INSIDE: Shrimp Boil Recap pg. 52 + Monthly Economic Indicators pg. 54
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS NEW MEMBERS & NEW PREMIER PARTNERS THE KNOXVILLE CHAMBER’S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
SERVPRO - Rocky Hill/Sequoyah Hills/South Knoxville 865) 862-8907 Residential Services
Elite Limos (865) 456-0023 www.elite-limos.net Transportation: Limousine
The Tennessean Hotel (865) 232-1800 www.thetennesseanhotel.com Hotels & Lodging
Emory Valley Center (865) 483-4385 www.emoryvalleycenter.org Associations & Organizations
BASE TIER MEMBERS
Exact Tile Inc. (865) 693-1298 www.exacttile.com Construction & Contractors
AARP TN (865) 237-5681 www.aarp.org Associations & Organizations Adecco Staffing USA (865) 583-0013 www.adeccousa.com Employment, Career, & Staffing Services Aesthetic Skin Solutions - Laser & Skin Med Spa (865) 660-6132 www.aeskinsolutions.com Personal Services: Aestheticians & Medispas AFC Urgent Care/Family Care Fountain City (865) 312-6776 www.afcurgentcarefountaincitytn. com Medical Supplies, Sales & Services C&S Refinishing (865) 219-8070 www.candsrefinishing.com Shopping: Furniture
Goodall Homes (615) 491-4030 www.goodallhomes.com Construction & Contractors Ham N’ Goody’s (865) 584-2246 www.hamngoodys.com Restaurants Innovative Consulting Group, Inc (865) 321-8325 www.innovative-cg.com Computer & IT Services InXpress Knoxville Central (865) 201-9175 www.inxpressknoxvillecentral.com Distribution/Warehousing/Logistics: Import/Export Assistance Jets Pizza Farragut (865) 675-0505 www.jetspizza.com Restaurants Keith Galloway Success Coaching (423) 653-8310 www.keithgalloway.win Business & Professional Services: Business Advisors & Consultants
LuLaRoe Marcia and Bonnie (503) 948-9886 www.facebook.com/lularoemarciawenbert Shopping: Women’s Clothing Master Battery (865) 947-1500 www.masterbattery.com Automotive Sales, Parts, & Service: Parts Petland (865) 766-2828 www.petlandknoxville.com Pet Care & Supplies Planet H2O, LLC (865) 693-4113 www.drinkplaneth2o.com Manufacturing Utilities & Natural Resources
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
BRONZE PREMIER PARTNERS
Courtyard Marriott Downtown (865) 437-5500 Hotels & Lodging
Knoxville History Project (865) 337-7723 www.knoxvillehistoryproject.org Attractions & Tourism
Rock Paper Hair Studio (865) 258-8565 www.rockpaperhairstudio.com Personal Services: Salons & Spas Saah Salon Suites - Farragut (865) 705-5234 www.saahsalonsuites.com Personal Services: Salons & Spas Sycamore Sign Service (865) 247-0466 www.sycamoresignservice.com Business & Professional Services: Signs Z Media Ventures (865) 409-2973 www.zmediaventures.com Broadcast Media Business & Professional Services Media: Video Production
LORENA HUBBARD LAWHORN ENTERPRISE GROUP
EDITOR LYNSEY WILSON ASSISTANT EDITOR JESSICA KARSTEN DESIGN LADDY FIELDS CONTACT THE KNOXVILLE CHAMBER (865) 637-4550 www.knoxvillechamber.com PRESIDENT & CEO MICHAEL EDWARDS EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT RHONDA RICE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DOUG LAWYER FINANCE & OPERATIONS LARRY JOHNSON
Residence Inn Downtown Knoxville (865) 437-5500 Hotels & Lodging
2ND PLACE
Paramount Hospitality Management, LLC (770) 668-2470 Hotels & Lodging
Chris Bradley - Keller Williams Realty (865) 548-1191 www.cbradley.kwrealty.com Real Estate: Residential
MARC ARCHER ARCHER DESIGN & MARKETING
MEMBERSHIP MARK FIELD PUBLIC POLICY AMY NOLAN CENTRAL BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (865) 246-2654 mhummel@downtownknoxville.org THE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (865) 546-5887
3RD PLACE
SILVER PREMIER PARTNERS
DANIEL MONDAY SLAMDOT, INC.
