This publication hopes to contribute to the success of communities in a variety of ways, but mainly through information. The main thrust of OneConnect will be grants; federal grants, state grants, and foundational grants. One could spend hours looking through the THOUSANDS of grants that are available and get absolutely nowhere. We help consolidate all the information out there into one spot. Is the information available to the public on the Internet? Of course it is. But who has the time to research it? We do. We package it up neatly and lay it before your eyes.

OneConnect also features TNConnect, a section that will highlight state grant programs in Tennessee. The newsletter is also customized to those grant programs for subscribers in other states. Each newsletter will address the issue of social media and how it can be used for your community’s advantage. OneConnect includes grant writing tips & strategies, as well as articles about federal & state programs, foundations, and innovative ideas used by other communities.

The next issue of OneConnect will be released on Monday, February 20^th, so be sure and sign up for the subscription. You can have the newsletter delivered to your inbox every two weeks for $29 a month. As we progress through the year, OneConnect will come out once a week.

Check out the first issue here: http://eepurl.com/i55Cz

Sign up for a subscription here: http://eepurl.com/i3iMP

It has been quite a task figuring out how to use this new social media outlet for my consulting business, but I am managing…and advice is well taken should you feel to offer!

I love Mashable and how they have cornered the social media market coverage. And I ran across two articles that help me validate my interest in Pinterest and using it for the business. Here are the articles that offer great insight to the sites effectiveness:

http://mashable.com/2012/01/29/pinterest-retail-infographic/

http://mashable.com/2012/02/01/pinterest-traffic-study/#4170712-Repeat-Pins

Check it all out!

(1) Photos – Photos from the campaign trail linked to the flickr and facebook account

(2) Social Media – Graphics from our social media pages with links to each of course!

(3) “From Across the Fourth” – We will use this to highlight various communities in the Congressional district

(4) Articles of Interest – This board links the follower to various news articles about Eric and the campaign

(5) Motivation – Sort of an abstract board filled with various photos, quotes, and other motivational sayings related to the campaign

(6) About Me – Simply a photo board bio of the candidate. Hometown, education, occupation, etc.

(7) Stewart for U.S. House – Filled with various graphics from the website, voting registration sites, and various related campaign sites

(8) Tennessee! – Various images about Tennessee that are found on Pinterest

(9) Personal Interests – Interests & hobbies of the candidate. Directly gleaned from the candidate.

We now have boards up! Now we have to figure out how to creatively use them! Suggestions accepted! We have a few that we are going to implement over the campaign, but for now…shhhh!!!

Stay tuned!

P.S.: We are not managing a political campaign, as some have suggested. We only designed the website and are managing social media for the candidate. Just clearing things up We’ll design websites for Republicans too! Send me your business!

From Alexa:

Pinterest.com is ranked #304 in the world according to the three-month Alexa traffic rankings, and approximately 5% of visits to it are referred by search engines. The site’s visitors view 11.1 unique pages each day on average. Compared with the overall internet population, Pinterest.com’s audience tends to be female; it also appeals more to moderately educated Caucasians under the age of 35 who have incomes between $30,000 and $100,000 and browse from home. We estimate that 77% of the site’s visitors are in the US, where it has attained a traffic rank of 53.

Pinterest’s popularity is growing immensely. Although Pinterest does not currently release traffic information, ComScore estimates that there are more than 3.3 million users. And I have seen estimates that 54-70% of the users are women. A majority of the users are from ages 18 to 34; have college degrees, have children, and use the site from home. (also from Alexa) An excellent key demographic in elections.

Still brainstorming…a few ideas to implement in the coming days!

The website might be a good place to reference? Places the campaign might visit along the way? Things that are Tennessee specific would be a good board to stimulate one’s visual senses, right?

Way more questions than answers at this point! But check us out as we grow: http://pinterest.com/stewart4tn/

I really didn’t know what I was in store for yet. I put INDEPENDENT on my internship application because I was rebellious and did not want to be put in a box with my beliefs and ideas. So, I was placed in the office of then-State Senator Lincoln Davis (thank you Russell Humphrey). He ran for Congress that year and they brought me along for the ride. And it was a great ride. I learned a lot, I grew a lot. I can now find success in the business-world because of the things I accomplished while working with and for him. Once the people of the 4th district voted him out last November, I decided that my stint in politics was over and I did not want to return.

Once I started OneConsulting, most people automatically thought I was a political consultant…false. Not even close. But once you are pegged as a politico, it is hard to remove that label. But then I was approached by State Senator Eric Stewart about his possible bid for Congress. Not to run his campaign, not to advise him as a consultant…but to do what we do…design his website and implement a social media plan. So here we are…Sometimes You Can’t Get Away!

