Workforce & Education

Blount County is a rapidly growing community and the quality of the workforce, including the educational standards set by our institutions, are increasingly important as we attract a wide variety of new business and industry to our community and continue to support existing business and industry. The Blount Chamber is part of several programs that address workforce and education including:

• Adopt A School Program
• Workforce Employer Outreach Committee
• CEO Educator’s Roundtable

Adopt A School Program

Established in 1988 by the Blount County Chamber of Commerce, the Adopt A School program is a partnership between schools and the private sector. This program matches one or more businesses or organizations with a school for the term of the academic year. The program objective is to build links between businesses, students, teachers and the broader school community. The program activities increase knowledge and opportunities for careers and further education. A strong school system is basic to the health and growth of a community. The Adopt A School program utilizes the human resources and talents of the business community to strengthen, enhance and enrich the quality of education in the schools in the Blount County and City systems. Celebrating 20 years of success, the program has become an integral part of the community's education system. Over 40 companies act as adopters to schools. Business partners include representation from the retail, banking and service sectors.

For more information on the Program contact Brenda Farner at 865-983-2241.

WEOC (Workforce Employer Outreach Committee)

WEOC is an effort by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to reach out to Tennessee employers. The goal of the WEOC is to allow for two-way communication between the state’s employers and the department as well as to foster economic development, promote departmental services, and facilitate the distribution of policies and information. Possible topics include:

• The Tennessee Premium and Wage Reporting System
• Adult Education
• Labor Market Information
• Unemployment Insurance
• Work Opportunity Tax Credit

The meetings are held quarterly in conjunction with the Human Resource Focus Group.

If you are interested in learning more about WEOC, contact Vicky Jones. To participate in these WEOC, sign-up at Get Involved Form.

CEO Educator’s Roundtable

The Blount Chamber president & CEO meets monthly with directors of each school system and presidents of local colleges and technical institutions. The purpose of the CEO Educator’s Roundtable is to exchange information, ideas, and coordinate resources and programs beneficial to the education community. For more information, contact Fred Forster .