September2011Commerce by Knoxville Chamber

INSIDE: Q&A with Mike Edwards

pg. 73

Monthly Economic Indicators

pg. 74

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

New York Life celebrated the grand opening of its new offices at 265 Brookview Centre Way, Suite 102 in July. Kyle Jahng, managing partner, is pictured center-right cutting the ribbon and is joined by associates, friends, and Knoxville Chamber Ambassadors.

Top Achievers are recognized for their countless volunteer hours and dedication to the Ambassador Program’s mission of serving as an active volunteer extension of the Knoxville Chamber to cultivate, promote, and maintain positive relationships between the Knoxville Chamber, its members, and the community.

TOP ACHIEVERS

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Workspace Interiors and the Knoxville Chamber celebrated the grand opening of our ‘Collaboratory’ in July. The Collaboratory is a meeting room located in the Chamber that provides technology, facilities, and an atmosphere for groups (open to Chamber members - subject to availability) to meet face-to-face or via video conference. Office furniture, flat screen TV’s, docking station, video conferencing, and room makeover were provided by Workspace Interiors ($20,000 value). A special thanks to Workspace Interiors for this generous partnership. What’s more, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. donated a Keurig coffee machine and coffee. Thank you Green Mountain Coffee! Come by any time to check our new, innovative Collaboratory!

THERESA MCMANUS Tailored Method

DANIEL MONDAY Slamdot, Inc.

TIM ADKINS The Rush Fitness Complex Corporate Office

NEW MEMBERS / NEW PREMIER PARTNERS SILVER Alliance Sotheby’s International Realty (865) 357-3232 www.alliancesothebysrealty.com Real Estate, Residential Services: Moving/ Relocation Capitol Financial Group, LLC (865) 246-1725 www.capitalfinancialgroupllc.com Financial Services: Investments, Planning Insurance: Employee Benefits, Property Casualty

The Legacy Centre for Family Business and Entrepreneurship (865) 386-6248 www.tnlegacy.com Associations & Organizations Xpress Paper & Chemical, LLC (865) 688-5757 www.xpaperchem.com Digital Copy/Print/Fax/Scan Equip. & Serv.

BRONZE

Activize Knoxville Chiropractic Clinic (865) 247-4202 www.activizeknoxville.com Healthcare Providers & Services: Chiropractors

Hampton Inn & Suites - Downtown Knoxville (865) 522-5400 www.hamptonknoxville.com Hotels & Lodging

ASTD Smoky Mountain Chapter (865) 356-1911 www.astdsmokymountain.org Associations & Organizations

Carleo Entertainment Group (865) 414-6050 www.carleoentertainment.com Entertainment

Fitness Together - Hardin Valley (865) 249-7630 www.fitnesstogether.com/hardinvalley Personal Services: Fitness & Well-being

Champion Roofing Services, Inc. (865) 332-0318 www.hail-proof-roofs.com Construction & Contractors: Roofing

M3 Audio, Video Systems Integration (865) 691-1124 www.m3video.com Audio-Visual Services

Douglas J Aveda Institute (517) 449-2190 www.douglasj.com Personal Services: Salons & Spas

Modeof8 (865) 548-8341 www.modeof8edleader.com Business & Professional Services

Fitness Together - Northshore (865) 357-8663 www.ftnorthshore.com Personal Services: Fitness & Well-being

Republic Plastics (865) 522-8816 www.republicplastics.com Manufacturing: Plastics

CONTACT THE KNOXVILLE CHAMBER (865) 637-4550 www.knoxvillechamber.com

FINANCE & OPERATIONS rvineyard@knoxvillechamber.com

THE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (865) 546-5887

MEMBERSHIP mfield@knoxvillechamber.com

PRESIDENT & CEO MICHAEL EDWARDS

DESIGN LADDY FIELDS

WORKFORCE & EDUCATION jevans@knoxvillechamber.com

TENNESSEE SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER (865) 246-2663

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT RHONDA RICE

WRITER JUSTIN KROPFF

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT dlawyer@knoxvillechamber.com

CENTRAL BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (865) 246-2654 mhummel@downtownknoxville.org

