INSIDE: Composites Coalition pg. 42 + Monthly Economic Indicators pg. 46
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS NEW MEMBERS & NEW PREMIER PARTNERS THE KNOXVILLE CHAMBER’S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
ActionsProve, LLC (207) 751-2632 www.actionsprove.com Business & Professional Services: Business Advisors & Consultants WRJZ and WETR (865) 525-0620 www.wrjz.com Broadcast Media:Radio
BASE TIER MEMBERS 7 Title (865) 560-7441 www.7.coop/title/ Financial Services: Credit Unions AirMedCare Network (865) 279-0274 www.amcnrep.com Healthcare Providers & Services Arby’s www.arbys.com Restaurants Auto-Chlor System (865) 984-8409 www.autochlor.net Restaurant Supplies & Services Baymont Inn & Suites Knoxville I-75 (865) 643-8236 www.baymontinn.com Hotels & Lodging Billy Houston Group, Realty Executives (865) 577-7653 www.billyhoustongroup.com Real Estate Bluelilly Marketing (865) 621-6044 www.bluelillygroup.com Business & Professional Services: Marketing Bombshells Salon & Spa (865) 938-2662 www.bombshellsonline.com Personal Services: Salons & Spas Breezeway Yoga (865) 951-6024 www.breezewayyoga.com Personal Services Cakmes Dental Studio (865) 584-6163 www.cakmesdentalstudio.com Healthcare Providers & Services: Dentists Citizen Agency (865) 607-6335 www.citizenadagency.com Business & Professional Services: Advertising Agencies Clean Eatz (865) 288-0996 www.cleaneatz.com Restaurants
Gallaher Plastic Surgery & Spa MD - Kingston Pike (865) 671-3888 www.gallaherplasticsurgery.com Healthcare Providers & Services: Physicians & Surgeons; Plastic Surgery InSpirit Salt Spa (865) 599-3139 www.inspiritsaltspa.com Personal Services: Salons & Spas Integrity HR Services (865) 862-7284 www.ihrworks.com Business & Professional Services:Human Resources Kalsson Cleaning Services of East TN, LLC (865) 679-7070 www.kalssonclean.com Building & Grounds Maintenance: Cleaning Services & Supplies
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.
1ST PLACE
BRONZE PREMIER PARTNER
Firestone Complete Auto Care (865) 671-3615 www.firestonecompleteautocare.com Automotive Sales, Parts, & Service
TOP ACHIEVERS
Norris Payroll, LLC (865) 585-1815 www.norrispayroll.com Business & Professional Services PureMagic Carwash of Farragut (865) 444-6805 www.puremagiccarwash.com Automotive Sales, Parts, & Service NURSEFirst, LLC (865) 692-8950 www.nursefirst.net Healthcare Providers & Services PureMagic Carwash of Knoxville (865) 444-6801 www.puremagiccarwash.com Automotive Sales, Parts, & Service
COLBY MCLEMORE COLBY’S PHOTOGRAPHY
EDITOR LYNSEY WILSON ASSISTANT EDITOR JESSICA GUTMAN DESIGN LADDY FIELDS CONTACT THE KNOXVILLE CHAMBER (865) 637-4550 www.knoxvillechamber.com PRESIDENT & CEO MICHAEL EDWARDS EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT RHONDA RICE CLAYTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DOUG LAWYER FINANCE & OPERATIONS LARRY JOHNSON
Kristi Ayres Brackfield - Nationwide (865) 288-4288 www.kristiayresagency.com Insurance
2ND PLACE
Bright Event Productions (615) 866-8796 www.brighteventproductions.com Event Planning, Catering, & Venues: Event Decor;Planners; Rentals; Event Lighting; Wedding Services
Erin H. Cooper - Keller Williams Realty (865) 694-5904 www.erincooper.kwrealty.com Real Estate
TOM O’BRIAN CORE BENEFITS & INVESTMENTS
MEMBERSHIP MARK FIELD PUBLIC POLICY AMY NOLAN
CENTRAL BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (865) 246-2654 mhummel@downtownknoxville.org
3RD PLACE
GOLD PREMIER PARTNER
JILL GREEN MAPLE HALL
SoKno Taco Cantina (865) 851-8882 www.soknota.co Restaurants
THE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (865) 546-5887 TENNESSEE SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER (865) 246-2663 LEADERSHIP KNOXVILLE (865) 523-9137
