INSIDE: Innovation Valley Stakeholder Update pg. 56 + Monthly Economic Indicators pg. 54
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
AllGood Pest Solutions (865) 689-6100 www.allgoodservices.com Residential Services: Pest Control
Marine Accessories Corporation (865) 738-1584 www.marine-accessories.com Manufacturing: Boat
Concord Title (865) 671-8388 www.concord-title.com Real Estate: Title Companies
RedRock Mortgage (865) 415-2969 www.rockrockmtg.com Real Estate: Mortgage Banking
Est8te (865) 588-1588 www.est8te.net Shopping: Women’s Clothing
Silent Corps (865) 966-4545 www.silentcorps.com Retail Stores
Golden Corral (865) 938-8904 www.goldencorral.com Restaurants
The Law Offices of John R. Capps, PLLC (865) 803-7306 www.johncappslaw.com Legal Services: Attorneys
TOP ACHIEVERS 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
NEW MEMBERS NEW PREMIER PARTNERS
REBECCA DARNELL HILTON KNOXVILLE
THE KNOXVILLE CHAMBER’S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
EDITOR LORI FULLER ASSISTANT EDITOR JESSICA KARSTEN DESIGN LADDY FIELDS CONTACT THE KNOXVILLE CHAMBER (865) 637-4550 www.knoxvillechamber.com PRESIDENT & CEO MICHAEL EDWARDS
2ND PLACE
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT RHONDA RICE
Huber Properties, LLC (865) 966-1600 Real Estate
CLESHON BESS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DOUG LAWYER
CELLULAR SALES OF KNOXVILLE, INC.
FINANCE & OPERATIONS LARRY JOHNSON
LEA BRADLEY AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
3RD PLACE
Marble City Family Chiropractic (865) 766-2081 www.marblecitychiropractic.com Healthcare Providers & Services: Chiropractors
®
MARC ARCHER ARCHER DESIGN & MARKETING
MEMBERSHIP MARK FIELD CENTRAL BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (865) 246-2654 mhummel@downtownknoxville.org THE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (865) 546-5887 TENNESSEE SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER (865) 246-2663 LEADERSHIP KNOXVILLE (865) 523-9137 U.S. DEPT. OF COMMERCE EXPORT ASSISTANCE CENTER (865) 545-4637
RIBBON CUTTING
Walker’s Collision Repair celebrated the grand opening of their new Knoxville location in January. Paul Walker, president, is pictured center and is joined by family, associates, and Knoxville Chamber Ambassadors.
K N O X V I L L E C H A M B E R | 48
State, Regional Chambers Develop 2016 Legislative and Public Policy Agendas BY: JESSICA KARSTEN
The 2016 session of the 109th Tennessee General Assembly convened on Jan. 12, initiating the state’s next period of legislation and policy creation. The Knoxville Chamber, along with its partners in the region and across the state, has developed its legislative and public policy agenda, which outlines its legislative priorities for this session. Each year the Chamber works closely with the Chattanooga, Nashville, and Memphis chambers, as well as its partners in the region – the Blount Partnership and the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce – to develop state and regional agendas that will benefit the business community. The Chamber also receives recommendations and insights from its Government Relations and Public Policy Committee to stay updated on policies and legislation that affect businesses. These decisions play a key role in developing a legislative and public policy agenda focused on pro-business advocacy. “We are very fortunate at the Knoxville Chamber to have such an active and engaged Government Relations and Public
Policy Committee. We stay on top of the issues and get timely updates from our elected representatives on what we need to know and when we need to engage to benefit our member businesses,” said Susan Richardson Williams, committee chair. “We develop an annual legislative agenda before the General Assembly session begins and make sure our delegation is aware of the issues that are important to Knox County businesses.” “It’s hard to overemphasize the importance of the work this committee does and how we can make a difference on pro-business issues and policy.”
TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE This year, transportation and infrastructure are a top priority of both the state and regional legislative agendas. The chambers are urging the General Assembly to identify and implement a solution for long-term transportation funding. The funding should cover all maintenance needs, as well as all currently backlogged projects, new projects, and demands identified by the Tennessee
“Legislative” continued on pg. 50
K N O X V I L L E C H A M B E R | 49
“Legislative” continued from pg. 49
Department of Transportation. According to a public policy survey distributed to Knoxville Chamber members, the vast majority of member businesses agree that roads and bridges are critically important to the success of their business, and inadequate funding for transportation is a problem and a threat to economic development. These members believe that legislators must find a solution for long-term funding, which may include raising the fuel tax. Local businesses also want TDOT to continue improving I-40 through Knoxville and complete the Pellissippi Parkway extension connecting Blount and Sevier counties.
