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We're chatting about the people, places, events, and flavors that make Johnson City, Tennessee a lovely place to live. An interview show hosted by Colin Johnson.
Proud member of the Maypop Media family of podcasts.
It is a beautiful spring day here in March in Johnson City, the best place on the planet, and I am super excited for you guys to meet my new friend, Mackenzie Templeton, welcome to the podcast, McKenzie. Thank you for having me.
Since you're an avid listener, you probably know what the first question is that's coming. It's what is your favorite thing about Johnson City? Oh gosh, Mackenzie, I feel like you just may have said, Hey, I don't listen to the podcast a whole lot, so No, no. I just, it's a such a good question. It is a great question.
There's so many, there's so many facets, so many things you could choose from. Well, I'll tell you what I told somebody the other day, um, there was some new residents that we were having, um, dinner with, and they had said like, oh, you know, I'm sorry. We don't know a restaurant to recommend you just pick something.
And I was like, well, here's the great thing. You can have lived here 5, 10, 15 years and you're still not gonna have tried everything. That's true. That's, we got a lot of that. A lot of different flavors. Yeah. Every time you think you're getting close, 10 more things will open up. That is kind of a good thought, Mitch.
I think we should go on the road to try every restaurant, try every single restaurant, every one, and stay ahead of the curve. Like as they open, we hit 'em right as they're opening. That'd be a good one. Okay, so you're not here to talk about restaurants. Unfortunately you are with some organization that does talking and it's really fancy, and I see it on YouTube and all over the net.
It's really pretty. It is kind of taken off. It has, and you brought it to Johnson City, so tell everybody what you're doing. Yeah. Uh, I always love to tell the story of how we got started because it absolutely was not planned, which I think sometimes the best things seem to go that way. Um, so we had an individual in the young professionals of Johnson City who had come up to me at a service event.
We were packing food boxes at Second Harvest Food Bank, and I didn't even know her name yet, but we're sitting here packing boxes and she looks across at me and she was like, I have a crazy idea. I feel like every good story starts like that. Yeah. Um, I'm like, okay, let's hear it. And she was like, I wanna bring TEDx.
To Johnson City. And so it was one of those ask for, um, forgiveness, not permission type things we're like, yeah, sure, let's just go for it. Um, and so with the Johnson City Chamber, we were able to get that started and we're now here on year three. So crazy that it just came out of one person who was really excited.
Her name was Chloe Philpot. Um, and she's kind of helped start these all over the country as she's moved around. Um, so she's not here right now, but I think she might come back into town with, uh, to watch the event this year. I think she's in Nashville right now. Um, but really thankful for her, for, you know, her leadership and guidance, getting this started.
That's super cool and it's growing every year. Yeah. Good job, Chloe Philpot. That's awesome. Okay. So where did you grow up? So I grew up in Gate City, Virginia. Yes. Right around the corner. Yeah. Yeah. What is, what is your favorite thing about Gate City? Tell our listeners all about Gate City. I still am really thankful for the small town feel and just that sense of community that I grew up with.
Yeah. Um, it is one of those places where you knew everybody. Everyone I graduated with, what is the population of Great City? About 2000. Okay. Yeah. Yeah. You could know everybody. Yeah. So, graduating class, super close knit group. Yeah. Um, and obviously the location was really nice because I had family that was deeper in southwest Virginia.
Um, I had a lot of friends and family over in Tennessee, so I always felt like I could just be wherever in 30 minutes. So yeah. And then you decided to move to the big city? Yes. Did you go to ETSU? I did, I did. So I moved over here in 2018, um, to get my degree and I fell in love with Johnson City. What'd you get your degree in?
Uh, meeting communications. Oh, that works out well for your role. Yes. Convenient. Um, sometimes that doesn't work. You know, like you get a degree in horticulture or something, then you're doing podcasts, who knows? And selling houses. So we don't know anyone that does that. No. Now you're recently engaged, right?
Yes. That's exciting. Who's this fellow? His name's Ryan Keran. Ryan Keran? Yeah. And he does what? Commercial Real estate. Commercial real estate. Go Ryan. Um, so what do you and Ryan like to do for fun in Johnson City? Uh, so recently we've been getting into like all the things outdoors, so perfect timing with spring.
Um, we, tonight we are going to the Washington County Beekeepers meeting. That is probably not something a lot of people are age group. Well, I think there's probably some people listening. They're like, that's pretty cool. 'cause I keep bees. Yes. I'm all about the bees and yeah. So we're getting into all those sorts of things.
So we've started, um, we got a beehive. Um, we're also in the Appalachian, our c and d group's, um, gardening class right now. Okay. So we're in their build it up, um, backyard program. So they've come out and tilled in the last couple weeks in our, because we live in city limits. So it's really cool that we're able to do all of this.
