Elizabethton, Johnson City Chambers of Commerce host joint Membership Breakfast

CARTER COUNTY – The Johnson City Chamber of Commerce and the Elizabethton Chamber of Commerce joined together at Milligan University for their partnered Membership Breakfast on Wednesday morning. Frankie Bailey, president of the Elizabethton Carter County Chamber of Commerce, kicked off the breakfast by praising how the meeting between the chambers helps to foster continued success for businesses in the region. "We all know when we support one another, we really see this whole region thrive, not just county lines," Bailey said. "It's great to have everyone here together to celebrate that and to fellowship. When we work together and invest in each other, we all succeed." The Membership Breakfast gave the chambers an opportunity to share recent updates happening within their organizations and communities. Bob Cantler, president and chief executive officer of the Johnson City Chamber, said it is "a very exciting time" for Northeast Tennessee, mentioning the continued construction in Boones Creek for a new Publix grocery store and announcing the new Raising Cane's ribbon cutting on July 6. Cantler also informed the audience of the recent approval for a Culver's Restaurant to come to Johnson City, as well as the hope for Brush Creek Development Project's groundbreaking "in the next coming months." Veronica Alsop, executive director of the Elizabethton Chamber of Commerce, also provided the audience with updates. She said over the past year, the chamber has focused on connection with businesses, partners and neighboring communities. "We've been incredibly encouraged by the momentum that we are seeing by the relationships and continue to grow through Carter County [and] Northeast Tennessee," Alsop said. One milestone Alsop shared with the audience is how the chamber has gained 26 new members since the beginning of 2026, as well as the launch of a new ambassador's program to aid with ribbon cuttings. Alsop added the Elizabethton Carter County Chamber of Commerce will also be launching its adult leadership program in August. "Investing in leadership and development, cultivating future community leadership is incredibly important to us, and we believe that this program will have a very lasting impact on our community and our region in years to come," Alsop said. To round out the breakfast, Milligan University President Dr. Stephen Waers spoke to the audience about his appreciation for human connection amidst the culture of using artificial intelligence. He said while technology remains ever present and constantly advancing, the human element cannot be replaced. "Despite all of these technological advances, despite all the frothy hype about AI and the post-human economy of the near future, every single thing that mattered to me this week revolved around human beings," Waers said. He added the connectivity of people to one another is what reflects a large part of Milligan's mission – to know how to better serve others. "Friends and neighbors and business partners, I am thankful to be here with you this morning in the flesh, and I hope by being with you and by sharing a meal with you, I might see you," Waers said. "And when I see you, I pray that I might understand how to serve you, because you are a human being made in the image of God. I pray that God might use that service for the good of this community because I'm not really that interested in a post-human future. I'd much rather prefer one with you in it."