Summer Leadership Camp See page 6
See page 3
PAGE 2
THE ANDERSON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Unemployment Data for Anderson County April 2015 - April 2019
4
3.3
3
3.4
4.4 ‘17
‘18
2
2.8
PERCENT
5
5.6
6
1 ‘15
‘16
YEAR
‘19
SOURCE: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Workforce Commuter Information
Live and Work in Anderson County ................... 12,630 Travel Outside Anderson County ....................... 17,872 Travel to Anderson County ............................... 31,393 SOURCE: TN Department of Labor & Workforce Development
Average Travel Time to Work According to the Census Bureau, the average commute time for the Anderson County workforce is 22.6 minutes. SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau
JUNE 2019
MEMBER FOCUS
Methodist’s Patient Safety Awarded “A”-gain by National Leapfrog Group Just last month, Methodist was one of 20 hospitals (out of 64 in the state of Tennessee) to receive an “A” grade in The Leapfrog Group’s Spring 2019 Hospital Safety Grades, ranking the hospital among the safest in the U.S. Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades are assigned to over 2,600 general acute-care hospitals across the nation twice annually. This repeats Methodist’s “A” grade in previous rankings, which most recently included Leapfrog’s Fall 2018 release. “It is gratifying to be a part of an organization with such a long-standing track record of quality,” said Jeremy Biggs, Methodist Medical Center president and chief administrative officer. “To be among such an elite group of hospitals to have received this type of national recognition and validation is truly an honor.” Developed under the guidance of a national Expert Panel, the
Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses 28 measures of publicly available hospital safety data to assign grades to more than 2,600 U.S. acute-care hospitals twice per year. The Hospital Safety Grade’s methodology is peer-reviewed and fully transparent, and the results are free to the public. “To be recognized nationally
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as an ‘A’ hospital is an accomplishment the whole community should take pride in,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “Hospitals that earn an ‘A’ grade are making it a priority to protect patients from preventable medical harm and error. We congratulate hospital leaders, board members, staff, volunteers and clinicians who work so hard to earn this A.” “As with any honor such as this, it is the teamwork of our employees, volunteers and medical staff that make it possible,” continued Biggs. “At Methodist, along with all our Covenant Health sister affiliates, we strive every day to put the patient first in all aspects of care, but especially safety. It’s not just a pledge, it’s our promise.” To see the full scores and to access patient tips related to hospital safety, visit www. hospitalsafetygrade.org.
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JUNE 2019
THE ANDERSON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
PAGE 3
Pick a job, any job!
Anderson County and Tennessee see historic low unemployment rates
“
By Crystal Huskey
crystal@mycouriernews.com The answer seems to be the same for most of the factories in Clinton: they’re growing, and they’re hiring. “Most of our manufacturers are hiring right now,” said President of the Anderson County Economic Development Association Tim Thompson. “Anyone looking for a job in Anderson County can probably find one at one of the industrial plants.” The plants are looking for maintenance workers, electricians and people with prior manufacturing experience. But they’re having trouble finding qualified skilled labor, according to Thompson. Soft skills, such as how to conduct yourself during an interview, how to write a resume, showing up for work on time and workplace conduct are a struggle for employers. That’s something that Anderson County
People with the Department of Energy bring in electricians, linemen, heating and air specialists. They describe the career, what to expect, what the hours look like, if there’s travel involved, what they can expect to make.” — Ryan Sutton, Anderson County Schools Communications Coordinator Chamber of Commerce President Rick Meredith has been saying for a number of years. Meredith has worked with the local school systems and industries to improve that since he’s been chamber president. “We don’t teach our children at a young age to be on time,” Meredith said. “We play sports, and high school football is at 7:30, not 7:45. The players are ready to go, the fans are ready to go… you might as well
come to work on time, it’s the same thing.” There’s a difference in an available workforce and a workready workforce, according to Meredith. The Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce is hosting a workforce summit for these reasons on July 18. “We’re concerned enough about workforce issues that we’re holding this summit that can provide the training for our labor pipeline,” said Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce
President Parker Hardy. “So, we want to be sure that the business community and educational communities are indeed working on the same strategy.” Anderson County has an extremely low unemployment rate right now. Everyone who wants to be working is working, according to Hardy. Economists have long considered a 4-percent unemployment rate “full employment,” according to Hardy. The State of Tennessee is at about 3-percent unemployment; in Oak Ridge, it’s 2.9-percent. This time last year it was at 3.2-percent. Just four years ago, it was at 5.3-percent. Those numbers don’t reflect part-time workers, and those who are underemployed or seasonal workers. Because most people who want to be working are already working,
