The Commerce Connect

In this episode, we spoke with Liliana Tschanett from the SBA and Deanna Frazier from FEMA about resources for those affected by the March 31st, 2023 Tornado.

In this episode, Lori Beth Belk owner of Agape and President of the Covington Economic Development Corporation reviews the Chocolate Tour details with our director, Lauren Fletcher! Listen to this episode to learn about all the details for one of Tipton County's largest tourism events of the year. 

In this episode you get to hear from the New Boys and Girls Club, CEO Felisha Mason and her board member, Amber Shaw! The three of us have a discussion about current programs and ways to get involved and give back to our local youth. 

With a new year, comes time for a check-in from Callie and Lauren. In this episode they recognize a record number of new Chamber Members for the 2022 calendar year. Listen to their discussion to quickly learn about over 60 new local businesses and organizations in Tipton County.

In this episode, we learn more about the services available from new local business, Freedmind Management Solutions owned by Jason Smith. Listen to this episode to learn more about how he has pledged to give back to the community! Visit them online here https://www.freedmind.com/ .

In this episode, we speak with David and Rene Quinn about the Chamber Ambassador Club! Listen to our discussion to learn more about this great opportunity to get involved with local community development efforts. 

In this episode we had the joy of speaking with Zack Walker, owner of Southern Draw Antique Mall. Listen to this episode to learn about one of Covington's newest businesses and about this young entrepreneur! 

In this episode, we got to hear from Nina Smith, Executive Director for CASA of Tipton County. Learn about the work that this local nonprofit organization does for children going through the local court system as victims of abuse. They share some immediate needs which are especially more CASA's --specially trained volunteers. Tickets for their dinner fundraiser are now on sale and can be found at the Chamber of Commerce office for $50 each. Table sponsor packages are also available. The event is scheduled for Saturday, September 24th. 

In this episode, we speak with Addie Davis who is quite accomplished at age 25. The original plan was to feature her photography business, though you also get to learn about her day job as an agent with Clay and Land Insurance. Listen to this episode to learn her take on what "trusting the process" means. 

In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Natalie Hewitt who is the newer owner of local Covington business, The Stitching Store. Listen to this episode to learn how someone who worked in accounting for over 20 years ending up buying a local quilt shop! 

In this episode, we speak with Emily Byrum representing Netchex! Listen to this interview and learn more about one of our newer Chamber Members. 

This is episode 1 of season 3 where you get to here what we've been up to, learn a little about each of the 55 NEW Chamber Members that we had the privilege to welcome to the Chamber of Commerce during the 2021-22 fiscal year along with a few updates and new events! 

In this episode we spoke with Cathy Kinney who will be helping manage the Court Square Farmers Market. She mentions some important dates for those that want to join us for the 2022 season! Tune in to learn more about what's planned for the upcoming season! 

Our special guest this week was, Heather White, owner of Brunch Time Café. Listen to this episode to learn of her journey since opening her business in the fall of 2019. The café is located in Covington at the Dyersburg State Community College - Jimmy Naifeh Center campus. 

This week we spoke with Callie McLillie during her second week on the job as our new Membership Services Coordinator. Listen to this episode and learn more about the newest Member of our team!

This week we had the pleasure of speaking with Stephanie Pugh representing Shelter Insurance. Learn more about what led her to get into the insurance business and about an upcoming Home Buyers Seminar offered free to the community Saturday, February 26th at the Covington Civic Center. 

In this episode our Executive Director provides a quick update mainly to share that the 10th Annual Chocolate Tour event hosted by the Covington Economic Development Corporation was rescheduled to Saturday February 12th from 10am-4pm. This decision was made after an ice storm. 

In this episode, we recognize the 36 new Chamber Members that joined the Chamber of Commerce in 2021. We also share a bit of information for our open position for a Membership Services Coordinator. 

This week we had the pleasure of speaking with local attorney, Amber Shaw. She has been practicing law for 13 years and currently serves as the managing partner of the Covington office for Harris Shelton. 

This week we spoke with Loribeth Belk, owner of Agape. Her business is in downtown Covington and just turned a year old as of October 2021.

This week we had the opportunity to interview Michael Hamilton, owner of new local business, Hamilton Health and Wellness. 

This week we interviewed Dr. Breck Beasley, owner of Tipton County Integrated Medicine. Listen to this episode to learn what integrated medicine is and what lead him to become a chiropractor in the first place. You'll get to hear about his team as well as a great overview of the many different services they offer in the Tipton County, Tennessee region. 

This week we interview Billy Kidd, owner of Kidds Lawn Service. Listen to this episode to hear about how he started out as a young entrepreneur and what he learned along the way. Did you know that he offers a first responder and military discount for his services? 

While we didn't have a special Chamber Member guest this week, our director, Lauren Fletcher shared updates from the Chamber of Commerce staff. This episode includes details on recent business activity in the community, TOTAL Youth Leadership Class of 2022 application details, upcoming events like the 26th Heritage Festival, Squarecrow Contest, a shopping event in Downtown Covington and more! 

This week we interviewed the vice president of the Tipton Arts Council, Darrell Brown. The board serves as the managing entity of the Historic Ruffin Theater in Downtown Covington. Listen to this episode to learn about ways you can get involved with our local theater and a list of the upcoming shows through 2021! 

During this episode we spoke with mother and daughter team, Cherri Reece (owner of Covington Nutrition) and her mother Tammy Brigman (owner of Paradise Nutrition). Learn about their new loaded tea and shake businesses and why they chose to do business in Covington. 

