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01.28.10
Chamber, Cities Viewing Bristol Through Green-Colored Glasses
The future of Bristol as a green city is looking rosier, as Bristol Chamber and city officials announced a kick-start to local green initiatives, beginning with the official recognition of National Green Week in Bristol February 1-5.
Bristol Tennessee Mayor, Fred Testa joined Bristol, Virginia Mayor, Jim Rector in signing the joint resolution proclaiming National Green Week in Bristol, and encouraging the community of Bristol to develop environmental stewardship in children, youth, families and adults using the activities of Green Week to educate and invite participation of all citizens young and old.
According to Genette Yates, Director of Keep Bristol Beautiful (KBB), Green Week activities in Bristol are a collaboration between the Bristol Public Library, the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, the city schools, the city leaders and the Bristol community, and serve as a launching point for green initiatives that will take place throughout the year.
Yates added the collaboration will infuse new enthusiasm into the environmental programs KBB has led for nearly three decades, and help a whole new generation to see green through innovative programming designed to take the green message from the schoolyards to the Board rooms of Bristol.
In defining the goals for Bristol’s green initiatives, Beth Rhinehart, Chairman of Bristol’s Green Committee, noted that the initiatives must start small, have attainable goals, and must begin with the youth.
“We must realize the importance of helping our children develop smart habits regarding their relationship with the environment, rather than trying to change bad habits later in life,” she said. The Committee has created a set of ten easy steps to help the community go green.
“These are very simple steps than anyone can do,” said Rhinehart. “They don’t require a lot of sacrifice and the payoff is measurable. And, perhaps most importantly, they are just as beneficial in the workplace as they are in the home,” she added.
The goals include simple steps such as bringing your own coffee mug, replacing one car trip a week with walking, bicycling or carpooling, switching to compact fluorescent bulbs, turning off the water while brushing your teeth, unplugging appliances when not in use, adjusting the thermostat two degrees up in the summer, and two degrees down in the winter, and recycling.
Terrie Smith-Talbert, Director of Community Relations for the City of Bristol, TN, unveiled that city’s new green website. Visitors to the website can follow Bristol, Tennessee’s ongoing green efforts and activities, have access to maps of the city’s expansive bike and pedestrian trails and receive information on everything from alternate energy solutions, to water conservation.
The Bristol Public Library is hosting a special Green Week speaker series, featuring G. Dodd Galbreath, founding Executive Director of Lipscomb University’s Institute for Sustainable Practice who will present, “Greening Your Business for Survival in The New Economy,” on February 3 at 11:30 a.m. Dave Barrie, producer of the award-winning documentary, “Kilowatt-Ours,” will be the keynote speaker for a community address on February 4 at 6:30 p.m., while his sister, Jennifer, will offer a Children’s presentation where participants will receive an energy-efficient light bulb. Additional information is available by calling the Bristol Public Library, 276-645-8780.
“The fact that Bristol is among the first communities in the region to combine resources, research environmental initiatives and sustainability, and then, package that information in a way that is accessible to the public, speaks volumes about its leadership and its citizens,” said Yates. “Bristol has a brand…and it’s green,” she added.
01.20.10
Bristol Chamber of Commerce Marks 100th Annual Awards Celebration
A century of business advocacy, a lifetime of philanthropy and a year of change, marked the Bristol Chamber of Commerce’s 100th Annual Awards celebration held January 20.
According to David Wagner, 2009 Chairman of the Bristol Chamber Board of Directors, “Volunteer engagement is a critical factor for ensuring the success of chambers of commerce.” To honor those individuals, several local professionals were recognized for the significant contribution they have made to enhancing the quality of life in Bristol and beyond, by virtue of their strong commitment to volunteerism.
Long-time Bristol businessman and philanthropist, Carol Martin “Bill” Gatton is this year’s recipient of the Bristol Chamber’s Lifetime Achievement Award. In a career that has spanned five decades, Gatton was chosen not only for building a successful automotive empire that spans three states, but for the countless successful business professionals he has inspired through his generous endowments to many schools and universities through the Bill Gatton Foundation including: the University of Kentucky, which named its College of Business and Economics for him; the College of Pharmacy at East Tennessee State University; the Gatton Academy of Math and Sciences at Western Kentucky University; Virginia Intermont College; Emory and Henry College; and King College. He has also provided support to local Tennessee and Virginia public schools. In addition, he has been a major contributor to the Mayo Foundation and the Wharton Graduate School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Other awards for volunteerism were presented to: Tim Buchanan, Convention and Visitors Bureau Service Award; Mike Cook, Keep Bristol Beautiful Service Award; and Amy Christian, Leadership Service Award.
