Small Business Networking

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. (July 18, 2024) – City of Oak Ridge residents can expect their property tax statements to arrive in their mailboxes this month. In accordance with State Law, property tax notices are mailed to the property owner at the address on file with the State of Tennessee as of Jan. 1, 2024. Because of this, some property owners may not receive a statement, a situation normally explained as part of the property closing process. Failure to receive a notice of taxes due does not relieve the property owner of the obligation to pay or provide relief for late payments. Property owners who do not receive their property tax statement by July 31 should call (865) 425-3404 and ask for DeDe, the city’s Tax Specialist, or look up how much they owe online in order to pay on time. Property tax information can be found online through the City’s website at OakRidgeTN.gov.  Property owners have until Aug. 31 to pay their property taxes without interest or penalty. On Sept. 1, interest will begin to accrue on the account. Payments can be made online at https://payments.oakridgetn.gov/ , at the Utilities Business Office (UBO) located at 200 S. Tulane Avenue, in the overnight drop box in the UBO parking lot, or by mail at P.O. Box 1, Oak Ridge, TN 37831. Payments made with a card, in person or online, will incur a 2.75% fee. The fee for payments made by eCheck will be $1 per $5,000. These fees are assessed to offset the transaction cost incurred by the City. For more information, call the Tax Specialist line at (865) 425-3404.

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. – Students and working adults in Oak Ridge can now earn a degree from Tennessee Tech University without leaving their hometown, thanks to a new eDort from the university’s College of Interdisciplinary Studies. Tech’s popular “2+2” program, which has long allowed students to complete a bachelor’s degree in select areas of study at local community college campuses, is set to expand with new oDerings at the Oak Ridge campus of Roane State Community College. Beginning this fall, students can earn a degree in interdisciplinary studies with concentrations in project management and environmental and sustainability studies – all from Oak Ridge. Classes are tailored to the needs of working adults and are oDered once weekly on Tuesday evenings. Jo Ann Foster, site coordinator and advisor for Tech’s Oak Ridge programming, explained that Roane State’s Oak Ridge campus was a natural fit for Tech’s collaboration. “Oak Ridge is centrally located and is truly a hub for several of the surrounding counties,” said Foster. “Roane State has been a valuable partner to Tech, and we’re excited to come alongside them and oDer students a pathway to a bachelor’s degree in these sought-after fields of study from the convenience of the Oak Ridge campus.” Foster added that the fields of project management and environmental and sustainability studies are attractive degree options intended to meet key workforce needs. “We consistently hear from employers that project management is one of those highly desired skillsets as they are seeking to fill roles,” said Foster. “Likewise, environmental and sustainability studies is valuable for students wanting to work nearby at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, for the many contractors who do work in the area or in related fields.” Tammy Keylon, recruitment specialist for Tech’s College of Interdisciplinary Studies, adds that the 2+2 program support eDorts to make higher education more accessible to more Tennesseans. “Tennessee Tech believes strongly that education can be for anyone, regardless of background or age. We want to remove those roadblocks to higher education and make it simpler for nontraditional students and working adults to complete their degree,” said Keylon. “In this case, that means bringing a little bit of Cookeville to Oak Ridge. We’re excited to equip students with the benefits and reputation of a Tennessee Tech degree, all from the convenience of their home community.” Classes offered at Oak Ridge in the interdisciplinary studies degree pathway include courses such as global sustainability issues and initiatives; intro to environmental law; workplace conflict and resolution; critical thinking and problem solving; business communications; project management: risk mitigation, assessment and quality; nonprofit organizations and the environment, and others. Students in Tech’s 2+2 program must earn their associate’s degree or equivalency to enroll at the university to complete their remaining credit hours toward a bachelor’s degree from the community college site. Tech has an established learning assessment process which helps students earn maximum allowable credits for military credits and Prior Learning Credit. Interested students can learn more by contacting Foster at jfoster@tntech.edu or Keylon at tkeylon@tntech.edu

Event to honor the lives lost and impacted by overdose!

The Tennessee Historical Commission has announced a new grant fund to restore National Register-listed historic properties in Tennessee. $2 million dollars in funding will be available from the Historic Property/Land Acquisition Fund (HPLAF) Grant Program this year. Applications are open now through August 31, 2024. The grants are competitive and can be used for Historic Restoration or Rehabilitation Projects for National Register-listed properties that have a public benefit.  “This new grant program fulfills our mission to help restore and revitalize historic places across our state by offering a much-needed funding opportunity,” said Patrick McIntyre, Tennessee State Historic Preservation Officer and Executive Director of the Tennessee Historical Commission. The grant program requires a 10% match of project funds from the grantee and is for properties currently listed in the National Register of Historic Places that also have a strong public engagement component such as museums, courthouses, and libraries. Applications are submitted through the TDEC Grant Management System (GMS). Visit our website for additional information and access to GMS. For information on the new HPLF grant program, please contact Dan Brown or Bobby Cooley. For more information about the Tennessee Historical Commission, please visit the website.