INSURE TENNESSEE Health care is once again a high priority on the statewide and regional agendas this session. The urban chambers and regional partners stand in strong support of Gov. Haslam’s Insure Tennessee plan to alleviate and prevent increased health care costs to businesses.
The governor’s proposed two-year program was defeated on the state senate floor during a special session last year. This plan would provide health care coverage to Tennesseans without access to health insurance or with limited options. It would also reward healthy behaviors, promote personal responsibility, and incentivize preventative and routine care instead of unnecessary use of emergency rooms. The public policy survey results determined that the Chamber’s member businesses want legislators to approve the Insure Tennessee plan this session in order to return the already paid federal taxes back to the state and help the state’s workforce stay healthy by incentivizing proactive healthcare decisions. “The Chamber continues to support Insure Tennessee and urges the state to adopt this health care expansion,” said Mike Edwards, president and CEO of the Knoxville Chamber. “This program will provide a healthier workforce, increase productivity, and ensure that our state continues to produce great jobs.”
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION While secondary and post-secondary education served as the top legislative priorities last session, this year the agendas are beginning to focus on early childhood education. The state and regional agendas have placed a high priority on identifying the barriers to success of current pre-K through third grade education and developing measurable strategies for improvement. The education-related section of the public policy survey revealed that Chamber members believe legislators should continue to enhance offerings for early childhood education. This dedication to early education will lay a strong foundation and put Tennessee’s students on the right path to post-secondary education and careers. While these legislative priorities serve as a guideline for bills expected to make an appearance during the session, the chambers will continue to monitor any legislative developments and additional bills that might affect businesses in the state of Tennessee. The session’s deadline for bill introduction was Jan. 20.
Knox County General Assembly Delegates State Sen. Randy McNally
State Sen. Richard Briggs
State Rep. Joseph Armstrong
State Rep. Harry Brooks
(R – Oak Ridge)
(R – Knoxville)
(D – Knoxville)
District 5: Anderson, Loudon and portions of Knox counties. • In office from since1987 CONTACT: Phone: (615) 741-6806 Email: sen.randy.mcnally@capitol.tn.gov
District 7: portions of Knox County • In office since Nov. 2014 CONTACT: Phone: (615) 741-1766 Email: sen.richard.briggs@capitol.tn.gov
District 15: portions of Knox County • In office since 1988 CONTACT: Phone: (615) 741-0768 Email: rep.joe.armstrong@capitol.tn.gov
(R – Knoxville) District 19: portions of Knox County • In office since 2002 CONTACT: Phone: (615) 741-6879 Email: rep.harry.brooks@capitol.tn.gov
State Rep. Eddie Smith
State Rep. Bill Dunn
State Rep. Roger Kane
(R – Knoxville)
(R – Knoxville)
(R – Knoxville)
District 13: portions of Knox County • In office since Nov. 2014 CONTACT: Phone: (615) 741-2031 Email: rep.eddie.smith@capitol.tn.gov
District 16: portions of Knox County • In office since1994 CONTACT: Phone: (615) 741-1721 Email: rep.bill.dunn@capitol.tn.gov
District 89: portions of Knox County • In office since 2012 CONTACT: Phone: (615) 741-4110 Email: rep.roger.kane@capitol.tn.gov
State Rep. Jason Zachary
State Rep. Martin Daniel
(R – Knoxville)
(R – Knoxville)
District 14: portions of Knox County • In office since 2015 CONTACT: Phone: (615) 741-2264 Email: rep.jason.zachary@capitol.tn.gov
District 18: portions of Knox County • In office since Nov. 2014 CONTACT: Phone: (615) 741-2287 Email: rep.martin.daniel@capitol.tn.gov
State Sen. Becky Duncan Massey (R – Knoxville)
District 6: portions of Knox County • In office since 2011 CONTACT: Phone: (615) 741-1648 Email: sen.becky.massey@capitol.tn.gov
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Midway Business Park Gets Green Light BY: JESSICA KARSTEN
Knoxville-Oak Ridge Innovation Valley serves as an ideal location for new and relocating businesses given its unparalleled technology infrastructure, quality of place, and access to a skilled workforce. However, developable land has become increasingly hard to come by in Knox County, with an extensive need for shovel-ready business and industrial parks. This type of land is necessary in order for the region to remain competitive in recruiting new companies to the area. “Due to the decision-making timelines that today’s fast-paced business environment has created, it is essential to have ready-to-go sites in our region,” said Doug Lawyer, vice president of economic development for the Knoxville Chamber. “If we don’t have sites, a couple of things will happen. One, we won’t get any looks, and two, those jobs and capital investments will go elsewhere.” The Development Corporation of Knox County works to foster long-term growth of the region’s business environment, which includes acquiring land for business parks. In 2006, TDC obtained nearly 350 acres of land