Specialty Concrete Solutions (865) 801-5510 www.rpsstructures.com Building Materials: Concrete, Cement, & Asphalt Virtuous Products, LLC (865) 816-0500 www.virtuousproductsinc.com Construction & Contractors West Hills Flats & Taps (865) 444-5147 www.flatsntaps.com Restaurants Wireless Thingz (865) 409-1144 www.wirelessthingz.com Telecommunications:Wireless
Days Inn Knoxville East (865) 637-3511 www.daysinn.com Hotels & Lodging
K N O X V I L L E C H A M B E R | 40
U.S. DEPT. OF COMMERCE EXPORT ASSISTANCE CENTER (865) 545-4637
City Council to Gain Majority of New Members BY: AMY NOLAN
Five new members of City Council, victorious after a city-only election in which 13 percent of eligible voters cast ballots, will be sworn in to office at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building. Voters on Nov. 7 swept in a historic number of women, with four of the five new members being female. The winners – Stephanie Welch, Andrew Roberto, Seema Singh Perez, Lauren Rider and Gwen McKenzie – succeeded council members who were term limited. The candidates had earlier prevailed in the primary election, where only District residents could vote for their representatives. Voters city-wide could cast ballots for all the District winners in the November election. Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero, who will be working with a Council consisting of a majority of new members, noted that the 11,735 votes cast represented “one of the biggest voter turnouts in the past quarter century. There was a significant increase in voter engagement.” Stephanie Welch, chief operating officer of the Great Schools Partnership, won by the largest margin, with 73 percent versus 26 percent for Rebecca Parr.
Welch will succeed Council member Nick Pavlis in representing District 1. In races where observers predicted tighter margins, Knoxville lawyer Andrew Roberto bested Wayne Christensen 59 percent to 41 for the District 2 seat, and Seema Singh Perez, a counselor and small business owner, won over James Corcoran, 58 percent to 42 percent. Roberto will succeed Vice Mayor Duane Grieve, and Perez will succeed Council Member Brenda Palmer. Lauren Rider, a librarian at Pellissippi State Community College, was the top vote getter in the District 4 primary and cruised to victory city-wide with 49 percent of the vote over Harry Tindell (32 percent) and write-in candidate Amelia Parker (19 percent). CVS Health executive advisor Gwen McKenzie won the District 6 seat over Jennifer Montgomery. The split in that race was 58 percent to 42 percent. More about the Council members-elect can be found on KnoxCommerce. com.
[Cover photo] (from left to right): Seema Singh Perez, District 3; Gwen McKenzie, District 6; Lauren Rider, District 4; City of Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero; Stephanie Welch, District 1; and Andrew Roberto, District 2. Photo credit: Traci K. McDonell, City of Knoxville
Women on the Rise Event Features Dee Haslam BY: JESSICA GUTMAN
Dee Haslam, CEO of RIVR media and co-owner of the Cleveland Browns, spoke to a sold-out crowd at the Knoxville Chamber’s Women on the Rise event at Cherokee Country Club on Nov. 15. Moderator Robin Wilhoit, WBIR-Channel 10, asked Haslam a series of questions about her background, work/life balance and how she thrives in male-dominated industries. The popular event series, presented by SunTrust, offers bi-annual programs tailored to professional women.
(from left to right) WBIR-Channel 10’s Robin Wilhoit; Rhonda Rice Clayton, executive vice president of the Knoxville Chamber; Dee Haslam, CEO of RIVR Media; and Kim Jarrard, vice president and medical client advisor for SunTrust.