MartinFederal Consulting, LLC (MartinFed) has been awarded a Blanket Purchasing Agreement (BPA) under the FBI IT Supplies and Support Services 2 nd Generation (ITSSS-2) contract vehicle. ITSSS-2 has an estimated ceiling value of $8B and establishes a mechanism for providing contractor expertise to FBI programs over the next eight years and will be available for use by the FBI and all DOJ components. “I am proud of our team for their hard work and contribution to this win,” said David Mathis, President and CEO of MartinFed. “We have a diverse team of partners and stand ready to support the FBI, DOJ, and the Federal Law Enforcement community. Our vision is to make a meaningful impact on the safety and security of our nation, and this contract win is evidence of our entire team’s focus on making that vision a reality.” MartinFed provides innovative technical capability in the areas of IT services, Cyber solutions, Enterprise Security Operations, and Software and Business Applications development to a broad range of customers including DOJ, DOD, NASA, and DOE. An ITSSS-2 BPA will allow MartinFed to expand these service offerings to the FBI and the broader Federal Law Enforcement community. Ted Martin, Executive Vice President of Federal Solutions for MartinFed, offered the following comment, “Earning a position as a BPA holder on the ITSSS-2 contract vehicle is key to our growth objectives in expanding our Cyber and IT Services and Solutions to the FBI and DOJ. As a Huntsville-based company, it’s especially exciting to support the FBI and its global mission given its continued investment in the Huntsville community. We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate as a mission partner with the FBI to deliver our innovative Cyber and IT solutions that will support its critical mission and enhance national security.” ### About MartinFed : MartinFed is a federal solutions provider specializing in Advanced IT, Cybersecurity, Engineering & Technical Solutions, and Training. MartinFed ’s diverse missions for the United States government and commercial clients are supported by extraordinary team members who display drive, curiosity, humility, and pursue excellence.

Roane State graduate Jacob Nelson returned to the Knox County Center for Health Sciences this past spring to receive his 2022 Paramedic of the Year honor. A long-held tradition for the college’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) programs, all award recipients take their recognition photo home after it has been displayed at the campus for at least a year. Nelson earned his Paramedic certificate from Roane State as well as the Paramedic of the Year Award in 2022. The award was presented during the annual TEAMHealth Paramedic Luncheon, part of a 40+ year collaboration between the college and the healthcare company. Since graduation, Nelson has continued to progress within the EMS profession. He now serves as a field training officer (FTO) for the Knox County division of American Medical Response (AMR). In this role, Nelson said he is helping shape the next generation of EMS practitioners. “In a testament to his ongoing pursuit of excellence, Mr. Nelson has made the proactive decision to further his involvement in education by aspiring to become an instructor in the field,” said David Blevins, Roane State’s paramedic program director. “He is steadfast in his commitment to honing his skills and upholding the highest standards of care.” Beyond his FTO duties with AMR, Nelson is also a highly sought-after preceptor for students in Roane State’s EMS education programs. “His willingness to impart knowledge and provide guidance to aspiring EMS professionals underscores his passion for cultivating talent and ensuring readiness to serve individuals experiencing medical emergencies or traumatic injuries,” Blevins said. “We were proud to honor him once again for his achievements. Mr. Nelson is an inspiration to future generations.” Roane State’s paramedic program has a 100% job placement rate and is the most skilled level of the college’s EMS series. It is typically completed in a graduated format, starting with Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), followed by Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT), and then Paramedic. To learn more about these programs, visit roanestate.edu/ems . 

A Loudon County resale store has once again provided a grant to help award scholarships to Loudon County students enrolled at Roane State. The grant for $20,000 was provided to Roane State Foundation earlier this summer and will be used to fund the equivalent of 20 scholarships at $1,000 each in the upcoming academic year. The Good Neighbors Shoppe also donated the same amount to the Foundation in 2023. “We’re so grateful to the Good Neighbors Shoppe for its continued support of our mission to put students first,” said Roane State Foundation Executive Director Scott Niermann. “Helping economically disadvantaged students is a critical need in Loudon County, one of Tennessee’s fastest-growing areas. These scholarships can remove financial barriers so that students can achieve their goals.” "We see the need in our area and know that access to higher education is so important to the success of our citizens,” said Leslie Capozzoli, volunteer and member of the Good Neighbors Shoppe Board of Directors. “We are proud to partner with Roane State to assist students in Loudon County and give back to our community.” The all-volunteer, nonprofit thrift shop is located at 420 Leeper Parkway in Lenoir City and has been in existence for over 20 years. During that time, the shop has donated more than $7,000,000 to Loudon County organizations and individuals in need. To learn more about Good Neighbors Shoppe, visit gnshoppe.org. Roane State is a two-year college providing transfer programs, career-preparation programs and continuing education. Founded in 1971, the college has locations in Roane, Campbell, Cumberland, Fentress, Knox, Loudon, Morgan, and Scott counties as well as a branch campus in Oak Ridge. For more information, visit roanestate.edu or call (865) 882-4554.  # # # Roane State Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation that seeks to enhance community awareness of the college, to secure private contributions and bequests, and to manage monies or properties given to the Foundation, including an approximately $25 million endowment. Roane State Foundation supports the college with capital projects, equipment, educational programs, and scholarships. For more information or to make a gift to support Roane State students, visit roanestate.edu/foundation, email Foundationdept@roanestate.edu, or call (865) 882-4507.