see JOBS page 4
PAGE 4
THE ANDERSON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
JOBS
continued
factories and retail stores alike are increasing their wages as a way to attract employees. “Walmart and Target tend to set the pace, and Walmart now in some markets is even offering a tuition payment program for associates,” Hardy said. “It’s safe to say that wages are going up, but by how much I couldn’t tell you.” In Oak Ridge, the Main Street Project is expected to add between 800-900 jobs once it’s at Phase III. It’s in Phase II now. While a rapidly growing economy and retail job growth is good news, retail wages aren’t high, and the hours aren’t always full-time. That’s why Thompson wants to ensure that those who want better paying, skilled trade jobs have the technical know-how to do them. “That’s why we’re excited about the new TCAT in Anderson County,” he said, referring to the 44,000-square-foot training facility
in the I-75 industrial park. Students will be able to attend the training facility and get certifications in jobs the factories need filled. While there is a gap in skilled trade now, the county school system hopes to close that gap. Both Anderson County High School and Clinton High offer many programs for students who want to move straight into a trade instead of attending college after high school. “Take automotive, for instance,” said Anderson County Schools Communications Coordinator Ryan Sutton. “There’s an industry standard test that they take in automotive class that automatically qualifies them for certain jobs. Students in the nursing program receive their CNA license.” The business, engineering and welding classes also offer certifications. Sutton said that industry specialists often come speak to the students about job
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opportunities and how to prepare for trades that are desperately needed. “People with the Department of Energy bring in electricians, linemen, heating and air specialists,” Sutton continued. “They describe the career, what to expect, what the hours look like, if there’s travel involved, what they can expect to make.” It’s all part of the Anderson County Career and Tech Center, and industry leaders have told the school system that students entering the workforce from ACCTC are better prepared than students from other areas, according to Sutton. He also said that two students that went through the program are working in the school system’s office of technology now. “And there are bundles and bundles at the plants that have specific trades and use those skills,” he said. Sutton noted that entry-level pay is not always very high at the plants, but the longer a person is in them
JUNE 2019 and the more training they receive, the wages can increase significantly. “A lot of these programs, you start off as an apprentice,” he said. “But you work your way up and you’re making $80,000-$100,000 a year doing a job you have the training for. HVAC people at DOE in the plant area are making up to $125,000 doing their jobs. These kids are making large amounts of money in these trades.” Meredith echoed that. “The plants are seeing a lot of people apply who are on the lower end, skill-wise,” he said. So they have to spend money training. A lot of people are new to manufacturing. But there is room for advancement. If they make it up to a journeyman or tradesman, they can make around $60,000-$80,000.” All the local industries believe in training their employees up, according to Meredith, and promoting from within. “They have an investment in them, because they train them,” he added.
JUNE 2019
THE ANDERSON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
PAGE 5
Chamber members and and members of the community gathered in Gazebo Park to celebrate the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce’s 87th anniversary.
NOW ENROLLING! The Emory Valley Early Learning Center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and currently enrolling children in their year-round program. As the only nationally accredited program in Anderson County, children participate daily in interactive learning activities in the following areas of development: •
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Cognitive Skills
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Language Skills
Children of all abilities, learning together in a creative and inclusive environment. For more information or to enroll your child TODAY please contact: Early Learning Center
Director, 865-813-0565 728 Emory Valley Road | Oak Ridge, TN 37830
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PAGE 6
THE ANDERSON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
JUNE 2019
ANDERSON COUNTY SCHOOLS
SUMMER LEADERSHIP CAMP
The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office partnered with the Anderson County Schools last week hosting the L.E.A.D Summer Leadership Camp. The camp consisted of four educational days for 5th graders in the Anderson County Schools. These students participated in life skills education, health education, and drug awareness taught by industry experts in those fields. The students visited The Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue on Wednesday and learned about the work James Cox and his staff does at the Rescue. Following health day on Thursday, students competed in the L.E.A.D Olympics with an awards ceremony afterwards. The final day of camp, Celebration Day, was spent with all volunteers, students, and their families with multiple inflatables and games. Lunch was provided and students who completed the camp participated in a graduation ceremony Friday afternoon.