along I-40 at Midway Road and Thorngrove Pike with intentions of developing the Midway Business Park. The Metropolitan Planning Commission and the Knox County Commission recently voted to amend the East Knox County sector plan and rezone the land to make this park a reality. Support for the development was gained through the leadership, guidance, and advocacy of Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, Knox County Commissioner Dave Wright, and TDC. The sector plan amendment was necessary to allow for a business park on the property, and the land was rezoned from an Agricultural to Employment Center zone. This zone designation is intended to encourage the development of business parks and other employment centers. Both items were passed by the two commissions in November and December of 2015. Mayor Burchett and his staff spearheaded this effort by holding numerous community meetings, a cookout, and a bus tour of West Knox County business parks in order to inform the public and garner support. TDC, in collaboration with the University of Tennessee, also held public workshops about the park’s development and its design plans. “We took a different approach and decided to show people some other business parks because you can hear about something, but it makes a difference
when you can actually see it. We wanted the community to be involved in the process, and they will continue to be involved as we move forward,” said Mayor Burchett. “County Commission made a very informed decision and they did the right thing. This is going to bring a lot of high-tech jobs to the people of Knox County.” With the necessary sector plan and zoning changes made, TDC can start the process of developing the land into Midway Business Park, a project that could take up to three years. TDC must first create a development plan and have it approved by the Metropolitan Planning Commission. Then, it will work closely with design professionals and engage with the community to produce a site design. “As we go about creating a development plan for Midway Business Park, as required in the Employment Center zone, we are fortunate not only to have the benefit of a team of highly qualified design professionals, but we will also have the benefit of gathering public input from nearby property owners and others with a vested interest in the business park’s success,” said Todd Napier, president and CEO of TDC. He continued, “I believe that Midway Business Park will serve as a model for how business parks can serve as both an economic engine within their broader communities by attracting and retaining employers, as well as a place where business park employees and local residents can intermingle as they enjoy quality, passive recreation that will be found throughout these type developments.” Going into 2017, TDC will finalize construction plans and begin the building process, which could take 12 to 18 months. During this phase, potential business recruits will be able to see what the park has to offer. “Once construction of Midway Business Park has progressed to the point that we can reasonably demonstrate a definitive delivery date of development-ready sites, we will then be in a great position to market the Midway Business Park to prospective companies with an expectation that it will be given serious consideration as their preferred site,” Napier said. Midway Business Park will utilize power from an existing joint substation between the Tennessee Valley Authority and Knoxville Utilities Board located on the property. KUB also plans to extend existing natural gas and wastewater lines to the site. TDC will work with local communication providers to address other elements including Internet availability. To learn more about the development process and timeline of Midway Business Park, visit TDC’s website at www.knoxdevelopment.org.
Chamber, Visit Knoxville Launch Annual Relocation, Visitors Guide BY: JESSICA KARSTEN
The Knoxville Chamber and Visit Knoxville launched their annual relocation and visitors guide on Jan. 28. The 2016 Official Visitors & Relocation Guide features valuable information for anyone considering a move or a vacation to Knoxville while also highlighting the city’s 225th anniversary. This is the second year the two organizations have combined their originally separate publications into one, allinclusive guide.
“This publication is truly a comprehensive look into life and business in Knoxville,” said Mark Field, senior vice president of membership for the Knoxville Chamber. “Partnering with Visit Knoxville has helped shape this guide into a ‘one stop shop’ of information for the city’s future residents and tourists, giving them everything they need to know about visiting and living in Knoxville.” The Chamber’s Know Knoxville relocation guide features stories about Knoxville’s healthcare options and education, as well as the history of its business community and the unique experiences the city has to offer. Visit Knoxville’s Visitors Guide highlights Knoxville’s outdoor, music, culinary, and brewery scenes. The publication also includes important city demographics, weather conditions, essential phone numbers, and citywide listings of attractions. Request a copy of the guide by calling the Chamber at 865-637-4550 or visiting www.knoxvillechamber.com/request-information.