THE KNOXVILLE CHAMBER’S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

EDITOR LORI FULLER editorial@knoxvillechamber.com

KNOXVILLE CHAMBER 68

LEADERSHIP KNOXVILLE (865) 523-9137 U.S. DEPT. OF COMMERCE EXPORT ASSISTANCE CENTER (865) 545-4637

Smoky Mountain Cheese, LLC (865) 773-0109 www.smokymountaincheesellc. com Food & Beverage: Food/Food Service Distributors The Market at Union & Gay (865) 977-8462 www.themarketinknoxville.com Shopping: Grocery Thermal Label Warehouse (865) 694-4448 www.thermallabelwarehouse.com Manufacturing TLD Logistic Services, Inc. (865) 539-1285 www.tldlogistics.com Transportation

ongratulations, members! Because of you, in close partnership with our board of directors and staff, the most prestigious national award presented to chambers of commerce – American Chamber of Commerce Executives’ Chamber of the Year – now resides here in Knoxville! This award annually recognizes the top chambers in the nation for organizational excellence including finances, member services, communications, engagement of volunteers, and making an impact on key community priorities. Chamber representatives including president and CEO Mike Edwards were on hand to accept the award during ACCE’s annual convention, which was August 4 in Los Angeles, Calif. “It is a great honor to win this prestigious award,” said Edwards. “The Knoxville Chamber would not have received this recognition without the leadership and support of our board, staff, members, and community partners. It is a reflection of the tremendous assets of the Knoxville area and the passion of its business leaders.” The Knoxville Chamber established a new vision for the organization and the community in 2009. To accomplish the goal of making Knoxville, TN America’s Best Business Address®, the Chamber’s board of directors and staff developed a new strategic plan. As a result, the Chamber has become a vocal advocate on issues important to the business community and the economic success of the region and is much more aggressive in the delivery of services to member businesses. “This award validates the hard work the board of directors and the staff have done,” said Edwards. “The new, measurable strategic plan sets the organization on a path to excellence. The staff has designed new products and services including Chamber Member MD and Chamber Member Rx, www.iKnowKnoxville.com, and has a renewed focus on public policy that are unique among all chambers of commerce.” Also highly regarded by ACCE judges was the Chamber’s priority to transform the area’s public education systems. For instance, the Chamber played a leading role in the development of the Education Management Information System that Knox County Schools has embraced, which will change how the school system operates and makes decisions. “I think the EMIS will permeate way beyond the boundaries of Knox County and have an impact on education throughout Tennessee,” said Chamber Board Chair and Pilot Flying J Senior Vice President and Cheif Financial Officer Mitch Steenrod. “It’s going to help us elevate the region’s standards and outputs, which will support greater opportunities for our business community.” The Knoxville Chamber submitted an extensive application that detailed its operations, products, and services and provided judges with examples of electronic and printed communications, promotional brochures, the strategic plan, and other information. Applications were reviewed and graded by judges who included representatives of past chambers of the year. The Knoxville Chamber’s application received 191.5 points of a possible 200. “The evaluation process now being used to select the ‘Chamber of the Year’ is a testament to the expanded role chambers play in strengthening the vitality