K N O X V I L L E C H A M B E R | 41
Knoxville-Oak Ridge Innovation Valley Announces Composites Coalition BY: JESSICA GUTMAN
Knoxville-Oak Ridge Innovation Valley, the regional economic development initiative led by the Knoxville Chamber, announced the launch of the Composites Coalition at the JEC International Conference on Automotive Technology on Nov. 16. Composites Coalition is a statewide initiative that aims to capitalize on Tennessee’s unique assets including Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s (ORNL) Carbon Fiber Technology Facility; the U.S. Department of Energy’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility; the headquarters for the Institute for Advanced Composites Materials Innovation (IACMI); the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s leading composites research; and several recent composites-related economic development announcements across the state. “Tennessee’s advanced composites resources are catalyzing economic impact through workforce development, capital investment and technology innovation,” said John A. Hopkins, interim CEO of IACMI. “IACMI - The Composites Institute is pleased to support future positive impact for our headquarters’ home state and its partners by expanding this strong regional innovation ecosystem through the Composites Coalition. Just like the materials we are developing, we are stronger together.” The primary objectives of the Composites Coalition are: • To raise international awareness of Tennessee’s composites-related assets and opportunities • To host quarterly composites-related existing industry cluster meetings • To identify workforce training needs of composites companies and to enhance training programs to fill those gaps, as well as to raise awareness of composites career opportunities • To aggressively target and recruit composites-related companies to locate research, manufacturing and distribution operations to the State of Tennessee The advanced composites industry is growing steadily at nearly 15 percent per year in the United States, accounting for 300,000 new, high-paying jobs over the past five years. The next decade promises even more robust growth as advanced composites materials are utilized in the automotive, aerospace and energy sectors. “The Tennessee Composites Coalition ecosystem has the unique ability to engage undergraduate and graduate students in composites technologies of the fu-
ture. About 30 undergraduate and 25 graduate students are involved in composites R&D at UT and IACMI,” said Dr. Uday Vaidya, UT/ORNL Governor’s Chair in Advanced Composites Manufacturing and chief technology officer for IACMI. “The aerospace, automotive, energy, infrastructure, marine, sporting goods and other emerging industries are in exponentially growing need of skilled composite engineers with practical thinking and problem-solving skills. The ability to develop a niche workforce by the Composites Coalition has an enormous positive impact on a national and global scale.” A composite is created when two or more different materials are combined to create a superior and unique material – most commonly Fiber Reinforced Plastics. These workable materials are as strong as metal with a much lighter weight, and they are commonly used to manufacture products through 3D printing. “Bringing economic development together with private industry and powerhouse research partners is a perfect combination to help us grow upon the strong momentum in the composites sector in our region and state,” said Doug Lawyer, vice president of economic development for the Knoxville Chamber. To learn more, visit go.knoxvillechamber.com/composites-coalition.
Innovation Valley, in partnership with ORNL, IACMI, the University of Tennessee, TVA, TNECD, and Magnum Venus Products, announced the Composites Coalition at the JEC International Conference on Automotive Technology in Knoxville.
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TNReady Results Show Most Students Not Proficient in Reading, Math BY: MICHAEL EDWARDS
While students in Knox County performed better than the state average on the recently-released TNReady assessments, nearly 60 percent are not meeting the standards that measure the knowledge and skills we know are necessary for success in post-secondary education and job training. Translate that percentage to numbers and the results are even more chilling. More than 8,000 Knox County third- through fifth-grade pupils do not meet the English/Language Arts standard, according to the data. The numbers are just as alarming in middle and high schools as 7,700 six- through eighth-graders were not proficient and 6,800 ninth- through 12th-graders scored below the standard for readiness to succeed in their next educational step. The results were nearly identical in math. We can take a modicum of pride that Knox County Schools’ students scored best among the four large urban districts in Tennessee. More importantly, however, this data demonstrates the urgent need to place more attention on preparing our children for success. Students’ performance on TNReady reflects the readiness they show on national tests like the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP), more commonly known as the Nation’s Report Card and a gold standard for assessments. Before
the recent implementation of TNReady assessments, the state’s schools used assessments known as TCAP. Students’ performance on TCAPs were much higher than exams like NAEP and the ACT showed, which earned the state an “F” from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for “Truth in Advertising” about students’ readiness. TNReady – developed in Tennessee by Tennessee educators – provides more accurate data about students’ future success than TCAPs did Many families will receive students’ TNReady report cards, which will offer specific feedback to help them work in partnership with teachers and administrators to decide the best way to support their students’ education progress. A small percentage of assessments -- .1 percent or 9,400 assessments out of 1.9 million statewide – of high school end-of-course assessments were scored incorrectly initially and the errors were caught through the quality control process before reports were finalized. Third through eighth grade assessments were not affected. Those who cite this hiccup and want to scrap the test now do a disservice to teachers, families and, most of all, students. TNReady provides teachers, parents and the wider community the information all of us need to ensure our students are ready for the future and that the Knoxville economy continues to prosper. Michael Edwards is president and CEO of the Knoxville Chamber and represents the 2nd Congressional District on the Tennessee School Board.
