DeKalb County Chamber Chat

May 2026

Suzanne Williams — Fri, 08 May 2026 13:40:01 +0000

In this May 2026 episode of DeKalb County Chamber Chat, we shine a spotlight on our newest Chamber members: Sullivan Walter Homes, Mid TN Disposal, and Jack Schroeder & Associates. We also share industrial updates from SHIROKI North America and Tenneco, highlighting their impact on our local economy.

On the community side, we feature programs and events from The Spot youth center, First Baptist Church, the Smithville Merchants Alliance, the Smithville Study Club Art Show, and Leadership DeKalb. Plus, we give you a sneak peek at upcoming events including the Cornbread Festival, DeKalb County Cleanup, and the Older Americans Day celebration.

This program is produced by DTC3 TV.

You can also find the the audio podcast links on our website. www.DTC3.tv

Chapters

(00:00:18) - Chamber Chant
(00:02:09) - Walter Homes
(00:06:19) - Free Admission Day at the DeKalb County Fair
(00:07:33) - Dumpsters and a barn: Middle Tennessee Chamber News
(00:09:40) - Jack Schroyer and Associates
(00:09:56) - A New Chamber Member's Welcome
(00:10:48) - Jack Schrader and Associates
(00:13:47) - Industrial Spotlight
(00:17:24) - How many people work at Shiroki?
(00:18:09) - Cherokee Chemical Company's Community Outreach
(00:22:36) - Smith Hill First Baptist Church Community Day
(00:26:08) - May is a busy time of year for trash pickup
(00:29:22) - Celebrations of Beautification in DeKalb County
(00:30:24) - Smithville Mailroom Celebrates 5 Years
(00:35:28) - Columbia Chamber of Commerce presents Bronze Site Certification
(00:37:06) - Employees Get the Cleanup
(00:38:07) - What is P3- Certification for Tendico?
(00:39:39) - Tenco Clean Air Certification
(00:42:35) - The Spot Celebrates One Year!
(00:46:47) - Smithville Student Art
(00:51:23) - Older Americans Day Celebration
(00:54:15) - Leadership DeKalb celebrates Center Hill Lake Day

April 2026

Suzanne Williams — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 20:02:37 +0000

Celebrate spring in DeKalb County with the April 2026 Chamber Chat featuring an industry spotlight with DTC Communications CEO Kasey Krueger on DTC's 75th Anniversary and the launch of Trilight Mobile. This episode also highlights community Easter events and services with First Baptist Church Smithville, the Appalachian Center for Craft's Celebration of craft and summer workshops, and a full slate of April happenings.

This program is produced by DTC3 TV.

You can also find the the audio podcast links on our website. www.DTC3.tv

March 2026

Suzanne Williams — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 18:55:33 +0000

Hosts Suzanne Williams & Jen Sherwood starts off this episode talking about spring weather and beekeeping adventures. Latosha Simmons & Ashley Hill from Galaxy Ford highlight truck month deals and service. Chad Ramsey shares about Smithville First Baptist Easter Events. A special business update from Jason Phillips & Tina Abston at Tenneco includes an annoucement of new production that is adding 50-60 jobs in Smithville. Isaac Heller speaks about Ascension Saint Thomas DeKalb's new bone density scanner and infrastructure investments. New Frontiers promotes Family Fun Day. Highlights from the downtown merchants features Late Night Friday shopping and an upcoming movie night.

This program is produced by DTC3 TV.

You can also view the podcast on our website. www.DTC3.tv

February 2026

Suzanne Williams — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 22:11:17 +0000

Suzanne Williams and Jen Sherwood host the program this month to kick off the 2026 series of shows. Here is the complete guest list for the program: Kathe Reed-Nelson & Louis Colombarini with the Off The Beaten Path Studio Tour, Chad Ramsey with Smithville First Baptist Church, Mercedes Nakano with Buffalo Health Advisors, Dawn Doll with Let’s Dance, Anthony Brewer, Kara Davis, & Tripp Hess from Star Manufacturing, Kathy Hendrixson from the Justin Potter Library, Lee Chadwell from Edgar Evins State Park, and Emily Bell of Hosanna Farm Child Care.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Chamber Chat
(00:01:00) - The Off The Beaten Path
(00:03:16) - Off the Beaten Path
(00:06:08) - Snowy morning in Nashville
(00:06:22) - Pastor Chad
(00:07:26) - Blowing snow and harvester: Community project
(00:11:05) - The Real People Love Mercedes
(00:11:33) - Senor Mercedes Nakano on Medicare
(00:13:45) - Sons of the Confederate Veterans at Liberty
(00:15:15) - Chamber Board Gets New Members
(00:17:29) - 2026 Executive Board
(00:18:40) - DeKalb County Woman dances on live TV
(00:22:56) - The Chamber Song Competition
(00:24:44) - The Stars at Star Manufacturing
(00:25:27) - Star Manufacturing's 34th Anniversary Celebration
(00:26:25) - Smithville Manufacturing: A Tennessee Community Story
(00:30:47) - A message about Star Kitchen
(00:32:12) - February Valentine's Day and Super Bowl
(00:34:35) - Alexandra Grant and Bridge Grant
(00:36:21) - February at the Library
(00:37:53) - Older Americans Day Celebration
(00:40:25) - Ranger Chad Leewell at New Year's
(00:40:49) - Griffin State Park: During the Snow
(00:44:35) - Park Rangers on-site to help with storm recovery
(00:46:02) - Interview by Phone
(00:46:32) - Hosanna Farm Child Care is open for business
(00:52:33) - Bye Bye
(00:52:42) - Community Day and Leadership DeKalb