Yeah. Um, and we're gonna do a garden and we go every month with other people and kinda learn alongside each other. So that's super cool. All the things outdoors, kayaking. It's gonna be a fun summer. It's gonna be busy, but it's gonna be a good summer. That's awesome. Yeah. I think, um, people say the outdoors here are just fantastic and I would agree.
Yeah. Um, we have a lot of pickleball players, a lot of golfers, a lot of tennis players, a lot of bike riders, Tweety trail, we got it all. Absolutely. Just, um, yeah. So what was your first job? So I started out in retail. So probably my love for working with the public, she said, um, a little casually. Um, you definitely get a good mix of, of everyone, right?
Like working in retail like Black Fridays and the holidays. They can be a lot the best and the worst in people. Yeah. But it's definitely, um, where I guess I loved or learned to love, um, you know, just being able to be of assistance to people. So, um, yeah, I started out in the Kingsport Mall working at JC Penney's.
Nice. So good throwback there. I like it. But it was definitely a good first, first job for sure. That's awesome. Probably a lot. Yeah. Now have you had multiple jobs between then and now? Yeah. Um, I was. Fortunate, and I'm, I'm an optimist, so when I look back at COV and everything that happened there, um, I was finishing up my degree at that time, so I had a lot of remote, um, opportunities come from that.
So had worked with a few nonprofits, um, on the west coast, um, doing some brand pro projects. And, um, then after I graduated, um, had briefly worked at Cumberland Marketing in Kingsport. Mm-hmm. Uh, and then I'd come to work for the Johnson City Chamber as their director of Young Professional Development. So.
Um, I'm now at Bridge, which is a non-traditional regional economic development organization, uhhuh. Um, so it's been a cool, you know, you can look back and see this like common thread. Yeah. I think that ties everything now is, so you're with Bridge and is your sole role like bring handling TEDx? So it's a little bit of, um, a few things.
I'm their development director. Um, so as a part of our strategic plan, um, air Service development's one of the core things right now. So increasing, um, flights at Tri-Cities. Um, so I work a lot on that project. Uh, we also do research market, um, data. So being able to provide data to possible businesses coming into the region, um, you know, relocation data, tourism numbers, those sorts of things.
Just anything that can help supplement. You know, the budding economy we get here and bringing more, you're gonna be a good friend to know, 'cause I can probably ask for some. Oh, absolutely. And I've already had some Keller Williams people reach out. So, you know, we love being able to provide anything like that that can be of assistance.
So those are probably my two main things. And then TEDx, um, as a part of our Talent Attraction and Retention initiative. So, um, that's why the theme this year was, um, highlighting past, present, and future Appalachians. So all of our speakers have that common. Commonality of they've either lived here before or they're getting ready to live here.
Yeah. That's super cool. Um, alright. Tell us about the conference. When is it happening? Yes. Tuesday, June 3rd. Uh, it's from five 30 to eight at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts. Tickets still on sale? They'll sold out. Absolutely. They will be on sale until, uh, the night of the event. We'll, we'll ask again at the end, but how do I get a ticket?
How do, where do I go? ETSU, Martin Center's website. Okay. Get on the website. Yeah. We have general admission and VIP, the VIP might sell out before then. They usually do. Um, but other than that, we should sell all the way up until doors opening that night. Gotcha. Um, but yeah, it's gonna be, it's gonna be great.
It's gonna be epic. Right. Um, I think I saw a friend of ours, Ryan White, who's been on the podcast and my son, he cuts my son's hair and it makes it look really good. And he's gonna be on there. So that's exciting. We're exciting and excited about him being on here. And actually, funny enough, I just missed a call from him on the way over.
Oh. So, um, which is great timing though, and that's why he is calling. So they all just met for the first time this past Saturday, all of our speakers. Gotcha. Um, we have six of the eight from the region, so, um, all locals except for two. Um, one of which has family from the area. She lives in Charleston, south Car, Carolina.
Currently, I believe they are talking about possibly moving back in the near future. We know that happens a lot in Johnson City. Um, and she can't get away from us. You just wanna come back. Yeah. Uh, and then we have another lady who, uh, had grown up in Big Stone Gap. Virginia has now moved to Pikeville, Kentucky.
Um, so she's also from the region. So, um, a good group this year. I say it every year, but I do think this is the best year yet. The best year yet. Yeah. Tell me some of the topics, um, that they're, they're gonna be going over. Yeah, so we've got some, a good, interesting mix this year. Um, there's a little bit on, and again, this will all be kind of subject to change because as they just started working this past Saturday, everyone comes in with their idea.
And even you, you might have an idea for a TED Talk and say, you know, if I ever got the opportunity, this is what I would talk about. And then the second you get in those doors and you start talking with this group and we think. That is honestly probably one of the coolest parts about being a speaker is not just the opportunity to speak on stage that night, but the connections that you make with your class.
