KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Fun Fest 2013 is happy to officially announce the theme for this summer’s festival: “Hot Fun in the Summer Time.” Fun Fest will run Friday, July 12 to Saturday, July 20.

“We’re excited to be into our 33^rd year of Fun Fest”, said Fun Fest Chair Lorrie Cooper.” This event can only be possible through the enormous support of area businesses and through dedicated volunteers who are anxious to be a part of Fun Fest year after year.”

This summer Fun Fest will be introducing 15 new events to the line-up of the festival, many focusing on recreational physical activity such as non- competitive walks, a new mountain bike ride, a dodgeball tournament and a triathlon.

New events in the downtown area of Kingsport include a production at the new Lamplight Theater, a chalk drawing event, and a talk by the author of “Stand Up That Mountain”, Jay Leutze. The Habitat ReStore will have a ReArt challenge for area artists to create something new from finds at their store. Dance band “Spirit of Soul” will perform at Glen Bruce Park for “Broad St Boogie” immediately after the Fun Fest parade.  The Kingsport Archives will have a self- guided walking tour of the downtown area.

Music will be plentiful in new activities with “Step into the SONShine” at Temple Baptist Church on July 14, Dove and Grammy award winner Sandi Patty joining the First Baptist Sanctuary choir at the Toy R. Reid Center on July17, and Pickin’ in the Park during the Taste of Tri-Cities. Learn something new in the Brushstrokes & More classes and at the Food City Food Show.

During the Sunset Concert Series, as previously announced, Fun Fest will be welcoming four major headliners to the stage: Chris Tomlin, Hunter Hayes, Chicago and Gavin DeGraw.

The Fun Fest Store, located in the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce, will have its grand opening on Friday, June 21 and all tickets and merchandise will go on sale at 9 a.m. The store will be open Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will be closed on Sundays and July 4^th.

The entire schedule, registration information, online ticket sales and more are available online at funfest.net.

For more information, you may call the Fun Fest store at 423-392-8832.

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KINGSPORT, Tenn.

The parade is presented by Eastman Credit Union.

Each year the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce chooses an individual to serve as grand marshal that has truly gone above and beyond for the greater Kingsport community.

“Valerie is a wonderful asset to this community and has given back in more ways than one,” Kingsport Chamber President & CEO Miles Burdine said. “Her passion and drive for programs like the Kingsport Carousel project and her service and leadership as an alderman have meant so much to the Kingsport community. We are proud to have her serve as grand marshal for the Mack Riddle American Legion 60^th Annual Independence Day Parade. She is most deserving of this tribute.”

A native of Kingsport, Valerie Joh is a graduate of Dobyns-Bennett High School, Agnes Scott College and Katherine Gibbs School.

Joh has worked in real estate for 41 years, owning Blue Ridge Properties which is now owned and managed by her three children.

Joh is an advocate of the Kingsport Carousel project and has carved two full-sized animals among other smaller artwork items.

Joh is deeply involved in the Kingsport community, most recently serving as alderman for the city of Kingsport’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen from 2003 to 2013.

She has also served on the boards of First Broad Street United Methodist Church, Holston Valley Medical Center, Indian Path Medical Center, Junior League of Kingsport, Kingsport Board of Realtors, Kingsport Chamber of Commerce and Symphony of the Mountains Orchestra.

Sponsored by Eastman Credit Union, the Mack Riddle American Legion 60^th Annual Independence Day Parade will take place on Thursday, July 4, at 10 a.m.

The parade will start in front of the Kingsport Renaissance Center on Center Street and end in front of the Kingsport Veterans Memorial on Fort Henry Drive.

WAPK-TV My Network TV will broadcast the parade live beginning at 10 a.m. with a rebroadcast provided by WKPT-TV ABC 19.

The Kingsport Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit business organization comprised of nearly 1,000 members.  The Kingsport Chamber’s mission is to utilize resources and focus efforts on enhancing a strong and viable business environment for the Kingsport area.

For more information on the Kingsport Chamber, go to KingsportChamber.org or call (423) 392-8800.  Sign up for your Kingsport Chamber text alerts at Kingsport.com.  We’re social too; follow us on our Facebook page, Your Kingsport Chamber of Commerce, and on our Twitter account, @kptchamber.

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The parade is presented by Eastman Credit Union.

“The Mack Riddle American Legion Independence Day Parade is an important event and great tradition for this community,” Kingsport Chamber President & CEO Miles Burdine said. “It is wonderful to see the way our community comes together as we celebrate our freedom and honor those who serve and sacrifice for our country.”

“Eastman Credit Union has been a long-standing part of this community and we are proud to be a sponsor of this parade,” Eastman Credit Union President & CEO Olan Jones said. “We are delighted to say that we have served several generations of this region’s families and look forward to the future.”

The parade will start in front of the Kingsport Renaissance Center on Center Street and end in front of the Kingsport Veterans Memorial on Fort Henry Drive.

“There are many different ties that bind communities making them great places to live,” Jones said. “The spirit, strength and history of this parade celebrating our nation’s independence are true representations of Kingsport, and we are so fortunate to call this area home.”