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 CUTTINGS Camelot of East Tennessee celebrated the grand opening of its new location at 311 Directors Drive on May 19. Pictured cutting the ribbon is Janet Davis, regional vice president. She is joined by staff and Chamber ambassadors.
Merchants of Beer celebrated its grand opening at 137 Central Street on May 31. Pictured cutting the ribbon is David Suits, general manager. He is joined by members of the ownership and leadership team, local government representatives, and chamber representatives.
48
BY: JESSICA KARSTEN
With its flourishing economy and businessfriendly values, the Knoxville-Oak Ridge Innovation Valley is a prime location for business with more than 40 companies choosing to relocate or expand in the region last year. Its unmatched quality of life, excellent transportation and technology infrastructure, and culture of innovation continues to attract businesses in a variety of unique industries, contributing to the thriving, diverse business ecosystem. “The Innovation Valley region, with its numerous assets, truly offers an excellent location for many different types of businesses,” said Doug Lawyer, vice president of economic development for the Knoxville Chamber. “We’ve seen corporate headquarters, advanced manufacturing, distribution, and large office projects all thrive in our region. Each business sector has its own unique needs, and our quality of life, low cost of doing business, talent development, and infrastructure are all critical to success.”
HIGH-TECH POWERHOUSE Innovation Valley is one of the nation’s premier science and technology centers, thanks to worldclass research institutions like Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the University of Tennessee, Y-12 National Security Complex, and the Electric Power Research Institute.
Research and development performed in facilities like ORNL’s Carbon Fiber Technology Facility, ORNL’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility, and the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) have made East Tennessee a hub for the emerging composites and additive manufacturing industries, attracting businesses from all over to utilize this innovative technology. Advanced composites manufacturing involves the use of carbon or glass fibers to create workable materials that are as strong as many metals but with a much lighter weight, commonly used to manufacture products through 3D printing. Arizona-based Local Motors, a company revolutionizing automotive manufacturing with the first road-ready, 3D-printed vehicles, recently opened its first micro-factory in Knoxville. This location printed the first self-driving shuttle called Olli, which will make its debut in downtown Knoxville in 2018. With a focus on direct digital manufacturing, Local Motors is dedicated to integrating the latest technology into its vehicles, and its sustainability efforts ensure all parts, molds, and tools can be recycled or reclaimed. Similarly, Volunteer Aerospace, Inc., located in Hardin Valley, is utilizing state-of-the-art machines for 3D printing helicopter engine and rocket parts from powdered aluminum. The company also provides expert consulting and training to help others design effectively for additive manufacturing.
Many other companies making strides in the advanced materials sector like Magnum Venus Products, Cirrus Aircraft, and LeMond Composites have also established locations in Innovation Valley to capitalize on the unique technological assets of the region.
CREATIVE MEDIA CENTER While Knoxville might not be the first place one thinks of as a video production hub, the city has been ranked the third largest market in the nation behind New York City and Los Angeles. Prominent television companies like Scripps Networks Interactive, Jewelry Television, and RIVR Media choose to call Knoxville home because of the area’s technological assets, central location, and low cost of living. Scripps Networks Interactive – parent company of popular lifestyle brands HGTV, DIY Network, Food Network, Cooking Channel, Travel Channel, and Great American Country – engages more than 190 million consumers each month. At a Knoxville Chamber Premier Partner event, CEO and Founder Ken Lowe expressed that Knoxville was the perfect place for the company’s global headquarters. “My dream was to tap into this huge home-buying and renovating trend in the United States by launching a very small niche network based on home design, landscaping, and decorating,” he said. “When
“Ecosystem” continued on pg. 50
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“Ecosystem” continued from pg. 49 we were looking for somewhere to create HGTV, I wanted to find a location where employees could actually live the brand. They could own a home. They could have a garden.” Jewelry Television is one of the leading retailers of jewelry and gemstones in the United States. From its headquarters in East Tennessee, it broadcasts live programming 24 hours a day, seven days a week to 86 million households across the nation. However, the region’s creative arena extends beyond television, as one local entrepreneur took advantage of local resources to pioneer one of the largest online entertainment brands. Fadi Saleh, University of Tennessee graduate and founder of SpareTime Network, is the creator of popular YouTube Channel “baraksdubs,” the largest to ever emerge from Knoxville. With nearly two million subscribers and 300 million video views, Saleh made his mark by producing videos that cut and reconfigure sections of President Barack Obama’s public speeches into popular songs. Now, the budding entertainment guru is building his business in Innovation Valley, hiring local technical employees, editors, interns, and a chief operating officer.
