Gracemoor Trees of Christmas
Individuals, businesses and groups will create decorated Christmas Trees to be on display 1-4 p.m.at US Bank on Mose Dr. Hwy 111 in Sparta. The public may view the trees and vote for their favorite. US Bank will also host the Chamber of Commerce Christmas Open House on Dec. 9, 2010, 5-7 p.m.,  with the trees to be auctioned at 6 p.m. The trees will remain on exhibit until Dec 31th. Proceeds will benefit Gracemoor, local shelter for domestic violence. Register your tree at US Bank on Bockman Way or Hwy 111.

The Roane Alliance’s annual fund-raising Gala will be ‘rolling out the red carpet for a night of Hollywood stars this year,’ Alliance President and CEO Leslie Henderson said.

The Alliance Gala is one of the county’s premiere social events and features a gourmet meal, a wine reception, music and entertainment, exciting live and silent auctions, and this year – a Hollywood theme.

“This year the Roane Alliance is rolling out the red carpet for its annual gala and it will be a night for folks to dress up as their favorite ‘Hollywood Star’,” said Leslie Henderson, President/CEO of the Alliance.  Anything from Paris Hilton to Humphrey Bogart will be fair game for those who want to dress their chosen part from their own favorite Hollywood decade, but the ‘dress-up’ part is strictly optional.  This is a night for everyone to have fun; to help the Alliance and to enjoy a very special – and very entertaining – evening.”

The Gala’s real purpose is to raise funds to support the operations of The Alliance throughout the year.  These operations cover a wide range of economic and community development activities – all geared toward making Roane County more prosperous while enhancing the lives of its citizens. The Alliance handles everything from industrial recruitment for the county to assisting with community events to providing technical assistance to existing businesses and much, much more. The Alliance is a one-stop shop for all economic development – it is made up of the Roane County Industrial Development Board, the Roane Chamber of Commerce and the Roane County Visitor’s Bureau.

“Last year continued to bring all of us many challenges, but without a strong, highly-functioning Alliance out there working on our behalf, it could have been a whole lot worse,” said Ben Andrews, Chairman of The Roane Alliance Board. “Your support for our Gala this year is vital to the continuing success of those efforts.”

The Gala will be held at Rothschild’s in West Knoxville and begins at 6 pm, with a reception and silent auction. The auction typically includes get-away weekends, purebred puppies, sports memorabilia, jewelry, beauty and gift baskets, as well as hundreds of other items.

To become a Gala supporter in any way – including the purchase of sponsorships or individual tickets ($150 per person) or through the donation of any auction items – call The Alliance at 865-376-2093.

“Your support,” Henderson said, “is critical to our future success.”

The Roane County Industrial Park on Hwy 27 has a brand new sign that was officially dedicated on Thursday, September 30.  An example of a real partnership, this stylin’ monument sign is thanks to REU, HUB and TVA all pitching in to cover the cost, so folks will better know how to find our hard-working industries.  For more information about the industries in the park visit http://www.roanealliance.org/industries/industrial_guide.html

     Beautiful weather, good music, and great tasting barbeque were enjoyed by one of the largest crowds ever to turn out for Roane County’s Annual Elected Officials’ Barbeque held Thursday, September 23 at the Roane Alliance. 

     Hosted by the Roane Chamber of Commerce and sponsored for the 8th year by Comcast, this barbecue is held to honor and show appreciation to the elected officials — both new and existing — from Roane County and each of its cities.

     Giving the welcome speech was Leslie Henderson, President/CEO of The Roane Alliance.  The Invocation was given by newly-elected Roane County Executive Ron Woody.  Chamber Board Chair Diana Knobloch, Roane County United Way, congratulated and thanked all of the elected officials for their involvement and commitments to the county and cities of Roane.  County officials, city officials from Harriman, Kingston, Oliver Springs, Oak Ridge, and Rockwood, and school board members were recognized, along with state representatives and legislatures.  Knobloch thanked the Board members of The Alliance, the Chamber, the Industrial Development Board, and the Visitors Bureau, and gave a special recognition to the Roane Alliance staff for their hard work—thanks Diana!

     A good time was had by everyone, with many comments being heard  in the  crowd,  including  those  coming from  the  sponsors themselves—the Comcast officials. The barbecue and fixings were catered by World Famous Roadside Café in Kingston.  The entertainer, Tommy Hardin, was provided by Rocky Top General Store owner and Chamber Board member David Webb and his daughter Debbie Mee, along with the beautiful decorations.