Welcome to the Blount Partnership Media Room. Below you will find resources from the Blount County area from our chamber and industry events and partners.
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,…
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…
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…
Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for February 2, 2026.
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…
Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for January 26, 2026.
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…
Click to view the online version of the Blount Partnership weekly newsletter for January 19, 2026.
This feature is a question-and-answer session with a Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 241st installment visiting with Stan Norris, assistant tournament director for the Smoky Mountain Championship presented by Food City. Tell me about the Smoky Mountain Championship. I am part of an event management company that specializes in running professional…
Edfinancial Services announced a series of strategic leadership appointments that reflect the company’s sustained growth to reinforce its commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and long-term stability across all business divisions. As part of this transition, Founder and Chief Executive Officer Tony Hollin has appointed John Farinella (pictured) as President of Edfinancial Services. Farinella previously served…