Keynote speaker, Phyllis Qualls-Brooks, Assistant Commissioner, Community & Industry Relations, for the State of Tennessee’s Department of Tourist Development, addressed the importance of the tourism industry to the region, and praised the region as a travel destination.
Qualls-Brooks defined the individual cities in the region as “sometimes competitors, but always companions to bring tourists to the region.” Citing the rise in popularity of heritage tourism, such as Civil War trails and music trails, Qualls-Brooks urged the audience to focus on Bristol’s numerous assets, “Work tirelessly to promote and connect them to generate economic growth,” she said.
In a year that marked the 100th Anniversary of the Bristol Chamber, the century theme was a common one for the Bristol Chamber. Pete Holler, Co-Chair of the Chamber’s 100th Anniversary Committee highlighted the very visible achievements the organization has been responsible for the past year, including the launch of a new branding campaign, a celebratory black-tie gala, keepsake publications, and the introduction of a 20-foot guitar at the corner of State Street and Volunteer Parkway which serves as a daily reminder of Bristol’s musical provenance.
And the century celebration continues, according to Holler. “Preparations are being made to create a time capsule filled with the sights, sounds and writings that have made this 100th year so very special,” he said.
Outgoing Board Chairman, David Wagner, passed the gavel to incoming Chair, Carolyn Ferrell. Ferrell is Vice President of Edwards & Associates, Inc., a division of Bell Helicopter, Textron.
“2009 was a milestone for the Bristol Chamber of Commerce. We have moved into a new era. The signs of Bristol’s history, heritage and prosperity can be seen throughout the two cities,” said Ferrell. In looking to the year ahead, Ferrell noted the Bristol Chamber will immerse itself in issues such as improving schools, health care and the environment. “Each of you has a chance to share your talent and resources that will make a difference in generations to come,” she added.
The 2010 Bristol Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors includes Mike Browder, Amy Burk, Eric Clark, Carol Cross, Jack Dempsey, Jody Dutcher, Scott Emerine, Carl Esposito, Mark Esposito, Donna Felty, Carolyn Ferrell, Brock Fleenor, Anita Foster-Machado, Karen Hester, Michael Leffel, Greg Neal, Israel O’Quinn, David Ring, Travis Ringley, Wes Rosenbalm, Leah Ross, Larry Shaver, Tom Taylor, Kevin Triplett, David Wagner, Mark Webb and Mike Wells.
Corporate sponsors for the Bristol Chamber’s Award Celebration were Bristol Motor Speedway, Event Sponsor; Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Bristol Convention Center, Venue Sponsor and Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, Entertainment Sponsor.
Centennial Table Sponsors: Alpha Natural Resources, Bank of Tennessee, BB&T, Bristol Herald Courier/WJHL, Bristol Regional Medical Center, Bristol Tennessee Essential Services, Bristol Virginia Utilities, Charter Business, Citizens Bank, Comfort Systems - USA Bristol, Edwards & Associates, Inc., Electro Mechanical Corporation/Federal Pacific, First Bank & Trust , First Tennessee Bank, Food City, Graceway Pharmaceuticals, Inc., King College, King Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Mountain States Health Alliance, NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership, PennStuart, Seaman Corporation and Snack Alliance, Inc.
Special thanks to Steve Hawkins, WCYB News Director, for serving as Master of Ceremonies.
09.09.09
Bristol Chamber of Commerce Reveals Christmas Parade Plans
Although the memory of summer is still fresh, and the brilliant hues of autumn have yet to emerge, the Bristol Chamber of Commerce has finalized details for the 28th Annual Downtown Bristol Christmas Parade.
This year, downtown Bristol will be aglow with festive cheer, as the parade marks its much-anticipated return to a nighttime event on Thursday, December 3. The parade will get underway at 7 p.m. with the caravan of holiday cheer winding up Bob Morrison Boulevard and State Street through historic downtown Bristol.
