20 24 Annual Report
Cultivating Change for the Next Generation
A LETTER FROM OUR LEADERSHIP
Dearmember,
Aswereflectonthepastyear,thethemeofCultivatingChangefortheNext Generationhasresonateddeeplyacrossallwedo.Together,wehavecelebrated meaningfulchangeandprogress,layingthegroundworkforfuturegenerationsto thriveinourcommunity.Atthesametime,wehavefacedchallenges,including thehardchangesbroughtbyanaturaldisasterthattestedourresolve.Yet, throughthesetrials,theresilienceofourbusinesscommunityhasshonebrightly Businessessupportedoneanother,adaptedtonewrealitiesanddemonstrated thestrengththatdefinesourregion.Aswemoveforwardin2025,theChamberof Commerce,servingJohnsonCity,JonesboroughandWashingtonCounty,remains steadfastinitsmissiontohelpbusinessesmaketheireconomicimpact Withyour continuedpartnership,wewillbuildonthelessonsofthisyearandcreateeven greateropportunitiesfornextyear.
Thankyouforbeingpartofthisjourneyandforyourdedicationtoshapinga brighterfuture.
Bob Cantler President/CEO
Bob Cantler
Elisa Britt
Lauri Hale
Hope Lewis Cooper Reaves
Caleb Tull
OUR CHAMBER TEAM
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-Keddrain Bowen Chamber Board Chair
-Jeff Dykes Chamber Foundation Chair
Cultivating Business Development
This year has been a remarkable one for business development at the Chamber. Our commitment to fostering growth and cultivating meaningful opportunities for businesses of all sizes has yielded exciting outcomes. Through collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision, we’ve supported our members in navigating challenges and capitalizing on new opportunities.
Whether through impactful programming, connections made at key events or valuable resources offered throughout the year, our efforts have contributed to a thriving and dynamic business community. As we look ahead, we are inspired by the resilience and ambition of our local businesses, and we remain dedicated to helping you succeed.
Thank you for being an integral part of our Chamber family and for allowing us to partner in your success.
-CalebTull
-DavidNelson Director of Membership & Business Development Chair, Business Development Council
Business
Development Partner Sponsors
$500k+ raised in relief funds for flood-affected businesses through Region A.H.E.A.D.
$22,000 in business assistance funds
$10,000 in seed money awarded to new businesses
18 new businesses launched through CO.STARTERS
1 new Director of Membership & Business Development hired in August
#1 fastest growing community for new businesses in US (MoneyGeek Magazine)
FAST FACTS 5000+
views on Johnson City candidate video interviews 1627
Tennessee bills reviewed by Chamber staff and council
10 virtual meetings with Northeast TN delegation
8 pieces of business legislation successfully advocated for
7 legislative events with local, state and federal officials
Cultivating Government Relations
FAST FACTS
This year, the Chamber has been proud to serve as a respected voice and lasting advocate for the business community in government relations. By cultivating relationships with elected officials and championing policies that support business growth, we’ve helped amplify the needs and concerns of our members at all levels of government.
3 Chambers working together to advocate for businesses of Northeast Tennessee
Our work has centered on building relationships, fostering open dialogue and ensuring that your perspectives are heard on critical issues at every level of government. It’s through this collaborative approach that we have been able to navigate challenges and celebrate significant milestones together.
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As we reflect on the progress we’ve made, we are grateful for your trust and involvement. Thank you for your partnership as we continue to advocate for a stronger, more prosperous community.
-CooperReaves
-JohnGoetz Director of Marketing & Communications Chair, Government Relations Council
Government Relations Partner Sponsors
Cultivating Membership
This year has been a celebration of connection, collaboration and growth within our Chamber membership. We’ve been inspired by the enthusiasm and engagement of our members, who have shown that together, we can cultivate incredible opportunities and accomplish remarkable things. But above all, we have seen that our members will step up and support each other and their community they call home.