BITES & BREWS From farm-to-table restaurants to quirky craft breweries, Knoxville’s culinary and brewing industries are on the rise in a substantial way.
The unique culinary scene is driven by renowned chefs making strides in the “foodie” culture, including Chef Matt Gallaher at Knox Mason and Emilia; Chef Jon Gatlin of the Oliver Royale; Chef Jesse Newmister at Kaizen; James Beard nominee Chef Tim Love with Lonesome Dove Western Bistro; and Chef Joseph Lenn at J.C. Holdway, a James Beard Award Winner for Best Chef in the Southeast. Similarly, the craft brewery scene is overflowing with a range of beer from traditional ales to infused brews at locations along Knoxville’s Ale Trail: Alliance Brewing Company, Balter Beerworks, Blackberry Farm Brewery, Blackhorse Pub & Brewery, Bluetick Brewery, Cold Fusion Brewing Company, Crafty Bastard Brewery, Downtown Grill and Brewery, Fanatic Brewing Company, Gypsy Circus Cider Company, Hexagon, Last Days of Autumn Brewing, Saw Works Brewing Company, Schulz Brau Brewing Company, and Smoky Mountain Brewery. On a larger scale, food and beverage production has a long-standing presence in Innovation Valley with companies like Bush Brothers and Co., Keurig Green Mountain, and Flowers Baking Co. housing operations in the region. Flowers, which bakes bread for brands like Nature’s Own, Merita, and Wonder, is baking 180,000 loaves of bread daily at its Knoxville bakery. “No matter the size, stage of maturity, or industry sector, any business can thrive in Innovation Valley,” said Rhonda Rice Clayton, executive vice president for the Knoxville Chamber. “With so many companies choosing to locate or expand in this region, the business landscape is evolving every day in exciting ways.”
Pinnacle Award Winners Gather for Annual CEO Luncheon BY: JESSICA KARSTEN
The nine 2017 Pinnacle Business Award recipients were invited to the Knoxville Chamber on May 25 to join CEO Mike Edwards and Senior Vice President Mark Field for an exclusive luncheon. The event served as an opportunity for this year’s winners to network, mind-share, discuss the business climate in Knoxville, and express how the Chamber can help their companies continue to succeed. Attendees included Pam Fansler of First Tennessee Bank; Courtney Herda of Smarter Searches; Sandra Spencer and Shirley Herbert of Sandra G’s Alterations; Roy Leslie and Annie LaLonde of Shoney’s of Knoxville; John Thaller of House of Thaller; Michael Hollander and Kevin Fillers of Innovative Design, Inc.; and Dr. Randal Dabbs and Dr. Lynn Massingale of TeamHealth. The group discussed business advice and philosophies with a focus on talent recruitment, community involvement, leadership, and competing in the marketplace. They also expressed what it means to be recognized by the Chamber’s board of directors as Pinnacle Award winners. “For us, it felt like it put us on the map,” said Roy Leslie, president and CEO of Impact Award winner Shoney’s of Knoxville. “To be recognized is very nice, and I’ve heard a lot of comments from employees and customers saying that we deserved it.” Similarly, Sandra Spencer, founder of Sandra G’s Alterations and winner of the Minority-Owned Business Excellence Award said, “I got feedback from my customers, too. They were really happy for me.” She continued, “Some things that are done every day are taken for granted, and sewing is one of them. Being recognized like this has really opened my eyes to what I actually do, and I’m proud of who I am and what I’ve done. I’d love to continue to get better at it.”
Watch each of the award winners’ acceptance speeches from the 13th Annual Pinnacle Business Awards on the Chamber’s YouTube channel.
(L to R) Mark Field of the Knoxville Chamber; John Thaller of House of Thaller, Annie LaLonde of Shoney’s of Knoxville; Dr. Lynn Massingale of TeamHealth; Courtney Herda of Smarter Searches; Roy Leslie of Shoney’s of Knoxville; Dr. Randal Dabbs of TeamHealth; Shirley Herbert of Sandra G’s Alterations; Kevin Fillers of Innovative Design, Inc.; Sandra Spencer of Sandra G’s Alterations; Michael Hollander of Innovative Design, Inc.; and Mike Edwards of the Chamber at the Pinnacle CEO luncheon on May 25.