Morning Networking Event in West Knoxville Draws Large Crowd BY: JESSICA GUTMAN
The Knoxville Chamber hosted an a.m. Exchange at HomeTrust Bank on Nov. 2. More than 150 business professionals gathered at the bank’s Kingston Pike location to grow their networks over a tasty breakfast biscuit bar from All Occasion Catering. Christopher Todd Moates with New York Life Insurance Company took home the morning’s door prize – a $50 Visa gift card courtesy of HomeTrust Bank.
Knoxville-area business professionals packed HomeTrust Bank’s Kingston Pike location for a Knoxville Chamber a.m. Exchange.
K N O X V I L L E C H A M B E R | 43
Diversity Champions Convenes CEO Summit, Discusses Creating Inclusive Workforce BY: LYNSEY WILSON
Ethnically diverse companies are 35 percent more likely to financially outperform their homogenous counterparts, and 15 percent more likely to have financial returns above the national median for their industry. The 2015 Diversity Matters report published by McKinsey & Company also found a linear relationship between the racial and ethnic diversity of an organization’s seniorexecutive team and financial performance. For every 10 percent increase in the diversity of senior leadership, earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) rose .8 percent. Earnings aren’t the only place diversity has proven to give businesses an edge. Two-thirds of those polled in a recent Glassdoor survey cited organizational diversity as a deciding factor when evaluating job offers. While research makes a compelling case for diversity of workforce, the current business landscape fails to mete out the numbers with only 3 percent of U.S. companies led by a diverse team of senior executives.
In 2015, ethnic minorities comprised only 9.4 percent of the Knoxville MSA total private industry labor force and minority-owned companies made up only 5.6 percent of the business landscape. As part of its Diversity Champions initiative, the Knoxville Chamber convened its first CEO Summit in October 2016. The year-long initiative facilitated diversity- and inclusion-based discussions among 95 executives from 35 area companies. Participant conversations focused on sharing best practices, addressing common pain points and engaging the next generation of minorities entering the workforce. Common strategies emerged from regional executives who are actively seeking to diversify their workforce including: effectiveness of mentorship programs for minority hires, adoption of diversity as part of the company’s core values, and creation of employee resource groups (ERGs). Shared concerns around recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and educating local, minority students on regional employment opportunities were also discussed. Based upon these findings, Diversity Champions is formulating an action plan for creating meaningful, sustainable resources in our region that support the development of a diverse workforce along with recommendations for community-wide initiatives that cultivate an inclusive environment. For more information on the group’s findings and next steps, visit KnoxCommerce.com.
YEA! Students Hear from Local CEOs BY: JESSICA GUTMAN
Students in the Knoxville Chamber’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) heard from local business leaders at the annual CEO Roundtable on Nov. 14. Jim Rooney with PureMagic Car Wash, Courtney Herda with Smarter Searches, Jim Ogle with Ogle Entertainment, and Jonathan Halley with Big Slate Media took part in the discussion moderated by YEA! instructor Haseeb Qureshi. They discussed the challenges and opportunities of starting a business, shared past successes and failures, and gave advice to the students who will soon be launching their own businesses and non-profits. YEA! is a 30-week program that guides middle and high school students through the entire business-creation process. Throughout the course, students write a business plan, pitch their ideas to a panel of investors, and participate in a trade show. If you are interested in getting involved with YEA!, contact Program Coordinator Megan Wright at mwright@knoxvillechamber.com.
(from left to right): Jim Rooney, PureMagic Car Wash; Courtney Herda, Smarter Searches; Jim Ogle, Ogle Entertainment; and Jonathan Halley, Big Slate Media.