A hundred percent. Yeah. Um, so they get in there together and they start talking about their ideas and you'll just slowly see it morph as we get closer to the event. And then we've had some people scratch it a couple weeks before it's, you know, due to be performed and they'll say, Hey, I just started over completely.
So as of now. Um, there is time management. Um, there are gonna be talks on, you know, branding yourself, branding Appalachia, those sorts of things. Um, we've got living multiple lives talking about, you know, being kind of this jack of all trades. Like what are the benefits of that? So what we really try to do is at least one talk should resonate with every single person that watches at night, watches online afterwards, um, but having a good variety.
We think that's the most engaging way to, to keep people interested. And the hope is that if something doesn't, you know, instantly click to you. If you're looking over the lineup and you're like, ah, I don't know if any of those are necessarily my thing that night, while you're listening, you might be like, I'd never thought about that.
But that actually does pique my curiosity. That's cool. So you might discover a new passion just just from listening. Yeah. Now the format, how long do they have to talk? 10 to 12 minutes. 10 to 12 minutes. So you gotta get it kinda done. Yeah. Um. And it's from 8 5 30 to eight to Yes. How many speakers total do you think?
Eight. Eight. We have eight speakers total. Okay. And so yeah, you're doing the math and you've got three, we have three performances in between that, so it is very much go, go, go that evening. Um, so that's another thing of. We want to do that on purpose so that you're not sitting here thinking, oh, I'm talking or listening to eight people talk in a row.
So we'll have two speakers, a live performance, two speakers, and we just keep alternating that way. Um, so in addition to those speakers talking about their passions, we're also gonna have an acoustic hip hop performance. Sweet. Um, we're gonna have, uh, folk performance, and then we have a, um, spoken word artist.
Oh yeah. That'll be cool. Yeah. Now tell me about planning this event. 'cause it's gotta be, I mean, it's not like you just threw it together last week. Yes, it is a year round pursuit for sure. Um, and I was talking to someone about this yesterday. We're trying to, to help one get started at Virginia Tech and she was asking me all these questions and I don't think I truly understood how much goes into it.
So having to go through the text Oh yeah. Do that and that and that and Oh yeah, we do that too. And that, oh, and don't forget that. Yeah. Yeah. 'cause you think it's, it's one event a year. How much can it time can it take? But honestly, so you know, when the event takes place on June 3rd, of course after the event we get a little bit of a, a breather, but we debrief the event.
Um, and then we're actually trying a new partnership this year with the John City Public Library where speakers can come back and do maybe a lunch and learn Oh yeah. Or something idea. So if you idea miss a talk or if you had a Q and a possibly be able to happen, um, that people could get some more engagement that way.
So that'll probably happen June, July, August, somewhere in there. Um, in September we'll announce that we'll start applications again. That'll probably open October. We review those with the committee, then they'll do a second round resubmit a video. So hopefully everyone's chosen by December, notified January.
They come in, um, they know that they're chosen. We get their paperwork and head shots and things like that. And then they start with our speaking coach, um, in March. And then they work on that. On their talk all the way up until June. Oh, wow. So in between all of that, we're trying to market everything that's happening, keep the audience and everyone that's interested, um, to keep them interested all the way up to the next event every June.
That's super cool. Let's say somebody's listening and they're like, I want to do a Ted talk, like Mitch over here. I'm sure he wants to do one. And so how would that, how would he get. Get on the list. Yeah. You said you had to like, you interview them and that kind of thing. Yeah. As soon as it opens up, um, the application's open to everyone, and I always tell people, and I know it sounds like very cliche, but honestly anyone can give a TED Talk.
That's the purpose of them expanding it from this brand of like, oh, only actors and, you know, famous scientists give TED Talks. Okay. They started all these different divisions so that the communities would feel empowered to be able to highlight their local people. Yeah. So anybody could do it. That's what it's.
Gotcha. Um, so literally if you have never spoken on a stage or spoken in front of more than five people, you can still give a TED talk. That's super cool. Um, you don't even have to be an expert in your field. You can just be very passionate. Yeah. So when that application opens, it's open to anybody. Um, we also have a nomination portal so that if you're one of those people that thinks you're not good enough, somebody else will nominate you for us, and we'll reach out directly.
Mitch, I'm nominating you. He's laughing. Yeah, that'd be good. I like it. I love it. And then you said they have a speaking coach to help too. Yes. So that's pretty cool. My name's Donna Taylor. Um, she is over the speech and debate team at ETSU, which has been just absolutely thriving over the last several years, and we know why.
Donna is fantastic. That's awesome. Um, but yeah, she works with our, our group not only in that group setting at our workshops, but also one-on-one up until the event. And it's so it's not just. You know, people think maybe it's just writing the TED talk is the biggest part, but it's really everything on stage that night from what you wear.
If you have props, obviously how you present it, um, a lot goes into it. So they also get the benefit of, of not only getting to share that on the stage that night, but that professional development leading up to it. That's cool. Yeah. I think, um, if you're scared, fight the fear and just do it, right? Yes. Yes.