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KNOXVILLE CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2017-2018
Terry Turner All Occasions Party Rental
East Tennessee native Terry Turner began his 26-year career in the rental industry at Party Rentals in 1991. In 2002, Turner co-founded All Occasions Party Rentals along with his mentor in the rental industry, Chuck Rothstein. They began with six employees and annual sales of $950,000. Their full-service event rental company now employs 55 people and serves more than 4,500 events annually. Annual sales have grown to over $6 million. Turner started All Convention and Expo Services in 2012 along with Wes Mullins. Later that year, they purchased ToeZay Decorating and combined the two companies to become East Tennessee’s resource for trade show services and the preferred vendor at the Knoxville Convention Center. Tailgate Tennessee, the Official Tailgate of Tennessee Football, was launched in 2012 through a partnership with the Athletic Department of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Since the kickoff, the operation has more than doubled each year, providing more than 400 tailgates for football fans on the UT campus. Turner is a member of the American Rental Association, a national organization promoting the success of its 10,000-plus members and advancing the growth of the $48 billion rental industry. He is an active member of its Board of Directors, serving as president in 2016 and chairman in 2017. He currently serves on the board of ARA Insurance, the largest provider of insurance services to the rental industry. Turner is heavily involved in the community and currently serves on the boards of Knoxville Zoo, Junior Achievement of East Tennessee, Live 5 and Tennessee Valley Fair. He is also a committee member of the Knoxville Area Golf Charities which produces the Web.com Tour, The News Sentinel Open golf tournament attended by 36,500 people and raising more than $95,000 for 20 local charities. Turner is known for his generous spirit and his passion of giving back. His companies donate more than $250,000 in products and services annually to local schools and non-profit organizations.
Robyn Askew
Daniel Carter
David Metz
Lewis, Thomason, King, Krieg & Waldrop
The Trust Company
Marine Accessories Corporation
Brad Adams, South College Bruce Anderson, East TN Children’s Hospital, Ex Officio/CBID Robyn Askew, Lewis, Thomason, King, Krieg & Waldrop Ursula Bailey, Law Office of Ursula Bailey Robert Baird, Atlantic Capital Bank Patrick Birmingham Bruce Bosse, Merit Construction Mary Ellen Brewington, Cherokee Distributing Company Kent Bristow, TeamHealth Daniel Carter, The Trust Company Faris Eid, Design Innovation Architects Mel Evans, Insurefit RM Jeremy Floyd, Finworx Parker Frost, Gigmark and Big Wheel Tiffany Gardner, First Tennessee Bank
Jill Green, BGT Recruiting & Consulting Neal Green, All Occasion Catering Harry Gross, SunTrust Bank James Hurley, LMU Dylan Jones, Scripps Networks Interactive Nadim Jubran, Capstone Concepts Joe Landsman, University Health System Justin Maierhofer, Tennessee Valley Authority Ed Medford, KUB David Metz, Marine Accessories Corporation Denise Moretz, Woolf, McClane, Bright, Allen & Carpenter Jim Nichols, Red Door Brokers, Ex Officio/TDC Tom Rogers, UT-Battelle/ORNL, Ex Officio/UT-Battelle/ORNL
Jim Rooney, PureMagic Carwash Sara Rose, Bush Brothers & Company Jorge Sanabria, Expoquip Cory Schupp, Pilot Flying J Debra Smith, Home Federal Bank Nikitia Thompson, Realty Executives – Nikitia Thompson Realty John Thurman, McCarty Holsaple McCarty Architects & Interior Designers Lance Tracy, Radio Systems Corporation Terry Turner, All Occasions Party Rentals* Mahasti Vafie, The Tomato Head Jim VanderSteeg, Covenant Health Howard Vogel, O’Neill, Parker & Williamson, Ex Officio/MKAA Michelle Walters, Regions Bank Doyle Webb, EXIT Glenn Jacobs Realty Susan Williams, SRW & Associates
51
52
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AT SHRIMP BOIL Mayor Madeline Rogero, City of Knoxville Mayor Tim Burchett, Knox County Brad Anders, Knox County Commission Sen. Richard Briggs, TN General Assembly Daniel Brown, Knoxville City Council Charles Busler, Knox County Commission Mark Campen, Knoxville City Council Michele Carringer, Knox County Commission Carson Dailey, Knox County Commission Rep. Martin Daniel, State of Tennessee Rep. Bill Dunn, State of Tennessee
