He will be recognized at an upcoming event sponsored by the multi-media Business Leader network.
Iaccheri also serves as vice president for HobNob Local, Inc., after becoming its first virtual mayor for the Hobnob Murfreesboro community Internet site and developing it as the top online presence in the market.
“John is an extraordinary young man with great talents and energy who played an instrumental role in the formation of HobNob Local and a phenomenal job with HobNob Murfreesboro,” Jon Eisnaugle, president and CEO of HNL Inc., said.
Iaccheri not only helped in the formative stages of HobNob Local but recognized and implemented the numerous opportunities with the Internet and social media in capturing audiences, connecting a community and staying on the cutting edge of technology, Eisnaugle explained.
“We applaud John on his honor that is richly deserved,’ he added.
Business Leader’s Top Entrepreneurs are chosen based on the following criteria:
- Candidate should be an owner or partner in a business and should be the current leader of the Company.
- Candidate must be a risk taker who has demonstrated perseverance and a strong desire to be successful.
- Candidate must be an innovator who has transformed the practice of business through innovative products and services.
- Candidate must have demonstrated success in raising capital and delivering superior financial results.
- Candidate must be active in the community by utilizing skills and/or time to promote philanthropic organizations or causes.
Iaccheri was working his way to a college degree at Middle Tennessee State University with an eye on joining the FBI when a chance encounter with Hobnob Local Inc. founder Eisnaugle led him in an entirely different career path.
Iaccheri joined the HobNob team, playing an instrumental role in the development of the overall Hobnob strategy, platform and presentation.
Iaccheri eventually elected himself Virtual Mayor of Murfreesboro, Tenn., where he had attended college and for the past three years has led the beta site for the HobNob network, developing a solid revenue plan and tremendously successful social media.
Originally studying civil engineering, Iaccheri’s work and an internship with a program helping state prison inmates prompted him to chance his course of study to criminal justice and psychology. Then he met Eisnaugle and “an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.” Working closely with Eisnaugle and other key members of the HobNob staff, Iaccheri invested a huge amount of time and energy in guerilla marketing, slowly and surely spreading the Hobnob story throughout his market.
This must look weird, an article on HobNob about HobNob. But I assure you, I submitted this article to the HobNob team after seeing the introduction of last week's Featured Piece. I want to talk about something these guys did to help my business and hopefully you will gain some value in it.
First thing, you need some background on me. My name is Jayne Taylor and I teach music at an elementary school in Cleveland, TN. Yes, it is a real place, 20 miles north of Chatanooga. A few years ago, I wrote a book honoring my late father who lost the battle to cancer but left a living legacy in the wisdom he shared with his family and community. The book is named Maxisms. I have offered the book on Amazon.com, my website TheWingsOfAngels.com, and BooksThatWork.net. Over the last 5 years, I've not sold as many copies as would to have, so I am venturing into Facebook to promote the business.
I ran into the HobNob guys while staying in Murfreesboro, and let me tell you, they helped SO MUCH in educating me so that I can boldly start and knowledgeably grow my business page. Let's look at the facts, Facebook is not like a website. The rules are different and before getting to know theHobNob guys, I was up a certain smelly creek without a paddle.
The team (Hobnobbits as they perfer to be called) explained the use of Insights so I could get to know my audience. They also showed me how to make good use of pictures, explained tagging, and taught me how to make posts people will actually respond to.
As we talked, I was told that there was a seminar aptly titled "5 ways to be 'Liked'" on July 21 that will go through all of the same topics. Even though I personally don't live in Murfreesboro, it was easy to see that the HobNobMurfreesboro guys know Facebook. They control the Murfreesboro, Tennessee page and the MTSU Student Body page with a combined fan base of more than 35,000 people. Now that's credibility.
"5 ways to be Liked" will teach topics which I am able to use for my business immediately. Knowing also that donations will be made to the local United Way and Chamber of Commerce and that HobNob will be giving away advertising, I'm thinking of coming back to Murfreesboro for this event. Hope to see you there!
For more information on how to register for the "5 Ways to be Liked" seminar, CLICK HERE!
The Arts Center of Cannon County announces auditions for Dixie Swim Club on Sunday April 3 at 2 p.m. and Monday, April 4 at 6 p.m.