I will be trying something that no one (that I can find at least) is doing. Using the up-and-coming social media outlet of Pinterest in a U.S. House campaign. Will it work? Can it work? Is it worth it? Can one find success? We will find out! So I will be blogging about it the entire way, and maybe I can provide some insight on whether or not Pinterest can be invaded by politicians or if it’s even worth the time & effort! Feel free to offer suggestions along the way! You can follow Eric Stewart on Pinterest here: http://pinterest.com/stewart4tn/

Stay tuned!

The East Region Accelerator will be led by the University of Tennessee & Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation partnering with several entities around the region, including the Tennessee Veterans Business Association. TVBA’s role will be to mentor & support veterans as they look to start their own company or to expand their current business. The organization currently serves in this capacity to its own members by providing training and guidance to its veteran-owned businesses.

The nine business accelerators across the state are getting money to spur entrepreneurship by offering mentoring, education, strategic support and assistance identifying sources of capital. Each location will get $250,000, which is a combination of state and federal money and contingent on each accelerator providing at least $250,000 in matching support.

The East Region is led by University of Tennessee & the Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Partners include: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Knoxville-Oak Ridge Innovation Valley, Tech 20/20, UT Research Foundation, Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, Oak Ridge Economic Partnership, 3 Degrees LLC, Pellissippi State Community College, Roane State Community College, UT Extension, UT Center for Industrial Services, Claris Networks, Development Corporation of Knox County, Entrepreneurs’ Organization – East Tennessee Chapter, Entrepreneurs of Knoxville, Tennessee Veterans Business Association, Entrepreneurial Transitions, Sensible HR Solutions, SociallyU, Tennessee Small Business Development Centers and multiple private capital firms.

Governor Bill Haslam announced the Jobs4TN plan in April 2011 to accomplish his goal of making Tennessee the top choice location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. As a part of this plan, the Department of Economic & Community Development was charged to develop a competitive grant process to provide funding to an entrepreneurial business accelerator in each of the state’s nine “Jobs Base Camp” regions, as defined in the Jobs4TN plan. The goal of the business accelerators was to nurture and support entrepreneurs as they develop business plans and launch companies that have the potential to create a large number of high-wage jobs.

The Tennessee Veterans Business Association provides entrepreneurship training, business development assistance, and networking opportunities to military veterans and their families. TVBA also provides assistance in finding rewarding employment to all veterans, and support the work of both public and private sector organizations who offer charitable support to current service members and veterans.

To find out more about TVBA, visit www.jointvba.org.

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• Website Design & Maintenance
• Logo Creation & Design
• Layout Design
• Copywriting
• Photography & Video Services
• Advertising – Web, TV, Radio, Print Publications
• Branding & Marketing Strategy
• Social Media

Our new website listing detailed services and complete portfolio coming soon, so STAY TUNED!

CHECK OUT THE NEW GUYS!

Executive Producer


Blake Chasteen – Bio



Powering much of our technical expertise and providing constant, assured Blackberry troubleshooting, Blake Chasteen is proud to announce his full-time commitment to the OneConsulting team.  An esteemed graduate of Maryville College and l’Université de Savoie, Blake has continuously striven to achieve throughout his academic and entrepreneurial career.  Blake, creator of The Beautiful Feet Project, inspired and attempted a Guinness World Record Hopscotch fundraiser (Earning nearly $60,000 for Appalachian Children and breaking the Guinness World Record for Longest Hopscotch Course [3.05mi]).  Blake also participated in the publishing of a children’s book, authoring on multiple theses on alternative energy and economic development, as well as earning several national awards.  Blake has recently began turning his talents towards his creative take on photography and film, art direction, web design, musical composition, and business branding and modeling, as it relates to non-profits, education reform, and community development.  Our new Executive Producer, Blake Chasteen, will provide an unparalleled facet to nearly every piece of the OneConsulting portfolio, and we look forward to our continuing ability to provide even more for our clients.

Creative Director


KellyCaldwell – Bio


Kelly Caldwell is excited to be joining OneConsulting as Creative Director. She received her degree from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Trained in the nationally recognized “Method Creative” program as part of the Temerlin Advertising Institute, she has a refined knowledge of both art direction and copywriting. She was previously was awarded an Addy as well as having her work displayed in the Art Directors Club of Houston. In addition, she minored in photography and worked previously with a public relations firm in Greenville, SC.

One Mission, One Goal, One Voice is the motto of TVBA and it rings true through their military service to this country but also through their entrepreneurial service to this economy. There are millions of veteran-owned businesses that contribute greatly to America’s economy. They defended our freedoms, and when they return from service they help sustain our economy. OneConsulting considers it a privilege to work with and for this group of patriots.

TVBA is now approaching 200 members in Knoxville, Oak Ridge, and Chattanooga. Next month, Jonathan Williams will sit down with veterans in Nashville to expand TVBA’s reach across this state. This organization is growing very fast…and you can be a part of it. You do not have to be a veteran-owned business to show your support for these great men and women; you are allowed to join as a non-voting partner. If you are a veteran-owned business, it is well worth the investment. To be a part of like-minded business owners who want to be your advocate.

