By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Union City Schools, the Obion County Chamber of Commerce, and Main Street Union City will be on the same team again in the upcoming holiday season.
UC Director of Schools Wes Kennedy has presented each system employee $200 in “Tornado Cash” as part of their Christmas bonus, with that money to be spent with area businesses and merchants who are members of the Obion County Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Union City.
It marks the second straight year of the “shop local” partnership between UC Schools and the two organizations.
Kennedy said the school system spent more than $50,000 in the transaction designed to encourage UC faculty and staff “to support the places and people who support us.”
The Tornado Cash – which was separate from a bonus check given to faculty and staff – was distributed in $20 increments. A partial list of those participating businesses who belong to the OC Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Union can be found at https://obioncounty.org/news/tornado-cash.
There are a handful of other businesses that are not members of the two organizations who have indicated they would also accept Tornado Cash, according to Kennedy.
“Union City, Obion County, and the immediate surrounding area have consistently backed our students and our schools,” the UC head of schools said. “They are all a huge part of our support system. Locally owned businesses and companies have always been unwavering in their support of our fundraisers, our extracurricular activities, and with unsolicited contributions to things our students are involved in.
“This is a way for us to show gratitude for that and give back a little bit.”
A variety of businesses – from retail stores to restaurants and everything in between – have pledged their cooperation in the partnership.
“Hopefully, this will let them know just how much they’re valued,” Kennedy concluded.
“They are the backbone of where we live and who we are as a community. Speaking for our entire school system, we truly appreciate them.”
The Tornado Cash will be accepted by participating businesses until Jan. 31, 2023.