Union County Business & Professional Association has enjoyed a variety of speakers at its meetings this spring and summer.
In August, Sharon Hudson, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of East Tennessee, shared the mission and services of the nonprofit. Hudson stated that besides disaster relief, the Red Cross operates an international blood bank that specializes in the storage of rare blood. She noted that the bank has been used in not only recent tornadoes and storms but also in Ukraine.

Union County Business & Professional Association welcomed spring with its 26th Annual Prayer Breakfast on Good Friday, 2023. With the theme of “Dare to Begin Again, President Tammie Hill welcomed members, family, and friends to Maynardville Fellowship Baptist Church. Pastor Matt Cooke related several stories and passages from the Bible that told how people should never give in to adversity, but rather face life's challenges armed and supported by their faith.

Union County Business & Professional Association presented scholarship awards to eight graduating seniors at the Union County High School Senior Awards and College Signing Day on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. Receiving the Jeffreys Memorial Academic Scholarship was Rileigh Collins. Rileigh will attend East Tennessee State University to pursue a dual major in physical therapy and business.

Congressman Tim Burchett spoke at the Union County Business & Professional Association Meeting last month.
He had just returned from the US - Mexican border and had witnessed the plight of the immigrants who come across the border. He described the conditions as deplorable and talked about how many of the children seemed to be scared and confused.

Walker Appliance has moved to 126 Hansard Road just behind the Dollar General near the Knox County Line. To celebrate their their new location, the owners, Clint and Mandi Walker hosted the quarterly UCBPA Meet 'n Mingle on March 21, 2023. The Walkers are excited to have a large barn like building to house their inventory and welcome their friends, neighbors, and area shoppers..

Greg Clay, Director of Union County Schools, addressed members of the Union County Business & Professional Association in February.
“This is day 15, so don't ask me anything too difficult,” he joked.
Clay praised the employees and many of the programs of Union County Public Schools. He explained the need for a new middle school.

“File early and seek professional advice to file your 2023 IRS taxes” is a tip from Gail Corum, owner of Corum Bookkeeping & Tax Services.
Gail shared these and other important ideas with Union County Business & Professional Association Members at the meeting in January during lunch at Li’l Jo’s. She encouraged everyone to seek the advice of a professional, especially for completing tax forms for a business.

Union County Business & Professional Association named Martin Shafer and Donna Riddle as Man and Woman of 2022 at its Annual Banquet on November 12 at Maynardville Fellowship Church Fellowship Hall. The dinner was catered by Pete’s Place with coffee provided by Ridge and Valley Coffee House. Brenda Sweet greeted guests and collected tickets, and Rev. Matt Cooke delivered the invocation.

Union County Business & Professional Association enjoyed quiche, coffee, and sweet treats during a morning Meet 'n Mingle on December 7, 2022. The event was held at Emily Cooke's Buttercup Bakehouse. Members chatted and visited to the smell of fresh baked cinnamon rolls. Shannon Brooks of First Bank organized the event with incoming president Tammie Hill of Realty Executives. UCBPA meets monthly on the second Tuesday at noon at Li'l Jo's in Maynardville.

President Martin Shafer introduced his good friend Russell Biven to some 70 people who attended the 25th Annual Union County Business & Professional Prayer Breakfast on April 15.
Biven had already shared his heartwarming smile as he greeted nearly every attendee. The former moderator for Channel 10 Live at Five, Russell is currently the marketing director for the H. T. Hackney Brand.

Russell Biven, who was the face of Channel 10's “Live at Five” for 20 years, will be the speaker at the Union County Business & Professional Prayer Breakfast on Good Friday, April 15.
First Baptist of Maynardville is the venue for the hot breakfast catered by Tindell's Farmhouse Bakery and beverages provided by Ridge and Valley Coffee House. The invocation and breakfast begin at 8:10 with the program at 8:45. The Cox Sisters will sing before and after the keynote. “Faith and Positivity” is the theme.

In order to show support for the Union County Christmas Parade, Union County Business & Professional Association decided to encourage its members to participate.
Several of the UCBPA members decorated floats or vehicles including Five Star Waste, Home Town Pest Control, Tammie Hill Realty Executive Associates, UT Extension Union County, Maynardville Mayor Ty Blakely, Union County Government and Maynardville Drug & Express Care.

Aaron Russell and Shannon DeWitt are Man and Woman of 2021
Union County Business & Professional Association named Aaron Russell and Shannon DeWitt as Man and Woman of 2021 at its Annual Banquet on November 19, at Hubbs Grove Fellowship Hall.
Aaron Russell, publisher of Historic Union County News, was praised by Robbie Corum, the 2020 Man of the Year, for Aaron's “out of the box thinking.” With this “tackle the unknown attitude,” Aaron has given Union County its first online newspaper, as well as a printed monthly edition.

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.