Our Business & Education Council is involved in a number of activities relating to the promotion and enhancement of business, community development, quality of life, and education and workforce development. This council focuses on the following areas:

Keep Washington County Beautiful- this program is now coordinated by The City of Johnson City, 434-6000

CHAMBER BUSINESS SHOWCASE - Each year, 40+ business participate with a booth showcasing their products and services.  The 2010 event, presented by TruPoint Bank, was Thursday, May 6th, at The Mall at Johnson City.  For more information, contact Barbara Mentgen, mentgen@johnsoncitytnchamber.com

LEADERSHIP 2015 - Business leaders join for a planned experience that exposes them to the overall needs of the community and region. The program examines topics that run the range from economic development to medical services to education. Field visits to key facilities in the city and county along with presentations by professionals who have expertise in a number of specialty and technical fields round out the average day.  Participants attend an orientation session and 2-day retreat in August, and participate in a one-day session each month from September through April. Leadership participants graduate from the program at the April Chamber Membership Breakfast.  A L-2015 Alumni Group began in Fall 2006 for past participants.  Contact Person - Elisa Britt, britt@johnsoncitytnchamber.com

YOUTH LEADERSHIP - Provides an opportunity for area high school sophomores and juniors to join together and learn about our community.  Program objectives include:  Identifying potential leaders; Nurturing leadership skills; Providing opportunities to practice leadership skills; Establishing effective dialogue in relationships; Promoting leadership in the schools; Promoting involvement as young citizens; Developing mutual trust and respect; Acquainting participants with community needs & opportunities; and Challenging participants to develop their leadership potential.  Contact Person - Elisa Britt, britt@johnsoncitytnchamber.com

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION - Area businesses partner with all City and County schools in the Johnson City and Washington County area.  The program creates, fosters, and enhances the relationship between our schools, administration, teachers, parents, businesses and students so that student learning can be enhanced and the needs of business can be supported. Businesses support the schools for one year terms, offering monetary and in-kind support.  Contact the school of your choice to see how your business can partner, either financially, in-kind, or with people.

TENNESSEE SCHOLARS PROGRAM – A regional program sponsored by area businesses and industry. Tennessee Scholars are high school students who have completed a specific curriculum that provides a high level of skills and readiness for the labor market or higher education.  TN Scholar graduates are assured their advanced education will better prepare them for the workforce, enable them to compete for meaningful jobs, and make them better prepared to pursue advanced technical education or university study. Contact Person - Elisa Britt, britt@johnsoncitytnchamber.com
www.tennesseescholars.org

WASHINGTON COUNTY IMAGINATION LIBRARY - Program provides a new, age-appropriate, hardcover book each month from birth to age five at no cost to the family. The goal is to see children under the age of five reading at grade level by the third grade, as research indicates that children who cannot reach this target reading level have continuing difficulties in school and are more likely to drop out of high school.  All counties in Tennessee provide this program to the community.  Contact Person – B.J. Krug, JC Public Library, bjkrug@jcpl.net