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Women on the Rise Series Continues to Shine BY: LORI FULLER
The Knoxville Chamber’s Women on the Rise to Shine series, presented by SunTrust, drew a sell-out crowd to Gettysvue Country Club on Dec. 9 for a lunch and learn seminar. The presentation, entitled “From the Inside Out: Inspiration, Motivation, and Negotiation for Success” was given by Deborah Tegano, a managing partner in Trend Partnerships. Tegano delivered an interactive and thought-provoking talk about how your thoughts can impact, both positively and negatively, your actions as you strive to become better employees, managers, and people. She also discussed how being mindful of one’s own thoughts and actions, as well as the actions and comments of others, can make you a more effective and creative leader. She concluded when you combine positive thoughts with mindful listening you have the tools for a more productive negotiation. Regardless of what you are negotiating. Zara Bates, director of interior design at Studio Four Design, had some lofty expectations for the presentation after attending the kickoff event featuring Amy Miles, CEO of Regal Entertaniment, in October, and the presentation delivered. “After attending the first part of the Women on the Rise series, I knew this series was something special that would truly have an impact on professional women,” Bates said. “Deborah Tegano is one of the most engaging and inspiring speakers I’ve had the privilege of listening to. As women, we juggle so many expectations, roles and responsibilities in our daily lives. Deborah’s insightful approach to self-efficacy and a healthy mindset had a tremendous impact on our team. Her charge to ‘stop arguing for your limitations and start advocating for what you want’ was a wonderful challenge for each of us to begin taking responsibility for our own path in life.” The next installment of the Women on the Rise to Shine series will take place on April 7 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. further details will be available in the coming weeks.
Deborah Tegano, the presenter of the second installment of the Women on the Rise to Shine series, presented by SunTrust, is joined by Kim Jarrard and Missy Williams of SunTrust, and Rhonda Rice of the Knoxville Chamber.
Guests interact at their tables during Deborah Tegano’s Women on the Rise to Shine lunch and learn presentation.
Roundtable Engages Area Manufacturers BY: KAYLA WITT
The Knoxville Chamber’s Manufacturer’s Roundtable has grown exponentially since its inception two years ago and now boasts more than 130 members. More than 75 regional manufacturing companies make up the group which meets monthly and provides the opportunity for its members to learn best practices from one another. The casual open-dialogue format was adopted in an effort to allow members the chance to compare notes and share experiences. “The Manufacturer’s Roundtable is an innovative group of key industry leaders that will continue to develop over time,” said Kimberly Williams, advisory board chair of the Manufacturer’s Roundtable. “The roundtable members come from numerous manufacturing backgrounds, but our conversations revolve around the practices we all have in common. Our group’s goal is to benchmark and share best practices in order to raise the performance level at our businesses. Teamwork and problem solving are our focus – col-
laborative efforts like these will help keep our businesses profitable and keep jobs in the Knoxville region.” Members of the roundtable take turns deciding the topic of the month and facilitating the meeting. Discussions cover a wide range of themes including safety, quality, leadership development, culture and time management, and supply chain management. “Through my conversations with existing industries across the region, I learned that manufacturing leaders have numerous opportunities to attend classes, seminars, and workshops and learn from the experts, but they never have the chance to talk to each other and learn what other companies are succeeding at,” said Sam Hart technology and manufacturing consultant at the Knoxville Chamber. “This group has done a great job of engaging in meaningful dialogue and I think they are all benefiting from it.” To learn more about the Manufacturer’s Roundtable and to see its upcoming meeting topics visit www.knoxvillechamber.com/manufacturers-roundtable.
K N O X V I L L E C H A M B E R | 52
MENTOR/PROTÉGÉ SPOTLIGHT PROTÉGÉ: OUTLIER’S ADVANTAGE INC.
MENTOR: DME TRAINING AND CONSULTING
Owner: Bobby Nicholson
Owner: Chris Crouch
Website: www.KnoxvilleTutor.com
Website: www.dmetraining.com
Industry Type: Education
Industry Type: Consulting
Describe your firm briefly, and what are your main markets or services?
Who has been one of your important mentors and why? What were the key lessons learned?