5th graders participate in laying of wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier while visiting D.C. On Tuesday, May 29th around 150 Anderson County 5th graders and 30 Anderson County Educators loaded buses and headed out to tour our nation’s capital. A few of the sites that the students were able to visit were several of the Smithsonian Museums, Lincoln
Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, Korean Memorial, Iwo Jima, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial, WW2 Memorial, White House, Capitol Building, Supreme Court Building, and Library of Congress. Students traveled to Alexandria, Virginia one
evening for a Ghost and Graveyard Storytelling Tour. The highlight of the trip was when Anderson County Schools was selected to participate in the wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. Students were
nominated and then four names were drawn randomly to select the presenters. It was four days of intense touring to expose students to as much of our Nation’s Capital, as possible. This is an annual trip for Anderson County Schools Fifth Grade.
JUNE 2019
THE ANDERSON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
PAGE 7
CLINTON CITY SCHOOLS
Summer Learning Explodes in Clinton City The final bell for the 2018-19 school year may have rung, but learning is FAR from over across Clinton City Schools. A STEAM Camp, conducted in partnership with Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), was held at North Clinton Elementary School for grades 3-6. Students participated in many STEAM oriented activities including coding, 3-D printing, and problem solving. Students worked on a project to solve a real-world problem as their culminating activity and presented their final product on the last day of camp. Students in grades 4-6 were invited to attend a week-long Junior Achievement BIzTown Camp. Approximately 60 students spent four days at BizTown where they participated in career exploration, community building, job interviews,
employment, financial literacy, and collaborative learning. They ran a mock city for two days, complete with a mayor, bank, restaurants, and retail stores. Students earned a salary, had a bank account, paid bills. Learning and implementing soft skills was a focus throughout the week. It was a great learning experience for all who came! All students have access to Big Universe, iReady, and MyOn throughout the summer to help stay engaged with reading. It is recommended that students read at least 20 minutes a day to minimize summer learning loss. Clinton City Schools also recommends that students become actively involved in the Clinton Library Summer Reading Program! You can sign up at Clinton Library throughout the summer or at North Clinton Elementary School each Friday from 11:00-12:30.
Clinton City Graduates Sixth Graders On Thursday, May 23, Clinton City Schools held their annual Sixth Grade Graduation at The Ritz in downtown Clinton. Students, teachers, family members, community members, and friends gathered to celebrate approximately 95 sixth grade students as they walked across the stage with their Clinton City Schools’ diplomas. The Clinton City Band performed as well as the Sixth Grade Chorus. As teachers awarded the diplomas, many tears were shed by quality educators who have developed close relationships with each child. Clinton City Schools wishes the best to all the graduates as they move on to their respective middle schools. As Director Kelly Johnson urged them during the ceremony, “It is our hope that you keep expectations high, think big, utilize growth mindset and resilience, and make good choices.” Congratulations to the 2019 Clinton City Schools graduating class!
FREE Summer Lunches! North Clinton Elementary will be serving FREE lunch to all children, ages 0-18, each weekday from 11:00-12:30. You do not have to be a Clinton City student to participate. Come enjoy a nutritious meal before enjoying the hot, summer afternoon fun!
PAGE 8
THE ANDERSON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
JUNE 2019
Community Partners Titanium NETWORKING COFFEE Monday, June 17, 8-9:30 a.m.
Clinton Utilities Board
Platinum
Held at Chamber Office 245 N. Main St, Suite 200, Clinton 865-457-9232 www.clintonutilities.com
NETWORKING COFFEE
Gold
Thursday, June 20, 8 – 9:30 a.m.
Express Employment Professionals 1199 N. Charles Seivers Blvd., Clinton 865-498-0098 www.expresspros.com
RIBBON CUTTING
Silver
Tuesday, June 25, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Occupational Health Systems, Inc. 1921 N. Charles Seivers Blvd., Clinton 865-463-2643 www.ohswest.com
We are starting to schedule for 2020! Want to host a Networking or Business event? Contact Marsha Stapleton at the Anderson County Chamber of Commerce to learn how.