Any business or organization wishing to enter the parade should contact Karen Jobe with the Kingsport Chamber by phone at 423-392-8800 or by e-mail at kjobe@kingsportchamber.org.

WAPK-TV My Network TV will broadcast the parade live beginning at 10 a.m. with a re-broadcast provided by WKPT-TV ABC 19.

KINGSPORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Kingsport Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit business organization composed of nearly 1,000 members.  The Kingsport Chamber’s mission is to utilize resources and focus efforts on enhancing a strong and viable business environment for the Kingsport area.

For more information on the Kingsport Chamber, go to KingsportChamber.org or call (423) 392-8800.  Sign up for Kingsport Chamber text alerts at Kingsport.com.  We’re social too; follow us on our Facebook page, Your Kingsport Chamber of Commerce, and on our Twitter account, @kptchamber.

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Kingsport Chamber Zone at Buffalo Wild Wings from Kingsport Chamber on Vimeo.

The parade is presented by Eastman Credit Union.

“The Mack Riddle American Legion Independence Day Parade is an important event and great tradition for this community,” Kingsport Chamber President & CEO Miles Burdine said. “It is wonderful to see the way our community comes together as we celebrate our freedom and honor those who serve and sacrifice for our country.”

“Eastman Credit Union has been a long-standing part of this community and we are proud to be a sponsor of this parade,” Eastman Credit Union President & CEO Olan Jones said. “We are delighted to say that we have served several generations of this region’s families and look forward to the future.”

The parade will start in front of the Kingsport Renaissance Center on Center Street and end in front of the Kingsport Veterans Memorial on Fort Henry Drive.

“There are many different ties that bind communities making them great places to live,” Jones said. “The spirit, strength and history of this parade celebrating our nation’s independence are true representations of Kingsport, and we are so fortunate to call this area home.”

Any business or organization wishing to enter the parade should contact Karen Jobe with the Kingsport Chamber by phone at 423-392-8800 or by e-mail at kjobe@kingsportchamber.org.

WAPK-TV My Network TV will broadcast the parade live beginning at 10 a.m. with a re-broadcast provided by WKPT-TV ABC 19.

KINGSPORT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Kingsport Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit business organization composed of nearly 1,000 members.  The Kingsport Chamber’s mission is to utilize resources and focus efforts on enhancing a strong and viable business environment for the Kingsport area.

For more information on the Kingsport Chamber, go to KingsportChamber.org or call (423) 392-8800.  Sign up for Kingsport Chamber text alerts at Kingsport.com.  We’re social too; follow us on our Facebook page, Your Kingsport Chamber of Commerce, and on our Twitter account, @kptchamber.

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KINGSPORT, Tenn. –

Potter is an honor student from East Ridge High School. She graduated in the top percentile of her class with a 3.84 grade point average and 22 college credit hours, more than any other student in her graduating class.

Throughout her four years at East Ridge High School, she was an active member of several student organizations including: Yearbook Staff, Do Something Club, Future Business Leaders of America and Act Theater.

During this time she was also an important asset to the community by volunteering at Mountain View Health Care Center and as a children’s church coordinator.

Not only was Potter actively involved in several organizations but she has also worked at Rusty Fork Café for two years averaging thirty hours a week.

Her future goals include graduating from college as a nurse practitioner and working in the emergency department of a hospital.

“The career I have always dreamed about isn’t going to be handed to me on a silver platter, but I’m more than excited and prepared to work for my success,” said Potter.

Potter was presented the scholarship at the Kingsport Chamber Board of Directors meeting on Monday, June 10.

The Kingsport Chamber of Commerce awards the Santa Train Scholarship each year to a graduating senior attending high school along the Santa Train route that runs from Kingsport to Pikeville, Ky.

Recipients are chosen based upon grade point average, financial need, extracurricular activities, work records and an adviser’s recommendation. Potter is the thirtieth recipient since the first scholarship was awarded in 1989 totaling $150,000.

Co-sponsored by CSX, Food City, the Kingsport Chamber and Dignity U Wear, the Santa Train is an annual 110-mile train journey through Appalachia where volunteers from Kingsport take 15 tons of gifts, clothes, candies and toys to children in Virginia, Kentucky and Tennessee.

The Santa Train is now in its 70^th year and will run Saturday, November 23.

Started as a way for area businesses to thank their patrons, the train accepts physical and monetary donations, including only new clothes and new toys. Financial gifts from the public have helped establish the Santa Train Scholarship for students who live along the train’s route.

Please send donations to the Kingsport Area Chamber of Commerce – Attn: Santa Train – 400 Clinchfield Street, Ste. 100, Kingsport, TN, 37660.

For more information and/or continuous updates about the Santa Train Scholarship or the Santa Train, please visit the Kingsport Chamber on Facebook, Twitter and KingsportChamber.org. Find more on the Facebook fan page, The Santa Train, and on Twitter @TheSantaTrain or call (423) 392-8800.