of their communities,” said Mick Fleming, president of ACCE. “We salute these chambers who are leaders in helping their member businesses grow and their communities succeed.” The final part of the award selection process was an interview conducted in Los Angeles. A panel of chamber executives asked Mike Edwards and Rhonda Rice, executive vice president of the Knoxville Chamber, questions about the organization’s operations and vision. The Lincoln (NE) Chamber of Commerce was the other finalist for the award. “The fact that the Chamber of the Year award is judged and selected by chamber professionals from across the country adds to its prestige,” said Edwards. “Industry peers have an understanding of the work the Knoxville Chamber does and an appreciation for the innovative products and services that we have developed over the past few years.” (Edwards is this month’s Q&A interview. Read more about these innovative products and services, and the ACCE award process by turning to page 73.) Among the products and services touted in the application were Chamber Member MD, a proprietary business analysis tool, and its counterpart, Chamber Member Rx. Chamber Member MD was developed to help companies examine their operations and identify areas that can be strengthened. Much like a personal health risk assessment, Chamber Member MD poses a series of questions allowing businesspeople to identify a company’s potential areas of concern. The accompanying recommendations, Chamber Member Rx, serve as a roadmap of programs and services that can help strengthen those weaknesses. “The Knoxville Chamber is a tremendous resource and advocate for the business community and really all of us,” Knoxville Mayor Daniel Brown said during an August 10 celebration. “The Chamber is a great engine that helps drive the economic success of our city and county. It is dedicated to helping Knoxville and Knox County thrive.” Innovation Valley, Inc., the region’s economic development program, is another example of the Knoxville Chamber’s innovative approach. While many chambers of commerce have a regional economic development focus, the Knoxville-Oak Ridge Innovation Valley effort is one of the few that brings together economic development agencies from across the area to work collaboratively. “The achievement of Chamber of The Year is a true team effort,” said immediate past chair of the Chamber board and Bandit Lites founder Michael Strickland. “The greater-Knoxville community, including each Innovation Valley partner, played a large role in achieving this prestigious milestone. For the last 18 months the entire community has worked together to truly make Knoxville America’s Best Business Address®. We should all be very proud of this moment. There are over 7,000 Chambers, and Knoxville is number one!” ACCE annually presents the award to chambers in four categories based on annual revenues. The Knoxville Chamber is the winner in the largest category, marking the second time in three years that a city in Tennessee won the award in this category (Nashville won the award in 2009). ACCE is a national association serving individuals involved in the management of chambers of all sizes, and its mission is to support and develop chamber professionals to lead their communities.

KNOXVILLE CHAMBER 69

KNOXVILLE CHAMBER 70

1. Current and past Chamber board chairs, respectively, Mitch Steenrod (left) and Michael Strickland 2. Chamber Membership Department staff 3. Knoxville Mayor Daniel Brown 4. Chamber Finance, Operations, and Executive staff 5. Pete and Rita Natour of Peteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coffee Shop 6. Always Moore Janitorial Serviceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mary Yancey, Felecia Lyons, Delnise Moore and Anthony Manley 7. Chamber Economic Development staff 8. Innovation Valley, Inc. board chair and ORNL director Dr. Thom Mason More photos can be seen at facebook.com/KnoxvilleChamber

Via

to @K_Chamber

Via Email to Chamber Staff

Ackermann_PR A well-deserved honor. RT @K_Chamber: Thank you Chamber members & business community! #acce2011 Chamber of the Year is: @K_Chamber!!!

BlountEconDev Congrats to the good folks @K_Chamber for winning ACCE’s Chamber of the Year. Proud to be your partner in the #InnovationValley.

WendyStoneberge So proud of my @K_Chamber friends, the new #ACCE2011 chamber of the year. Way to go @Field101 & the talented team. Making TN look great!

jfoster640 Jamie Foster Congrats to @K_Chamber on being awarded “Chamber of the Year.” The most prestigious national award presented to chambers of commerce.

joancronan Joan Cronan Congratulations to Knoxville Chamber on being selected #1 in America. Well deserved and I love winners!!

Outstanding and so well deserved. I know I speak for everyone on the Board about how proud we are of the Chamber leadership in accomplishing this achievement! – Terry Cowles, Deloitte LLP CONGRATULATIONS!! The excellent work that the Knoxville Chamber is doing right now continues to amaze me. Thank you for all your good work for the community!! – Maribel Koella, NAI Knoxville CONGRATS Chamber Team on a job well done!! Pass along to the entire staff…We all knew you were good, and now the whole country sees why Knoxville is America’s Best Business Address!! Yeehaw!! – Alan Hill,

AT&T Hard work always gets rewarded. Congrats to Mike, Rhonda, and everyone at the chamber. - Pete Natour and staff at Pete’s Congratulations to you and everyone at the Knoxville Chamber for being named the 2011 Chamber of the Year. This is a phenomenal achievement that makes all of us in the Knoxville business community extremely proud. – Dave Feather, Knoxville Ice Bears What great recognition for Knoxville. It is no accident. The hard work pays off. Thanks for elevating Knoxville to such a lofty place! - Nathan

Hunter, Pinnacle Financial

Via

As they say, “there is no greater recognition, than to be acknowledged by one’s peers.” Congratulations on achieving All-Star Status! – Andy

to Knoxville Chamber

Dishner, TMSi

Brixx Knoxville Brixx wants to congratulate the Knoxville Chamber for being recognized as the 2011 Chamber of the Year by the American Chamber of Commerce!