We are an ACT prep and in-home tutoring service. We mainly work with high school and college students.
What lessons have you learned from your mentor? When you have clarity and you still aren’t getting the results, it is almost certainly a combination of four things: your people aren’t competent enough, your products and services aren’t desirable to clients, your processes are not effective or efficient enough, or your resources aren’t being used adequately enough. Also, I have learned the contentment/success matrix.
How has your business or management thinking changed because of your mentor? “When the man is right, his world is right.” ~ Anonymous My mentor and I have been focused on getting my personal life where I want it to be. Getting clarity of purpose, removing unnecessary stressors, and making sure I am taking care of my own back yard has already had a noticeable impact: I am happier, our tutors and students seem to be more engaged, and our sales are up.
Why should every business have a mentor? “You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read.” ~ Charlie “Tremendous” Jones I believe this quote applies to businesses as well. Our mentors have been an exponential catalyst to this process by continually exposing us to the right books, tools, information, and people we need to make it to the next level.
I have learned much from the works of Joseph Campbell, specifically his articulation of the Hero’s Journey that serves as an excellent template for joyfully and productively participating in life.
What are the benefits of being a mentor? The teacher (mentor) always learns more than the student. Therefore, being a mentor leads to significant personal growth.
Do you think successful firms should mentor a small firm? If so, why? In my case, I look at doing this as an appropriate “pay it forward” strategy. So many people helped me learn (and are still doing so), and I find great joy in paying it forward and helping others if I can do so. It is also a great investment in the future that I hope my children, grandchildren, and others will enjoy.
What are the three keys priorities small firm owners should consider every day? 1. Attract and retain highly desirable customers (especially focus on retention). 2. As a practical matter, make sure revenues exceed expenses as soon and as often as possible. 3. Truly seek the lifestyle balance that so many people seem to talk about for you and your employees.
K N O X V I L L E C H A M B E R | 53
MONTHLY ECONOMIC INDICATORS
(Nov. 2015)
NOTES – Knoxville MSA includes: Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Grainger, Knox, Loudon, Morgan, Roane & Union Counties.
WORKFORCE Resident Labor Force Knox Co. Knoxville MSA Tennessee U.S.
HOUSING MARKET % Change Nov. ’14Nov. ‘15
Nov. 2015
Oct. 2015
Nov. 2014
% Change Oct. ’15Nov. ‘15
229,520 407,810 3,057,100 157,340,000
229,550 407,780 3,055,600 157,313,000
227,210 398,999 3,011,300 156,297,000
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
1.0 2.2 1.5 0.7
393,700 2,923,600
392,100 2,908,200
386,400 2,874,500
0.4 0.5
1.9 1.7
11,160 22,220 182,290
11,230 22,170 182,380
12,730 25,620 212,560
-0.6 0.2 0.0
-12.3 -13.3 -14.2
4.4 5.0 5.4 4.8
4.4 4.9 5.4 4.8
5.1 5.8 6.4 5.5
0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0
-0.7 -0.8 -1.0 -0.7
Non-Ag Employment Knoxville MSA Tennessee
Residential Closings Residential Inventory Median Residential Price
Nov. 2015 1,140 9,469 $152,000
Unemployment Rates Knox Co. Knoxville MSA Tennessee U.S.
Sources: Tennessee Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development/U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
INFLATION RATES -
*Southeast Region Avg. U.S. Avg. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
% Change Nov. ’13Nov. ‘15 -1.1 -0.8
Nov. ’14-‘15
Oct. ’14-‘15
Nov. ’13-‘14
0.0 0.5
-0.4 0.2
1.1 1.3
0.4 0.3
% Change Nov. ’14Nov. ‘15
Knoxville (City)
Total Single-Family Multi-Family
Oct. 2015* 29 29 0
Oct. 2014 15 15 0
% Change Oct. ’14Oct. ‘15 93.3 93.3 0.0
Knox Co.