And um, a lot of people let the fear. Keep 'em from doing it. Yeah. Unfortunately. And we've had people even just coming off the stage last year, just like burst into tears and be like, I can't believe I just did that. Yeah. But it really just takes, um, you know, you said just pushing through it and you're talking 10, 12 minutes.
Yeah. Come on. You can do it. And especially if it's something you love. Right, right. Like, just don't, don't look at the hundreds of people in the crowd. It's fine. Yeah. You gotta shoot the lights in your eyes. You don't even, it's just a big blank space out, out there, honestly. Yeah. So just. Apply. Who are some of the, uh, past people that you're like, oh, you guys need to go back and listen to this one, or, oh gosh, well, I can't pick favorites.
Hi. We won't do that. But how could people go back and listen Jerry's like we do have playlists of all the previous events on our website, so TEDx johnson city.com. Okay. Um, I mean, we have had people, I mean we've had people from Atlanta drive up to be in TEDx Johnson City. Um, and the reason we have speakers that are not just out dinner are not just in Johnson City.
I always like to tell people about this. Um, obviously they're events. In several communities around the Southeast. Um, but we always prioritize that the theme of our event is around Appalachia. Um, so a lot of times we'll have people that maybe they don't have an event closer to them come up to speak at ours.
Um, we obviously prioritize locals, but it also just depends on who applies that year. If you've got a strong, strong talk, um, an application, we wanna have you on our stage, we wanna have you come speak to our people. So, um, over the years we've had some incredible individuals, and I say over the years we're not just on year three.
But I know it's just gonna get better from here. You're just practicing for when you've had like 20 years of it doing it. Gosh, that's a long time. Yeah. That's a lot of talks. Lot of TED talks. That's a lot of TED talks. Well, I guess like, I mean. Do you thrive in this kinda like environment where everything's coming together, like we're all, we're headed to one, one evening, it's like, what's gotta happen?
Yeah. I'm very much a details person. Okay. Funny enough. So sometimes it is easy for me to get lost in those and forget the big picture. Gotcha. But then on the flip side of that, I think sometimes I'm, I'm very much like, here's the vision. Right? How the heck do I get there? Yeah. Um, so Ted has been this perfect teaching moment for me year over year of how to simplify those things and.
Um, how to make it more efficient so that I'm able to focus on all of the pieces at once. Not just say, okay, this has to get done this week. Gotcha. 'cause this is building. Yeah, that's helpful. 'cause my wife's super details and I'm like, it'll get, we'll figure it out. You know? It'll work. It'll, and that's why we're lucky we have so many volunteers and committee members who also are able to balance, you know, where, where I'm not good in one suit.
Right. They're able to pick up there. So Yeah. That's super cool. Um, what have been some of the challenges with the TEDx talks? I think, did you have pushback from the community, like when you were trying to do it the first time? Like I started to say notoriety for sure. People just being aware that we existed was hard in the first year or two.
Yeah. Um, because. You'd, you'd either have people that were like, oh my gosh, there's a TED event, and maybe they'd get confused and think we were like the actual TED organization, um, which we're just a part of. Right. People would be like, oh, Ted Official is coming. And we're like, okay, we're not allowed to say that.
That is not, they're in New York. We are TEDx Johnson City. So there was a lot of that mitigating just, it isn't like a, well, explain it to me like I'm six because it seems. That you all are a offshoot of the real Ted? Yeah, essentially. So we are licensed officially through Ted now. I got it. So I went to Atlanta and got the training three years ago.
So that is the requirement for TED to actually be branded a TEDx event. Gotcha. Um, the X stands for basically like. Held by your community extra. Yes. There you go. So what does TED stand for? So historically it was technology, engineering, and design. Okay. So when Ted originated all of the talks had to be under those three topics, but now obviously you can speak on absolutely anything.
Gotcha. Okay. I didn't know that. That's pretty cool. They've had a lot of change in growth over the years and then I think even their current, um, executive director right now said there's some more stuff coming down the pipe. So we're not sure how that's gonna affect us. We might, we might even be branching out ourselves.
At some point we've talked about growing this event across the region there. So there you go. TEDx, Kingsport, TEDx. Anywhere. Anywhere. We could release the TEDx Bristol's coming. It's a Bristol baby. Um, yeah, I think it's kind of cool. Like, I know for me, this is just me thinking like, I remember it being like really cool, like, you know, TEDx, we need to watch the talks.
And I think maybe it was 'cause of Covid and I was just watching lots of, lots of videos. Right. And then it's. It's kind of gotten outta my purview. So I, I guess marketing it is hard, um, to, there's a lot of noise out there. And so how are you, how are you competing with all that? Yeah, and I think some generations are probably more familiar with it than others.