Downtown Knoxville

Congratulations on winning the #1 Chamber in the USA award. I’m sure your huge support of public education played a role. We appreciate the partnership. – Indya Kincannon, Chair, Knox County Board of

Education

Congrats to one of our partners, the Knoxville Chamber, for winning Chamber of the Year. Job well done!

Paula Harriss Coaching CONGRATULATIONS to our SUPER Chamber!!! SO proud of you! Go TEAM!

Mary Stephens-Bogert ROCK ON! This is AWESOME! We are so proud of you ALL!

KNOXVILLE CHAMBER 71

PREMIER PARTNER PROFILE

Knoxville Receives Two Top Five Honors Knoxville was recently highly ranked in both Business Facilities and Kiplinger magazines. In August, Business Facilities ranked the area No. 4 on its list of High Tech Hubs in the country. This ranking comes on the heels of the magazine’s 2010 Editors’ Location Picks that designated Knoxville a location that is, “re-inventing itself and staking a claim to leadership in the emerging industries of the 21st Century.” This past July, Kiplinger named Knoxville as the No. 5 “Best Value City” in its 2011 listing. Kiplinger noted the Tennessee Valley Authority, the University of Tennessee, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory as technology-driven organizations that helped the region avoid major impacts in the Great Recession. It also referenced “economic steadiness” that continues to help the area attract new business.

WSI Oak Ridge The mission of WSI Oak Ridge’s nearly 1,000 member team is to protect the national security interests of the Department of Energy and National Nuclear Administration in Oak Ridge. WSI has assembled a professional and diverse team comprised of people from the organization’s resources across the nation and two successful small businesses in East Tennessee, Critique, Inc. and PAI. WSI’s success is validated with an average performance rating in excess of 96 percent across the eleven years of its Oak Ridge contract. WSI Oak Ridge is part of the WSI family that is nationally recognized as the industry leader in providing armed and un-armed security officers for federal, state, and local government facilities. Founded in 1960 and headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., the company includes more than 12,000 employees working on five continents in protective services, fire and emergency services, facilities maintenance and base operations support services, demining and unexploded ordinance services, canine services, weapons remediation services, training support and services, and un-cleared security services. The company’s focus on training and development is second to none with an emphasis on maintaining modern, cutting-edge training capabilities and training doctrine at the Oak Ridge Central Training Facility. Security Police Officers have the opportunity to train in a variety of real and simulated scenarios to ensure they are fully prepared to protect the valuable assets of the Department of Energy and National Nuclear Security Administration in Oak Ridge. WSI Oak Ridge values the region in which it works and in which its employees live. The company works to be a strong corporate partner by supporting worthwhile charitable organizations such as, Make-A-Wish, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee, Junior League of Knoxville, United Way of Anderson County, Alzheimer’s Association, Methodist Medical Center Foundation, Hola Festival, the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge, and many more. In addition to financial contributions, WSI Oak Ridge has many employees who volunteer for these and other organizations throughout East Tennessee. WSI Oak Ridge is honored to have served this region for the past 11 years and looks forward to a long history in East Tennessee.

Second Annual Innovation Valley Technology & Resource Showcase Held at the University of Tennessee The second annual Innovation Valley, Inc. Technology and Resource Showcase sponsored by Pathway Lending, the University of Tennessee Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services was held August 3 at the University of Tennessee James A. Haslam, II Business Building. The showcase gives local companies a chance to learn more about the technologies available through UT, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Y-12 National Security Complex. Guests also received information about available resources for business expansion and retention. LED North America’s Andrew Wilhelm illustrated how partnering with ORNL has helped his company LED North America’s Andrew develop a product that will more than double the Wilhelm demonstrates ORNL’s life of LED streetlights by incorporating ORNLnew graphite foam cooled LED developed graphite foam that cools lighting fixtures lighting during 2nd annual Innovation Valley, Inc. Technology more effectively. Showcase “ORNL has been very good to work with,” Wilhelm said. “Its staff really wants to work with area companies to help us get our technology out into the marketplace.” Innovation Valley technology resources include a premier research institution such as UT; the UT medical, veterinary and engineering schools; Y-12; and ORNL. In addition to these resources, some of the world’s best and brightest scientists reside and work in East Tennessee. “The sole purpose of the technology showcase is to help local entrepreneurs and businesses connect with and leverage the technology resources available here,” said Innovation Valley, Inc. Director of Technology Jesse Smith. Innovation Valley, Inc. is a partnership between the Knoxville Chamber, Blount County Chamber of Commerce, Loudon County Economic Development Agency, Oak Ridge Economic Partnership, The Roane Alliance, and Tellico Reservoir Development Agency. The organizations work together to help the region’s existing industry grow and prosper. IVI also works to attract new companies to East Tennessee. For more information about the collaborative visit www.knoxvilleoakridge.com.