December 2025

Suzanne Williams — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 21:30:00 +0000

Suzanne Williams and Jen Sherwood host the program this month, with visits from Chad Ramsey of Smithville First Baptist Church, Isaac Heller of Ascension Saint Thomas DeKalb, Randy Caldwell, Dawn Doll, Kathy Hendrixson of the Justin Potter Library, and Lee Chadwell of Edgar Evins State Park. Plus lots of upcoming calendar announcements for events. This program is produced by DTC3 TV. You can also view the podcast on our website. www.DTC3.tv

Chapters

(00:00:00) - December Chamber Chat
(00:01:02) - The DeKalb Chamber Prayer Breakfast
(00:04:43) - Christmas preparations underway in Smithville
(00:06:31) - St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital CAO attends CAB session
(00:08:20) - Bone density scan at DeKalb Hospital
(00:12:04) - Smithville Christmas Party and Santa's visit
(00:14:07) - Dancing for Sesame Street
(00:17:20) - A Taste of the Olympics
(00:17:46) - Tennessee Made the List for Christmas Lights
(00:19:35) - Smithfield Christmas Parade and Christmas on the Square
(00:22:07) - Keltenberg Nativity Scene
(00:23:26) - Meet the animals at Party Animals
(00:26:03) - Christmas Celebration at the DeKalb County Courthouse
(00:29:16) - Christmas Parade and Nativity Set Lighting
(00:33:35) - Christmas shopping in DeKalb County
(00:35:32) - Christmas Parade in Smithfield
(00:37:46) - Alexander County Libraries present Christmas programs to the community
(00:41:33) - Good Mental Health During the Holidays
(00:46:04) - Holiday Help for Suicides
(00:48:27) - Ranger Lee Chadwell at Gravy State Park
(00:48:42) - The Dan 5K
(00:52:32) - festival of trees
(00:54:38) - Christmas Program

November 2025

Suzanne Williams — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 14:17:30 +0000

Kathy Hendrixson and Jen Sherwood host the program this month with visits from Austin Hayes of Caddyshack, Thomas Deadman of The Appliance Guy, and a call-in from Brad Halfacre of Edgar Evins State Park. Also stopping by are Bill Conger of Haven of Hope, and Randy Caldwell of The Purple Door.

Plus lots of upcoming calendar announcements for events.

This program is produced by DTC3 TV. You can also view the podcast on our website.

www.DTC3.tv

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Suzanne is away for the November Conference
(00:01:13) - Caddyshack Dog Golf Bar
(00:03:03) - The Appliance Guy
(00:05:31) - Boo Bash Winners and
(00:08:44) - DeKalb County Volunteer Fire Department Celebrates 50th Anniversary
(00:11:56) - Thanksgiving Celebration
(00:14:33) - Studio 105
(00:15:27) - Downtown Smithville Christmas Open House
(00:18:37) - December Events for the Downtown Smithfield
(00:22:09) - Christmas Parade and Live Windows
(00:24:21) - December 3rd Parade and Celebration
(00:26:16) - Counselor Bill Conger on Play Therapy for Kids
(00:28:48) - Anxiety and depression counseling for children
(00:31:04) - One of the counselors at a local counseling center talks
(00:32:33) - What's going on at the library in DeKalb County?
(00:37:36) - Visit the Glass Works Museum
(00:38:14) - Park Manager at Edgar Evans State Park
(00:38:38) - Exploring the Park's Interpretive Action Plan
(00:39:38) - Fall and winter camping
(00:42:32) - Park Service Discusses Future of the Park
(00:43:09) - Festival of Trees
(00:47:06) - Leadership to Cab
(00:50:03) - Happy Thanksgiving!

