Kingsport Chamber Zone at the Library from Kingsport Chamber on Vimeo.

Topics will include but are not limited to: franchise opportunities, determining the value of a business, due diligence and exit strategy planning.

Speakers will be Jerry Bird of FRAN-NET out of Chattanooga, Travis McMurray, CPA with Blackburn, Childers & Steagall, and Aundrea Wilcox, executive director of KOSBE.

“Buying an existing business can be very appealing as the new owner instantly gains a name, employees, vendors, customers and income,” said Aundrea Wilcox. “But buying an existing business requires time, research and careful planning, and capital – even with professional advisors. This class will give potential business buyers (and sellers) a strong first step in the right direction.”

Cost of the event is free, but pre-registration is required. Register by clicking here. Or call 423-392-8801.

The cooperative agreement between KOSBE and East Tennessee State University is partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA’s funding is not an endorsement of any products, opinions or services. SBA funded programs are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Additional funding is provided by the Tennessee Board of Regents and the state of Tennessee.

To schedule your free confidential counseling appointment in a private setting by TSBDC-certified counselors in person, online by phone or e-mail call David Schools at (423) 392.8825 or e-mail, dschoolsd@kosbe.org.

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Be served by those who want to serve you! Candidates will serve hot dogs during a Meet & Greet at 5:30 p.m.

The Candidate Forum will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be moderated by WKPT-TV ABC 19 news anchors Jim Bailey and Lizz Marrs.

Reservations are required. Please R.S.V.P. by Wednesday, April 24, to Ginny Crispin at 423.392.8827 or gcrispin@kingsportchamber.org.

Election day is Tuesday, May 21. Early voting begins Thursday, May 9. Please contact the Sullivan County Election Commission for more information at 423.323.6444 or visit scelect.org.

Mayor candidates are Gary Lane and Dennis Phillips.

Aldermen candidates are Linda Buckles, John Clark, Colette George, Eric Kerney and Tom Parham.

Thank you to our 2013 Government Relations Event Sponsors: Appalachian Power, AT&T, Charter Communications, Domtar, Eastman Chemical Company, The Edinburgh Group, HealthSouth, Mountain States Health Alliance, Pfizer and Wellmont Health System.

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 Area Chamber of Commerce, and on our Twitter account, @kptchamber.

TN/VA Scholars is a regional rewards and recognition program of the Kingsport Chamber for high school students. Sponsored by area business and industry, this program encourages students to complete high school courses in math, science, social studies, language arts/foreign language and computer literacy. Students must also meet community service, attendance and grade requirements throughout the four years of high school to participate.

The Kingsport Chamber’s TN/VA Scholars Program will recognize approximately 500 graduating seniors from Cherokee, Dobyns-Bennett, Gate City, Rye Cove, Sullivan North, Sullivan South, Twin Springs and Volunteer high schools.

The keynote speaker will be Laura Bush, Senior Attorney Corporate Compliance at Eastman Chemical Company.

Who:          TN/VA Scholar Senior Picnic Celebration

What:         Celebration/Press Availability

When:       Tuesday, April 23, 2013 | 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Where:       Eastman Recreational Area near Bays Mountain Park

The TN/VA Scholars program is sponsored by Eastman Chemical Company and the Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing. Event sponsors include American Electric Power, Canteen Vending, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Cooper Standard Automotive, Eastman Credit Union, Food City, Jersey Mike’s, Pristine Springs and Wal-Mart.

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 Area Chamber of Commerce, and on our Twitter account, @kptchamber.

Kngsport Chamber Zone at the Downtown Farmers Market from Kingsport Chamber on Vimeo.

Sponsored by Food City, Pepsi and Hunter, Smith & Davis, the tournament benefits the Kingsport Chamber and its Keep Kingsport Beautiful and Leadership Kingsport programs.

Texas Roadhouse is the lunch and dinner sponsor and Lexus of Kingsport serves as the hole-in-one sponsor.

Media sponsors include the Kingsport Times-News, WKPT-TV ABC 19/WAPK-TV My Network TV and AM 640 WXSM Xtreme Sports Monster.

“The Kingsport Chamber Golf Scramble is always a great opportunity to network with other Kingsport business leaders and support your Kingsport Chamber of Commerce,” Kingsport Chamber President & CEO Miles Burdine said.  “We truly appreciate Food City, Pepsi and Hunter, Smith & Davis for once again sponsoring this important fundraiser.”

Awards will be given to the top three places in two flights in both the morning and afternoon rounds.

Hole competitions include prizes for longest drive on two holes, most accurate drive on two holes, closest to the pin on each of the four par threes and hole-in-one on each of the four par threes.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided courtesy of Food City and Texas Roadhouse.

Hole sponsorships are available for $250 and individual player entry fees are $150 per player or $600 for a team of four

A chairman’s discount package is offered for $775 and includes a team of four and hole sponsorship.

To enter the Kingsport Chamber 21^st Annual Golf Scramble or to sponsor a hole, call the Kingsport Chamber at 392-8800 or send an e-mail to Ginny Crispin, Kingsport Chamber communications and events coordinator, at gcrispin@kingsportchamber.org.

“We are most grateful to the wonderful team at Ridgefields for hosting the event which allows many golfers the opportunity to enjoy and experience the absolutely beautiful Donald Ross-designed golf course,” Burdine added.  “Ridgefields always does an outstanding job and it promises to be another enjoyable day.”
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 Area Chamber of Commerce, and on our Twitter account, @kptchamber.

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Kingsport Chamber Zone at Ridgefields from Kingsport Chamber on Vimeo.

Kingsport Chamber 21st Annual Golf Scramble Promo from Kingsport Chamber on Vimeo.