KNOXVILLE CHAMBER 72

WITH

Q&A

MIKE EDWARDS

President and CEO, Knoxville Chamber

Knoxville Chamber President and CEO Mike Edwards was one of several Chamber representatives including immediate past Board Chairman Michael Strickland and current Chairman Mitch Steenrod, on hand to accept the American Chamber of Commerce Executives’ Chamber of the Year Award during its annual convention last month in Los Angeles. The award winner was announced following an intense application process which led to an even more formidable “finalist” interview on the eve of the convention. During that interview, Edwards and Chamber Executive Vice President Rhonda Rice were asked questions about the application compiled by Chamber staff. Commerce recently sat down with Edwards to ask him about the application, the interview, and why Knoxville ultimately won. Q: How confident were you that the Chamber had submitted a quality application? A: I was very confident and not surprised our application was looked upon favorably, because I knew that our staff had done a great job in compiling the necessary information that told a great story. The application included ample amounts of content and substance that held up through the verification process. It was mentioned to us shortly after receiving the award that the clarity and content of the application were outstanding. The face-to-face interview the day before the awards’ ceremony helped judges determine if our programs submitted in the application are truly embedded in our operational DNA. I believe each judge came away feeling confident they all are. Q: How long did the interview last and how do you characterize the process? A: The interview was limited to 30 minutes for each finalist. I’d say it was similar to a friendly deposition [Laughs.] It was a serious conversation but we felt very relaxed. Both Rhonda and I were hyper-aware of what was riding on the interview. The staff worked so hard on completing the application and we didn’t want to let them down. I had the sense that all employees, whether they were in L.A. or Knoxville, were anxiously awaiting the outcome. I was amazed to learn Chamber marketing staff members had assembled at the office around 10 p.m. Knoxville time the night the award winner was announced! They were excited about the outcome and additionally wanted to be ready to spread the good news. Q: How much did the Chamber’s role in education play with regards to a competition differentiator? A: It played a major role. It is helping us become a substantive force within

public education. For instance, we assisted with the development of the Education Management Information System, a data warehouse that ties all sources of student and system data together, which is enabling Knox County administrators and teachers to make data-supported decisions about the future direction of the school system and each individual student. Knox County’s EMIS is the first of its kind in the country. Along with student and academic data, the system incorporates financial information. EMIS is vital to our area because it will enable school teachers and administrators to work smarter and more effectively in developing our future workforce. Q: How impactful was the Chamber’s partnership with Innovation Valley, Inc.? A: I think that ACCE judges understood that Innovation Valley partners act as peer economic development organizations. Unlike some regions, all IVI economic development agencies constantly work together for the greater good. We have developed unique and inclusive partnerships with the Blount Partnership, Loudon County Economic Development Agency, Oak Ridge Economic Partnership, The Roane Alliance, and Tellico Reservoir Development Agency. Q: What other programs helped the Chamber stand out? A: I think our small business development programs really impressed. Judges asked a lot of questions about Chamber Member MD and Chamber Member Rx and about technology enhancements required to manage these programs. The enhancements are allowing us to track an infinite number of companies and then in real-time provides us with feedback so we can monitor the program’s effectiveness. Additionally, www.iKnowKnoxville.com is a game changer. Through this interactive and enhanced online business directory, all of our members receive tremendous value by being showcased through an optimized search engine in a way that is far more affordable than ever before. Q: What does this recognition say to the Chamber’s critics? A: Well, for one, our critics often want to condemn us for only being focused on big-business. But if you look at our work program, by far the most man hours are put into helping small businesses grow. Our peers have recognized this. We need to be better at communicating that fact here locally. Further, this award comes on the heels of our Four-Star Accreditation designation by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Receiving both honors independent of the other within a 12-month period is a solid indicator that we’re doing something right.