In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Michelle Allen, a local Crye Leike Real Estate Agent. She is involved with the community by volunteering her time, all while staying involved with her family and continuing to exceed goals with her real estate career. Listen to this episode to hear her inspiring story and learn what the current real estate market is like from an agents perspective. 

This week we had the pleasure of speaking with Dianna Deverell, owner of Kathryn's Flowers. She's been the proud owner of a local florist business for 20 years and is an absolute joy to know. We hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it!

In this first episode of season two, we have special guests, Kayla Fisher and Rob Cothran owners of Rob N Bob's Produce. Learn about their local produce business and when you can find them as vendors of the Court Square Farmers Market. They also share a great story of how Rob proposed to Kayla this past fall. 

This week, we had the pleasure of interviewing Brigitte Passman, our County Director and 4-H Youth Development Extension Agent. Brigitte shares the different services offered from her local office, introduces her team and their roles, as well as explains the many current and upcoming programs that they lead. March is Extension month! Listen to this episode to learn exciting news regarding the relocation of the Extension office to the Covington depot building off East Liberty Avenue. 

In this episode, listeners have the opportunity to learn about Thomas D. Adams and his new local men's clothing store in Covington, HIS Fashions. Thomas is a leader in our community through his involvement with the Boys and Girls Club of the Hatchie River Region among other ventures such being a current student through Bethel University, a published author and serving as a preacher to name a few. Most importantly though, Thomas is a proud father and continues to grow his business while teaching his children about entrepreneurship. 

Our special guest this week was Danny Young, owner of Prime Time Grill in Covington. Listen to this episode to learn more about this locally owned restaurant located on highway 51 North. 

This week we had the pleasure of speaking with Ms. Lydia Jackson, owner of Lydia's Fashion and Designer Boutique located in Downtown Covington on the west side of the square. Lydia is a great example of a "self-made" woman entrepreneur and has a diverse set of skills to include tax preparation with her accounting degree. She is also one of the very few seamstresses in our community. Her retail business offers offers a variety of nice clothing and jewelry options and she also rents tuxedos. Most recently she has invested in a monograming/embroidering machine and will be offering that new service very soon!

Our Chamber Member guest this week was Crystal Buckner, owner of Wild Flowers Florist and Gift Boutique. Learn about her family owned and operated business and her upcoming specials for Valentine's Day 2021. 

Our special guest in this episode is Jason Glass, owner of Total Fitness which is a 24/7 gym located in Covington. Jason shares an overview of his entrepreneurial journey and explains details on the many services and products offered by his family owned business. 

Our special guest this week was Jessica Hernandez, who works at Sugaright, owns JH3 Entertainment, with her husband Jesse, and also serves on the Covington Economic Development Corporation (CEDC) board as the Vice President. In this discussion, we share details on the upcoming Chocolate Tour event that will take place in downtown Covington on Saturday February 6th from 10am-4pm. You can follow the Historic Covington Downtown on Facebook and Instagram for more details on that event as well as others hosted by CEDC throughout the year. 

Also explained in the discussion are the other CEDC events and initiatives such as beautification of downtown Covington, Music on the Square, the Court Square Farmers Market, Farm-to-Table Dinner, Squarecrow contest and Festival of Trees. 

This week we had the pleasure of speaking with Mr. David Lane, manager of our local U.S. 51 Country radio station. In this episode, you'll learn a little about how the radio industry has evolved over the years and what our local station prides itself on...supporting the community. 

In this episode, we interview special guest, John Brasfield, owner of John Brasfield Jewelers.

In this episode, we get to hear from Eldercare Advisor, Lisa Tilley representing Parkway Cove Assisted Living and Memory Care by Americare. She explains a little about Alzheimer's disease and overviews the high quality services they provide to our community at their beautiful facilities. 

This week we had the pleasure of interviewing Tiare Stone with Amanda's Way and Marie Pizano of MVP3 Entertainment Group. In this episode, you'll learn a little about the local non-profit organization, Amanda's Way in our community and about a movie that will be filmed in Covington spring of 2021!

Our special guests in this episode were Nancy Ward and Shirley Adams, owners of What A Deal located on the Historic Covington Square. 

This week we had the pleasure of speaking with Maurice Vasser, manager of Little Caesars in Covington. 

In this episode, we spoke with Kelvyn Thomas, owner of Up Town BBQ On the Square. Learn about his journey that led him back to his home town to open a BBQ restaurant that he is now expanding, even amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. 

In our 17th episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Randy Goulder (owner) and Nicole White (manager) of The Stitching Store in Covington. 

In this episode, we get to hear about an exciting new program being offered at our local Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Covington. Special guests Alyssa Tapley Associate Instructor, and Justin Jamerson Workbased Learning Coordinator explain what digital agronomy is and the many opportunities that surround this program made possible by a recent GIVES grant. 

In this episode, we have special guest, Lisa Keith-Babb owner of the Liberty Vintage Marketplace. Lisa also serves on the Chamber of Commerce board of directors as Treasurer, in addition to serving as a volunteer board member for the Covington Economic Development Corporation (CEDC). 

This episode features Steve Clark, owner of Southern Lawn & Pest, Inc and franchisee of Mosquito Joe. You'll get to hear his entrepreneurial journey including the ups and downs of running your own business with some words of wisdom added. 

This week listeners will hear from Cathy Waterbury, the Executive Director of Confidential Care Mobile Ministry. 

In this episode, you'll get to hear from the CEO of our local Boys and Girls Club, Mr. James Moore and the Program Director, Felisha Mason. They have all sorts of great information and updates to share about this wonderful local youth organization in our community!