Weekly Wrap-Up: January 15, 2021

January 15, 2021

Your MEMBER ONLY email on all things the Chamber worked on this week 

and what you need to know to get the most out of your membership.

Thank you for being a member.

During this time of national crisis, when information and connections are so important, 

the Weekly Wrap-Up will be made available to members and non-members. 

We are here for you and in this together. 

CEO Brief

In the wake of insurrection last week we have watched with you the ramifications that have followed. One that I am paying close attention to is that of private businesses making their opinions heard and felt by cutting ties and cutting funds to those that were involved. It is always good to see businesses step up and do what is right and stand against violence and support democracy. 

A quick point on Twitter banning Trump: it is not the same as a bakery not selling an LGBT person a cake. The President violated a private company's usage policies by inciting violence and he was banned and “not served” for that, and the other is someone being denied service for who they love. Those things are not the same and should not be compared. We are against refusing or denying service to anyone for their beliefs or opinions no matter what they are, that is not what Twitter did in regards to banning the President. 

We had some incredible programming this week. Our Corporate Connect meeting with over 20 of our major members was energizing. Member Connect launched again with new fun tech to present the conversation, look for more programming like this and let us know if you want to be highlighted. Check out more information on both below. 

Our community partner Nashville PRIDE is looking for an Executive Director. Please help us spread the word on this position and find an amazing candidate to lead the organization. We can’t wait to have this position filled and another full-time paid advocate working for the community alongside us. See the job info below in Connections. 

Our board and staff are gearing up for our annual retreat next weekend. If there is anything we can do or change to make membership or the Chamber better, please reach out and let us know so we can discuss and plan for the future. This is YOUR chamber and we want to hear about what you would like to see and how we can better assist. 

Let us use the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday to reflect on our history and our future and how we can work to come together and heal. Be safe and stay healthy. Let us hope for a quiet week ahead and a peaceful transfer of power. 

Coronavirus Response

Record numbers of deaths and cases continue day after day. Wearing a mask and physical distancing is still the best way to do your part. We are hopeful that a new administration and coordination will help get this more under control. 

Local and regional banks have started taking PPP2 applications. National banks should start accepting applications next week. Get your application in early to make sure you receive your PPP funds. Let Joe know if you need assistance with this, he is aware of several member banks that are happy to help. 

Check out our Member Connect conversation with Pathway Lending and Marcum Financial this week. The information they share about their work is directly connected to COVID recovery and relief. 

Our member TN Event Designs has shifted gears. They now offer contact tracing and temperature screening, allowing access to a process that best protects anyone within your facility and provides the safest experience for your event. You can learn more here.

Legislative Update

The 112th Tennessee General Assembly gaveled to order on Tuesday. 

History was made when two openly gay Representatives were sworn in. We want to congratulate Torrey Harris and Eddie Mannis on their wins and representing. We look forward to working with them to keep Tennessee open and welcoming. 

There will be a special session next week on education and the regular session will resume after that. We will know what we will fully face in terms of anti-LGBT legislation at the bill filing deadline in early February. We will keep you informed along the way. To read more on other developments at the legislature you can read our member Schmidt Government Solutions newsletter.

Please join us in welcoming the following businesses that JOINED our Chamber this week:

We are so proud of the continued participation from the following businesses who RENEWED or upgraded their membership this week. Please support these businesses!

• Platinum: Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority
• Gold: Asurion
• Silver: Bass, Berry & Sims
• Silver: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.
• Bronze: Bart Durham Injury Law
• Bronze: Soles4Souls Inc.
• Copper: MediCopy Services, Inc.
• Copper: Pathway Lending
• Copper: Schmidt Government Solutions

What We Did

We were excited to launch this week's Member Connect on a brand new platform! Moving forward, Member and Classroom Connect will come to you using StreamYard, a live broadcasting service. Thank you to Cathy Werthan of Marcum LLP and Paul Hoffmann and Richard Bird of Pathway Lending for presenting on Metro CARES grants, PPP, and more. You can catch up on the program here.

Many of our corporate members met this week for Corporate Connect. This bi-monthly Pride ERG meeting is pivotal for our advocacy efforts. It also provide a space for corporate leaders to learn and grow together around diversity and inclusion. If you would like to get involved in this program, reach out to Lauren.

Connections

CHAMBER EVENTS

• Network Connect January: PM Brewing Up Business (1/21/2021)
• Classroom Connect January: LGBT Business Enterprise Certification and Metro Procurement (1/28/2021)

Nashville Black Pride is joining up with OutSpoken to broadcast a podcast on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at 7pm for National Black History Month. Join Facebook Live for "The Non-Profits and Advocates Behind the Flow". This project is looking for LGBTQ Businesses to send a commercial/video to advertise your business and speakers, poets, and politicians to join the conversation. Reach out to Mac Huffington to get involved!

Nashville Pride is seeking its inaugural Executive Director who share the vision and mission of their organization and can help create organizational structure while maintaining the responsibility for the financial and operational stability and programmatic success of the organization. Are you looking for employment? Do you know someone perfect for the job? Apply for this position here.

Our member Tribe/Play announced securing a long-term location on Church Street and an exciting renovation. THIS Sunday, January 17th, will be the last day the "old" Tribe is open for a while. They are open Wednesday-Sunday, 5-11 pm. Learn more here.

One of our newest members Shakti Power Yoga has an incredible opportunity for the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ community. Find information about their Virtual Yoga Teacher Tranining Progam and scholarship opportunities here.

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