THIS WEEK'S NEWSLETTER PRESENTED BY:
SPRING TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Here's opportunities for you from Pellissippi State beginning Spring 2021.

IMPROVING RETENTION
Are you tired of losing good employees? In this new class, learn strategies for keeping employees motivated and engaged, identifying issues early on and preventing productive employees from leaving. 

LEARNING TO LEAD
Better supervisors = better team morale. Train the current and future leaders of your company with Learning to Lead. This series focuses on leadership skills, coaching fundamentals and conflict resolution. 

ONLINE CERTIFICATIONS
Learn when it's convenient for your schedule! We offer a variety of online certificate programs in marketing, management, data analytics, human resources, bookkeeping, technology and more. View a full list of our new online certificate programs. 
LOOKING TO GET INVOLVED
If you've been wanting to host a coffee and the waiting list was too long, why not get on the list to sponsor one of our virtual coffee clubs in 2021?

Benefits of attending virtual networking:
  • Meet others that you may not have met at an in-person coffee.
  • Extend your reach outside of driving area.
  • Meet members located outside the county.
  • Multiple opportunities to meet others in smaller group breakout rooms.

Contact Jessica Hahn at jhahn@blountpartnership.com  
CYBERSECURITY BASICS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Marcus Blair, director of Poribar Digital Consulting, is hosting a webinar on Cybersecurity Basics, December 15 at 10:30 a.m. REGISTER HERE.

From Tron to Matrix to Mr. Robot, hackers have fascinated us for as long as there have been computer networks. 21st century hackers have an enormous arsenal at their disposal, but, like all predators, they want the easiest targets. A few practical steps can help keep you, your family, your identity, and your data safe.

This webinar will review some practical steps to boost your home and business cybersecurity.
I'M THE MAP
Believe it or not, people still use paper maps.

That's why the Blount County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to be partnering with the award-winning marketing and cartographic team of Town Square Publications to produce our Community Street Map and Resource Guide. This publication will help you market your business directly to area business owners, new residents and visitors for the next 18-24 months. Over 10,000 copies will be distributed via the Chamber of Commerce and through 150+ high traffic distribution points.

Advertising your business and our community via this print and online publication is very economical, but space is limited. A Town Square Publications representative will be contacting you soon but please don’t hesitate to reach your representative by calling the sales and marketing team directly at (865) 221-8877 or email marketing@tspubs.com to review the details and options.
MAKE A BREAKFAST DATE
STEP UP YOUR NETWORKING GAME
The January 29 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 18 from noon-1 p.m.
WHAT'S HAPPENING?
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 1960 was "Are You Lonesome Tonight?" by Elvis. The song spent six weeks atop the charts. Three months after its release, the single had sales of two million copies worldwide.
NEWLETTER SPONSORS