Bronze Lt. Governor Randy McNally
(865) 457-2559 Or marsha@andersoncountychamber.org
JUNE 2019
THE ANDERSON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
PAGE 9
Chamber Hosts the 8th Annual Tribute to Business Dinner The Anderson County Chamber of Commerce will host the 8th Annual Tribute to Business Dinner on Friday, June 14, 2019 on Market Street, Clinton. “The Market Place of Pearls” A Gatsby Themed Long Table Dinner, is a way of recognizing businesses in Anderson County and their accomplishments. This summer event has been held at multiple venues across Anderson County throughout the years, but the Chamber is excited to host it in Downtown Clinton. The night is always filled with many joyful moments including dinner and dancing. However, the night’s most memorable moment always is aimed to honor five businesses for their economic achievements throughout Anderson County and East Tennessee, as well as their dedication to Anderson County. The Chamber will be awarding 5 business awards during the Tribute which include Large, Medium, and Small Business of the Year awards as well as Woman Owned and Veteran Owned. We are honored to announce this years recipients of the 5 business excellence awards as follows:
In 1944, Gene and Margaret Fox began Fox Motor Company. Although they began in Lake City, nine years later they relocated to Clinton, Tennessee. In 1966, they were asked to accept a Toyota franchise. At the time, the only requirement to become a Toyota dealer was to buy a sign and $1,000 worth of parts. It was then, that Fox Motor Company became Fox Toyota. Years later, in 2008, the dealership moved again to their current location in Clinton, off I-75 Exit 122 along the interstate. Over the years, three generations of the Fox Family have proudly served the people of East Tennessee. Their parents have since gone on to be with the Lord and were later joined in Heaven by their daughter, the late Patricia Fox Hogue. Therefore, it is now owned and managed by the three remaining siblings, Stanley Fox, Sr., Ronnie Fox, and Becky Fox Grubb. There have been many changes over the years, but their philosophy has remained the same – take care of their customers and treat people how they would want to be treated. That’s the Fox Toyota Buying Experience!
Y-12 Federal Credit Union
The Courier News
Y-12 Federal Credit Union is a federally-chartered, member-owned, not for profit financial cooperative, dedicated to transforming the lives of their members and communities. From a modest beginning in 1950 by a small group of employees at the Y-12 Plant, Y-12 Federal Credit Union now serves over 117,000 members as a full-service financial institution. Membership is open to anyone who lives or works in their 8-county service area. The Purpose Statement for Y-12 Federal Credit Union is to be an innovative financial partner, transforming the lives of their members and communities by developing lasting relationships while delivering WOW experiences.
The Courier News is now in its 131st year of publishing. First published as the Anderson County News in 1887, and then later as the Clinton Courier News after a merger with the Clinton Courier. In November 1990, the newspaper name changed to The Courier-News and publishes under that same name today. In July 1999, The Courier News was purchased by locally owned Republic Newspapers, Inc. and is independently operated by Clinton Courier News, LLC. The Courier News employs six full-time employees and four parttime employees. Four of the fulltime employees have been with the company for more than eighteen years.
Fox Toyota
The newspaper is a community news publication that is published every Wednesday. Each issue is full of news and features about Anderson County and its communities. “Our goal each week is to provide Anderson County with news and photos that have impact on the communities at large,” said Tony Cox, publisher. “Our job is to tell the stories and news of our neighbors, schools, municipalities and communities nearby. We’re not trying to rehash regional and national news content; Our job is local, local, local.” The Courier News is available by subscription for only $30 per year. Delivery of newspaper is handled by the United States Postal Service and locally contracted carriers. Newsstands prices are 0.75¢ each, and it is available at more than seventy rack and dealer locations throughout Anderson County.
