Upcoming Entrepreneur Resource Rally to be Held on May 4 in Kimball
April 24th, 2012
Local entrepreneurs, small businesses, elected officials, economic developers, and individuals interested in starting a business are invited to attend a FREE interactive workshop on “Growing Entrepreneurs in Rural Communities” on May 4 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sponsored by the Southeast Industrial Development Association in conjunction with Bledsoe, Grundy, Marion, and Sequatchie Counties, the Entrepreneur Resource Rally will bring local resources together to help those growing a small business or entrepreneurs looking to launch a new venture.
“The most valuable support for our new or growing businesses is resources and information,” commented Mike Partin, Executive Director of Sequachee Valley Electric Cooperative. “It is our hope that businesses and future entrepreneurs around this region will take advantage of this opportunity. We should be proactive with providing these resources and information in effort to help new and growing businesses succeed in our county.”
This strategic approach to economic development is locally empowered and regionally supported. Participants will hear from local entrepreneurs about resources and opportunities that are available in the area along with their “real world” experiences.
Local officials and leaders will have the opportunity to learn ways to improve the business climate within their communities. Topics of discussion will include a variety of region specific information ranging from small manufacturing to tourism. All attendees will be able to enjoy networking opportunities among the products and services offered throughout the East Tennessee region.
“Resource Rallies focus on helping local business owners become more successful and provide a starting point for anyone who would like to start a business. Growing entrepreneurs in rural communities is a proven strategy to grow jobs, build communities, and generate wealth in rural economies.” said Kathy Johnson, Program Director for SEIDA.
The event will take place at the Kimball City Hall Annex Conference Room, 675 Main Street, Kimball, TN beginning at 8 a.m. The event is free, but reservations are required. To register contact Tara Nichols at 423-424-4298 or by email tnichols@sedev.org by May 3 at 2 p.m. Click here for directions.
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Cherokee Memorial Removal Park Reaches Fundraising Goal
April 17th, 2012
Recently the Cherokee Memorial Removal Park reached their goal of raising $45,000 needed to match a grant of $180,000. The grant will fund the construction of a memorial commemorating the lives of the Cherokee who died when they were forced to leave the area in 1838.
The site marks the location at Blythe's Ferry where many of the Cherokee crossed the Tennessee River to begin the Trail of Tears.
According to the Cherokee Phoenix:
The 2,400-square-foot memorial will have a seven-point star to represent the seven Cherokee clans and seven panelswith the names of Cherokee people who crossed the Tennessee River using the Blythe Ferry. The memorial will be part of the Cherokee Removal Memorial Park that was dedicated in 2005 and includes a History Wall to tell the Cherokee story, a visitor center and supporting facilities. It was decided in 2008 to defer building the memorial until the supporting facilities were complete.
Organizers of the Cherokee Memorial Removal Park hopes to have this phase completed later in fall 2012.
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Free ‘Welcome to Medicare’ Class Held on April 19 & 26
April 10th, 2012
Are you confused about Medicare and approaching retirement age? This month, the Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program will offer a free “Welcome to Medicare” class at Eastgate Town Center on April 19 and 26. Both classes will be held from 2-5 p.m.
“This class is intended for people unfamiliar with Medicare and need to learn the basics,” said Steve Witt, Director of the Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability. “We hope people throughout the region will attend and use this opportunity to have their questions and concerns about Medicare addressed.”
Topics covered in the class will include enrollment, selection of supplemental insurance and Part D prescription insurance, and managing your benefits online.
“Welcome to Medicare" is led by Katherlyn Geter, the Regional SHIP Coordinator at the Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability. The class is free, but registration is required. Please RSVP at 1-877-801-0044. Light refreshments will be served.
For more information, please visit www.setaaad.org or email Katherlyn Geter at kgeter@sedev.org.
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Ace Hardware Express Opens in Benton Through the Help of USDA Revolving Loan Fund Program
April 5th, 2012
Local businessmen Barry and Brian Massengill, along with other family members, have expanded their operation by opening an Ace Hardware Express in downtown Benton. The Massengill family are the long-time owners of Massengill Tire Company and saw a need in the community for closer access to the materials and supplies carried by hardware stores. The Grand Opening was held in late March at the new location, which is adjacent to the Massengill Tire Company location on US Highway 411.
“We looked at several franchises, but the Ace Hardware Express program was by far the best for our area,” Barry Massengill said. “This is one of the first Ace Hardware Express stores in the nation,” he added. The Express program allows Ace Hardware to enter smaller markets and requires less investment in inventory and building than a full-sized store.
Funding assistance came from the Southeast Tennessee Development District using new Revolving Loan Funds provided through their partnership with USDA Rural Development.
Polk County Mayor Hoyt Firestone said that he was glad to see the opening of a new business in Benton. “I appreciate the Massengill brother’s continued investment and job creation in Polk County, and encourage all of our residents to buy local whenever possible,” he said.
“We are pleased that our first loan using these funds helped to create new jobs and investment in Polk County, and we appreciate the trust that Rural Development has placed in us to administer this new loan program,” stated Beth Jones, Executive Director of the Development District.
To find directions to the new store, click here for a map.
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TN SHIP Trains Volunteer Medicare Counselors
April 2nd, 2012
Braving inclement weather, a group of 24 volunteers completed the Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistant Program (TN SHIP) Medicare Counselor training in early March.
The 3-day course trained the volunteers to help seniors and other Tennesseans navigate Medicare and related health insurance programs through free and objective counseling and assistance.
“We had a great group of people,” said Tommy Preston, Assistant Director for the Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability. “This was the first time we had people take the course as a refresher as well as training new volunteers. The volunteers span all ages and walks of life – from individuals with cerebral palsy who want to be advocates for other individuals with disabilities, to housewives, and former insurance workers.”
After completing the training program, each volunteer committed to providing information counseling, consumer guidance, and community outreach each month at locations near their homes throughout the 10 counties in Southeast Tennessee.
“Prior to taking the course, the only thing I knew about Medicare was that my mother-in-law was on it,” said Valerie Royer, a participant from Hixson. “Not only was this class helpful so that I can provide information to family and friends, but I also look forward to adding Medicare counseling to my regular volunteer work.”
Sponsored by the Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability, the SHIP program trains volunteers who will provide these services in senior centers and locations throughout Bledsoe, Bradley, Grundy, Hamilton, Marion, McMinn, Meigs, Polk, Rhea, and Sequatchie Counties.
If you would like to participate in the next TN SHIP Medicare Counselor training, please contact Tommy Preston at tpreston@sedev.org.
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