It was an eager crowd of upwards of 185
businesses and community members who
gathered early at Rothchild Catering &
Conference Center on Tuesday, April 30 to
hear a sneak preview of Knox County Mayor
Glenn Jacobs vision for Knox County as
part of the Farragut West Knox Chamber of
Commerce’s Breakfast Speaker Series. The
event took place one day prior to Jacobs’
official budget address and presentation at
Central High School.
Before beginning his talk, Jacobs surprised
the audience and chamber board and staff
by having Knox County Commissioner John
Schoonmaker appear at the podium for what
he called “a very special announcement.”
Commissioner Schoonmaker then requested the presence of the entire 3-person chamber staff,
including board chairman, Beth Ann Carter-MBI Companies and immediate past chair, Tim
Williams-Matlock Tire Service & Auto Repair.
Schoonmaker then delivered the news which he stated was “an honor to present” that in
recognition for the chamber’s hard work and small business support, Mayor Jacobs had
appropriated a sum of $50,000 for the Farragut West Knox Chamber of Commerce in his inaugural
budget. Chamber President/CEO, Julie Blaylock, expressed her extreme gratitude following being
caught speechless by the presentation, later saying, “We assure you that we will continue to strive
to both meet and exceed the needs of our businesses, and we will work together with our board to
make certain this sum is put to uses which can have the greatest impact.”
Jacobs reiterated his encouragement both during the surprise presentation and at the close of his
speaking that the Chamber needed to “just keep doing great work,” adding later that week when
asked that “The Farragut West Knoxville Chamber of Commerce is a remarkable organization, and
I believe they can do an even better job with our support. They have membership from all over the
county, not just in Farragut, and they are paying big dividends back to the county.” His own business
which offices in Halls is a member as well.
The surprise presentation comes on the heels of the Chambers strategic planning sessions which
took place over two retreat days in Fall 2018. Board members and the newly seated Board Chair
took part in exercises to identify individual strengths, review the results of membership survey
which received an approximate 1/6 response rate and to collaborate on an updated version of the
Chamber’s mission.
THE NEW MISSION STATEMENT,
“To strengthen, promote, and create business opportunities through relationships
and education that encourage member success,” is led by an added vision statement,
“To be the conduit of economic vitality and foremost resource for the business
community,” and supported by a set of values: Integrity, Excellence, Stewardship,
Inclusion, and being Enterprising.
Board members formed three key taskforces to focus on improving Membership Services,
Economic Development and Community with a board director as the leader of each area and
staff supporting their efforts. One such project is already well underway under the guidance of
Jonathan Dzermejko-TDS Telecom and Katie Park-SouthEast Bank. The FWKCC F.U.E.L. (Focus.
Unite. Engage. Lead.) is a series of networkings whose goal is to evolve into a robust young
professionals program. Both the Board and President/CEO, Julie Blaylock saw a clear need to
use the chamber’s successful weekly networkings to target different industry and demographic
sectors of the membership. The first event was held at The Casual Pint Farragut on May 1 and
saw excellent attendance with guests/visitors asking when the next one would be (it’s July 11).
Any young professionals or students are encouraged to contact the Chamber to get involved.
Further details can be found at www.farragutchamber.com.
Chamber Excited
For New Partnerships
And Programs
CALL 865-675-7057 FOR FURTHER DETAILS AND QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CHAMBER’S SPECIAL EVENTS.
SUMMER 2019 FARRAGUT LIFE 11
/www.farragutchamber.com