Through a variety of programs, networking opportunities and events, we’ve strived to ensure that each member finds value in their Chamber experience. It has been exciting to see new members join our ranks and longtime members deepen their involvement, strengthening the fabric of our business community
Your commitment to the Chamber is what drives our success, and we are truly grateful for your partnership. Here’s to another year of growth and shared achievements! Thank you for letting us be a part of it!
-Bob Lauri Cooper Elisa Caleb&Hope
-TheChamberAmbassadors
Membership Programs Partners & Supporters
620 total members
531 members as small businesses
86 new members joining this year
40 membership events
31 ribbon cuttings
89 Model Members
$61,633 in extra funds from Model Members dues for business and community development programs
FAST FACTS
Cultivating Workforce Development
The success of our local economy depends on a strong and adaptable workforce, and this year, we made incredible strides toward cultivating that strength. By fostering partnerships between businesses, educational institutions and community organizations, we’ve been able to provide solutions to meet the workforce needs of today and prepare for tomorrow.
Our initiatives focused on equipping individuals with the skills and resources they need to thrive, while also helping businesses connect with talented professionals ready to make an impact. Your business helps fuel our region’s economic growth, and developing our workforce to match that growth is key.
Thank you for the privilege to work alongside you as we shape a workforce that reflects the strength and potential of our community.
-ElisaBritt
-HopeLewis Director of Leadership & Engagement Director of Young Professional & Workforce Development
-JennyLockmiller Chair, Workforce Development Council
Cultivating Young Professionals FAST FACTS
This year, the Chamber’s young professional initiatives have been a source of energy, innovation, and progress. By cultivating spaces where emerging leaders can learn, connect, and grow, we have reinforced our commitment to empowering the next generation of talent. These programs are not only investments in individuals but also in the future success of our entire community.
From dynamic professional development workshops to launching a YP On Campus at ETSU organization, we’ve seen young professionals build confidence, forge relationships and make meaningful contributions to their organizations and beyond. Their passion for learning and drive to succeed have been truly inspiring, reminding us that the strength of our community lies in its people.
Thank you for supporting the next generation of leaders and for believing in the power of progress.
-HopeLewis
-NathanFarnor Director of Young Professional & Workforce Development Chair, Young Professional Advisory Council
Young Professional Development Partner Sponsors
$20k+ raised for flood relief efforts
1000+ event attendees throughout the year
195 members
80 events throughout the region
25+ community service hours contributed locally
3 years of the YP program
1 new Director of Young Professional & Workforce Development hired in August
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR BOARDS:
Board of Directors
Keddrain Bowen, Chair, Fanatics101
Kim Hall, Chair-Elect, Citi
David Nelson, Sec./Trsr., FoundersForge
Scott Ledford, Past Chair, CMDA
Jeff Dykes, Foundation Chair, Brightridge
Adam Walton, Eastman Credit Union
Kevin Broyles, Farm Bureau Insurance
Ashely Grindstaff, Mall at Johnson City
Ryan McKinney, Keller Williams Realty
Dr. Susan McCracken, ETSU
Kenny Shafer, Ballad Health/JCMC
Michael Simpson, Bank of Tennessee
Dan Eldridge, Grace Meadows Farm
Foundation Board of Directors
Jeff Dykes, Chair, Brightridge
Kristie Hammonds, Frontier Health
Allen Rau, Six Rivers Media/JCPress
Rob Campbell, All About Blinds
Craig Charles, Crown Cutz Academy
John Goetz, Ballad Health
Don Kiefer, Regions Bank
Jenny Lockmiller, ETSU
Charles Bolton, General Shale
Matt Bolton, Herndon, Coleman & McKee
Nathan Farnor, ETSU
Greg Harvey, Bristol Motor Speedway
John Hunter, First Community Bank
Abby Zuniga, 4C Aesthetics
Andy Dietrich, Chair-Elect, Champion Chervolet GMC
Hugh Ferguson, Secretary/Treasurer
Mark Kinser, Past Chair, Retired-General Shale
Cathy Byers, Eastman Credit Union
Tammy Gorzka, Katz Americas
Tony Treadway, Creative Energy
Jennifer Keller, Baker Donelson
David Reynolds, First Horizon Bank
Chuck Mason Jr., Retired-Mason Equipment
Tembra Aldridge, Retired-wpg
Dr. McKenzie Highsmith, Gatton College of Pharmacy
David Talley, Talley Financial
Melissa Steagall-Jones, Blackbun, Childers & Steagall
Thank you to our board members who have completed their board service to the Chamber:
Ashley Grindstaff
Ryan McKinney
Matt Bolton
Cathy Byers
Tammy Gorzka
Tony Treadway
Jennifer Keller
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR COUNCILS:
Business Development Council, Chaired by David Nelson, FoundersForge
Government Relations Council, Chaired by John Goetz, Ballad Health
Workforce Development Council, Chaired by Jenny Lockmiller, ETSU
Young Professional Advisory Council, Chaired by Nathan Farnor, ETSU
The Chamber Ambassadors
2024 MODEL MEMBERS
A.O. Smith
Abundant Christian Living Community
Acorn Electrical Specialists
ACTS Fleet
Advance Financial
Alfatec Industries
Anthony Delucia
Assured Partners/Trustpoint
Atmos Energy
Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell
Ballad Health
Bank of Tennessee
Barge Design Solutions, Inc.