K N O X V I L L E C H A M B E R | 44
Chamber Members, Staff Shadow Principals for a Day BY: JESSICA GUTMAN
Moving. Inspiring. Eye-opening. Those were some of the ways the more than 100 participants in Knox County Schools’ Principal for a Day program described their experiences shadowing school leaders on Tuesday, Nov. 14. Dozens of chamber members participated in the event, which concluded with a luncheon where volunteers reported on their experiences, as did three Knoxville Chamber staff members – Doug Lawyer, vice president of economic development; Amy Nolan, vice president of public policy; and Megan Wright, program development coordinator and a member of Knox County Schools’ Partners in Education board of directors. “Being married to an educator, I’ve often heard how many directions teachers and administrators are pulled in on a minute-by-minute basis,” Lawyer said. “Walking the halls and seeing the constant interactions with Principal Toth at Bearden Middle School really helped me to appreciate the challenges of being an educator first-hand. This experience elevated in my mind the important role the business community can and should play in our public schools, for example, though foundation support opportunities.” Nolan was assigned to West Haven Middle School, where Paula Brown serves as principal; Lawyer asked to be at Bearden Middle School, which one of his children attends and where Michael Toth serves as executive principal; and Wright was at Central
High School with Michael Reynolds. “I was very impressed by the school’s proactive response to their community’s increasingly diverse student population,” Wright said. “Mr. Reynolds had empowered his administration and teachers to develop unique solutions to accommodate a growing number of English language learning students and improve their academic success. They have integrated English language learning into core classes, which has lessened learning disparities and increased acceptance among the student body.” At West Haven Elementary, Ms. Brown included Nolan in two teacher planning meetings, where teachers, an instructional coach and the principal crafted lesson plans for their students through the Thanksgiving break. “The amount of detail that went into planning to ensure that state standards were met and that alternatives were in place for students who had mastered the subject and those who were struggling was amazing,” Nolan said. “The collaboration between teachers and the administration was great to see as they shared different strategies for student success.” All three were impressed with the principals’ energy and commitment to students and teachers. If you are interested in being Principal for a Day next year, contact Jeannie Dulaney, Knox County Schools’ community liaison, at Jeannie.Dulaney@knoxschools. org.
Annual Luncheon Celebrates Local Veterans and Active Military BY: KAYLA SMITH
On Nov. 9, more than 420 veterans, community leaders and active military personnel gathered for the 35th Annual Veterans Appreciation and Recognition Luncheon. Hosted by the East Tennessee Military Affairs Council (ETMAC), the event honors local veterans and active military personnel. Additionally, 15 enlisted personnel from military units located in Knox and Blount counties were presented with ETMAC awards at this year’s event. Honored military personnel are chosen each year by their Unit Commander and peers for going above and beyond to serve country and community. This luncheon featured the U.S. Fleet Forces Band, known as The Finest of the Fleet, which performed a patriotic concert as guests arrived. The band provides musical support for ships, military bases, foreign dignitaries, and community events throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Ohio River Valley areas of the United States, and also regularly deploys to Central and South America. This year’s featured speaker was Capt. Christopher Buziak of the United States Navy.
“The Knoxville Chamber, local businesses and the East Tennessee community as a whole support our veterans like no other city in the country,” said Patrice Collins, administrator for ETMAC and economic development assistant for the Knoxville Chamber. “Knoxville was voted the most patriotic city in America just a couple of years ago, and that is because of organizations like the Knoxville Chamber, the Blount Partnership, and many others who go above and beyond to serve our military and veterans. No matter where you go in Knoxville and the surrounding counties, businesses answer the call of duty to support our veterans and our local military on a daily basis, and the veterans and military in this area of the country know how very blessed they are to live in the most patriotic city in America.” The Knoxville Chamber is the sole sponsor of ETMAC, providing monthly meeting space and continuous administrative support at no cost. The Blount Partnership co-sponsors the ETMAC Veterans Appreciation and Recognition Luncheon every year by providing the audio video services for the program. For more information on ETMAC, please visit www.etmac.org.
K N O X V I L L E C H A M B E R | 45
MONTHLY ECONOMIC INDICATORS
(Oct. 2017)
NOTES – Knoxville MSA includes: Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Grainger, Knox, Loudon, Morgan, Roane & Union Counties.
WORKFORCE
HOUSING MARKET
Resident Labor Force Knox Co. Knoxville MSA Tennessee U.S.
% Change Sept. ’16Sept. ‘17
Sept. 2017
Aug. 2017
Sept. 2016
% Change Aug. ’17Sept. ‘17
238,250 420,620 3,223,400 161,049,000
234,420 413,960 3,194,000 160,863,000
238,500 422,230 3,175,000 159,636,000
1.6 1.6 0.9 0.1
-0.1 -0.4 1.5 0.9
398,700 3,037,300
393,700 3,017,700
397,800 2,994,700
1.3 0.6
0.2 1.4
5,950 11,530 93,400
7,570 14,380 115,300
10,230 19,970 159,600
-21.4 -19.8 -19.0
-41.8 -42.3 -41.5
2.5 2.7 2.9 4.1
3.2 3.5 3.6 4.5
4.3 4.7 5.0 4.8
-0.7 -0.8 -0.7 -0.4
-1.8 -2.0 -2.1 -0.7
Non-Ag Employment Knoxville MSA Tennessee
Residential Closings Residential Inventory Median Residential Price
Sept. 2017 1,642 6,971 $174,500
Unemployment Rates Knox Co. Knoxville MSA Tennessee U.S.