Mike Hammond, Knox County Rep. Roger Kane, State of Tennessee Rep. Jimmy Matlock, State of Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, State of Tennessee Hugh Nystrom, Knox County Commission John Schoonmaker, Knox County Commission Ed Shouse, Knox County Rep. Eddie Smith, State of Tennessee Marshall Stair, Knoxville City Council Rep. Rick Staples, State of Tennessee George Wallace, Knoxville City Council Dave Wright, Knox County Commission Rep. Jason Zachary, State of Tennessee
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CANDIDATES AT SHRIMP BOIL DISTRICT 1 Stephanie Welch, Knoxville City Council DISTRICT 2 Brandon Bruce, Knoxville City Council Wayne Christensen, Knoxville City Council Andrew Roberto, Knoxville City Council David Williams, Knoxville City Council DISTRICT 3 Seema Singh Perez, Knoxville City Council DISTRICT 4 Harry Tindell, Knoxville City Council Gwen McKenzie, Knoxville City Council
MONTHLY ECONOMIC INDICATORS
(May 2017)
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 Apr. ’16Apr. ‘17
Apr. 2017
Mar. 2017
Apr. 2016
% Change Mar. ’17Apr. ‘17
232,870 411,280 3,164,500 159,817,000
234,000 414,030 3,178,200 159,912,000
234,110 413,990 3,121,100 158,488,000
-0.5 -0.7 -0.4 -0.1
-0.5 -0.7 1.4 0.8
394,200 3,019,300
392,500 3,001,300
393,200 2,963,200
0.4 0.6
0.3 1.9
7,340 14,330 116,300
9,190 18,360 147,400
7,520 14,830 120,800
-20.1 -21.9 -21.1
-2.4 -3.4 -3.7
3.2 3.5 3.7 4.1
3.9 4.4 4.6 4.6
3.2 3.6 3.9 4.7
-0.7 -0.9 -0.9 -0.5
0.0 -0.1 -0.2 -0.6
Non-Ag Employment Knoxville MSA Tennessee
Residential Closings Residential Inventory Median Residential Price
Apr. 2017 1,566 6,834 $169,900
Unemployment Rates Knox Co. Knoxville MSA Tennessee U.S.
Sources: Tennessee Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development/U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
INFLATION RATES -
*Southeast Region Avg. U.S. Avg. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
% Change Apr. ’15Apr. ‘17 1.4 1.4
Apr. ’16-‘17
Mar. ’16-‘17
Apr. ’15-‘16
2.1 2.2
2.3 2.4
0.7 1.1
-0.2 -0.2
% Change Apr. ’16Apr. ‘17
Knoxville (City)
Total Single-Family Multi-Family
Apr. 2017* 18 18 0
Apr. 2016 41 41 0
% Change Apr. ’16Apr. ‘17 -56.1 -56.1 0.0
Knox Co.
Total Single-Family Multi-Family
132 132 0
183 183 0
-27.9 -27.9 0.0
Knoxville MSA
Total Single-Family Multi-Family
245 234 11
300 287 13
-18.3 -18.5 -15.4
Tennessee
Total Single-Family Multi-Family
2,061 1,723 338
2,735 1,950 785
-24.6 -11.6 -56.9
Knox Co. Knoxville MSA Tennessee
Apr. 2017
Mar. 2017
Apr. 2016
% Change Mar. ’17Apr. ‘17
55,890,123 84,924,359 757,299,253
45,753,581 70,382,220 595,514,375
55,343,703 84,554,406 727,974,078
22.2 20.7 27.2
1.0 0.4 4.0
15,366,913 24,056,731
12,029,389 19,186,397
15,092,839 23,728,650
27.7 25.4
1.8 1.4
AIR SERVICE (MCGHEE-TYSON AIRPORT)
Passengers Freight
Mar. 2017 149,555 7,621,346
Feb. 2016 123,011 6,332,331
Mar. 2015 135,891 6,913,181
% Change Feb. ’16Mar. ‘16 21.6 20.4
% Change Mar. ’15Mar. ‘16 10.1 10.2
Source: Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority
Local Sales Tax Knox Co. Knoxville MSA
*All 2017 building permit data is preliminary and therefore subject to revision throughout the year. Sources: U.S. Housing & Urban Development – SOCDS – State of the Cities Data Systems; U.S. Census Bureau – Building Permits Survey
*South – City Size Class B/C
SALES TAX REVENUE - STATE & LOCAL ($) State Sales Tax
1,570 8,521 $163,000
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMITS
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (CPI) - ALL ITEMS % Change Mar. ’16Apr. ‘17
Apr. 2016
% Change Apr. ’16Apr. ‘17 -0.3 -19.8 4.2
Source: Knoxville Area Association of Realtors
Unemployment Estimates Knox Co. Knoxville MSA Tennessee
Mar. 2017 1,664 6,793 $167,000
% Change Mar. ’17Apr. ‘17 -5.9 0.6 1.7
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
Apr. 2017
Mar. 2017
466,734 34,198 20,666 6,955 58,411 57,993 8,707 37,858 53,903 26,898 10,119 97,194 47,369
484,144 31,451 21,028 7,704 59,540 59,237 9,772 37,372 55,421 28,464 10,443 105,914 51,017
452,609 32,342 20,311 6,965 56,375 56,726 8,632 33,975 53,481 27,063 10,154 96,610 43,288
% Change Mar. ’17Apr. ‘17 -3.6 8.7 -1.7 -9.7 -1.9 -2.1 -10.9 1.3 -2.7 -5.5 -3.1 -8.2 -7.2
