The Dialogue with Joshua Symonds

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 244th installment visiting with Joshua Symonds, service advisor with Tradewinds Mechanical which provides a more personalized repair service for small businesses and homeowners in rural and urban communities alike. What is your background? I started in trade school…

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Blount Partnership Newsletter – February 9, 2026

Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for February 9, 2026.

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The Dialogue with Robin Watts

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 243rd installment visiting with Robin Watts, owner and therapist at Robin’s Nest which is a holistic wellness and counseling practice that provides integrated mental health and complementary wellness services for individuals, couples, and families. Describe more about what Robin’s…

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2026 Best of Blount Awards Announced

Eight outstanding individuals and businesses who devote their time, talent, and resources to making Blount County a remarkable place to live, work, and thrive were celebrated at the Blount Partnership’s Best of Blount Awards, presented by Foothills Milling Company and held at the Airport Hilton. The event was supported by sponsors including ICC International, AMR,…

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Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro Named to OpenTable’s 2026 Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in America

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro has been named to OpenTable’s 2026 Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in America, earning the distinction as the only restaurant in East Tennessee to appear on the national list. Based on more than 14 million verified diner reviews, the honor recognizes restaurants that consistently deliver exceptional food, service, and atmosphere. For Dancing…

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UT Federal Credit Union Named One of America’s Best Credit Unions

UT Federal Credit Union (UTFCU) has been named one of America’s Best Credit Unions 2026 by Newsweek, a national recognition celebrating financial institutions that demonstrate strong performance, member satisfaction, and community impact. UT Federal Credit Union was one of only 12 credit unions recognized in Tennessee, underscoring both its strength as an institution and commitment…

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Blount Partnership Newsletter – February 2, 2026

Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for February 2, 2026.

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The Dialogue with Andy Salyards

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 242nd installment visiting with Andy Salyards, director of operations for Refine Dermatology which specializes in general, skin cancer, and aesthetic dermatology for all ages, including pediatrics. Describe more about Refine Dermatology. Refine Dermatology is a doctor owned dermatology practice…

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Blount Partnership Newsletter – January 26, 2026

Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for January 26, 2026.

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Tremont Writers Conference now accepting applications

Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont is pleased to announce the fourth annual Tremont Writers Conference, an intensive five-day retreat for writers of fiction, nonfiction and poetry coordinated in conjunction with Smokies Life. Applications to participate may be submitted online now through May 15 at writers.gsmit.org. Held Wednesday, Oct. 21, through Sunday, Oct. 25, the…

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