FROM THE PRESIDENT/CEO WELCOME
Dear Reader,
As we have completed the first month of this new year, I’m thrilled to share my excitement for what’s ahead for Washington County and the Chamber of Commerce This past month, we proudly inducted our new Board Chair, Kim Hall, whose leadership and vision will guide us as we build on our successes and pursue fresh opportunities. This year is shaping up to be one of growth, collaboration and innovation. We’re welcoming new faces to our membership and seeing new businesses take root in our community, each contributing to the vitality and prosperity of Washington County At the Chamber, we are committed to helping shape a connected and thriving community by offering strategic programming, dedicated advocacy and valuable resources that support your success. Together, we’ll tackle challenges, celebrate achievements and create lasting impacts that benefit not only our businesses but all who call Washington County home.
Thank you for being an integral part of this journey. We’re honored to work alongside you, and we can’t wait to share this exciting year with all of you
Here’s to a remarkable year of progress, and here’s to our goal to Thrive in ‘25!
Bob Cantler | President/CEO
OURTEAM
Bob Cantler President/CEO
Lauri Hale Director of Finance & Operations
Elisa Britt Director of Leadership & Engagement
Hope Lewis Director of Young Professional & Workforce Dev
Cooper Reaves Director of Marketing & Government Relations
Caleb Tull Director of Membership & Business Development
110thAnnualMeeting
PRESENTED BY FOOD CITY
The Chamber held its 110th Annual Meeting on January 14 at the ETSU D P Culp Student Center, marking the end of one year of service to the business community and the beginning of a new one Over 340 business leaders gathered to recap the past year of the Chamber’s operations and celebrate the incoming Board of Directors Chair. 2024 Board of Directors Chair Keddrain “KD” Bowen (Fanatics101) passed the gavel to 2025 Chair Kim Hall.
Hall is the Manager of Pre-Charge-Off Collections and the Interim Head of Credit & Collections at Citi, as well as the Site Head of
Citi’s Service Center in Gray Hall has sat on the Chamber’s Board of Directors since 2019, bringing almost 40 years of experience in business, customer service and operational excellence. Hall’s theme for her term is “RAFT: Rebuild our region, Attract talent, Foster innovation, Thrive in ’25.”
“I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the 2025 Board Chair,” said Hall. “I have been part of the Chamber for years, and I know the important work we do in building up our local businesses, and I am looking forward to continuing that in this new year.”
Before adjourning, the Chamber awarded Chamber Ambassador Roxanne Henley (Pisgah Roofing & Restoration) the Volunteer of the Year Award and inducted Jennifer Keller, President and COO of Baker Donelson Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC, into the Chamber Hall of Fame. Keller served as the Chamber Board Chair in 2020, leading the Chamber to navigate many ups and downs, including the COVID-19 pandemic. During her term Keller spearheaded a Five-Year Strategic Plan for the Chamber, identifying opportunities for growth in business development, marketing and communications and young professional development Each of these areas led to three new staff positions being created, all under Keller’s leadership and strategic planning ability
“110 years of serving Washington County businesses is an impressive achievement” said Chamber President/CEO Bob Cantler. “Giants of the past, like Jennifer, and leaders of today like Keddrain and Kim are why we’ve been able to thrive for over a century. And it’s under their leadership, support and dedication that we will continue to growth and rebuild our area in 2025 ”
2025 Board Chair Kim Hall discusses her plans for her term
Over 340 local business leaders gather for networking and community
2024 Chair Keddrain Bowen (left) and Chamber President/CEO Bob Cantler (right) with Hall of Fame inductee
Jennifer Keller (center) Photography
CHAMBER NEWS & UPDATES
Ribbon Cutting: Crye-Leike Realtors
We celebrated the 25th business anniversary of Crye-Leike Realtors on January 7! With a team of over 15 agents, Crye-Leike has been finding Johnson City residents their dream homes and business locations for 25 years!
Our Young Professionals of Johnson City group celebrated three years of existence at their 3-ring circus-themed gala on January 25! Thank you to all of our Chamber members who sponsored and attended this event!
Ribbon Cutting: The Feisty Pigeon
We celebrated the grand opening of The Feisty Pigeon, Downtown Johnson City’s newest wine bar! Located at 109 Cherry St, The Feisty Pigeon is East Tennessee's premiere wine destination where modern elegance meets rustic charm!
We welcomed Boot Barn to Johnson City on January 31! Located between Home Goods and Eggs Up Grill, your western fashion is waiting for you at our region’s premier shopping destination, The Mall at Johnson City!
YP Gala: 3-Ring Circus
Ribbon Cutting: Boot Barn
Photography provided by Captures By Chloe
Spotlight MODEL MEMBER
In addition to being a renowned name in the portable storage and moving industry, Go Mini's Moving & Portable Storage is proud to be a network of locally owned and operated businesses. Unlike large, impersonal corporations, Go Mini’s franchise locations are run by dedicated local business owners who understand the unique needs and challenges of their respective communities
Go Mini’s specializes in providing both local moving services and temporary portable storage solutions. Their ground-level containers are designed for easy loading and unloading, and our flexible rental periods allow you to pack at your own pace. Whether you're moving, renovating, or just need some extra storage space, Go Mini's is there to simplify the process!
Our Model Members voluntarily double their annual dues to provide extra funding for our Chamber programming With the help of Go Mini’s Moving & Portable Storage and 91 other businesses, Model Members have given over $60,000 over the past year! To learn more about becoming a Model Member, visit johnsoncitytnchamber.com/model-members.
NEW MEMBERS UPCOMING EVENTS
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!
Johnson City Heating and Air, LLC
Joined January 1
Boot Barn
Joined January 7
Bridge Connect - The Golden Age
Joined January 7
Cottage and Castle Professional Cleaning
Joined January 7
The Feisty Pigeon
Joined January 7
Excimia
Joined January 9
AirMedCare Network
Joined January 14
Dana Skaggs
Joined January 16
Sentimental Journey Antiques & Merchant Mall
Joined January 21
FLP Counseling
Joined January 23
Grit HR Solutions
Joined January 31
UPCOMING EVENTS
Regional Legislative Breakfast Friday, February 14 | 8:30am | MeadowView
Lunch & Learn with Rob Campbell Tuesday, February 18 | 11:30am | Chamber
Network at Nine Friday, February 21 | 9am | Chamber
Check out what’s going on in our community by visit our Community Events Calendar at: shorturl.re/chamberevents
MEMBERSHIP UPDATE
We have launched a new membership website for businesses thinking about joining the Chamber! If you know a business that is looking to make an impact in Washington County, encourage them to become a Chamber member and learn more at our one-stop shop for Chamber membership details and benefits! Visit joinjcchamber.com to learn more!