6,463
6,781
6,687
-4.7
Apr. 2016
% Change Apr. ’16Apr. ‘17 3.1 5.7 1.7 -0.1 3.6 2.2 0.9 11.4 0.8 -0.6 -0.3 0.6 9.4 -3.3
EST. 1869 For more information on research, contact Joe Riley, jriley@knoxvillechamber.com.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau – Advance Monthly Retail Trade Report
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Paradigm Challenge Awards $30k in Start-up Investment BY: KAYLA SMITH
The inaugural Paradigm Challenge business pitch competition selected three local firms to share $30,000 in startup investment. The program was the idea of the Knoxville Area Urban League’s (KAUL) CO.STARTERS program and supported by the Knoxville Chamber’s Propel mentor/protégé program. The program selected a winner in three categories: technology, healthcare, and retail. The Paradigm Challenge is a place-based, industry-specific ideation pitch competition that challenges entrepreneurs to solve business and economic growth challenges facing the East Knoxville business community. Eight firms spent several months getting prepared with assistance from the Knoxville Business Support Network, Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC), Knoxville Chamber, and the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center. Winner of the technology sector was Brandon Hardin, owner of Joyce Development with his “Command Glove” concept. Command Glove is a lightweight bluetooth device that allows runners to adjust music and phone controls with a fingertip. Winner of the healthcare sector was Joy Gaertner, owner of Walking With Joy, a grief counseling firm. Joy states that her mission is to transform pain into peace through counseling. Gaertner is a certified grief recovery specialist who provides individual and group life coaching. Winner of the retail sector was Britnie Davis, owner of Britnie’s Balloon Bonanza (B3), a retail balloon and décor store. The firm has been in business since May 2016 and has a rapidly-growing customer base. “The Paradigm Challenge was a successful first for East Knoxville,” said Terrence Carter, director of economic and business development for the Knoxville Area Urban League. “The eight finalists did a great job pitching their firms. In my opinion, all eight of the firms deserve to have the full support of the community in launching their businesses. This pitch contest was a timely and crucial next step to launching business growth in the East Knoxville area. We had food and craft vendors from the downtown, local area, and three different countries demonstrating the power of diversity and practicing economic inclusion.” Doug Minter, director of small business development at the Knoxville Chamber, saw this event as a celebration of the power of teams who buy into the value proposition of economic inclusion. “The entire small business ecosystem contributed to the success of this event,” said Minter. “I am proud of this teamwork and collaboration that exists in Knoxville. We are definitely ahead of many communities in this respect. To have mentors from SCORE, the TSBDC, and the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center all focused on East Knoxville shows that
there is unity in the business support community to be a part of solutions and growth in this emerging part of town.” In addition to the $10,000 investment, each firm will also be given a scholarship to participate in the Knoxville Chamber’s Propel mentor/protégé program, receive two years of mentoring and business development assistance, and a Chamber membership. “The Paradigm Challenge allowed the Urban League to facilitate an economic development strategy to advocate, partner, and create opportunities for entrepreneurship in East Knoxville,” said Phyllis Nichols, president & CEO of KAUL. “This event was not just a financial boost to the three pitch winners, but for all of the participants who were mentored for their business success. The outpouring of community support demonstrates this area is ripe for new business.” The five other firms who offered their pitches included: Tanika Harper owner of Harper’s Naturals, Skyler O’Dell, owner of True Home Assistance, Mitch Downey, owner of MedTalk, Jervis Brown, owner of Brown Bag Productions, and Lakesha Jones, owner of A Spot of Tea.
