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The Fine Print

ETEC’s Policies & Principles of Professional Conduct

As of April 11, 2025

ETEC’s Core Elements

Purpose: ETEC exists to support the federal missions and create economic growth in the region.

Mission: ETEC unites industry, academia and government by convening, communicating, and advocating to drive collaboration and influence regional alignment.

Vision: ETEC will lead a future with a thriving, resilient economy through a connected community of engaged members.

Structure: ETEC is a private, independent, regional, 501(c)6 non-profit, membership organization created in 1973.

ETEC Membership

Companies, organizations, and retirees are welcome to join the East Tennessee Economic Council. ETEC's bylaws state that to be a member, an entity needs to pay the fees established by the Board of Directors and be interested in the furtherance of the purposes of ETEC. This means our members are aligned with ETEC's purpose mission as stated above.

Purpose of this Webpage

ETEC is a community that values mutual respect, collaboration, and the shared goals of our mission.

To ensure that our events are productive, inclusive, and respectful, we ask all ETEC staff, members, volunteers, working groups, and event attendees including speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and vendors to adhere to the following policies and principles.

We appreciate our members’ commitment to these shared values and trust that everyone will contribute to maintaining a positive and collaborative community.

Principles of Professional Conduct

ETEC is a pro-business environment. Members are encouraged to network and build strong business relationships before and after the weekly breakfast meetings.

ETEC remains non-partisan and the views and opinions expressed by speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of ETEC, its staff, Board, or membership.

  1. Member Interactions
    • Treat all individuals with courtesy, respect, and consideration.
    • Avoid interrupting speakers, engaging in side conversations, or excessive cell phone use during events.
    • When interacting we ask that members focus on sharing insights and experiences without promotional appeals, fundraising asks, competitive positioning, or political campaigning ensuring our discussions remain educational and non-partisan.
    • Asking thoughtful appropriate questions is encouraged to create a positive environment where ideas can be openly exchanged and discussed.
    • Members are encouraged to use discretion when discussing information shared during the meetings.
  2. Members as ETEC Representatives
    • Members play a vital role as ambassadors for ETEC. Members are encouraged to represent ETEC with professionalism and integrity, ensuring interactions within and outside the organization reflect our values and mission.

Policies

ETEC’s Privacy Policy

  • ETEC members, site users, event registrants/attendees, and newsletter subscribers’ contact information will never be intentionally shared with or sold to any 3rd party vendors.
  • Members are listed in a password-protected portion of the website called the Info Hub which contains the Membership Directory. Only ETEC members have permission to access this information.
  • Members may choose to receive ETEC’s communications. By signing up for the ETEC newsletter you will be sent an email once a week to the address submitted. Additional invitations or special news-related items may also be emailed. You may opt out of these communications at any time by contacting info@eteconline.org, or by clicking “unsubscribe”.
  • Photos or videos will be taken by the staff during events for promotional purposes such as for use on the website and/or social media. These images will not be sold or used for other purposes without permission.

Members’ Privacy Policy

  • As mentioned above ETEC members can log in to a password-protected portion of the website called the Info Hub which contains the Membership Directory and other resources. Members are asked to respect the privacy of others. Please do not use the directory for bulk or direct email/mail marketing campaigns or other solicitation purposes.

Solicitation Policy

  • Announcements, with prior approval by the ETEC staff, are welcome to be made at events. We request a brief description of any announcement– including any materials that may be distributed. Please contact us before the event to reserve time on the agenda.
  • Campaigning by political candidates before, during, or after the meetings is discouraged. Candidates may be invited to present to the group after winning their party’s primary election. If that is the case, we will invite both parties to present on separate dates.
  • Competitive positioning by a featured speaker to strategically campaign for exclusive business opportunities is strongly discouraged.
  • Fundraising by individuals, non-profit groups, or companies before, during, or after the meetings is discouraged. However, in some cases, it may be appropriate for our group to be aware of a specific event or need. Please contact us before the event to get permission.

Media Policy

  • News and/or media representatives are allowed into the room (in person or virtually) only with prior permission. If a representative from the news and/or media is present in the room an announcement will be made at the beginning of the meeting.
  • Video or audio recording is not allowed by members or guests without prior approval. Staff recordings may be taken if the speaker grants permission. Select recordings will be placed on ETEC’s Member’s Only Info Hub portion of the website.

 Winter Weather Policy

  • ETEC prioritizes the safety of our meeting attendees during winter weather conditions.
  • If inclement weather is expected on a Friday morning, and we decide to move to an all-virtual Zoom format or cancel, we will notify members by 5:00 p.m. the evening before.
  • Newsletter subscribers will receive an email, and notices will be posted on the ETEC homepage and the calendar event page. We encourage all attendees to check for updates and use the Zoom registration link to join virtually if necessary.
  • If you do not receive an email and there are no notices on the website, we will proceed with the in-person (hybrid) meeting as planned, but we advise everyone to use their judgment based on road conditions in their areas.

Summary

By adhering to these policies and principles of professional conduct, members contribute to a respectful and collaborative atmosphere that advances the mission and goals of ETEC. If concerns arise, ETEC may review the situation and work toward a resolution that upholds the integrity of the organization.

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