Grand Marshals for the parade will be J4, winners of CBS’ Early Show Singing Family Face-Off. J4 is a family of six from Bluff City, TN comprised of Jessi, age 16, Jeddi, age 14, Josiah, age 9 and Sophi, age 7. Each of the siblings brings something different to their sound, which is drawn from a variety of styles. J4 will lead floats, marching bands and precede the official arrival of that notable ambassador from the North Pole, Santa.
“In recent years, the public has requested the annual Christmas Parade be held in the evening,” said Lisa Meadows, President and CEO of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce. “An evening event lends to the festive holiday atmosphere downtown, and will help usher in a holiday season that harkens back to another time as our eclectic group of downtown restaurants, businesses and boutiques welcome parade-goers to a vibrant and thriving retail center,” she added.
Local businesses, civic and volunteer organizations, church groups, bands, schools, neighborhood groups and beauty contestants are all invited to participate. Parade entry fees are: Commercial/Float, $130; Commercial/Non-Float, $45; Non-Profit/Float, $30; and Beauty Contestants, $35 (beauty contestants must furnish their own vehicle).
To accommodate the parade route, the cities will close Bob Morrison Boulevard and State Street to through traffic beginning at 5 p.m. on December 3. Parade participants will convene in the parking lot of the former Goody’s location on Bob Morrison Boulevard beginning at 5:30 p.m., where they will be placed in the parade lineup.
Corporate sponsors for the 28th Annual Downtown Bristol Christmas Parade include: Bristol Herald Courier, Bristol Tennessee Essential Services, Bristol Virginia Utilities, Dex, Publisher of the EMBARQ Yellow pages, Snack Alliance, the Cities of Bristol, Tennessee and Bristol, Virginia and the Bristol Chamber of Commerce.
The deadline for parade entry is Wednesday, November 18, 2009. For additional information, contact: Trish Buckles, Bristol Chamber of Commerce, 423.989.4850.
09.08.09
Entrepreneur Program Comes To Tri-Cities
Business owners and potential entrepreneurs from Bristol and the surrounding area are invited to attend Entrepreneur Express: Moving Your Business Forward, a workshop designed to deliver practical, hands-on training and provide information on available business resources. The workshop will be held September 17 from 9 a.m. – Noon at the King College Student Center Complex, Bristol, TN.
An economic downturn is a time of increased stress on business owners of all sizes, most severely on small business owners. The Bristol Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Virginia Department of Business Assistance to host a workshop focused on helping new and existing businesses connect to resources to help “weather the storm,” and keep businesses going in the region. With nearly a dozen resource providers in one location, the workshop will provide the boost business owners need to get out of neutral and move forward, or launch a new business.
The workshop is designed to provide information on available business resources and deliver practical, hands-on training covering key elements of business practice, and will feature strategies to build sales, including information on how to start and operate a business, grow an existing business, develop a marketing strategy, obtain financing and find available resources.
Admission is free and pre-registration is required. Attendees with specific interests or resource needs will receive follow-up attention from the workshop’s participating partner organizations.
The lead partner for Entrepreneur Express is the Virginia Department of Business Assistance, working with the Virginia Tourism Corporation, Virginia Cooperative Extension, SCORE, People Inc., Virginia Economic Bridge, and the Virginia Small Business Development Center Network. The workshop marks the first Tennessee/Virginia Entrepreneur Express collaboration, and the second collaboration with the Bristol Chamber.
For more information or to register, visit www.vastartup.org or contact Karen Witcher, Bristol Chamber of Commerce, 423.989.4850.
08.04.09
Business Seminar Links Virginia, Tennessee Entrepreneurs
Virginia’s popular Growing $ales Seminar will cross state lines for the first time when King College hosts entrepreneurs from the Tri-State Region on Thursday, August 13. The seminar, coordinated by the Virginia Department of Business Assistance (VDBA), introduces early stage and mature businesses to potential new markets and the tools and resources needed to access them.
“Holding a Growing $ales Seminar in Tennessee is recognition that markets cross state lines and that the Bristol area economy is interdependent,” explained Wayne Waldrop, Director of Business Information Services for the Virginia Department of Business Assistance. “I salute the tremendous cooperation among local organizations throughout the tri-states border that are helping to bring this event to Bristol.”