To get more info about TVBA, check out www.jointvba.org

FROM TVBA:

The Tennessee Veterans Business Association provides entrepreneurship training, business development assistance, and networking opportunities to military veterans and their families. We also provide assistance in finding rewarding employment to all veterans, and support the work of both public and private sector organizations who offer charitable support to current service members and veterans.

As part of our mission, we educate the public and government officials on the values of supporting veterans and the importance of veteran-owned businesses to our economy. We believe in respecting their service by providing continuing support.

Who can be a member of the TVBA?

A Voting Member is any business or organization that has a percentage of veteran ownership.

An Affiliate Member is any business or organization that is not veteran owned. Affiliate Members are encouraged to join and have all member benefits, but cannot vote in Association matters or have a seat on the Board.

Individuals are also invited to join. Veterans or active duty personnel are Voting Members, non-veterans are Affiliate Members.

The business owner does not have to attend the meetings or functions, any representative of the business can attend.  However, the veteran owner is the only person that can vote in Association matters.

What are the Champion Partners?

Diamond – Veteran Business Owners Only.
Platinum
Gold
Silver

Please contact us for more information on Champion Partner member benefits and annual dues.

Non Champion partners are considered Regular Members. Regular membership cost is $100 a year.

Will my Military Service be Verified?

Yes.  Since this an Association of Veteran owned business’s, we will be verifying military service.  Honorable Discharge status will be verified with the DD-214, or other means of military service verification.  If you are registering as an SDVOB, we will need to verify your disability rating through your VA letter or VA ID Card.

Please do not mail, fax, or e-mail your verification.  Documentation can be provided at the next meeting you attend.  Please see Jonathan Williams or Joe Zimmerman.

What are the benefits of membership?

We offer a wide array of member benefits. Please see our member benefits page for a full list.

How much does an annual membership cost?

Please contact us for Champion Partner annual dues and member benefits.

Regular Member annual dues are currently $100 for an organization or business and $50 for an individual.

If you are one year removed from Active Duty or are currently in the Reserves, your first year of membership is free.  We ask that you fill out an application, but no dues are required.

How do I get started applying for membership?

Just visit our  application’s  page and fill out the on-line application.  You will need to mail the payment to our P.O. Box address.  Once your application is submitted,  it will have to be approved by the membership committee. Once approved your information will be included in the on-line member directory.  This process will only take a few days.

If you would rather print and mail in the application and payment you can do so.  See our Mail-in Application page.  You can print a copy of the application  and mail the payment and application to the address provided on the form.

How can I find out what’s going on with the TVBA?

You can check out the calendar on the events page.  That has all the latest happenings of the TVBA!

Where are monthly meetings held?

All monthly meetings will be announced on the event calendar, please check there for details.

Are Guest’s and other Non-Veteran business owners allowed at the meeting’s?

Absolutely.  You have to be a veteran owned business to join, but any business owner is more than welcome to come and network.

Emory Valley Center President, Jennifer Enderson, said, “We’re glad to provide Mr. Goode and other officials the opportunity to experience firsthand all our facility has to offer. Our community leaders should be informed about the Emory Valley Center and its needs so we can maintain a partnership that ensures the best services and our clients’ success.”

The tour of services included the Emory Valley Center’s sheltered workshop that enables adults with intellectual disabilities to develop skills for preparation in competitive employment. The facility also provides residential support through group housing and assists individuals with activities related to home management. In addition to the work and living arrangement, individuals are supported in setting and reaching goals that ensure personal growth and leisure activities.

The facility’s Adult Day Program Classes and Early Learning Classrooms, housed in the Daniel Arthur Building, will soon lose their space. The Day Program is comprised of meaningful activities that target the clients’ fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and socialization among other daily practices. The Early Learning Center is the state’s largest early intervention program. Early Intervention Center Based services provide services to children with disabilities from birth to three. A capital fund campaign, led by Gene Caldwell and Dottie Thompson, is currently underway to prevent the facility from closing these classrooms.

“Emory Valley Center helps people reach their full potential,” said USDA Rural Development State Director Bobby Goode. “The education, job skills and other opportunities created by the staff and resources available at the Center creates a higher quality of life for participants, their families and for the entire community.”

The Emory Valley Center originated in 1955 as the Emory Valley School that provided services for children with intellectual disabilities. It was first housed in a metal barracks building donated by the Atomic Energy Commission. Vocational training services were added in 1966, and residential services began in 1973. In 1991, the facility officially became the Emory Valley Center and added the Early Intervention Program.  Sixteen surrounding counties now receive the facility’s services, and a satellite Day Program called the Advantage Center operates in Morgan County.

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