Total Single-Family Multi-Family
225 225 0
102 102 0
120.6 120.6 0.0
Knoxville MSA
Total Single-Family Multi-Family
336 303 33
135 135 0
148.9 124.4 100.0
Tennessee
Total Single-Family Multi-Family
2,482 1,526 956
3,537 1,422 2,115
-29.8 7.3 -54.8
Knox Co. Knoxville MSA Tennessee
Nov. 2015
Oct. 2015
Nov. 2014
% Change Oct. ’15Nov. ‘15
51,210,762 78,877,235 665,382,905
53,095,557 82,047,320 684,195,215
47,807,009 72,641,591 621,619,604
-3.5 -3.9 -2.7
7.1 8.6 7.0
14,242,026 22,446,564
14,595,985 23,039,950
13,525,700 21,089,624
-2.4 -2.6
5.3 6.4
AIR SERVICE (MCGHEE-TYSON AIRPORT)
Passengers Cargo
Aug. 2015 167,517 6,463,745
Jul. 2015 172,131 6,938,790
Aug. 2014 155,422 6,024,089
% Change Jul. ’15Aug. ‘15 -2.7 -6.8
% Change Aug. ’14Aug.‘15 7.8 7.3
Source: Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority
Local Sales Tax Knox Co. Knoxville MSA
*All 2015 building permit data is preliminary and therefore subject to revision throughout the year. Sources: U.S. Housing & Urban Development – SOCDS – State of the Cities Data Systems; U.S. Census Bureau – Building Permits Survey
*South – City Size Class B/C
SALES TAX REVENUE - STATE & LOCAL ($) State Sales Tax
943 10,170 $145,000
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMITS
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (CPI) - ALL ITEMS % Change Oct. ’14Nov. ‘15
Nov. 2014
% Change Nov. ’14Nov. ‘15 20.9 -6.9 4.8
Source: Knoxville Area Association of Realtors
Available Labor Knox Co. Knoxville MSA Tennessee
Oct. 2015 1,371 10,035 $158,500
% Change Oct. ’15Nov. ‘15 -16.8 -5.6 -4.1
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
Nov. 2015
Oct. 2015
443,714 26,372 22,927 10,662 56,690 50,203 9,200 31,892 62,970 25,644 9,566 83,632 45,831
444,984 28,538 20,644 8,155 57,260 53,982 8,787 35,874 56,151 26,880 10,650 91,213 40,092
437,196 25,345 23,300 10,857 56,263 47,615 8,767 39,730 62,077 24,518 9,290 80,156 41,538
% Change Oct. ’15Nov. ‘15 -0.3 -7.6 11.1 30.7 -1.0 -7.0 4.7 -11.1 12.1 -4.6 -10.2 -8.3 14.3
8,125
6,758
7,740
20.2
Nov. 2014
% Change Nov. ’14Nov. ‘15 1.5 4.1 -1.6 -1.8 0.8 5.4 4.9 -19.7 1.4 4.6 3.0 4.3 10.3 5.0
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 | 54
Innovation Valley Launches Economic Profile BY: KAYLA WITT
Innovation Valley recently completed the Knoxville-Oak Ridge Innovation Valley Economic Publication, produced in partnership with Conway, publishers of Site Selection Magazine. The economic profile is a digital and print magazine that will be utilized as a marketing tool to promote Innovation Valley’s business climate to an expansive qualified audience in both domestic and international markets. This 64-page publication features the region through detailed reporting and analysis of trends, interviews with executives expanding in the region, and analysis of Innovation Valley’s competitive advantages. “We are always looking for new ways to spread the word about why Innovation Valley is a great place to start, relocate, or expand a business and this publication will be a great tool for us in 2016,” said Doug Lawyer, vice president of economic develop-
ment at the Knoxville Chamber. “I am really pleased with the final look and content of the publication, and it is one of many marketing platforms we will be using to promote Innovation Valley in 2016.” The publication was sent to 5,000 decision makers from companies that fall within Innovation Valley’s target recruitment sectors, as well as 400 site selection consultants and real estate brokers across the United States. The economic profile features stories on Innovation Valley’s pronounced workforce, technology assets, high quality of life, and target recruitment clusters.
FEBRUARY - 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 February. Thank you for your commitment to the Chamber and the community! 31+ YEARS
MEMBER SINCE
20 – 24 YEARS
MEMBER SINCE
10 – 14 YEARS
MEMBER SINCE
Dealers Warehouse Corporation
1949
Elavon 1996
Hunter Development Company, Inc.
2003
Shafer Insurance Agency, Inc.
1964
Mortgage Investors Group
Clayton Volvo
2003
Homestead, Inc.
1970
House of Thaller, Inc.
2003
Morningside Gardens Affordable Housing Corp.
1978
15-19 YEARS
MEMBER SINCE
Lenoir City Utilities Board
2003
The Junior League of Knoxville, Inc.