'cause I'm even thinking the only times I had heard of it before was. You know, in the university setting, you know, we would watch one in class. Ah. And I never thought that I could watch them for fun. I thought it was always a, yeah. I watched Ted Talks and say, I'm the guy who's been outta college for a number of years, a long, long number of years.
And I watched them for fun and education too. Like, I'd be like, oh, well I could learn from Deepak Shapour on something like, you know, like why would I watch just another YouTube video and watch the whole Ted Talk on it? Which would be kind of cool. And I think the cool part now too. And so this is something we've gotta try and, and figure out a way to, to collaborate with is even with other TEDx groups across the state.
So, um, I think it's interesting now, now that I know that, oh, there's so much more out there than just, okay, I'm gonna learn, you know, this statistical thing and for my math class, um, is that I can look at TEDx Chattanooga or TEDx Nashville and see what else is going on across the state, right. And hear from other people.
So it's still relative because they're Tennesseans, but it's, it's still different because they're not here. Um, so regionally, yes. And then you could maybe, you know, since they're regional, local, you can go hang out with 'em and say like, yeah, tell me more about this. I mean, you gave your talk three or four years ago.
You probably have new data research experiences since then that can Yeah, there is a, a meetup happening in Atlanta, I think here in about a month. And it's gonna be all the organizers in the southeast. So I'm hoping to go to that and just be able to collaborate and yeah, get some best practices from them as well.
'cause. When I attended the one in Atlanta three years ago, that was their international conference. I was one of about 20 Americans in the whole conference. So it was already like information overload of, it's our first year. I'm just trying to figure out how to get the first event off the ground, right?
But here I'm asking for best practices and you're in a country, you know, hours from us and have done 20 of them before. Oh wow. Yeah, so now it'll be nice to get with people who, who just understand our demographic a little bit better. Um, and maybe there'll be some new ones like us too, that we can kind of learn alongside.
Do you feel like, uh, once in a year is enough? I mean, 'cause that's only eight people. I mean Yeah. You're kind of shaking your head like, yeah, well I don't wanna do two of these. Colin. We definitely talked about it. 'cause that is the hard thing is, you know, we get sometimes upwards of 200 applications and it is hard to just pick eight.
Yeah. Um. And we had to actually scale back. I think we had done 10 previously, but it's just that evening. It's, it's a lot for both the speakers and the attendees. So we do have options in the future. Um, Ted allows you to put on salons or what they're called, and they could be maybe six months before that event.
Okay. So to help break it up. Um, we're hoping to get there, but it is, it'll be the same like process like I talked about earlier. It'll be trying to do that. Um. At a greater frequency. Gotcha. We'll have to figure out. Is it just, yeah. 'cause my thought would be maybe all them. Yeah. If you did it every six months or quarterly and Yeah.
And then you had the big one on, you know, uh, it would continue to drive momentum. Yes. And maybe you only have a couple speakers one night and Yeah. Something just throwing it out there, brainstorming with it. Yeah. We would, we are hoping to do. To do something, because that is what we've seen over the last few years is like, you know, A, it's growing, but B, people have reached out and been like, how do we stay, you know, involved with it?
And so I think that would be a good way to keep 'em, keep 'em engaged instead of like, oh yeah, forgot about Ted. Right? Yeah. Oh, you missed it last night. Sorry. You have 364 days still the next one. I think we almost think I had that same thought last year. I was like, oh, that would've been like, I saw it on Instagram or something.
Yeah. Or Carly showed it to me on Instagram. I was like, oh, that would've been cool to go to. Yeah. So we need to get our tickets. I'm gonna get on before you all hear this, when before this gets released and get tickets, um, what are, tell me, tell us about the bridge, why you're here and let the region and.
People outside of the area know about that? What is that? Yeah. And how does it operate and how does it help our region? So we are privately funded, um, and we're a non-traditional economic development agency. So it's, it's a little different than I think what people picture when they're thinking about economic development in general.
So the best way I always describe it to people is, you know, you think about our area, there's gonna be some communities who maybe can have a full-time economic developer in their, you know, their city government level, at their county level. Um, but there's gonna be some communities that can't afford to do that.
It's not in their budget. Um, so what we seek to do is fill the gap, not only presented there, but then just, you know, let's say maybe your budget also doesn't allow for you to pay for certain softwares. Um, like I was talking about the data earlier, we have actually had several communities, uh, in our region reach out and say, oh, I can't believe you offer this.
This saves me $15,000 a year. We're just gonna get rid of ours and we'd love to just come through you all and do that. So, you know, and, and we're in the same boat, Ted is in terms of. You know, increasing this awareness because, um, bridges has changed some names over the years, but now we're trying to, to really make it clear, you know, we're here serving Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
Okay. That's a big change from, from the previous organizations. Um, but really just seeking to grow the regional economy. And that looks like a lot of different things and it's gonna change. And as the strategic plan we have right now says, you know, it's air service, it's that data, um, it's tourism support, obviously that's growing.