If you’re a fan of southern comedies a la “Steel Magnolias” and “Fried Green Tomatoes,” you’ll be delighted by this touching comedy. Five southern women, free from husbands, kids, and jobs, set aside a long weekend every August to rekindle their longstanding friendships.
Directed by Donald Fann, auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. This production has roles available for five women ages 30-60. Production dates are June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, & 18 with rehearsals beginning April 25th.
The Arts Center is located on 1424 John Bragg Highway, just west of the town of Woodbury, approximately 20 minutes from Murfreesboro, Manchester, and McMinnville and one hour southeast of Nashville. Office hours are 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m., Monday through Saturday. For more information call 615-563-(ARTS) 2787 or 1-800-235-9073. Check out our web site at www.artscenterofcc.com.
The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers that the April 18 tax filing deadline is less than a month away and announced that nearly 100 IRS offices will be open nationwide Saturday, March 26.
In Tennessee, the IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers in Chattanooga, Memphis and Nashville will be open Saturday, March 26, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. These IRS centers offer help to anyone who has federal tax account issues or questions and offer free tax preparation and e-filing to most people whose 2010 household income was $49,000 or less.
Free tax preparation and e-filing are also offered at about 180 volunteer-staffed help sites in 56 Tennessee counties. These sites are for filers whose household income was $49,000 or less last year or who are age 60 or older. Filers can call the IRS toll-free at 1-800-906-9887 to find the closest free help site.
“Last-minute tax filers make the most errors," said IRS spokesman Dan Boone. "IRS encourages people to reduce the chance of errors by filing now and by using tax software or finding a qualified, reputable tax preparer who does."
IRS Free File at www.IRS.gov offers free online use of brand-name tax software to filers whose 2010 income was $58,000 or less. Free File includes a Fillable Forms option that is free for all filers, regardless of income.
Generally, returns prepared manually on paper have an error rate of almost 20 percent, while returns prepared using tax software have an error rate of less than one percent.
The Center for the Arts will present Oklahoma! beginning April 8-23.
Return to the sweeping plains of the thrilling American West with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! A family favorite for generations, Middle Tennessee will be enlivened to experience this classic Broadway musical. Oklahoma!, also a major motion picture, ropes audiences in with it’s exciting tale of rivaling farmhands and cowboys. Come relive the simple days with catchy tunes and memorable characters, all in the great state of Oklahoma!
Set at the turn of the century, Oklahoma! tells the story of Laurey Williams, a headstrong farm girl, caught between two rivals for her affections, handsome cowboy, Curly McLain, and the dark-hearted ranch hand, Jud Fry.
While Laurey grapples with what to do next, Ado Annie, Laurey’s friend and girlfriend to cowboy Will Parker, just can’t say no to other men, and she hilariously struggles with the decision to say yes to Will Parker’s marriage proposal. It’s a delightful tale told on the rugged landscape of Oklahoma where these characters dreams of love and the west make for lots of fun and laughter.
Based on Lynn Riggs’ 1931 play entitled Green Grow the Lilacs, Oklahoma! was the first of many musicals by Rodgers and Hammerstein. During it’s time, Oklahoma! was the longest running show on Broadway with 2,212 performances. Oklahoma received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1944, and it’s film adaptation won several Academy Awards in 1955.
Oklahoma! is directed by Candi Ford, produced by Jayne Perkins, choreographed by Julie Wilcox, and musical direction by Tim Smith.
Oklahoma! will play at The Center for the Arts April 8-23, 2011: Fridays-Saturdays at 7:30pm, and Sundays at 2:00pm. Tickets start at $14.00 for adults, $12.00 for seniors, students, and military, and $10.00 for children.
Tickets for all performances may be purchased online at www.boroarts.org, by phone at 615-904-2787, or in person at The Center for the Arts, 110 W. College Street, one block off the historic Murfreesboro square. Groups of 10 or more may reserve discounted tickets by calling The Center for the Arts office at 615-904-2787.