1979
New Horizons Computer Learning Center
1998
Steeplechase Apartments
2003
Paine | Bickers LLP
1999
Celeris Networks Consulting Group, LLC
2003
Information Technology Resources (ITR)
1999
PYA Waltman Capital, LLC
2003
Dayton’s Pest Control Services, Inc.
1999
The Joy of Music School
2003
League of Women Voters of Knoxville and Knox County 1985
25 – 30 YEARS
MEMBER SINCE
1996
First Commercial Real Estate, Inc.
1987
Tennessee Minority Supplier Development Council 2000
Radio Systems Corporation
2004
NHC Healthcare
1989
Long, Ragsdale & Waters
Volunteer Realty
2004
2000
Emerson Process Management – Reliability Solutions-MHM
Knoxville Pediatric Associates, P.C. - Clinch Location 2000
FirstBank 2006
1989
Rebecca Bell Jenkins, Attorney At Law
2000
Service One, Inc.
2006
Parker Shiflett & Company, Inc.
1989
Panera Bread
2000
Smalley Manufacturing Company, Inc.
2006
Bass, Berry & Sims, PLC
1991
Security Central Storage
2000
Sound Ventures / Lunar Cinema
2006
Crowe Horwath LLP
2001
K N O X V I L L E C H A M B E R | 55
Stakeholder Update JULY 1 – DECEMBER 31, 2015 NOTABLE NEW RECRUITS: Advanced Munitions International (AMI) $553 MILLION – 605 Jobs I nnovate Manufacturing, Inc. $4.7 MILLION -- 50 Jobs Morgan Olson Corp. $45 MILLION -- 500 Jobs Lifetime Products $115 MILLION – 500 Jobs
NOTABLE EXPANSIONS DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee $400 MILLION – 500 Jobs Jewelry Television $42.6 MILLION – 30 Jobs Eagle Bend Manufacturing $55 MILLION – 127 Jobs Regal Entertainment Group $15 MILLION – 75 Jobs
ANNOUNCED JOBS: 3,117 CAPITAL INVESTMENTS: $1.3 BILLION
Ranked #2 by America’s Most Affordable Cities MARKETING & RECRUITMENT EFFORTS: INNOVATION VALLEY HAD REPRESENTATIVES AT THE FOLLOWING CONFERENCES: • ICSC Tennessee/Kentucky Idea Exchange, Louisville, KY, July 23-24 • Southern Economic Development Council 2015 conference, Savannah, GA, July 24-28 • Tennessee Economic & Community Development Fall Conference, Knoxville, TN, Sept. 16-17 • International Economic Development Council 2015 Conference, Anchorage, AK, Oct. 4-7 • Tennessee Economic & Community Development 62nd Annual Governor’s Conference, Nashville, TN, Oct. 13-14 • CoreNet Global, Los Angeles, CA, Oct. 18-20 • Additive Manufacturing Conference, Knoxville, TN, Oct. 20-21 • Tennessee Economic Partnership Key Market Visit, Atlanta, GA, Oct. 20-23 • Carbon Fiber & Composites Conference, Knoxville, TN, Dec. 8-10
To view then entire Innovation Valley Stakeholder Report, please visit www.knoxvilleoakridge.com/data.
GRAND OPENING On Oct. 22, Morgan Olson hosted a grand opening for its new facility in Loudon County. The delivery truck manufacturer is expected to create 400-500 new jobs within the next five years.
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STAKEHOLDER UPDATE CONTINUED
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS • July 18 – Diversity Champions hosted a discussion on diversity and inclusion barriers that challenge the advancement of the region. The event was led by nationally renowned scholar Michael Eric Dyson and held at the Knoxville Urban League. • Sept. 3 -- Innovation Valley hosted an exclusive event with Southern business & Development Publisher Michael Randle. The even highlighted the results of Innovation Valley’s 2014-15 fiscal year, and featured a discussion on the state of the Southern economy. • Nov. 2-- Cirrus Aircraft officially broke ground on its new Vision Center at Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport. Factory Service Center operations at the Vision Center are slated to open in the first half of 2016, while the remaining customer activities are targeted to commence during the second half of 2016. • Dec.21 -- The Knox County Commission voted to rezone 345 acres for a new business park located off of Midway Road in East Knox County. Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett helped pass the vote by leading the effort to bring the Midway Road Business Park to completion.