Barnes Exterminating Company
Bethel Housing
Bill Breeding
Blackburn Childers & Steagall CPA’s
Blackthorn Club LLC
Bluecross Blueshield of Tennessee
Bowman Jewelers
BrightRidge Broadband
Bristol Motor Speedway
Building Systems Technology
Century 21 Legacy
Chuck Mason
Cintas
Citizens Bank
City of Johnson City
Comfort Systems USA
Commercial Bank
Criterion Services
Crown Cutz Academy of Barber & Style
Crown Laboratories
David Frizzle, CPA
Dr David T Hamilos
East TN Rent-Alls
Eastman
ebm-papst, inc.
Eclipse Bank
Elizabethton Federal Savings Bank
Emory & Henry University
ETSU – Center for Appalachian Studies
ETSU – Division of Business & Finance
ETSU – Martin Center for the Arts
Face Amusement
Fanatics 101
Firehouse Restaurant & Catering
First Bank & Trust
First Citizens Bank
Food City
Ford Creek Village
Four Oaks Healthcare Center
General Shale
Go Mini’s Moving & Storage
Good Samaritan Ministries
Grace Meadows Farm
Greater Eastern Credit Union
Greater Impact Reality
High Road Agency
Holston Habitat for Humanity
Holston Medical Group
HREH LLC
HSN Fulfillment Center
Humane Society
Hunter Smith & Davis, LLP
Inspire Business Interiors
J A Street & Associates
Johnson City Eye Clinic
Johnson City Insurance
Junior League of Johnson City
KatzAmericas
Kustom Kleaning Services
Little Caesars Pizza
Mayes Brothers Tool
Milligan University
Mitch Cox Companies
Modern Forge of TN, LLC
Mountain Commerce Bank
Mullican Flooring L P
Onin Staffing
Prestige Aesthetics
Realty Trust Group, LLC
ReMax Checkmate Realtors, Inc
Ruth Ellis-Digregorio
SAIBM LLC
Second Harvest Food Ban
Segra
Shafer Insurance Agency
Silicon Ranch
Sleep Inn & Suites
State Farm Dishner Agency
Stowaway Storage
Stowers Machinery
Superior Plumbing
Sync Space
Talley Financial
Taproom – YeeHaw Brewing
Tetrick Funeral & Cremation
The Haven @ Knob Creek
The Mall at Johnson City
Thomas Weems Architect
Tiebreakers
Townview Senior Living
Tri-Cities Airport Authority
Tri-Cities Behavioral Therapy
Triad Packaging (Pratt)
Universal Storage Solutions
Veterans Affairs Med. Center
Washington Co Dept of Edu
Watauga Lake Winery
Widener Insurance Agency
Woolfson Eye Institute
Workspace Interiors
Zaxby’s
Stateline Services
Thank you to these members who voluntarily double their dues to support our programming!