Today, Tennessee Tourism Commissioner Susan Whitaker officially launched The Jack Trail. The sixth of 16 self-guided driving tours in the Discover Tennessee Trails &Byways program, The Jack Trail features 328 tourism sites spanning across nearly 350 miles in the mid-state, highlighting parts of Nashville, Davidson County, Murfreesboro, Bell Buckle, Wartrace and several other counties brimming with history, music, horses and whiskey making.
The trail officially begins at the Downtown Nashville Visitors Center where guests can pick up brochures, maps and coupons before heading out to discover Tennessee’s back roads. However, guests can choose to begin their journey at any site along the path. Once on the trail, guests can explore the historically-significant towns of Smyrna and Murfreesboro, visit the renowned Jack Daniel Distillery, not-so-typical American rum-making Prichard’s Distillery, and explore the home of the world famous Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration.
Led by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, The Jack Trail is the result of multiple state agencies working together, as well as city and county officials in Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Cannon, Bedford, Coffee, Moore, Lincoln, Franklin, Giles and Marshall Counties.
The special launch event was held at select trail sites, including Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg, Oaklands Historic House Museum in Murfreesboro and Martin’s BBQ Joint in Nolensville. Murfreesboro is celebrating its 200th year when the Tennessee Legislature agreed on Oct. 17, 1811 to establish Rutherford County’s seat near where Lytle and Town creeks meet, few dreamed it would become the metropolis it has become.
Participating dignitaries in the unveiling of the new trail included Tennessee Tourism Commissioner Susan Whitaker, Department of Transportation Commissioner John Schroer, Kix Brooks, Rutherford County Mayor Ernest Burgess, Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson, Franklin Mayor Jimmy Alexander and Lynchburg Mayor Sloan Stewart.
The Jack Trail is a road trip through Tennessee towns linked together by the history, music, horses, whiskey making and the lands that connect them. Visitors of the trail will be able to tap into their pioneer spirit at the many historical museums along the path, transcending themselves into another era by exploring the sites that witnessed the events as they unfolded.However, guests won’t be stuck in time—next stop, Manchester, home of Bonnaroo, the music festival that continues to gain popularity and one of the 50 moments Rolling Stone magazine said “changed the history of rock and roll.” Other attractions along the journey include three different distilleries and the towns that made the high-stepping Tennessee Walking Horses world-famous.
The Jack Trail is the perfect blend of what makes Tennessee fascinating, showcasing our state’s unique heritage including hundreds of miles full of historic sites, preserved homes and museums that bring the region to life. This trail will draw visitors to Tennessee from across the region and across the country, distinguishing our state as a must-see and ideal place to play and work.
The Jack Trail tagline “Sippin’ to Saddles” offers everything in between, including home-cooked Southern cuisine, a nationally-recognized barbecue joint, quaint lodging facilities, historical landmarks, downtown honky tonks, and music icons such as the Ryman Auditorium.
Among the many popular stops along The Jack Trail is the Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg, Tenn. It is the oldest registered distillery in the United States and continues to use the same process Mr. Daniel used back in 1866.
Many of the historic sites along the 348-mile Jack Trail require advance reservations, admission or both. Several of the historic sites along the trail are preserved homes, so guests are asked to please be respectful of those sites which remain as private residences.
For more information on The Jack Trail, contact Cindy Dupree at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.JackTrail.com.
The Department of Tourist Development provides marketing support and branding starter kits for each new trail, including development of trail logos, design and oversight of the award-winning Discover Tennessee Trails &Byways website at www.tntrailsandbyways.com and creation of a comprehensive trails brochure highlighting attractions, culinary, agritourism, outdoor recreation, shopping, history, culture, music and much more, along the trail.
The mission of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau is to maximize the economic contribution of the convention and tourism industry to the community by developing and marketing Nashville as a premier destination.
Senate Republican Caucus Chairman Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) and House Speaker Pro Tempore Judd Matheny (R-Tullahoma) today said they will offer an amendment to their anti-terrorism bill aimed at curbing the incidence of homegrown terrorist acts in the state before they occur.
The amendment, which ensures an even-handed and non-discriminatory approach, addresses those individuals that knowingly provide material support to known designated terrorist entities in Tennessee.
The original bill produced considerable controversy surrounding charges it targeted the Muslim faith in particular.
