is the Chamber's role in the business community?
To me, the Chamber's role is to encourage business in our community and to promote growth in business. That growth brings success to everyone living in our community, through jobs and tax revenues. I'm fortunate to have been involved in the Chamber, because no matter what my needs might be, there is a business within the Chamber family that I can county on for those needs. 

 

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.
The Southern Suite Salon Ribbon Cutting

We recently celebrated the opening of The Southern Suite Salon! We had a great ribbon cutting! 
McDonalds Grand Re-Opening and Ribbon Cutting

McDonald's in Union City recently celebrated their Grand Re-Opening!  
Union City Insurance Partners, LLC Ribbon Cutting

Union City Insurance Partners, LLC recently celebrated their opening with ribbon cutting! 
BB's Furniture & Mattress Gallery Ribbon Cutting

BB's Furniture and Mattress Gallery Celebrated there Ribbon Cutting! Join them May 5,6, and 7 for their grand opening days!!  
Shelter Insurance Scholarship Recipients 
 
(bottom row L-R) Ivey Westbrooks, Kyle Crawford (Back row L-R) Shelter Agents Sara Hinton, Justin Shaw, Jose Bautista Calderon. Second Picture Agent Justin Shaw and Katy-Chandler Parker. 

Shelter Insurance® Foundation and Justin Shaw announce recipients of local high school scholarships.

The Shelter Insurance® Foundation awarded three $2000 scholarships to Katy-Chandler Parker of Obion County High School, Kyle Crawford of South Fulton High School, and Ivey Westbrooks of Union City High School. Shelter Agent Justin Shaw sponsors and partially funds these scholarships.

Beginning the fall after high school graduation, Katy-Chandler, Kyle, and Ivey can direct the scholarship funds toward tuition, fees, or campus housing for any course of study leading to an academic degree at any accredited college or university.

A committee of local high school officials and community leaders selected the local recipients. The committee considered each applicant's scholastic achievements, educational goals, citizenship, moral character, and participation and leadership in school and community activities.  The scholarships are given without regard to race, disability, religion, national origin or gender of applicants.

The $2000 scholarship is paid directly to the school the recipient selects. Katy-Chandler, Kyle, and Ivey received a certificate from Justin Shaw on behalf of the Shelter Foundation.

The Shelter Insurance® Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation for charitable and educational purposes. It is sponsored by the Shelter Insurance Companies - offering auto, home, life, farm, and business insurance services to customers in 14 states via a network of local insurance agents and headquartered in Columbia, Missouri.

 
                            
Commercial Bank and Trust Welcomes New Directors
 
UNION CITY, TN.  Commercial Bank and Trust announces the addition of four new members to its Board of Directors. (Pictured top, left to right) Gordon Bruff, Chuck Doss, Lynn Jenkins and Doug Latimer have joined the Board and are excited to see what's ahead for Commercial Bank and Trust.
 
"We can't wait to see what our new Board members bring to the table. Their diverse backgrounds and experiences are sure to complement the work of Commercial Bank and Trust," said Tim Shanks, CBTC Community President-Union City.
 
Gordon Bruff is president and co-owner of Alliance Application Equipment, with stores in Troy, TN; Sikeston, MO; and Forrest City, AR. He is married to his wife, Amanda, and has a son, Jackson, and a daughter, Abby.
 
Chuck Doss is the owner of Inco Ag Irrigation and Well Services, The Tunnel Tanning Salon and Purchase Point Partners. He is the co-owner of Center Point Business Solutions, Center Point Professional Services, Mahindra of KenTenn and Ag Drainage Works. He is currently serving on the following Boards: Baptist Memorial Hospital Union City, the Promethean Foundation and the Community Concert Association of Obion County/Union City. Chuck is married to his wife, Suzanne; they have two daughters: Gracie and Katy Lane.
 
Lynn Jenkins is vice president and co-owner of Herman Jenkins Motors - Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep. He is married to his wife, Amy, and they have two daughters, Mimi Vance and Bertie.
 
Doug Latimer is the project manager with Bill Latimer Investments and the educational director of the Bill and Carol Latimer Charitable Foundation. He is married to his wife, Nancy, and they have six adult children: three boys and three girls.
 
Other current board members include Philip Pinion, John Clendenin, MD, Wright Jernigan, MD, Scott Rainey, Jim Harris, Jim Glasgow, Jr. and Jack Parker.
 
Commercial Bank and Trust was chartered in 1877. The bank has operations in Jackson, Memphis, Paris and Union City, TN. Mott Ford is the Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Bank and Trust. In Union City, the bank has offices downtown at 127 South First Street and at 815 East Reelfoot Avenue.
 
For more information on Commercial Bank and Trust Company, visit www.cbtcnet.com.
In This Issue
Archived Obion County Chamber of Commerce Newsletters

Join Our Mailing List  

 
OC Chamber Logo - Black
Topic:
OCCHS Student Co-Op Program
Presenter:
George Leake
When:
Wednesday, May 17, 2016
7:45am-9:00am
Where:
Obion County Public Library
Sponsored By:
Universal Contractors

Elizabeth Pritchett with Center Point Business Solutions presented the Facebook Top Ten Tips to Market Your Business at April Business Matters. CPBS also sponsored the event.
What is Economic Development?
By Lindsay Frilling, Obion County JEDC
I am often asked "What do you do for a living?" or "What is economic development?".  It is difficult to articulate, and many times I tell people that I help create an environment for job growth and wealth creation, thus making our community a better place to live, work, and play.  Recently, I found a video that describes economic development at it's core.  The title is, "Daddy, where do jobs come from?"  I hope you will take five minutes to watch!
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.
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