Growing Sales Seminar will cover finding new markets in the private sector and selling to Federal, state, and local governments. Free or inexpensive marketing techniques will be discussed and participants will learn to think creatively about business opportunities. At the conclusion of the seminar, participants will have the opportunity to network with state and local buyers from the region.
The seminar is free and will take place from 8:30 to Noon at the King College Student Center Complex. Advanced registration is requested. Visit http://www.vastartup.org to register online and see the list of sponsors and participating organizations. For questions, or register by phone, contact Karen Witcher at the Bristol Chamber Commerce at 423-989-4850.
VDBA supports economic development in the Commonwealth by working with new and existing businesses to provide workforce incentives, loans, business information, procurement assistance and educational opportunities for the business and economic development communities. VDBA also administers the Business One Stop and Virginia Business Information Center (VBIC), providing answers and solutions to business related inquiries. VBIC can be contacted by calling (804) 371-0438, (866) 248-8814 (toll free), or by e-mailing VBIC@VDBA.VIRGINIA.GOV.
07.27.09
Bristol Chamber Supports King College Medical School
Citing a positive impact on regional economic development, and the ability to fill a need for primary care physicians in the area, the Board of Directors of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce has voted to support the efforts of King College in the formation of a new medical school in Bristol.
In doing so, the Bristol Chamber of Commerce joins other business leaders in the Tri-Cities who have voiced their support of the project, including Bristol and Kingsport governing bodies and the Sullivan County Commission.
“We believe that the entire region will benefit from this endeavor,” said Lisa Meadows, President and CEO of the Bristol Chamber. “A premier educational medical education environment could guide an infusion of health care professionals into our workforce,” she added.
According to Meadows, the Bristol Chamber supports the vision of King College to create a medical school to enhance numerous aspects of the community, including economic development and overall quality of life.
“The Medical School would not only impact the Bristol community, but the region as a whole, creating thousands of high paying jobs and generating billions of dollars for local economies,” she said.
Meadows pointed out research shows that other medical businesses such as manufacturers, health care providers, and other research organizations evolve from medical schools.
“The business community would greatly benefit from such an investment in our region’s future and the Bristol Chamber is proud to support such an effort,” Meadows added.
King College announced plans for the medical school in November 2008 with a vision of creating the $150 million school of medicine in Kingsport and Bristol by 2012.
07.15.09
Bristol Chamber Presents Social Media Seminar
The Bristol Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with The Tombras Group, will present Social Media: The Basics And Beyond Thursday, July 16 from 10 a.m until noon at the Bristol Trainstation.
Social media channels like Facebook and Twitter help shape opinions about corporations and businesses, products and services. According to Lori Cogan, Senior VP of Integrated Marketing for The Tombras Group, the two-hour seminar will help business leaders harness that marketing power for their own organizations.
“We will cover the basics, do some hands-on training and share social media ideas business leaders can apply right away,” said Cogan. Participants are encouraged to bring their laptop computer.
The workshop will be led by Cogan and David Jacobs, Director of Tombras Interactive. The cost is $10, and you need not be a Bristol Chamber member to attend. Registration is required by calling 423.989.4850.
06.10.09
Bristol Chamber, Addilynn Memorial United Methodist Church Offer Employment Workshop
The Bristol Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with Addilynn Memorial United Methodist Church, will host a workshop entitled “Finding Your Next Job,” June 23 from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm at Addilynn Memorial United Methodist Church.
Facilitated by senior-level Human Resource professionals, the workshop will assist displaced workers in resume writing, interview skills, provide insight to local job searches, and new job preparation. The workshop is also designed to help existing employees advance their career by providing a variety of tools and skillset evaluations.
There is no charge for the workshop, but pre-registration is required by calling 423-764-1747 or via email, Addilynn@charterinternet.com. Lunch will be provided. For additional information, contact Addilynn Memorial United Methodist Church, 423-764-1747 or the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, 423-989-4850. The Addilynn Memorial United Methodist Church facility is located at 3225 Avoca Road in Bristol,TN.