UPDATE: COMPETITIVE AIRFARE PARTNERSHIP The Competitive Airfare Partnership (CAP) has currently received $2.2 million in commitments to support its fundraising efforts. The partnership is currently made up of 48 public and private entities. CAP continues to prepare a strong business case to present to low-fare airlines, including consulting with a former Southwest Airlines executive on the “ins and outs” of successfully recruiting a low-fare airline to a new market.
UPCOMING EVENTS FEB. 24-26 Site Selectors Guild Annual Conference, Nashville, TN MARCH 23 TVA Target Market Showcase, Nashville, TN MAY 3-5 JEC Americas Composite Show & Conferences, Atlanta, GA JUNE 2016 Educators in the Workplace company visits
PREMIER PARTNER PROFILE:
Coast2Coast Trucking Permits Finding and filling a niche market in the freight industry is exactly what spurred Donald Beeman to found Coast2Coast Trucking Permits in the summer of 2011. “I was managing freight brokering for Coast2Coast’s sister company, Knoxville Transport Solutions, when I realized that a portion of my drivers also needed over-dimensional permits to travel in any part of the United States and Canada. I did some research and realized this was a service that I could develop, for my drivers and for drivers all across the country.” It was an “a-ha” moment that led Coast2Coast Trucking Permits to grow from a new business to its current sales of $1.5 million in 2015. Beeman says that one of the keys to his success has been recognizing that good customer service skills, which he initially developed when he worked at the Whirlpool call center, apply to multiple industries. As a result, he has worked diligently to introduce, develop, and monitor the customer service skills of his staff permit agents. “Great customer service ensures that our partners feel appreciated, and that they have been given the most detailed and most efficient product in the industry. Our partners are willing to pay a slightly higher premium for their permits based upon the level of expertise that my team of agents provides consistently on a day-to-day basis”. Another key factor that has helped Coast 2 Coast Trucking Permits to grow at an exponential rate has been finding and keeping key partners, particularly in the local Knoxville area. “The Knoxville Chamber has been one of the greatest investment decisions I have made as a small business owner. They connected me with Leisure Pools, which is a high-end swimming pool manufacturer located in the Forks of the River Industrial Park. Their pools are oversized, which means most of their deliveries require over-dimensional freight permits. With the help of our Chamber representative, this partner has become one of our largest partners to date.” Coast2Coast Trucking Permits competes on a daily basis with more than 50 small to large-sized permit companies nationally. The ability to fine-tune technology has helped the company to stay lean and secure highly talented employees across the country and Canada. “With today’s technology, all of our employees don’t necessarily have to be in the home office. We can find great employees from a pool that covers all of the US, and Canada. As a matter of fact, we just hired our first Canadian employee last summer!” The company currently employs a staff of four in the Knoxville office with permit agents in Texas, Pennsylvania, and a Canadian office. Beeman recently added a new service to the company’s current offerings Instantpermits.com. The InstantPermits.com website is an online tool that drivers can use to purchase temporary trip and fuel permits in several key states on a 24/7 basis. “I’m an entrepreneur at heart! I love the challenge of starting and growing new businesses. That’s why the Chamber is such a great organization to partner with.” Coast2Coast Trucking Permits is located in the Homberg Building in the Bearden area. The company’s website is www.Coast2CoastTruckingPermits. com.
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Don’t Miss Out On Valuable Opportunities for Your Business DANGER
DANGER
Are you receiving emails from the Knoxville Chamber? If you are a member and don’t receive our emails, you don’t know about all the benefits your membership provides. To update your email address, please visit www.knoxvillechamber. com/danger or call Member Services at (865) 246-2635.
UPCOMING EVENTS
FEBRUARY 2 New Member Orientation
4 – 6 p.m. Knoxville Chamber, 17 Market Square SPONSORED BY:
FEBRUARY 5 Governor’s Breakfast 8 – 9:30 a.m. Knoxville Convention Center $40 for Members/$50 for non-members PRESENTED BY: SUPPORTED BY:
FEBRUARY 19 Legislative Briefing on Transportation 8 – 9 a.m. Knoxville Chamber, 17 Market Square SPONSORED BY:
MARCH 8 Schmoozapalooza 4 – 7 p.m. Knoxville Expo Center Exhibitors: $200 for Members/$300 for non-members Attendees: $10 (Members can save $5 by pre-registering before March 7) PRESENTED BY:
Go to “Chamber Events” on www.knoxvillechamber.com to learn more or register for any of these events. You may also call the events line, (865) 246-2622
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