October 2025

Suzanne Williams — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 13:31:23 +0000

This month starts with a visit from the pastor of First Baptist Church in Smithville, Chad Ramsey, to discuss their upcoming fall festival and other events. Next Issac Heller of Ascension Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospital discusses their recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Then Sharon Evans with Habitat for Humanity shares the details of the upcoming Chili Cookoff, plus information about their home programs. Sandy Roberts of Rocky Jane's talks about the Spooktacular Pet Parade to raise money for the local pet shelter. Haven of Hope counsler Rose Koerber visits to discuss their addiction assistance services. Emily Bell with Hosanna Farm stops by to chat about a child care center. Lastly, Brad Halfacre of Edgar Evins State Park with an update of park activites.

Plus Kathy and Jen share a multitude of other local October 2025 calendar events.

This program is produced by DTC3 TV. You can also view the podcast on our website.

www.DTC3.tv

Chapters

(00:00:18) - Smithville Lions Club Special Guest
(00:01:05) - Caddyshack Smithville
(00:02:31) - Alexandria Mercantile Markets and Sedwig Airbnb
(00:04:17) - Smithville First Baptist Church Update
(00:07:43) - Speaker Larry Cripps
(00:08:28) - Isaac Heller Discusses Breast Cancer Awareness
(00:13:03) - Helping Cumberland Habitat for Humanity with Chili Cook Off
(00:17:40) - Donating to Habitat for Humanity
(00:19:27) - Smithville Art Walk and Toy Shop Golf Sc scramble
(00:23:19) - Senior Health Fair and Pumpkin Festival
(00:27:03) - Rose Kerber Discusses Haven of Hope
(00:32:24) - Fall Take Back Drug Day
(00:35:35) - Alexandria Childcare Center Announcement
(00:39:56) - Libraries Around DeKalb & Cannon counties
(00:45:40) - Storytelling Day
(00:46:59) - 2015 Haunted Canoe Trip
(00:48:17) - Edgar Evan State Park Campsite Decorating
(00:52:24) - Visit Oak Knob State Park for fall and winter specials
(00:52:56) - WMA Hunting: October
(00:55:07) - The Edgar Evans 5K Race
(00:56:55) - Fall Color Tours at the Park
(00:57:21) - Decalb County Chamber Chat

September 2025

Suzanne Williams — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 19:53:00 +0000

This episode starts with delicious talk about the upcoming Habitat for Humanity Chili Cookoff with Tecia Puckett Pryor. Then we learn more about Gammon, Drueck & Watson, CPAs with visits from Devin Floyd and Evan Watson. Chad Ramsey with Smithville First Baptist Church talks about several exciting things on the horizon. We get to meet the new Chief Administrative Officer at Ascension Saint Thomas Dekalb and Stones River Hospitals, Isaac Heller. The Purple Door owner Randy Caldwell stops by to talk all things downtown Smithville merchant news. Then we learn more about the great services offered by Haven of Hope. Kathy Hendrixson talks Justin Potter Library updates, while Brad Halfacre talks about events at Edgar Evins State Park.

Plus, we have updates on other fun events going on in DeKalb County during September.

This program is produced by DTC3 TV. You can also view the podcast on our website.

www.DTC3.tv

Chapters

(00:00:18) - September 1st
(00:01:36) - Alexandria Businesses Open Their Doors in September
(00:02:52) - Cook Off and Baked Goods
(00:04:52) - DeKalb County Habitat to Merger with Upper Cumberland
(00:08:35) - Memorial for Tom Druick and Watson CPAs
(00:09:28) - In the Elevator With Tax and Business Advisors
(00:10:13) - Rebranding to Smithville: Welcome Home
(00:12:12) - Haven Church Community
(00:15:21) - Ascension Hospital celebrates 100th patient visit
(00:15:39) - Smithfield Hospital CEO on his background
(00:16:40) - Acceleration to CAB
(00:18:58) - Ascension St. Thomas Hospital Celebrates 10 Years in De
(00:20:58) - September 11th Honorary Ceremony
(00:22:56) - October's Downtown Smith Art Walk
(00:25:56) - DeKalb County Kiwanis Club Charter Kickoff
(00:29:00) - Susanna and I Take Dance Class
(00:30:05) - DTC Annual Meeting 2018
(00:32:01) - Haven of Hope
(00:35:57) - Mental health awareness message
(00:37:59) - DeKalb Prevention Coalition Drug Take Back Event
(00:42:26) - DeKalb Animal Shelter to microchipping
(00:45:32) - Smithville Public Library promotion
(00:49:11) - Alexander Old Timers Day and Golf
(00:50:23) - Angie Hikes The Millennial Trail
(00:51:10) - What else is going on at Tennessee State Park?
(00:54:33) - The 5 Miler Race at Edgar Haven State Park
(00:55:47) - Leadership DeKalb Class of 2021
(00:57:23) - Chamber Chat