b'to share the story of how they got them. The experience continuesGeneral Manager Bailee Cheek explained what they call their Pass for them as they retell it and thats the bigger return. It doesnt lastExchange Program. Her team realized that many of the attractions forever,butlongerthanain the area are, like them, hundreddollarsinapay- smallbusinessesandso check. As Mike said to us,theyreachedouttosee SometimesthoselittleCheek said she started the seasonifcompanieswouldbe thingscountalotmoreinterestedinsettingupa than they cost. You want towith four employees and now hastrade program. At first, it talk about business, dollarswas only one or two other down to the nickel? Thatsover forty. While most are part time,companies, but has grown the reality, the bang for theshes able to fill the spots needed toto include 45 participating buck is priceless. He notedbusinesses. The way its set itsimportantforittobekeep the business successful.upisthatanyTennessee an owner or manager thatRiverboat employee can go leads the trip. The humanto one of these local attrac-contact and the shared ex- tions and, by showing their perience are so important. He continued, Its about staying downpaystub, gain free admission. In return, employees of these business to earth and being humble and showing it back to the employees thatcan ride a sightseeing cruise aboard the Star of Knoxville for free are out there working hard and doing it.when they show their pay stub. It works out for both companies as passengers on the cruises will spend money at the bar and employ-A FAIR TRADE ees from Tennessee Riverboats will buy food and beverages at the In Knoxville, Tenn., about 30-45 minutes from Gatlinburg/Pigeonattractions they visit. Forge area, youll find the Star of Knoxville, an authentic paddlewheel riverboat operated by Tennessee Riverboat. As a small, family runAfter implementing the program, Cheek posted about it in a number business, they cant afford benefits like insurance that other companiesof mom groups on Facebook, offering the program to people willing may offer. Instead, theyve come up with a creative way to give theirto work on her staff as few as one or two days a week. Needless to say, employees more than simply a paycheck.it was a huge hit. Theyve hired a number of part time employees who PRECISE 360 PROPULSION PLUS FULL AUXILIARY POWERLET ASSUREDPARTNERS MCM MANAGEYOUR INSURANCE SO YOU CANFOCUS ON YOUR VOYAGEAssuredPartners MCM is a leading independent insurance brokerage based in the Pacic Northwest. Our combined experience placing insurance and managing the marine industrys unique risks.PHOTO COURTESY OF ISLAND QUEEN CRUISESTwin Disc Marine Control Drives (MCDs) allow variable propellerMARINEWhether were working with vessel operators, builders, speedfrom full engine output to slower than engine idlewhileCONTROL splitting main engine power to drive FiFi pumps or other auxiliaryDRIVEequipment. The MCD-2000/4000/5000 series covers extended diesel power requirements from 1680 kW (2280 HP) to 5250 kW (7130 HP)with heat dissipation capabilities up to 450 kW (610 HP).And our Veth Z-drives provide 360 thrust for optimal vessel maneuverabilityAssuredPartners MCMand positioning.If you want the ultimate in slow-speed maneuverability, highly accurateContact: Damon L. Nasmanpositioning and simultaneous, full-firefighting capability, specify Twin DiscDirect Line: 206.262.6375and Veth Propulsion on your next tug build. VETH Damon.Nasman@assuredpartners.comFor expert engineering assistance to assure your optimal product specifications Z-DRIVEand performance, contact Klaus@TwinDisc.com.www.assuredpartnersmcm.com19 OCTOBER 2022'