News

04/14/2025 in Town Council Town Council 2025

Town Council Meeting April 8, 2025

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on April 8, 2025.

At the meeting, Kevin Crisp came before Town Council to request the use of Main Street for the Tazewell County Chamber of Commerce’s Oktobrewfest event set for October 4th. Previously, this event had been relocated to another site for 2025. Council reviewed the application and approved the event and street closure.

Jeanette Wilson came before Town Council on behalf of the Juneteenth Committee to request the support of Town Council for the annual Juneteenth celebration. The 2025 event will be held on Saturday and Sunday, June 21st and 22nd. Town Council approved a donation of $3,000 to assist with expenses for guest speakers, music, food, and tents.

Manager Regon presented a donation request from Ashley Fisher for a donation request she submitted to help offset her costs for a National Police Week meal. Council approved a $200 donation for this request.

As part of its Local Business Recognition, Council congratulated Tiffany Masferrer on her new business, Books, Blooms, & Britches. Together with her mother, Jessica Zavala, Tiffany operates the thrift and consignment store at 140 Railroad Avenue in North Tazewell. They have an excellent variety, from clothing, to beauty products, gifts, and books. Congratulations to both!

Full video of Town Council meeting:

03/24/2025 in Business

Rural Small Business Digital Growth and Innovation Grant

We are excited to share an important funding opportunity available for small businesses in Tazewell and Buchanan Counties through the Rural Business Digital Growth and Innovation Grant Program via Locus. This program will provide $90,000 in total funding ($5,000 or more awarded per business) to help small businesses in Buchanan and Tazewell counties enhance their digital presence, e-commerce capabilities, and online marketing strategies.

Included below are links to the application, digital readiness assessment, scoring rubric and a presentation and flyer with more about the details of the grant.

To ensure that businesses and support organizations fully understand the program and how to apply, Locus is inviting you to join a Q&A session where they will discuss:
-Grant details & eligibility requirements
-How businesses can utilize their awarded funding in digital support
-The application process & key deadlines
-How to complete the application and digital readiness assessment
-What judges look for in a strong proposal
-Available resources and support programs for applicants

Q&A Session Details:

Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025
Time: 11:00 am – 11:30 am
Meeting Link:

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 286 329 144 018
Passcode: EG3BE2gR

Who Should Attend?

Small business owners in Tazewell & Buchanan Counties
Entrepreneurs seeking digital growth support
Applicants looking to refine their grant applications

If you have any questions or need additional information before the session, feel free to reach out to Billie Roberts at Locus at broberts@locusimpact.org or 276-245-2674.

03/14/2025 in Town Council 2025

Town Council Meeting March 11, 2025

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on March 11, 2025.

At the meeting, Renee Goddard-Perkins gave a presentation for Black History Month, which included an overview of the immense depth of African contributions referenced in biblical and ancient Eastern civilization records. Renee is also looking for volunteers or potentially part-time staff to assist her at the Tazewell Test Center, located in the Tazewell County Chamber of Commerce office at 165 Chamber Drive in Tazewell.

Carol Doss, Executive Director of the Upper East Tennessee River Roundtable, came before Council to share information about her organization and to request their support. The Upper Tennessee River Roundtable is a non-profit organization with an interest in improving water quality in the Upper Tennessee River Watershed, an area that encompasses Tazewell and several other counties. They also hold workshops in our area and frequently partner with local agencies to bring events that focus on environmental quality, such as tire removal from rivers, rain barrel construction, and repurposing craft workshops.

The Tazewell High School Project Graduation Committee, spearheaded by Jill O’Quin, requested support from Town Council for their upcoming Project Graduation event. Project Graduation offers graduating seniors an opportunity to spend a fun (and safe) evening together to celebrate this occasion. Town Council voted in support of contributing $700.00, along with free usage of Lincolnshire Park.

Pam Meade, Executive Director of the Tazewell County Chamber of Commerce, along with former Executive Director Keshia Cole, came before Council to give an invitation to the upcoming annual dinner fundraiser and to share the plans for the 2025 Oktobrewfest, happening October 4th. The Oktobrewfest committee has opted to hold this year’s event at the Back of the Dragon Brewery and will soon announce sponsorship and vendor opportunities.

Full video of Town Council meeting:

Special Presentations & Requests

02/17/2025 in Town Council 2025

Town Council Meeting February 11, 2025

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on February 11, 2025.

At the meeting, Renee Goddard-Perkins provided information about the Tazewell Test Center, a business she owns and operates which offers test proctoring services. Tazewell Test Center is located in the Tazewell County Chamber of Commerce office located at 165 Chamber Drive in Tazewell. She now offers finger printing services, in addition to the standardized testing options. Visit their website at https://www.tazewelltestcenter.org/ for more information.

Beth Takach came before Town Council for consideration of the annual OTR event, scheduled for June 6 – 8, 2025, in Tazewell at the Back of the Dragon headquarters. The multi-day event will feature stunt shows, vendors, and food trucks, along with live music. In August of 2024, Back of the Dragon was awarded Best Two Day Festival by the SWVA Tourism Awards for its 2024 OTR event. For more event info, follow Back of the Dragon on Facebook or visit their website at https://backofthedragon.com/otrevent/

Town Council gave special recognition to Tazewell area Tazewell County School Board members, Chairperson Irene Mullins and David Woodard. The Governor of Virginia recently proclaimed February as School Board Appreciation Month, in honor of their dedication and contributions to educational excellence.

Full video of Town Council meeting:

Special Presentations & Requests

01/17/2025 in Town Council Town Council 2025

Town Council Meeting January 14, 2025

The monthly Town Council meeting was held on January 14, 2025.

At the meeting, Chief of Police Stan Lampert gave special acknowledgement to several Police Department members with a Compassionate Policing Award in recognition of their efforts during a response to a recent call. Receiving the award, from left to right, are Sergeant of Patrol Leighton, Lieutenant of Investigations Menefee, Officer Woodard, and Officer Ruble. Additionally, Chief Lampert updated Town Council on recent promotions granted in his department. Congratulations to each, job well done!

Town Council also appointed Councilmember Beasley as Vice Mayor. Congrats to Vice Mayor Beasley!