Nominations are now open for Union County Business & Professional Association Man & Woman of 2021. Anyone in Union County may make a nomination. Nominees shall be residents of Union County or gainfully employed in Union County or a current member of UCBPA. Nominees may perform service as a result of their job or as volunteers and demonstrate good citizenship for others to emulate.

Steve Johnson, CEO of Horticulture Lighting Group (HLG), addressed members of the Union County Business & Professional Association (UCBPA) at its August meeting.
Johnson related how HLG grow lights developed into the world's best horticulture lights in less than five years. He said that his desire to grow tommy toe tomatoes year round sparked his quest to develop the perfect grow light.

Bryson Sharp and Draven Vermillion were recognized for their achievements at the Union County Business and Professional Association member meeting in August at the newly renovated Plainview Community Center. Both received plaques and lunch from Subway in addition to their scholarships.
Bryson will be attending Tennessee College of Applied Technology to become certified in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). He began interning with Archer Air as part of his career and technical education at Union County High School.

Collins Insurance Agency took first place in the 2021 UCBPA Scholarship Benefit Classic held at Three Ridges Golf course in Knox County. Team captain Josh Collins also sponsored the Putting Contest.
Second place honors went to Ryan Burkhart's Team. When GRIID Infrastructure's team had a last-minute conflict, D Jay Taylor offered to play for GRIID. D Jay's team brought home third place for GRIID Infrastructure.

Mike Chesney, Maynardville City Manager, treated UCBPA to more than a taste of the upcoming Maynardville projects at the May meeting of the Union County Business and Professional Association.
Chesney began with a splash from the new water park, which the pandemic has delayed to 2022 with maybe a quick bite at the end of this summer. The new guardrail on SR 33 will help provide a safer experience when the park opens.

The 2021 Union County Business and Professional Association Golf Classic will be played at the beautiful Three Ridges Golf Course, 6101 Wise Springs Road, in Knoxville on June 19. Tee time is 1 p.m. with a barbeque lunch by Li'l Jo's included in the entry fee. Golfers will receive goody bags, door prizes, as well as compete for Closest to the Pin and Longest Drive.

Union County Business & Professional Association will host its annual Prayer Breakfast as a drive-in event at Milan Baptist Church on Good Friday, April 2.
Pastor Jody Winstead will offer the prayer and the message. The choir will provide music. Members of the church will direct the parking.
Tindell's Farm House Bakery will offer a modified breakfast of juice or water, sausage-egg casserole, and a slice of honey bun cake for $10.

While the pandemic ravaged the nation last spring, the Union County Business and Professional Association Board and Past Presidents worked through small groups and online to revamp and energize its service to its membership.
When COVID-19 quieted near the end of summer, in-person meetings resumed in August at a new venue, Pete's Place in Maynardville.

Robbie Corum and Betty Bullen will serve as ambassadors for Union County Business & Professional Association after being named Man and Woman of 2020. Both are outstanding representatives of the UCB&PA's motto of “Growth Through Giving.” Both also have a history of servant leadership and connecting various organizations to help Union County and surrounding counties of East Tennessee prosper.

Union County Business & Professional Association will reach a milestone of 30 years of service this year, but the birthday celebration is postponed to 2021. When members voiced concerns about the size of the venue and whether or not the conditions would be safe under a pandemic, the UCBPA Board of Directors decided that COVID-19 protocols could not be ensured and voted to postpone the banquet.