KNOXVILLE CHAMBER 73

Monthly Economic Indicators

(July 2011)

Notes - Knoxville MSA includes: Anderson, Blount, Knox, Loudon & Union Counties.

Workforce

Resident Labor Force

July 2011

June 2011

July 2010

% Change June ’11- July ‘11

Knox Co. 240,840 243,340 235,200 Knoxville MSA 377,830 381,740 369,160 Tennessee 3,144,800 3,166,600 3,064,600 U.S. 154,812,000 154,538,000 155,270,000

Non-Ag Employment

Knox Co. Knoxville MSA Tennessee U.S.

7.5 7.9 9.6 9.3

2.4 2.3 2.6 -0.3

321,000 2,599,900

-0.5 -0.1

0.8 0.7

19,520 31,690 327,910

-6.3 -6.0 -5.3

2.9 2.9 3.1

7.5 7.7 9.6 9.7

-0.5 -0.4 -0.6 0.0

0.0 0.2 0.0 -0.4

Knox Co. 20,090 21,350 Knoxville MSA 32,880 34,840 Tennessee 338,090 355,970

Unemployment Rates

-1.0 -1.0 -0.7 0.2

8.0 8.3 10.2 9.3

Sources: Tennessee Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development/U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Inflation Rates - Consumer Price Index (CPI) – All Items

July ‘10-‘11

*Southeast Region Avg. U.S. Avg.

June ‘10-’11

4.2 3.6

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

July ‘09-‘10

4.1 3.6

% Change June ’10- July ‘11

1.1 1.2

0.1 0.0

3.1 2.4

July 2011

June 2011

July 2010

% Change June ’11- July ‘11

% Change July ’10July ‘11

Knox Co. $48,216,085 $46,198,607 $43,500,047 Knoxville MSA $67,753,483 $65,057,712 $61,370,272 Tennessee $594,270,774 $554,963,608 $566,652,555

Local Sales Tax

% Change July ’09July ‘11

*South – City Size Class B/C

Sales Tax Revenue – State & Local $ State Sales Tax

Knox Co. $13,759,091 Knoxville MSA $18,977,590

Housing Market

July 2011

Residential Closings Residential Inventory Median Residential Price

897 15,718 $149,500

June 2011

July 2010

897 15,886 $154,800

% Change June ’11- July ‘11

780 17,186 $146,800

0.0 -1.1 -3.5

% Change July ’10July ‘11 15.0 -9.3 1.8

Source: Knoxville Area Association of Realtors

Knoxville MSA 323,600 325,100 Tennessee 2,619,200 2,621,100

Available Labor

% Change July ’10July ‘11

4.4 4.1 7.1

10.8 10.4 4.9

$12,380,494 $12,168,201 $17,403,623 $17,241,920

11.1 9.0

13.1 10.1

(in millions of dollars)

% Change July ’10July ‘11

Residential Building Permits

June 2011*

Knoxville (City) Total Single-Family Multi-Family

107 18 89

% Change June ‘10June 2010 June ‘11 358 14 344

-234.6 28.6 -286.5

Knox Co. Total 183 418 Single-Family 84 74 Multi-Family 99 344 Knoxville MSA Total 206 438 Single-Family 107 94 Multi-Family 99 344 Tennessee Total 1,217 1,757 Single-Family 908 968 Multi-Family 309 789

-112.6 13.5 -247.5 -112.6 13.8 -247.5 -44.4 -6.6 -155.3

*All 2011 building permit data is preliminary and therefore subject to revision throughout the year. Sources: U.S. Housing & Urban Development – SOCDS – State of the Cities Data Systems; U.S. Census Bureau – Building Permits Survey

Air Service (McGhee-Tyson Airport)