Roane State is seeking nominations for the 2024 Outstanding Alumni Award to be given to an alum in recognition of outstanding service to their profession, to RSCC, and to the community. Recipients will be announced later this year and honored in a special reception in their home county. The deadline to submit a name for consideration is July 12, 2024. Nominations can be made by anyone and must include: 1. Nominee information form 2. Letter of recommendation Nominations should also include the nominee’s name, address, date of graduation and degree (to be verified by RSCC personnel), and information detailing how the nominee meets each of the three criteria.  Nominees must have attended Roane State Community College for at least 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours to be considered eligible for this award. To learn more, visit roanestate.edu/alumni or contact the Office of Alumni Relations by emailing alumni@roanestate.edu. # # # Roane State is a two-year college providing transfer programs, career-preparation programs and continuing education. Founded in 1971, the college has locations in Roane, Campbell, Cumberland, Fentress, Knox, Loudon, Morgan, and Scott counties as well as a branch campus in Oak Ridge. For more information, visit roanestate.edu or call (865) 882-4554. Remember, eligible adults can now attend Roane State tuition-free with the new Reconnect grant. Learn more at roanestate.edu/reconnect. Roane State Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation that seeks to enhance community awareness of the college, to secure private contributions and bequests, and to manage monies or properties given to the Foundation, including approximately $25 million in endowments and other investments. Roane State Foundation supports the college with capital projects, equipment, educational programs, and scholarships. For more information or to make a gift to support Roane State students, visit roanestate.edu/foundation, email Foundationdept@roanestate.edu, or call (865) 882-4507

OAK RIDGE, Tenn. (June 27, 2024) – Team registration for the City of Oak Ridge Department of Recreation & Parks’ 2024 Fall Softball season will open on June 28, 2024. A Men’s League will be offered on Monday evenings with the possibility of Thursday make-up games. A recreational and a competitive Co-Ed league will be offered on Tuesday evenings with the possibility of Thursday make up games. Teams must complete registration paperwork and pay the applicable registration fee by Saturday, July 27, 2024. Games are scheduled to begin the week of August 5. For more information or to obtain the registration paperwork, teams may contact Matt Reece at (865) 425-3440 or players may inquire at the front desk of the Oak Ridge Civic Center. Registration materials are due by July 27. # # #

Roane State Community College will host cybersecurity camps for high school aged students in Anderson, Campbell, and Scott counties this summer. Registration is open now and there is no cost to attend. The camps are designed as serious courses for rising 9 th through 12 th grade students who are interested in cybersecurity and computer science. Areas of study will include network visualization, mapping, and simulation as well as digital forensics, risk assessment, and more. Registration is available online at roanestate.edu/personaldevelopment under the “Computer and Software Training” section. Participating students must live within Anderson, Campbell, or Scott counties. Camp dates, times, and locations are as follows: July 8-11, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET, Anderson County Higher Education Center (Clinton) July 15-18, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET, Campbell County campus (LaFollette) July 22-25, 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. ET, Scott County campus (Huntsville) The Anderson County Higher Education Center is located at 220 Frank L. Diggs Drive in Clinton, the Campbell County campus is located at 201 Independence Lane in LaFollette, and the Scott County campus is located at 410 W.H. Swain Boulevard in Huntsville. Specific details for each campus are listed at roanestate.edu/campuslocations . Dr. George Meghabghab, Roane State’s Computer Information Technology program director, will lead all three camps, which are made possible through a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). The ARC sponsorship covers the cost of registration for each student so they can participate for free. A camp t-shirt will also be provided. Roane State has been designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education for the Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Information Technology, Cyber Defense concentration. Learn more about this program at roanestate.edu/cyberdefense . Questions about the cybersecurity camps can be directed to Sonya Parker by emailing parkers@roanestate.edu or calling (865) 481-2031.

Coffee & Commerce is a brand-new networking event, to be held on the first Tuesday of each month from 8-9 AM at alternating host locations. This event is free and exclusive to Chamber members. Attendees can expect light breakfast, networking, and a short program mid-event. We’re excited to foster more opportunities that will: • Strengthen connections between members • Give the host a chance to showcase their business • Keep members informed with high-profile guest speaker briefings • Give a restaurant/caterer Chamber member a business opportunity Visit our website calendar to register and learn who our monthly speakers and hosts will be! If you are a Chamber member interested in hosting a Coffee & Commerce (with space to accommodate 30+ attendees), contact events@orcc.org . (LINK TO C&C GUIDELINES)