Um, but it's. It's doing it for the entire region and the benefit of all understanding that if one community wins here, it doesn't mean that another community down the road loses. Yeah. I think that's been, that's been cool to see. I remember going to, and I meant to go this year, I didn't, but the economic, um, forum, yes.
Probably 10 years ago maybe. Has it been that long? Eight. Anyway, where we were talking about the region as a whole, the a Appalachian Highlands and um, and because we used to fight against each other like. Oh, we want that Coke plant to come to Johnson City and we're going to cut you a tax deal that you, you know, that can't.
Yeah. You know, and like we're fighting and it doesn't help, you know, we're, we're, yeah. And so I love that we're working together Yes. To grow our MSA and, um, because we get it. Competition has to exist. Like, that's, that's how the market goes. But to your point, you know, our people don't just stay within one zip code their whole lives.
You know, we, we. Travel to go visit people. We go eat other places, we'll move more than likely your kids, you might go to church somewhere else, like all we live regionally. So it kind of makes sense. We really do should function the same. Well and growing up here, um, yeah, going to Kingsport was a big deal.
Going to Bristol was a big deal. I've, you know, go all over the place now, you know, and so I, it's not a big deal. And I think having people move here too from bigger markets and they're like, yes. Oh, you are worried about driving 25 minutes to knock, you know, to Kingsport or Bristol. I mean, we, that's. I dropped 25 minutes to go to the grocery store, you know, and we're like, oh, okay.
You know? Yeah. We don't want that. We wanna still have it be 20 minutes and you Yeah. And so anyway, it's, um, we don't see, hopefully you guys can figure out traffic and like, let's get, uh, infrastructure ahead of, ahead of that is a big piece of it. Ahead of marketing planning for the future for sure. Yeah.
Because we know we're gonna continue to grow. So just making sure we grow Yes. In a way that makes sense for everyone. Yeah. I think the snowball is. Turning over. I mean, it's, it's headed down the hill and it's only getting bigger every year and it's gonna be continuing to grow, which is great. I mean, I'm glad that everybody gets to healthy things grow.
They do. And um, I think it's, I think we're, you know, when I meet with different people and hear different things, I'm really encouraged at how we are trying to forward think. And I know the commissioners here in Johnson City are working on a 35 year plan, you know, and yes. Um, I think that's really encouraging.
So, um, had we had one of those a hundred years ago, yeah. It might be a different story for some of our s you know, city layout stuff. But anyway. Yeah. Can't go backwards. We're just going forwards. Exactly. So, um, what, anything else that bridge does that we need to share about that, um, you wanna share? Yeah, I keep mentioning the air service piece because that really is one of the bigger, well, well, I have people say, now I have to fly into Knoxville, right?
Yes. And I go, no. And they go, what about, you know, or Nashville? Is that closer? I'm like, no, you know, so we actually have an airport. It's pretty awesome now, and you sometimes can even throw your bag on the plane yourself and help gas it up and then, you know, ride with the pilot if you want, but. It's not that small.
We are super blessed with this airport for sure. It's awesome. We love it. Carly and I just go, I mean like, we're like, we don't have to get there four hours over. Exactly. That's what I was getting ready to say. Show up literally right before your fly. Well, you know, just walk your brave. Um, but walk right through and it's just, yes, we're so lucky to have it.
Um, and we, I think we take that for granted. Yes. A lot of people. And that's why a lot of people say, you know, oh, and I think a lot of it too is just. And I noticed this not long ago when I was booking a flight. Um, you know, efficiency's great, but sometimes it can hurt our smaller communities. Yeah. So when you go on Google and you say, Hey, I wanna fly to X, Google says, oh, well, if you'll go to Asheville or you'll go to Knoxville, you'll save this much.
Right? You are thankful for it in that moment, but you don't understand the impact that it's having on your local economy because you're using dollars elsewhere. And I think it's extremely shortsighted like. Every time you go to Asheville and get on the plane, you're excited, and then you come back home and you're like, well, crap, I got to drive back from Asheville and there's traffic out the wazoo and I'm super tired.
And the plane, because I saved $48, it came in at midnight, and so I'm getting home at 2:00 AM where I could just roll right in from. Yep. Good old blunt ville. And be home in about 20 minutes. It's awesome. Yeah. Yeah. So we're, that's what we're working to do, um, is providing a minimum revenue guarantee to an airline to, and it's one that we don't already have.
It would be nest new destinations that we don't already have as well. So a lot of people will say, oh, well if that destination is something that I don't wanna go to, how does it benefit me? Well, it drives down the overall cost of all flights. Yeah. Supply and demand. So, um, that's what we keep trying to emphasize to people, and that's why we've been so thankful that so many of our local, um, governments have been already.
