In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Knoxville Weather - Cloudy with a High of 42

📰 Tennessee Proposes Measures to Combat Drunk Driving

📰 Shape the Future: Vote in the Big Idea Competition

📣 Woodstream Hardwoods: Mastering the Art of Woodworking

📰 A New Chapter for the Knoxville Flea Market

🗓️ Upcoming Events 

🗓️ Know of Some Local Events not Listed? Send us the Details!

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Tennessee Proposes Measures to Combat Drunk Driving

Every year, drunk driving incidents take the lives of approximately 10,000 individuals in the United States, accounting for a third of all traffic-related fatalities. To combat this issue, Tennessee has introduced a legislative approach.

Named the Tennessee Prevention of Drunk Driving Act (HB 2845/SB 2636), this bill aims to curb driving under the influence through unique measures. Among its proposals are prohibiting the sale of cold, refrigerated beer by businesses and imposing limits on the number of drinks restaurants and bars can serve to patrons. Feedback from the community suggests skepticism about the bill's effectiveness in preventing drunk driving, yet many acknowledge it as a positive step forward.

Shape the Future: Vote in the Big Idea Competition

Cast Your Vote Now!

Make your voice heard by voting for the most innovative "Big Idea" through Sunday, February 18th!

The "Big Idea 48 Hour Launch" competition is set to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit by bringing together creative thinkers in early March. This accelerator-style event focuses on rapid prototyping, fostering a sense of community, strategic planning, incubation, and launching groundbreaking ideas. The top concept will move on to the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center's CO.STARTER Program, with the chance to secure $10,000 in prize money upon completion. Don't miss out on shaping the future of innovation! View the pitches and vote here!

A New Chapter for the Knoxville Flea Market

The Knoxville Flea Market, after 21 years at the Knoxville Expo Center, has relocated to the Jacob Building in Chilhowee Park for 2024. The flea market is described as a community event where vendors and shoppers can reconnect and share goods.

Despite the change in location, there is a positive outlook among vendors for the future of the market at its new venue, with expectations of maintaining its vibrant community atmosphere and continuing its success in Knoxville. The next flea market event is scheduled to last through Sunday, February 18th at the new location.

Woodstream Hardwoods: Mastering the Art of Woodworking

In today's business spotlight, we're excited to feature Woodstream Hardwoods, a distinguished name in the woodworking industry of Knoxville. Woodstream Hardwoods has been a testament to quality and craftsmanship in wood products for 49 years, since its inception in 1975.

Woodstream Hardwoods, nurtured by a family with a rich heritage in homebuilding, specializes in manufacturing, wholesaling, and retailing an array of wood products. Their offerings include hardwood flooring, lumber, accent walls, mantels, beams, wood slabs, exotic imported hardwoods, wood countertops, paneling, and siding. Beyond just sales, they also excel in custom woodworking, millwork, and installation services.

Behind this enduring success is a deep-rooted passion for beautiful woods and a commitment to the art of woodworking. The team at Woodstream Hardwoods has weathered many challenges since their humble beginnings, constantly learning and growing in their trade. Their journey is not just about financial success but a deeper understanding of craftsmanship and its value.

What truly sets Woodstream Hardwoods apart is their leadership in woodworking trends, including wood slabs, custom flooring, and millwork. They have been pioneers in sawing, drying, and selling slabs and exotic woods since 1979, both locally and nationwide. Their collection includes rare imported exotic woods, and their comprehensive knowledge of the business is well-respected among customers. Fairness and generosity in pricing further define their distinguished service.

Community involvement is a key ethos for Woodstream Hardwoods. They conduct free woodworking classes, offer business advice to new woodworking businesses, and are actively involved in charitable donations to organizations like the Emerald Youth Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club. Their "Wood is Wonderful" youth education program is a recent initiative they are particularly excited about, aiming to instill a love for woodworking in the younger generation.

Looking ahead, Woodstream Hardwoods is gearing up for their 35th Annual March Madness Open House on March 22nd and 23rd. This event promises live music, refreshments, wood prizes, free woodworking classes, tree seedling giveaways, and sales of their fine wood products. The company is expanding its reach with distributors in select parts of the country and is hiring experienced tradesmen and salespeople. Their educational initiative "Wood is Wonderful" is set to expand to local grade schools in Fall 2024.

For inquiries or more information about their products and initiatives, contact Nick McNutt at [email protected] or call (865) 524-0001. Visit their website to explore their world of woodworking.

Have an event to add? Let us know! [email protected]

February Events

Looking for events happening this week?

Community:

Stay Home and Read a Book Ball: On Saturday, February 17th, have a ball reading at home and help raise funds for the Children’s Festival of Reading by donating what you would have spent on a night out, More Info

Wedding Open House at The Grand Victorian: for all newly engaged couples on Sunday, February 18th from 2pm to 6pm, featuring more than 20 local wedding vendors that will have samples and displays of what they have to offer for that special day! Located at 6325 Tazewell Pike. Call for more info: (865) 456-1111

Used Book Sale: Knox County Public Library, South Knox on February 24th from 10am - 5pm. More Info

Wilma Dykeman Stokely Memorial Lecture (with Carolyn Finney): on Thursday, February 29th, at 7pm at the East Tennessee History Center, More Info

Music:

Hillbilly Jedi with guest Union County Opry Band: at 150 Main Street on Saturday, February 17th, Maynardville, Tickets start at $15 More Info

The Ladies of Soul Tribute, Vol II: on Friday, February 23rd at The Concourse, More Info

Seasonal:

Valentine’s Afternoon Tea with Live Music: Experience a romantic afternoon tea at the Spice and Tea Exchange of Knoxville at 4pm on February 18th, Cost: $55/person. More Info

Business Networking:

Expansion Connection Mondays: Business networking on Mondays, 9am at The Burgers restaurant in Powell, February 19th, 26th.

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