The Kingsport Chamber of Commerce is a private, non-profit business organization composed of nearly 1,000 members.  The Kingsport Chamber’s mission is to utilize resources and focus efforts on enhancing a strong and viable business environment for the Kingsport area.

For more information on the Kingsport Chamber, go to KingsportChamber.org or call (423) 392-8800.  Sign up for Kingsport Chamber text alerts at Kingsport.com.  We’re social too; follow us on our Facebook page, Your Kingsport Chamber of Commerce, and on our Twitter account, @kptchamber.

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Kingsport Chamber Zone at the Aquatic Center from Kingsport Chamber on Vimeo.

“This represents a landmark capital investment that will modernize and expand our largest manufacturing site and corporate campus here in Kingsport,” said Rogers. “This multi-year project will culminate in Eastman’s 100^th anniversary in 2020. I can think of no better way to honor our long-term commitment to this site and surrounding community than through this very significant investment in our future.”

The state will provide funding to support the corporate campus expansion, road infrastructure improvements for the project, and a grant to meet advanced manufacturing training needs for the company through the Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing located in Kingsport.

“I want to thank Eastman and its employees for all of the incredible work they do that has brought us here today,” Haslam said. “For nearly 100 years, Eastman has been crucial to the state’s economy, growing into a global brand, and today’s announcement means they will continue to grow right here where they started. This investment will bring hundreds of high quality jobs to the state, and I appreciate Eastman’s continued investment in Tennessee.”

In thanking the Governor for support from the State of Tennessee, Rogers said, “Eastman is proud to be making a significant investment in Tennessee. Project Inspire will allow us to remain a global leader and further expand our ability to provide solutions and build on our 100-year heritage of innovation.”

Rogers also thanked community leaders for their continued support of the company.  He recognized that this is the second sizable investment at the Kingsport site in recent years and attributed it to Eastman’s symbiotic relationship with the community.

“Together, we have built a significant legacy in this region, and we look forward to it continuing,” added Rogers. “This investment will enable our headquarter campus to grow as the company does, and that is good for all of us. A growing company creates jobs, strengthens the tax base and benefits all of our stakeholders, including our employees, communities, customers and stockholders.”

Eastman is a global specialty chemical company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Its market-driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and construction and consumables. Eastman focuses on creating consistent, superior value for all stakeholders. As a globally diverse company, Eastman serves customers in approximately 100 countries and had 2012 pro forma combined revenues, giving effect to the Solutia acquisition, of approximately $9.1 billion. The company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA and employs approximately 13,500 people around the world. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.

KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) Chairman and CEO Jim Rogers and Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam today announced a major economic development project referred to as Project Inspire.

As part of this project, over the next seven years, Eastman will invest $1.6 billion in its Kingsport site and add 300 new jobs in Tennessee. This comprehensive effort will enable the company to invest in, among other things, new growth opportunities, safety and environmental projects, increased warehouse capacity, building renovations and expansion of its corporate campus.

“This represents a landmark capital investment that will modernize and expand our largest manufacturing site and corporate campus here in Kingsport,” said Rogers. “This multi-year project will culminate in Eastman’s 100^th anniversary in 2020. I can think of no better way to honor our long-term commitment to this site and surrounding community than through this very significant investment in our future.”

The state will provide funding to support the corporate campus expansion, road infrastructure improvements for the project, and a grant to meet advanced manufacturing training needs for the company through the Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing located in Kingsport.

“I want to thank Eastman and its employees for all of the incredible work they do that has brought us here today,” Haslam said. “For nearly 100 years, Eastman has been crucial to the state’s economy, growing into a global brand, and today’s announcement means they will continue to grow right here where they started. This investment will bring hundreds of high quality jobs to the state, and I appreciate Eastman’s continued investment in Tennessee.”

In thanking the Governor for support from the State of Tennessee, Rogers said, “Eastman is proud to be making a significant investment in Tennessee. Project Inspire will allow us to remain a global leader and further expand our ability to provide solutions and build on our 100-year heritage of innovation.”

Rogers also thanked community leaders for their continued support of the company.  He recognized that this is the second sizable investment at the Kingsport site in recent years and attributed it to Eastman’s symbiotic relationship with the community.

“Together, we have built a significant legacy in this region, and we look forward to it continuing,” added Rogers. “This investment will enable our headquarter campus to grow as the company does, and that is good for all of us. A growing company creates jobs, strengthens the tax base and benefits all of our stakeholders, including our employees, communities, customers and stockholders.”

Eastman is a global specialty chemical company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With a portfolio of specialty businesses, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. Its market-driven approaches take advantage of world-class technology platforms and leading positions in attractive end-markets such as transportation, building and construction and consumables. Eastman focuses on creating consistent, superior value for all stakeholders. As a globally diverse company, Eastman serves customers in approximately 100 countries and had 2012 pro forma combined revenues, giving effect to the Solutia acquisition, of approximately $9.1 billion. The company is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA and employs approximately 13,500 people around the world. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.

Kingsport Chamber Zone at Domtar from Kingsport Chamber on Vimeo.