Supporting this. Yeah. And we could come up with a whole campaign like, how do you know you've probably never been to Des Moines? Just get on the plane and go and figure it out. It's gonna be awesome. So that's the great thing too, is like we, we've spoken with these airlines and they're just as interested in making sure the location makes sense for them financially as it does for us.
So, you know, we think about it as, oh, these are places we might not want to go. But you have to remember that means that people from there are wanting to come here, which is everywhere. It says a lot about our region, but it also means we're bringing dollars in for, from tourism. So, so tourism, commerce.
Yeah. Yeah. I could see it. So fly local. That's, that's fly local. You're gonna thank you yourself. Later on, on the backside, you're gonna be like, thank you, Colin. Yes, I was, I was super tired and I only had to drive 20 minutes instead of an hour and a half from Asheville. Or Atlanta or Charlotte. Yeah. We used to drive to Charlotte.
I'm like, no. So yeah, it's worth $48. It's worth a $48 or $148. Yeah. And the people here, you know, are awesome and even the TSA guys are like super cool. Oh yeah. Much better. Yeah. I mean, they're not looking like you're, they're looking at you like, Hey, what are you smuggling in here? I mean, they obviously check stuff.
But you know, they're a little, that's a good point. No one talks about that. We do have the friendliest people, they're pretty cool. They're like, Hey, um, you probably wanna take your gun and put it back in your car. You know, that kind of thing. Yeah. They're really, yeah. Take that knife and just put it on back.
Yeah. You can't have like a giant bottle of shampoo. Sorry. Yeah. You know, they're, but they're, some places you go, they're like, you're going to jail. Two, you're, you need to pour that out now. You need to drink all that shampoo right now. You know, like, we can't have it in here. No. We need to chill out. Um, okay.
So off of the airport, but I'm glad you guys are bringing more stuff. That'll be fun. Yeah. Yeah. Um, I'm trying, my wife, she doesn't like to fly a lot. Okay. Um, but I think it's fantastic. So I'm excited to get some more destinations. It's the one to get started on my first time flying. I said I, I will not like this.
Yeah. She's gotten a lot better. We flew, we flew a lot the last year and she's, she's gotten a lot better about it. Um, okay. So. Anything else you're excited about working on, that you're working on right now besides this awesome TEDx conference? Yeah. Uh, we've still got a lot of momentum that we love that we're seeing with our young professionals groups.
And so I mentioned earlier that I previously was working, um, with the Johnson City Group. Um, I'm happy to say that we're. Three years ago when I started in that role, we only had two YP groups in the region. We now have five. Nice. Um, which is just crazy 'cause it just again, speaks to the growth of Johnson City is seeing as well as the entire region.
Yeah. Uh, especially in that 21 to 40 age demographic. So, um, I'm excited to see what they keep doing. Um, they've got a lot of regional events coming up, so we love to see that. Um, because again, our people are going all over. Um, so it's, it's been really nice to see. You know, whereas before, I think it felt kind of like two islands of just like, okay, what are we doing?
We have all these young people and now it's like they're butting up everywhere. Um, and they're wanting to collaborate and it's just, that's great for a region that builds a love and a passion and it makes people wanna stay. So we love to see it. That's cool. Yeah, I think it is good. Um, selfishly I wish there was, you know, maybe a little older age limit on the YP groups, but you know.
I'm gonna, maybe we can, Mitch and I can start our 40 to 60-year-old group, and you wanna get that rolling, Mitch? I know I still put into young, nevermind. Who? He's so young. Mitch, you're so young. I mean, just surrounded by young people. All right. Um, how can our listeners connect with you online or just call you up, whatever you want to.
Yeah. Throw out there. I started say our website, TEDx Johnson City has everything. Um, course bridge as well. Any of our services or anything that we can do. Um, how do people get to Bridge? What's that? Bridge regional.com. Okay. Yep. And so we'll put all these links in the show notes too. I appreciate that.
Yes, ma'am. I'm big on LinkedIn. I always say that too. Um, I do a lot of. Messaging honestly through there. I've had people reach out before that I'd never met before and I'm like, alright, let's meet up. So I always say that's people too. If it's something that, um, could be an idea for either TEDx Johnson City or Bridge, reach out to me.
I'd love to chat. There you go. That's cool. I love it. Um, what's something I didn't ask you that you're like, oh, I wish you had asked me this question. Oh, I don't, I thought you were thorough. Okay. I thought this was good. Anything else that you like? Hey. Yeah, no, I think, I think this about covers it. You ready for the speed round?
I'm energized. Yeah. Now I think I'm just like more pumped to let's, yeah, let's go talk about everything. Alright. Um, where do you and your fiance like to get a cheeseburger? Oh, okay. So glad you asked that. So that might've been the question that I wanted you to ask. Um, so we have fallen in love with Dairy Cup in Mount Carmel, so it's not in Johnson City.
