Union County Business & Professional Association celebrated Trevor Jones and Elizabeth Tindell as the 2025 Man and Woman of the Year at its 35th Annual Banquet on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at First Baptist Fellowship Hall in Maynardville. President Tammie Hill, who was the Woman of 2024, praised the recipients for their business accomplishments as well as their volunteer service.

“Trevor Jones has always had a heart for agriculture and the people who make it possible. His commitment to Union County's farming community runs deep, and his efforts have created new opportunities for both local farmers and youth alike, “ stated Union County Extension Agent Shannon DeWitt as she introduced Jones. Trevor, the owner of Jones Farm and Livestock, is well known as a beef farmer for not only his own production but also for establishing a process to market beef from local farmers within Union County. Believing that young people should be able to raise farm animals, Jones has been a loyal supporter of 4H through fundraisers, contributions, and the showing of livestock. His latest endeavor will expand the in county market for cattle to include sheep, goats, pigs, and chickens. Sidney Jessee, Jr., Man of 2024, was at the state pig conference and could not attend. Sidney sent a congratulatory note that thanked Trevor for his help in raising pigs at the Jessee Family Farms. Sidney purchased some of his earliest pigs from Trevor as well as relying on him for expert advice. Trevor has provided employment and marketing outlets that have enriched the lives of Union County families.

Elizabeth Tindell is a small business owner of Tindell's Farmhouse Bakery.  Each week she uses her skills to provide opportunities for homemade baked goods to not only Corryton and North Knox County but also to many clients in Plainview, Luttrell, Union County, and Grainger County.  Most every week she takes a treat to someone in the church or a neighbor just to make them feel better or brighten their day. She also provides baked goods for Oaks Pumpkin Patch. Elizabeth's volunteer spirit has spread from her community to several states. In Union County, she stepped up to become the parent volunteer leader of Smoky Mountain Home School 4H Club to encourage every child to participate in the many 4H opportunities. In addition, she teaches baking classes for children and adults. Elizabeth has helped her own children as well as numerous others with projects including participating in local 4H contests as well as exhibits at the Tennessee Valley Fair. She has been the Food Vendor Director for the Union County Heritage Festival for 2024 and 2025.  She contacts and confirms all of the food vendors as well as helping with any special attractions like this year's carriage rides. With all of these responsibilities, Elizabeth still finds time to serve East Tennessee and even other states as she organizes groups to work disaster relief efforts. Her groups donated time, supplies, and money to the flood victims in Kentucky, Tennessee, and North Carolina. They shoveled mud out of houses and businesses, helped repair homes, and delivered food and necessities to victims. Said Martin Shafer as he summed up her introduction. “Elizabeth is one nice lady and a really good baker.”

Participants raised over $1,000 through ticket sales, donations, and a live auction for the UCBPA Scholarship Program, UCBPA Charities, Inc. Representative Denis Powers and Martin Shafer were auctioneers who worked the crowd to get the highest bid. The program has provided over $140,000 to help deserving seniors obtain post high school education and college degrees. UCBPA also hosts an annual golf tournament to fund scholarships. The 2026 UCBPA Scholarship Classic will be on Saturday, June 20, with tee time at 1:00.

The UCBPA also donates to Union County Lions Club, Union County 4H, Union County Senior Center, Union County Community foundation, UCPS Music Programs, and Union County Children's Charities: Under the Tree.

Mayor Jason Bailey installed the 2026 Officers and Board Members, President Tammie Hill, Vice President R. Larry Smith, Secretary Charlene Kosegi, Treasurer Marilyn Toppins, Chairman Martin Shafer, John Hedley, Marcia Inklebarger, Tom Fitzharris, Heather Hoag, and Program Chairperson Shannon DeWitt.

Pete's Place catered a sumptuous meal of roast beef, grilled chicken, party potatoes, spinach Marie, salad, and killer cake.

UCBPA welcomes members and the public at the next meeting, “A Roundtable on Insurance and Liability for Small Businesses”. R Larry Smith will moderate and participate in a panel with David McCollough of State Farm, Josh Collins of Collins Insurance (Eerie), and Jeff Hensley of Madison Insurance Group at Maynardville City Hall at noon (12:00) on Tuesday, February 10.