“As amended, this bill has absolutely no references to any specific religion,” said Representative Matheny. “It is about protecting our citizens from those who would use religious doctrine as a justification to commit criminal activities or terrorist acts.”
“The revision reflects our original intention to prevent or deter violent or terrorist acts, but does so without any room for misinterpretation regarding the language’s affect on peaceful religious practices,” added Senator Ketron. “Rep. Matheny and I asked our legislative attorneys to rework this bill to reflect this as clearly as possible so there would be no confusion regarding this matter. The result is a stronger bill that gets at the problem of material support for homegrown terrorism, without any doubt that it does not impact peaceful religious practices of any religion.”
The bill, named the Material Support to Designated Entities Act of 2011, builds on the Terrorism Prevention and Response Act of 2002 which passed the Tennessee General Assembly after the 9-11 terrorist attacks. That law only addresses terrorist acts after they occur by prescribing criminal penalties for those who are convicted under the act. Ketron and Matheny say their bill helps prevent terrorist acts by cutting off the avenues of support that often enable the violence.
“The existing Tennessee statute does not reach planned acts of terrorism because the existing law requires that the terrorist act must have already occurred,” added Ketron. “A material support statute is preventative in that it criminalizes the aid that makes an attack more likely to occur.”
The bill provides that the Director of Tennessee’s Office of Homeland Security can make a recommendation to the Attorney General and the Governor to “designate” a terrorist entity, effectively isolating them from support. Once designated, no material support or resources as defined in the bill may be provided to the designated entity. Thereafter, anyone who provides material support or resources knowing that the designation has been made, may be prosecuted or fined under the bill. In addition, it prescribes procedures to challenge, revoke, or amend a designation. The legislation is closely modeled after the federal anti-terrorism material support statutes which have been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.
An August 2010 background report showed 21 U.S. citizens were charged in such cases in 2009 and another 20 were charged in 2010 between January and August.
“The amendment provides a powerful counterterrorism tool to state and local law enforcement enabling them to act decisively before acts of terrorism are committed,” added Matheny. “We have to get it right every time, they only have to get it right once. So far, I have received positive feedback regarding the revised amendment from those in my community who were concerned about the bill.”
Hobnob is all about people interacting with people. However, sometimes visitors forget that Hobnob Murfreesboro is run by real people, not just futuristic supercomputers. That is why Jeff Brown from Hobnob Murfreesboro will be appearing on Solace Wealth Management’s weekly podcast this Friday the 7th at 10 am. Solace Wealth Management is a powerful financial resource for Murfreesboro residents, and Hobnob is excited to have the privilege of appearing on their prestigious podcast. Jeff will be live on the air Friday talking about all things Hobnob business.
To add even more excitement, during the broadcast listeners can call (347) 855-8163 and ask Jeff their own questions about Hobnob. The broadcast will be taking place at Murfreesboro’s brand new Chamber of Commerce and will also guest star Kelli Beam director of chamber membership. The broadcast is roughly an hour, and it is filled to the brim with powerful tips about local finance. We certainly hope you will tune in to hear Keli and Jeff live at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/solacewealthmanagement, or listen to the podcast after it is archived at http://www.solacewealthmanagement.com/.
When: Jan 7th 10am
Where can you listen: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/solacewealthmanagement
Call in number: (347) 855-8163
Middle Tennessee State University is not only a big part of Murfreesboro, but it is also the largest public university in Tennessee. Because the school is so large it can be challenging for a single student to stick out of the crowd. This new HobNob Murfreesboro segment will highlight students that have made MTSU the university it is today. From recording majors to basketball stars, MTSU has a very diverse student body. Nathan Marrs may not be the next Eric Clapton or Michael Jordan, but he is one of the seemingly ordinary students that make the university an enjoyable experience for those of us who pay tuition each month.
Nathan Marrs is twenty-one year old junior who is studying at the Jennings A. Jones College of Business. Don’t be fooled by Nathan’s degree plans. While he may be headed down the path of sales, accounting, and spreadsheets, he isn’t doing it in a suit and a tie. Raised in Spring Hill Tennessee, this business major would rather present his ideas on the couch instead of standing in front of a Power Point Presentation. The first thing you notice about Nathan is the fact that he is always smiling. This is a Raider that doesn’t sweat the small stuff, and if you hang out with him long enough you are likely to catch his happy go lucky attitude.