Winners of the Paradigm Challenge gather with KAUL staff. Pictured from left to right: Terrance Carter, Knoxville Area Urban League; Britnie Davis, Britnie’s Balloon Bonanza; Brandon Hardin, Joyce Development; Joy Gaertner, Walking with Joy; and Phyllis Nichols, Knoxville Area Urban League.
RIBBON CUTTING Cornerstone of Recovery celebrated the Ribbon Cutting at its new campus in Alcoa on May 19. Cornerstone is a nationally-recognized leader in treating addiction and chemical dependency. Cornerstone partners with employers and healthcare providers to deliver a seamless treatment experience. The new campus is located at 4720 Alcoa Hwy.
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The Villas on Wallace Road Host Morning Networking Event BY: JESSICA KARSTEN
Members of the business community gathered for a Knoxville Chamber a.m. Exchange hosted at the Villas on Wallace Road off Northshore Drive on June 8. Guests had the opportunity to network in the modern clubhouse and pool area over breakfast provided by All Occasion Catering. They also had the chance to tour the location’s boutique luxury apartment homes. Susan Buchanan, owner and spa director of Aesthetic Skin Solutions, took home the morning’s door prize, a $100 Visa gift card.
Knoxville businesspeople network in the clubhouse at the Villas on Wallace Road at the June 8 a.m. Exchange.
JULY - 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 July. Thank you for your commitment to the Chamber and the community! 31+ YEARS
MEMBER SINCE
BarberMcMurry architects
1978 1980
10 – 14 YEARS
MEMBER SINCE
AAA Tennessee/ The Auto Club Group
1948
East Tennessee Development District
Abercrombie Radiological Consultants, Inc.
1948
NAI Knoxville Commercial Real Estate
1983
21st Mortgage Corporation
2003
1948
West Town Mall
1984
Republic Plastics
2003
Cook’s Pest Control, Inc.
1948
RE/MAX Preferred Properties
1987
Justin Fee of Photographfee
2003
Egerton, McAfee, Armistead & Davis, P.C.
1948
Tusculum College
1987
Metropolitan Drug Commission
2003
SRW & Associates
2004
Aggregates USA - Regional Offices
Harrison 1948 Home Federal Bank of Tennessee
1948
25 – 30 YEARS
Yow Properties
2005
Hop Bailey Co.
1948
Douglas A. Horne
MEMBER SINCE 1991
Angela Floyd School for Dance & Music, LLC
2005
Kendall Electric, Inc.
1948
East Tennessee Historical Society
1992
Kenesaw Promotional Products
2005
Knoxville Utilities Board
1948
The Episcopal School of Knoxville
2005
Express Employment Professionals
2005
1948
20 – 24 YEARS
Power Equipment Company
1948
Inter-Agency Insurance Service, Inc.
MEDIC Regional Blood Center
2005
Reily Foods Co.
1948
SCORE - Counselors to America’s Small Business 1995
Temple Baptist Church
2005
1948
ORNL Federal Credit Union - Main Location
Liberty Tax Service
2006
Trinity Benefit Advisors
2006
Jeannette Rogers - State Farm
2006 2006
Mercedes Benz of Knoxville
Tate & McCallie, Incorporated
MEMBER SINCE 1993 1997
Willis 1948 1957
15-19 YEARS
1958
Carpenter Wright Engineers, PLLC
1999
Coverall of Eastern Tennessee
Coldwell Banker Wallace & Wallace - Bearden Hill 1958
Aurora Pool, Spa & Billiard Gallery
2000
Performance Contracting, Inc & Performance
The Dow Chemical Company
1958
Schaad Companies
2000
Shoney’s of Knoxville, Inc.
1962
Scott Insurance
2001
Pitts & Lake, P.C.
2007
First Tennessee
1963
Belew Drug, Inc.
