Latest news with #UnicoiCo.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘It doesn't make sense': TN hemp stores face uncertain future following near-ban on THCA
KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) – The Tennessee legislature dealt a crushing blow to hemp stores across the state after moving forward with a bill that would ban hemp products that contain more than 0.3% THCA. THCA turns into an intoxicant when burned. Adam Stallings and Ashton Smyth are business partners who own The Laboratory in Kingsport and several other locations in East Tennessee. Smyth said discussions are already underway to decide how the business can move forward. TOP STORIES: TennCare change would aid Ballad's rural hospitals 'I think we're going to grow more in clothing and artwork and other things like that,' Smyth said. 'In our Johnson City store, we sell some collectible items like trading cards.' Smyth said that they're going to lean into their TCHA drinks, which aren't included in the ban, as an avenue to keep people in the doors. He explained that they've been taking suggestions from customers as to what kinds of products they'd like to see in stores. Nonetheless, Smyth said that not having their top products will have a negative impact. 'We sell a lot of different things that aren't THCA, but at the end of the day, THCA is what gets people in the door,' Smyth said. Smyth and Stallings both lobbied in Nashville to help keep the multi-million-dollar hemp industry in the state. Although that push failed, Stallings said he isn't giving up the fight. CRIME: Unicoi Co. couple charged with aggravated child abuse Stallings is going as far as running for a spot in the Tennessee House of Representatives. 'We have to get people that are in there that are going to be a serious voice, that are going to listen to the people and be that voice for the people that will vote for the will of the people,' Stallings said. The future is unclear in Tennessee for The Laboratory and other stores that sell hemp products. Smyth said that tough conversations are in the future. One of those conversations surrounds whether to stay in Tennessee. 'This is where we want to grow and continue trying to put the effort here in the state,' Smyth said. 'Now, with how everything's going, we've really had to consider moving out of this state.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Altec to hire up to 100, has Erwin job fair Monday
ERWIN, Tenn. (WJHL) — A growing Burnsville, N.C. employer that builds utility truck bodies and needs dozens of new employees by mid-year will hold a job fair in Erwin Monday afternoon. Unicoi Co. unemployment rate again highest in Tennessee Altec representatives will be at Erwin Town Hall, 211 N. Main Ave., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and direct hiring opportunities will be available for jobs with pay beginning at $20.45 per hour. 'The demand for our product is high and we need to add probably about 100 people by the middle of the year,' Human Resources Business Partner Rob Hardin told News Channel 11. Hardin said the Burnsville plant, which makes the 'box' that sits on the back of utility trucks like those used in the electric power industry, has already hired a number of Unicoi Countians since Hurricane Helene's damage to the Erwin Industrial Park put more than 200 people out of work. The facility is about a 45-minute drive from Erwin. Available jobs range from welder and CNC machine operator to entry-level positions in 'dress out' (finishing assembler) and paint departments. Hardin said business for Altec, which is headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., has boomed since post-COVID supply chain issues eased up. The Burnsville site has about 1,000 employees. Hardin said the main requirement is a GED or high school diploma. Experience is preferred for the welding and CNC positions, but the company can train on the job. The standard workweek is four 10-hour days and most of the available jobs are second shift, which includes a $2/hr shift differential. While the company offers open interviews at its Burnsville location each Friday, Hardin said an Altec supply chain analyst, Anthony White, suggested a specific effort in Unicoi County after learning it had Tennessee's highest unemployment rate as a result of Hurricane Helene. 'We wanted to go to them,' Hardin said, adding that Altec Burnsville, despite being near the banks of the Cane River, had minimal damage from Helene-caused flooding. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