It is worth the trip, and it is a trip. Um, it's like an hour to Mount Carmel. It is, but it's, it's, but it's worth it. And the drive is awesome and you get to go past. A couple of military installation places. Yeah. Which is cool. And if you keep going, um, they have some gorgeous parks down on the river. Oh. So that's usually if we're, we're going for the parks.
Okay. Dairy Cup just so happens to be Rice Dairy Cup. And so I'm assuming also have ice cream, milk snakes. Okay. That's like an insider tip right here. Mount Carmel. And Mount Carmel's thanking you. They're like, thanks Bridge Lady for bringing us into the region. 'cause we are the little forgotten. Stepchild out here, it's, it's perfect.
The antique stores, it's got a little bit of everything, but yeah, on the weekends we like to pick another, you know, a smaller town or whatever's good. And we like to go grab an ice cream. And Carly, we're going to the Dairy Cup. It's gonna be awesome. There's the dairy bar in Johnsburg. Have you been to that?
Yes. Oh yes. Oh yeah. I am. An ice cream fanatic. Me, me too. I could eat it every day, all the time. And weigh, uh, easy. 500 pounds. Oh, yeah. Yeah. Be not a problem. That's why we go to the park. We walk off. Not a problem. All right. Where you guys go for pizza? Cool. We have not grabbed pizza that much recently because Main Street closed.
Mm. That was our favorite. Yeah. Yeah. So we've, we've still gotta try out some more. I saw some people posting this morning about Galaxy Pizza. I think it's a new one. Never heard of that. Yeah, same. So there's, there's a lot. Um, and then, uh. Scratch pizza. Reopen opening. That one's on our list here in the next week, so we used to go to scratch all the time.
You a meal plan for that? Yeah. There you go. Right? Pasta. Well, yeah, we do that too. How about favorite cup? Cup of coffee? Where do you go for coffee? Blues brews. Blues. Blues for sure. Downtown. Mm-hmm. Yep. Sarah's really sweet over there Thursday. All of the ones downtown are, are great. We got great coffee downtown.
Yeah, absolutely. I'm a, I'm a big fan of theirs just because I can also grab a book while I'm there, so, oh, I'm always checking out their, their used books that they brought in, so that's cool. I didn't know that. Um, we have a lot of barbecue around what is their favorite barbecue spot. So, funny enough, I'm not huge on pork, but I do love smoked Turkey.
Oh, so project barbecue. It's my favorite. Yes. But Southern Crafts hard beat too. So both are excellent. Those are probably tip top. The firehouse is fantastic. Yes. And they're, um, such good people over there. I love them. Absolutely. I'm trying to get 'em on the podcast. Get on the podcast Firehouse people. Oh, you do?
That's a good one. I think they're, yeah. The volunteer sandwich over there. Yes. Tom sold that to me the other day again. I'm like, I'm like, I know it's delicious. He's like, you gotta get it. That's awesome. So I, I ate it and it was fantastic. That's how it goes. It's so good. It is so good. Okay. Well, thank you for coming on.
Thank you for putting on TED Talks in our area. I'm excited. Hopefully Carly and I can make it. Mitch, you wanna go to the TED Talks with us? Yeah. Okay. That was a hard sale, he said. Yes. Real quick. Um, last question. What, just, and I'm probably gonna guess 'cause it's coming up June 3rd, what gets you fired up?
Like, you're just like, whoa, let's go. To me it is. I always just say community. Everything comes back to community. Yeah. I'm excited for all the events that we have going on this year, not just TEDx Johnson City. Um, I'm a big live music fan. Oh, cool. So I'm excited for Blue Plum, rhythm and roots, everything.
So yeah, we've got a really, really good summer lined up. We do. Our region is rocking now. Do you get like just. Super juiced like two or three days before the TEDx thing. 'cause you know, you've got like a million things going on. It does seem like that. Your little checklist, I asleep. You're like, yeah. Yes.
And then, but then once it's done, it's kinda like, now what? Like it's, there's that lot, my buddies from the Speedway feel like they have post event depression a little bit. You know, like, 'cause they're like, let's go. And then they're like, oh, suddenly everything's all the adrenaline's down. Yes. The next event's like six months out and they're just like, oh.
Yeah. So it's hard. Yeah. But, but that's what you take as your, your encouragement to figure out, okay, what's the next thing? Right? What's the next thing? I love it. I love it. Well, thank you for coming on the podcast. Thank you for having me. I enjoyed having you and I'm sure that the listeners enjoy learning about TEDx.
Hopefully maybe a listener can be a guest next year. Absolutely. Guest speaker. And, um, if you have any real estate needs, we would love to help with that. Obviously. Um, if you're moving from, you said some lady's coming back from Charleston, so hey. Call us. We'd love to help you get a, get a house here. Um, yeah, and we also manage a ton of property for people and we know a bunch of commercial guys that are great.
Yeah. So we'd love to refer you there as well. Um, so thank you so much for listening. Have a great day and we'll see you soon.