Sources: Tennessee Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development/U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
INFLATION RATES -
% Change Sept. ’15Sept. ‘17 1.0 0.7
Sept. ’16-‘17
Aug. ’16-‘17
Sept. ’15-‘16
2.3 2.2
1.7 1.9
1.3 1.5
0.6 0.3
% Change Sept. ’16Sept. ‘17
*Southeast Region Avg. U.S. Avg. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Knoxville (City)
Total Single-Family Multi-Family
Sept. 2017* 18 18 0
Sept. 2016 23 23 0
% Change Sept. ’16Sept. ‘17 -21.7 -21.7 0.0
Knox Co.
Total Single-Family Multi-Family
127 127 0
147 147 0
-13.6 -13.6 0.0
Knoxville MSA
Total Single-Family Multi-Family
254 242 12
241 224 17
5.4 8.0 -29.4
Tennessee
Total Single-Family Multi-Family
2,973 1,635 1,338
2,068 1,728 340
43.8 -5.4 293.5
Knox Co. Knoxville MSA Tennessee
Sept. 2017
Aug. 2017
Sept. 2016
% Change Aug. ’17Sept. ‘17
54,551,981 83,606,365 725,172,577
53,563,467 83,452,256 718,478,582
54,643,155 83,769,806 692,034,963
1.8 0.2 0.9
-0.2 -0.2 4.8
15,240,266 24,125,753
14,760,514 23,816,254
14,857,338 23,412,660
3.3 1.3
2.6 3.0
% Change Sept. ’16Sept. ‘17 4.1 7.7 1.5 -5.3 3.4 3.3 1.4 10.7 4.7 -0.6 -1.1 4.1 5.8 -4.1
AIR SERVICE (MCGHEE-TYSON AIRPORT)
Passengers Freight
Aug. 2017 177,311 7,559,145
July 2017 189,048 6,358,504
Aug. 2016 159,806 7,597,688
% Change July ’17Aug. ‘17 -6.2 18.9
% Change Aug. ’16Aug. ‘17 11.0 -0.5
Source: Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority
Local Sales Tax Knox Co. Knoxville MSA
*All 2017 building permit data is preliminary and therefore subject to revision throughout the year. Sources: U.S. Housing & Urban Development – SOCDS – State of the Cities Data Systems; U.S. Census Bureau – Building Permits Survey
*South – City Size Class B/C
SALES TAX REVENUE - STATE & LOCAL ($) State Sales Tax
1,643 8,387 $162,000
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMITS
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (CPI) - ALL ITEMS % Change Aug. ’16Sept. ‘17
Sept. 2016
% Change Sept. ’16Sept. ‘17 -0.1 -16.9 7.7
Source: Knoxville Area Association of Realtors
Unemployment Estimates Knox Co. Knoxville MSA Tennessee
Aug. 2017 2,784 6,564 $175,253
% Change Aug. ’17Sept. ‘17 -41.0 6.2 -0.4
Source: Tennessee Dept. of Revenue
RETAIL SALES - NATIONAL (IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS) Category Total Retail Sales Building Materials Clothing Stores Electronics & Appliances Food & Beverage Stores Food Svcs & Drinking Places Furniture & Home Furnishings Gasoline Stations General Merchandise Stores Health & Personal Care Stores Miscellaneous Stores Motor Vehicle & Parts Sales Non-store Retailers Sporting Goods/Books/ Hobby/Music
Sept. 2017
Aug. 2017
468,192 31,290 19,935 7,300 59,306 56,247 9,617 40,202 53,824 26,977 10,641 98,675 47,533
491,572 33,012 22,641 7,743 60,524 57,104 10,102 39,923 57,685 28,130 11,410 105,082 50,530
449,948 29,046 19,649 7,708 57,354 54,452 9,483 36,316 51,432 27,141 10,755 94,771 44,910
% Change Aug. ’17Sept. ‘17 -4.8 -5.2 -12.0 -5.7 -2.0 -1.5 -4.8 0.7 -6.7 -4.1 -6.7 -6.1 -5.9
6,645
7,686
6,931
-13.5
Sept. 2016
EST. 1869 For more information on research, contact Joe Riley, jriley@knoxvillechamber.com.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau – Advance Monthly Retail Trade Report
K N O X V I L L E C H A M B E R | 46
Propel Protégé Profile The Knoxville Chamber’s Propel mentor/protégé program pairs an established community business leader with a protégé who is relatively new to business.