July 2011

Passengers 176,616 Cargo 7,555,184

June 2011

July 2010

175,217 7,865,705

% Change June ’11- July ’11

162,542 7,839,741

0.8 -4.1

% Change July ’10July ’11 8.7 3.8

Source: Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority

Source: Tennessee Dept. of Revenue

Retail Sales – National Category

July 2011

June 2011

Total Retail Sales 392,442 Building Materials 26,084 Clothing Stores 17,950 Electronics & Appliances 7,923 Food & Beverage Stores 53,122 Food Svcs & Drinking Places 43,099 Furniture & Home Furnishings 7,437 Gasoline Stations 48,551 General Merchandise Stores 50,709 Health & Personal Care Stores 22,028 Miscellaneous Stores 10,170 Motor Vehicle & Parts Sales 69,910 Non-store Retailers 28,779 Sporting Goods/Books/ Hobby/Music 6,680

July 2010

% Change June ’11- July ‘11

396,577 30,510 17,608 7,815 51,574 41,682 7,199 47,321 51,316 22,616 10,523 70,747 30,698

368,462 25,183 16,907 7,978 49,926 40,982 7,519 40,016 49,146 21,585 9,476 67,087 26,071

-1.1 -17.0 1.9 1.4 3.0 3.4 3.3 2.6 -1.2 -2.7 -3.5 -1.2 -6.7

6.5 3.6 6.2 -0.7 6.4 5.2 -1.1 21.3 3.2 2.1 7.3 4.2 10.4

6,968

6,586

-4.3

1.4

Census 2010 Data Releases - Housing Units Occupancy Status County

Census 2010 Population

Total Housing Units

Occupied Housing Units

Vacant Housing Units

75,129 123,010 432,226 48,556 19,109 698,030

34,717 55,266 194,949 21,725 8,958 315,615

31,253 49,265 177,249 19,826 7,391 284,984

3,464 6,001 17,700 1,899 1,567 30,631

Anderson Blount Knox Loudon Union MSA Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Source: U.S. Census Bureau – Advance Monthly Retail Trade Report

KNOXVILLE CHAMBER 74

Debate Focuses on Business Issues Knoxville mayoral candidates Ivan Harmon, Joe Hultquist, Mark Padgett, and Madeline Rogero shared their visions of increasing regional economic development during a mayoral debate hosted by the Chamber and held at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium July 28. Underwriters of the debate were Aqua-Chem, the Knoxville News Sentinel, and Toyota/Lexus of Knoxville. The debate was emceed by WBIR-TV anchors John Becker and Robin Wilhoit. Candidates answered business-related questions from a panel, audience members, and via Twitter. The debate allowed the Chamber to organize an event that focused on business issues – issues that ultimately lead to the creation and retention of jobs in the Knoxville region. “Businesses provide the jobs that support families in the city and contribute a significant amount to taxes,” said Chamber Vice President of Policy/Public Relations Garrett Wagley. “City voters need to understand the candidates’ positions on issues important to the business community.” The debate was broadcast live on WBIR-TV and NewsTalk 98.7 FM. The chamber encourages all area businesspeople to vote during the city’s early voting period, September 7 through the 22, or on election day, which is September 27.

News Anchors John Becker and Robin Wilhoit welcome guests at the July 28 debate. candidates (L) and panelists (R) prepare for the discussion.

Underwritten by:

PROPEL MENTOR/PROTÉGÉ PROFILE Protégé: Barbara Clark, Clark, Brown and Waters

Mentor: Dorothy Roddy, Igawaga, Inc.

many clients. She plans to incorporate mediaIgawaga, Inc.’s tion into her practice. She is also focused on Dorothy Roddy wanted cutting overhead, and she will continue to to return the favor. She reach out to Roddy for support. had been provided “It’s very important to have those successhelp as a young businessperson, and now ful businesspersons in my life who can give she is giving back by mentoring Barbara Clark me pointers,” Clark said. “Dottie is helping me of Clark, Brown and Waters, as a part of the realize how to be more successful at what I Chamber’s PROPEL Mentor/Protégé program. do.” The irony however is that sometimes the giver Igawaga, Inc.’s employees and principals is also the receiver. Roddy has received a great have developed properties and partnered with deal from Clark including the realization that the clients on real estate investments totaling over American Dream is still alive and well. $150 million during the past 10 years. The “Barbara has overcome being a single company works diligently with clients to obtain mother, law school challenges, and moving from Igawaga, Inc.’s president and mentor Dorothy Roddy and protégé Barbara Clark, Clark, Brown and Waters difficult financing and provides investment Mississippi in order to become a corporate lawfocus. yer,” Roddy said. “This takes courage beyond For more information about PROPEL’s counting. We’ve developed a new friendship Mentor/Protégé Program, call Doug Minter at (865) 246-2662 or email him that extends beyond the mentoring program. I so admire Barbara.” at dminter@knoxvillechamber.com. Clark’s law firm specializes in broad areas of practice to accommodate