04.29.09
Bristol Chamber Unveils 100th Anniversary Icon, Changes Tune Of Tourism
Construction activity taking place at the front corner of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce parking lot over the course of the past six weeks has generated a flurry of public speculation about what the project could be. The object of speculation was revealed at a media conference on Wednesday, April 29 at the Chamber offices when officials unveiled a 20-foot guitar that will commemorate the organization’s 100-year anniversary, as well as serve as a gateway to tourism in the region.
According to Pete Holler, Co-Chair of the Chamber’s 100th Anniversary Committee, all members were in agreement that a special project should be undertaken to mark this auspicious milestone for the organization.
“The criteria for the project was that it needed to be something uniquely Bristol, and it needed to be visible to those who live here, and welcoming to those who visit,” Holler said.
And the guitar certainly will be visible. According to recent traffic counts released by the City of Bristol, TN, 10.76 million vehicles pass through the intersection of State Street and Volunteer Parkway, the corner where the Chamber offices are located, each year.
Lisa Meadows, President & CEO of the Bristol Chamber, says the idea for a high-visibility reference to the Chamber’s centennial was formed over a year ago. “At the time, we were inspired by some of the commemorative markers that were being displayed in larger metropolitan areas,” she said. “We initially considered a commemorative seal, but we wanted something that represented the embodiment of Bristol, as well as serving as a reminder of the Chamber’s anniversary.
The design phase of the project was awarded to Bristol architectural and engineering firm, Thompson & Litton, who tuned up the commemorative ideas and developed the concept for the 20-foot guitar.
“The guitar rests partially in the ground, as though growing from it, and stands as a new beacon for Bristol, as the Birthplace of Country Music,” said Scott Wilson, Professional Engineer with Thompson & Litton. “The design responds to a rich musical history with a folk art air to embody the unique cultural heritage of the City of Bristol,” Wilson added.
While the idea of a 20-foot guitar may sound good on the drawing board, the actual task of making the guitar a reality fell to Johnson City-based Snyder Signs. With strong expertise in the fabrication of sculptural signage, the project was music to the ears of Snyder’s fabricators.
“Based on the original concepts from Scott Wilson and Emily Hope with Thompson & Litton, our design team drafted a structure that is the marriage of many different materials,” said Rod Snyder, Owner, Snyder Signs.
A feat of engineering that required over 700 hours of precision labor, the guitar is formed around an internal steel structure with hidden supports and framework. Snyder explained that a large underground concrete and steel reinforced foundation, along with a flat stone rock base, creates the foundation that holds the guitar secure. The neck of the guitar is a combination of machined parts along with composite molded construction in order to achieve strength and durability, yet keep the weight of the structure to a minimum.
It’s an icon, a beacon for tourism, and an identifier for Bristol, but the fact remains that Bristol’s new 20-foot guitar is, above all, an inspired work of art.
“The neck even supports steel cables that mirror in scale the proper size guitar strings,” said Snyder. “Many of the components and details that you see are either machined or hand crafted in order to gain a level of realism not normally seen in a structure this size,” he added.
“I can’t think of a more fitting icon to welcome visitors to our region,” said Jeff Byrd, Co-Chair of the Chamber’s 100th Anniversary Committee. “This is a project that will continue to grow, sharing the legacy of the Bristol Chamber, as well as celebrating the city’s birthright as the Birthplace of Country Music,” he added. Byrd explained that the guitar unveiling represents the first phase of the legacy project. Additional phases to be completed over the next five years will include additional components and public reflecting areas created from a historical perspective.
“The entire project is positive for Bristol, tourism and the Chamber,” said Byrd.
According to David Wagner, Chairman of the Bristol Chamber Board of Directors, the project was funded through the Gold Club membership of the Chamber. “This is a project of our Gold Club that is to commemorate the chamber’s 100th anniversary,” he said.
“The Gold Club is comprised of nearly 50 Chamber members who pay additional dues earmarked to fund capital projects and improvements to the Chamber office,” Wagner added.
The unveiling of the new Bristol gateway icon isn’t the first time in the Chamber’s 100-year history the organization has been involved with launching a regional icon. What visitors now recognize as the historic Bristol sign was a promotional project of the Bristol Chamber first displayed in the early 1900s. The sign, which touts Bristol as “A Good Place To Live,” is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Bristol Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1909, and includes approximately 750 business members, primarily from the Tri-Cities region.
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