What does your firm offer its clients? We are a graphic design studio that provides print graphics, illustrations, infographics, commercials and informational videos using motion graphics. We also provide demo videos using static drawings or 3D animation. What makes your firm unique? One of the things that makes us unique is our past clients. We have worked for Sam’s Club, Ace Hardware, Weber Grill, TransUnion, Dell Computers and Champion Pet Foods. We keep the process of using graphic art and motion graphics simple with fast outcomes. I have worked for many PR firms and marketing agencies and have noticed that projects can have too many people involved. I have seen that one person can handle most projects, which lowers cost without giving up quality. Our competitive advantage is that we are transparent about pricing and we educate our clients about the cost and quality, and then we connect that with their goals and needs. Graphics are important because we live in a fast-paced world and graphics are essential to getting your word out and to get noticed. We want to help our clients get noticed but do so in a way that can fit most budgets and still have great quality. At the end of the day, we understand that graphics are more memorable than text. Graphics drive social media and can make communicating complex ideas easier.
Firm: Anthony Houde Design & Motion Owner: Anthony Houde Email: info@anthonyhoude.com Phone: 865.850.9460 What is your professional background? I am self-taught and have always loved drawing from a young age. I interned at a graphic design firm, worked for a web design first for five years, and then a large tech firm doing graphic design and motion graphics. In the corporate world, I felt like a race horse being used as a golf cart so I started my own firm in 2010.
Who is your perfect client? Our key clients are advertising agencies, web designers, social media managers and corporations looking for more cost-effective motion graphics. We have a children’s division of our firm that does educational animation videos that we are developing for future products. We currently have over 10 million views on some of our demo content so we are interested in the children’s education market as well.
Knoxville Chamber Revamps Bright Ideas Workshops BY: MEGAN WRIGHT
The Knoxville Chamber is revamping and expanding its popular Bright Ideas professional development workshops. Bright Ideas seminars now provide more in-depth and tailored trainings and give attendees actionable takeaway items. Each workshop begins with a brief
presentation and topic overview, after which attendees transition into smaller breakout sessions based on industry, management level or topic segments. Following the sessions, attendees receive an email with links to additional content, resources and trainings related to the workshop topic. View all of the Chamber’s upcoming events at knoxvillechamber.com/events-calendar Sponsored By:
K N O X V I L L E C H A M B E R | 47
DECEMBER - MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES Since 1869, the Knoxville Chamber has been the leading voice for business in the region. Each of these businesses are celebrating milestone anniversaries as Chamber members during the month of December. Thank you for your commitment to the Chamber and the community!
31+ YEARS
MEMBER SINCE
20 – 24 YEARS
MEMBER SINCE
Fairfield Inn by Marriot - Knoxville East
2002
1953
Morris Creative Group, LLC
1993
Total Polish Solutions
2002
McDonald’s Restaurants
1960
The Willows Apartments
1993
Knoxville Ice Bears
2002
The Lilly Company
1967
Drain Construction Co.
1994
Waste Connections of Tennessee, Inc.
1967
Office Furniture Outfitters, LLC
1995
10 – 14 YEARS
MEMBER SINCE
Lawler-Wood, LLC
1975
Blue Ridge Realty, Inc.
1996
Market Realty
2003
Hodges, Doughty & Carson, PLLC
1976
Southern Safety Supply, LLC
1997
Emerald Youth Foundation
2004
Workforce Connections
1979
Holiday Inn World’s Fair Park
2004
1981
15-19 YEARS
Pete’s Coffee Shop Restaurant
2004
Lamar Advertising
The E.W. Scripps Company
MEMBER SINCE
Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians, Inc. 1982
Bush Brothers & Company
1998
Crowne Plaza Knoxville
2004
South College
1983
Image Matters, Inc.
1999
Clayton Bank and Trust
2005
Kennerly, Montgomery & Finley, PC
1984
Phillips and Jordan
1999
TAC Air/Truman Arnold Companies
2005
The Trust Company
1986
Jacobs Engineering Group
1999
Brelsford Properties, GP
2006
Dogwood Arts
1987
Unity Mortuary
1999
Tennessee Steel Center Inc.