KNOXVILLE CHAMBER 75

PREMIER PARTNER PROFILE

Alstom Knoxville

Environmental Control Systems World’s Largest Air Pollution Control Company Today, Alstom’s Environmental Control Systems business, which has been headquartered in Knoxville since 1920, is the world’s largest air pollution control company. The business originally produced mechanical particulate collectors and fans to remove soot and ash from early power plants and industrial facilities. Over 90 years later, Alstom’s ECS team delivers advanced technology to lower the environmental impact of electricity production and industrial processes. Alstom’s Knoxville team specializes in bringing down costs associated with installing and operating emission control systems. For customers, that means flexibility to focus on delivering clean, reliable electricity. “The technologies Alstom has developed in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Air Act regulations have important environmental benefits that contribute to public health and safety,” according to James Yann, Managing Director, Alstom Power’s North American Environmental Control Systems business. Research and development is a key focus area for Alstom’s U.S. ECS business, which includes teams of engineers and technologists pursuing innovations in the management and maintenance of Air Quality Control Systems. Carbon Capture and Storage, or CCS, is just one of the technologies Alstom is pursuing to lower the environmental impacts of power generation. Knoxville is the North American base of operations for the company’s development of CCS processes. To date, Alstom has played a central role in several major CCS projects that demonstrated the ability to capture up to 90 percent of the CO2 emitted from fossil fuel power plants. In addition to delivering new technologies, Alstom’s operations in Knoxville are poised to play a role in creating new U.S. jobs. In March of 2011, Yann testified before two U.S. Senate subcommittees that new air pollution control projects could create up to 150,000 jobs over 5-6 years. With 93,500 employees in 100 countries, Alstom is a global leader in clean technology innovations for power generation, rail transportation, and power transmission. The company’s U.S. team is more than 6,000 strong and has a presence in 47 states and the District of Columbia. For more information, visit www.alstom.com/us.

Adkins Receives Gold Lifetime Achievement Award Knoxville Chamber Membership Development Manager Ashleigh Adkins has received national recognition from the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, the national association for Chambers of all sizes. She received the Gold Circle of Champions Lifetime Achievement Award from the organization for producing 1,000 memberships or over $500,000 during her eight years with the Knoxville Chamber. She received the honor at the ACCE National Convention in Los Angeles in early Chamber Membership Development Manager Ashleigh Adkins receives August. ACCE’s Gold Circle of Champions Adkins was also honored during Lifetime Achievement Award from ACCE this year’s convention as the 10th president Mick Fleming ranked account executive in the country for 2010. Adkins helped 153 area businesses realize how to take advantage of the Chamber’s multi-tiered dues system. “We are very proud of Ashleigh’s accomplishments and recognition,” said Mark Field, Chamber Senior Vice President of Membership. “She is an integral part of the Chamber’s staff and we are fortunate to have such a dedicated sales professional representing us in the community.”

Business After Hours at the News Sentinel Open presented by Pilot Comcast sponsored a recent Business After Hours at the News Sentinel Open presented by Pilot. Attendees enjoyed VIP access to the Fox Den Country Club clubhouse and watched play at the 18th hole from the balcony on the opening day of the longest standing Nationwide Tour golf tournament. Door prizes were also given out during the News Sentinel Open event. The winners were: Ray Bell, Standard Kitchen & Bath – $135 Visa gift card courtesy of Comcast Monica Sheppard-Viator, Kelly Services and Jill Green, LBMC – pair of Bristol Motor Speedway Food City 250 tickets Mitzi Rouse, WBIR-TV – two tickets and hospitality passes to News Sentinel Open presented by Pilot