Merle Norman Cosmetics – Michele’s Salon Merle Norman was purchased July 1, 1989, by a mother-daughter team, Sharon Fox and Michele Collins. Michele was 15 years of age when she attended training along with Sharon. What began as a great cosmetics studio in 1989, has expanded to include nail, pedicure, hair and tanning salon. The studio also offers microblading and permanent cosmetics. Merle Norman has received “sales achievement” awards in 2012 and 2014 from Merle Norman corporate office. Only 3 studios per year in the United States are chosen to receive this award. The Shop also receives the certificate of excellence annually. Merle Norman products are proudly made in the U.S.A. The shop will celebrate 30 years in business this fall. Michele Collins is the owner of the studio while Sharon has retired… however, she remains active in the shop.
JD’s Auctions JD’s Auctions began as a culminating project for Jason Deel’s MBA. Hours of research was dedicated to that imaginary business that took a couple of years to take tangible shape. Jason and Natalie took time to think what life would be like outside of the confines of the Army tradition--with looming deployments (because 10 between them wasn’t enough!), new assignments, and a multitude of opportunities to be away from their growing family -- with joined hands, they stood at the edge of one chapter and took the step into the next. In 2015 Jason and Natalie started JD’s Auctions after 28 years of services to the Army between them. Today, JD’s Auctions has made a few transformations from starting out in Knoxville in a warehouse with no AC on those muggy July days, to the old White Store across the tracks in Clinton, to hunkering down in the heart of the Antique District, ultimately upholding its goal of providing solutions to individual and family’s problems: I have stuff—so now what? Relying on the military ideals of Respect, Selfless Service, Integrity, and Honor, Jason and Natalie use their military service and training as the foundation of JD’s Auctions where they have become proven, effective, leaders within their industry. JD’s Auctions, along with Bear Stephenson, conduct 50+ benefit auctions annually. Serving the Anderson and surrounding counties has been rewarding and JD’s Auctions is proud to provide that service. The Long Table Dinner is the first of its kind in Anderson County. The Chamber hopes to honor the award recipients as well as the history of Market Street. This will be one of the biggest events of the summer with hopes of bringing some glitz and glamour to historic downtown Clinton.
PAGE 10
THE ANDERSON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
JUNE 2019
Chamber Welcomes New Leadership Advisory Board Members The Anderson County Chamber of Commerce would like to introduce five new Leadership Anderson County Advisory Board members. All 5 are graduates of Leadership Anderson County program looking to make a continued impact on this long running Chamber program.
Steven Brooks – Assistant Manager SL Tennessee Class of 2019
Beth Farrow – Assistant Director of Development Helen Ross McNabb Center Class of 2011
Callie Archer – President Junior Achievement of East Tennessee Class of 2019
Stephen McNally – Operations Manager at Oak Ridge National Laboratory Class of 2018
Conya Mull – ECF Member Advocate United Health Care Class of 2018
JUNE 2019
THE ANDERSON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS Edward Jones
Lindsey Wilson College
Education- Colleges & Universities Cindy Whaley 210 Lindsey Wilson Street Columbia, KY 42728 www.lindsey.edu
Grace Mead Financial Advisor 762 Briarcliff Ave. Oak Ridge, TN 37830 865-738-7434 www.edwardjones.com/grace-mead
Marketing Bullpen
Girls Inc. of Oak Ridge
Marketing Betsy Gray 608 Mabry Hood Road #205 Knoxville, TN 37932 www.marketingbullpen.com
Non-Profit Organization Abigail Ridenour 1798 Oak Ridge Turnpike Oak Ridge, TN 37830 865-482-4475 www.girlsinctnv.org
PAGE 11
THANK YOU FOR YOUR RENEWAL! Anderson County Animal Hospital – Clinton Anderson County Animal Hospital – Norris Anderson Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery PC Cantrell Law Firm, The Cellular Sales Child Advocacy Center of Anderson County Tennessee, Inc. Clinton Pediatric Clinic
Hanna ‘s Inc. Jones Mortuary, LLC Legend’s Event Photo Little Ponderosa Zoo/ Rescue Merit Construction, Inc. Mid Cumberland Workforce Services Ray Varner Ford South Made Marketing UT Arboretum & Forest Resources AgResearch & Education Center White’s Pest Control
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS Mark Lucas
Dan Hawkins
Individual Member- Legend
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP RENEWAL! MAG- USA, Inc. - Bronze Y-12 Federal Credit Union - Silver
494-5400
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PAGE 12
THE ANDERSON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
JUNE 2019
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