2006
The Florence Crittenton Agency, Inc.
1999
MediSpa at Knoxville Dermatology Group
2006
The Tomato Head
1999
M&M Broadcasting - WMYL - 96.7 Merle FM
2007
2000
25 – 30 YEARS
MEMBER SINCE
K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc.
1989
Threads, Inc
Talent Trek Agency
1990
CBIZ Benefits & Insurance Services of Tennessee, Inc 2000
HG&A Associates, PC
1991
Adams Products
2000
Read Window Products, Inc.
1991
Volunteer Ministry Center
2000
Holston Hills Country Club
1991
CDM Smith
2000
Ijams Nature Center
1992
Valliant Harrison Schwartz & Green
2002
Small Business Snapshot Over 100 economic and community development leaders gathered to hear Doug Minter, director of small business development at the Knoxville Chamber, discuss the Chamber and community partner programs designed to focus on urban and rural small business development. Titled, “Small Business Snapshot,” the session was part of the two-day 2017 Tennessee Economic and Community Development Governor’s Conference hosted in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
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Photo by Ben Finch
Corporate Investments Catalyst for Success of Community Projects On Tuesday, Nov. 14, Lakeshore Park debuted its newest facilities – lengthened walking trails, two pavilions, a picnic shelter, new restroom facilities, additional parking lots and a new overlook. The enhancements are part of an ongoing improvement project aimed at using the 185 acres of green space as a catalyst for elevating all of the City’s public parks and building a lasting community asset. A functional example of public and private partnership, the City of Knoxville maintains ownership of the land and laid the foundation for today’s renovations through the demolition of unusable buildings and installation of underground utilities. Day-to-day operations are managed by the park’s nonprofit corporation, the same entity raising funds for its current improvement projects. The majority of the funds for renovations, which started in 2015, have come from private contributions by local businesses, foundations and families. To date, the park board has invested $25 million with plans to construct gardens, a green amphitheater, outdoor basketball courts, a sand volley court, and landscaping as funds allow. “Lakeshore Park exemplifies what happens when charitable leadership and corporate philanthropy come together,” said Tom McAdams, Lakeshore Park board member. “A group of individuals saw a need, saw an opportunity, and they didn’t wait for someone else to do something. They worked with three mayors and four governors. They hired planners and architects. They contributed money to build the park, and they assumed responsibility for managing it.”
Last month, the Haslam family and Pilot Flying J were recognized for their support of Lakeshore Park. Jimmy Haslam served as chair of the board for more than twenty years and led efforts to obtain approvals for its Master Plan. Haslam was succeeded as board chair by his wife, Dee Bagwell Haslam, who has led for the past five years. “There are many people in the public and private sectors who have worked hard to build Lakeshore Park,” said Cardin Bratley, director of development for the nonprofit Lakeshore Park organization. “There have been many generous contributors to the park’s capital campaign, but it all started when someone saw a need and dedicated themselves to making it happen through a combination of charitable leadership and charitable giving. “Lakeshore Park is not the only local need that is worthy of a supporting organization, and many of our local business leaders – like the Haslams – already have the skills needed to plan, organize, budget, and operate a charitable project. The involvement of the private sector is vital to the success of community projects and fulfillment of community needs.” The benefits of corporate philanthropy are well documented, with studies finding community investment builds reputation, expands market recognition, leads to the successful recruitment and retention of talent, and attracts new industries to a region. “Great things don’t just happen,” said McAdams. “They need the support of great people. There are a variety of needs in Knoxville, including Lakeshore Park. As we move into a new year, I want to challenge area businesses to get involved, find a need, seize an opportunity, and contribute to a project that will impact generations.”
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RIBBON CUTTINGS
Compassionate Care Home Health celebrated the grand opening of its new Knoxville location on Oct. 27. They provide a comprehensive network of support services for people with intellectual, physical, and developmental disabilities and individuals with mental health needs or substance abuse challenges. They also provide Certified Nursing Assistant, Phlebotomy, EKG training, and assist graduates with job placements. The new location is open at 900 E. Woodland Ave.
Premier Locations, an authorized dealer for U.S. Cellular, celebrated the grand re-opening of its Millertown Pike location with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 3. The store is located at 5450 Millertown Pike in Knoxville.
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