Nathan was drawn to the university after his brother Nick Marrs had graduated from MTSU with a business degree. While his family introduced him to the campus, it was the diverse student population that kept Nathan interested in school. Nathan’s favorite aspect of the university is that the student body is filled with young people from all across the globe. Nathan loves to meet people from new places, and he loves to explore new cultures. That being said, it is no surprise that Nathan’s favorite class has been Introduction to World Culture, but after talking to Nathan it becomes apparent that he will enjoy any subject as long as the professor is interested in engaging his or her students.
The one thing Mr. Marrs does not enjoy is campus parking. “It can be very frustrating to pass empty lots that students aren’t allowed to park in,” Nathan told me. While parking can be a frustrating experience, the university must be doing something right if its students are fighting to get to class. Parking is a complex issue to solve, so Nathan is willing to let sleeping dogs lie if the university can make his wildest dreams come true, and offer a Lord of the Rings based Literature course.
When Nathan isn’t studying everything business, you can find him hanging out around the Wesley Foundation near campus. When Nathan was younger he dreamed of being an actor, and he has been able to live out his dream by performing musicals like Grease and Little Shop of Horrors on the stage at the Wesley Foundation. Working in the theatre is not Nathan’s only relation to Church. Nathan is faithful member of Thompson Station Baptist Church and plans on doing missionary work in China after graduating from MTSU.
At the end of the day college isn’t about the person on TV; it is about the person sitting next to you. Nathan may not be on student council, and you may never find his name on the banner for Homecoming King, but he is the kind of person that you are always glad to have a class with.
MURFREESBORO TN -The MTSU Opera will present Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro” in three performances in Hinton Music Hall in MTSU’s Wright Music Building: at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 12 and 13, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 14.
“This is Mozart’s most famous opera,” said director Dr. Raphael Bundage, MTSU choral and opera professor. “I am so very proud of this cast. They are witty, vocally strong and entertaining.”
The cast includes:
• Scott Willis and Fitzgerald St. Louis playing Count Almaviva;
• Erica Simmons, Charley Talley and Leslie Freeman performing Rosina, Countess Almaviva;
• Gene Hudson and Corbin Phillips in the role of Figaro;
• Sarah Wofford and Amy Trautwein portraying Susanna;
• Katie Spencer and Lindsey Mapes playing Cherubino; and
• Cayla Bryson, Victoria Stephens and Elizabeth Elliot in the role of Marcellina.
“The Marriage of Figaro” is based on Beaumarchais's 1784 play “La Folle Journée, or Le Mariage de Figaro,” a sequel to his earlier play, “Le Barbier de Séville (The Barber of Seville).” The latter is familiar to opera audiences in Rossini’s famous work, where Count Almaviva, with substantial help from Figaro, wooed and won the lovely Rosina away from her crusty old would-be husband, Dr. Bartolo.
In “The Marriage of Figaro,” Beaumarchais continued their story, but the Count and Rosina’s marriage has gone sour because of his philandering. Figaro, now in charge of the count's household, is engaged to Susanna, Rosina's maid and the count's intended conquest. Old Bartolo is back seeking revenge on Figaro with the help of the slimy music-master, Don Basilio. Adding to the fun are an amorous teenager, a scheming old maid, a drunken gardener and a silly young girl.
Bundage said the stage director for the program is John Kramar, currently professor of voice and director of opera at East Carolina University. The assistant director is Wendy Payne, the choreographer is Justin Nelson, costume designer is Patricia Clark and the set designer and technical director is Justin Durham.
Tickets for each of the three performances are $10 for general admission and $7 for students. Admission is free for MTSU students with ID. For other ticket information, call 615-898-2849.
Founded in 1911, Middle Tennessee State University is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution located in Murfreesboro and is the state’s largest public undergraduate institution. MTSU now boasts one of the nation’s first master’s degree programs in horse science, and the Council of Graduate Schools in Washington, D.C., acclaims MTSU’s Master of Science in Professional Science degree—the only one in Tennessee—as a model program. This fall, MTSU unveiled three new doctoral degrees in the sciences.