2001
Salon Biyoshi
2007
StaffingSolutions/Employbridge Companies
1968
Tennessee Valley Human Resource Association
Tindell’s Lumber & Building Materials
1970
Rice Buick GMC Trucks, Inc. Baker, O’Kane, Atkins & Thompson
(TVHRA) John H. Daniel Company
MEMBER SINCE
Abatement Services, I
2001 2001
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2007
Chamber Ambassadors Recognized at Annual Luncheon BY: JESSICA KARSTEN
The Knoxville Chamber honored its Ambassadors at the annual appreciation luncheon at the Square Room on June 6. The Chamber’s Ambassador program currently has 43 members who have dedicated countless volunteer hours to assist the Chamber and further its mission. “Our Chamber Ambassadors are invaluable to us,” said Lauren Longmire, director of member services for the Chamber. “Their willingness to dedicate so much time and energy to our organization is why our Ambassador program is recognized as one of the most outstanding in the nation.” During the luncheon, each Ambassador was recognized with a certificate for his or her service. Cleshon Bess was named “Ambassador of the Year” for his dedicated service in 2017. Bess, who works as talent acquisition manager for Cellular Sales, has been a Chamber Ambassador since 2014. Outgoing co-chairs of the program, Marcus Archer of Archer Design & Marketing and Sherry McHaffie of Pinnacle Financial Partners, thanked the Ambassadors for their hard work and expressed gratitude for their commitment to the program. Christa Early of Resource Accounting and StaffingSolutions and Lorena Hubbard of Lawhorn CPA Group were recently elected to serve as co-chairs of the Ambassador program for the upcoming year with the chance for reelection. “It was great to gather everyone together and recognize the hard work they do all year long to help the Chamber,” Archer said. “I’m just unbelievably honored to have helped Sherry lead this group the past two years. I look forward to serving as an Ambassador for many years to come.”
Outgoing co-chairs of the Ambassador program Sherry McHaffie of Pinnacle Financial Partners and Marcus Archer of Archer Design & Marketing at the annual appreciation luncheon on June 6.
Educators Acquire Real World Business Applications Through Chamber Program BY: KAYLA SMITH
Knox County educators recently completed the Knoxville Chamber’s ninth annual Educators in the Workplace summer program. Held throughout the month of June, seven regional companies opened their doors for educators to connect with local business leaders. Companies host educators for a day-long program that includes a tour of their facilities, discussion about day-to-day business operations, and insight into the workplace culture, all while allowing teachers to earn in-service credit. The intent of the program is to help educators find ways they can link what’s taught in school to real-world applications, helping them to better prepare students for life beyond the classroom. “Educators in the Workplace is a well-planned opportunity by the Knoxville Chamber,”
said Mike Blankenship, educator at Career Magnet Academy. “It allows classroom teachers and administrators the chance to grab the pulse of the Knox County business community for enhancing their school dynamics. Cirrus Insight has a relaxed business culture, and I appreciated the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of educators representing all educational age groupings.” This year’s participating companies included McGhee Tyson Airport, Flowers Bakery, Cirrus Insight, Knoxville Area Transit, Leisure Pools, Knoxville Utilities Board, and DIA Architects. “What happens when you host 15 amazing local teachers around a ping pong table at a growing Knoxville software startup?” said Brandon Bruce, founder and chief operating officer at Cirrus Insight. “First, you have a lot of fun! Second, you talk about the skills and talents that are in demand in today’s workplace. Third, you hear about the incredible work that our schools, teachers, parents, and children are doing to lead our community into the future. We all had a great day and we look forward to hosting the Educators in the Workplace program again at Cirrus Insight.” Educators in the Workplace is an initiative of Innovation Valley, the regional economic development partnership managed by the Knoxville Chamber.
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Chamber Launches Professional Development Events With YP Focus
UPCOMING EVENTS
JULY 11 Power 30 Speed Networking 4 - 6:30 PM • Knoxville Chamber – 17 Market Square, #201 This event is exclusive to Chamber members. Hosted by:
BY: KAYLA SMITH
On May 23, nearly 70 young professionals gathered at the Pavilion at Hunter Valley Farm to hear John Tolsma, founder and president of Knowledge Launch, speak about the power of focus. Building upon his highly successful “Cereal Aisle” session at the 2016 En- John Tolsma, founder and president of Knowledge Launch, deavor Summit, Tolsma challenges local young professionals to move past the clutter lead an interactive session and narrow their focus for greater personal and professional impact. describing the power of focus, and explored ways that young professionals can take their personal brand to the next level by simplifying and directing their energies towards key goals. “As a young professional, it is important for me to attend professional development events such as these in an effort to continually broaden my knowledge base,” said Grant Smith, lead designer at Wildwood Land Design. “John Tolsma is a highly successful businessman with so much insight and advice to share, I am appreciative he takes time out of his schedule to provide opportunities like these.” The May event is one of five high-quality young professionals’ events expected to be offered by the Knoxville Chamber each year with the Endeavor Summit serving as the program’s signature event each fall. The second annual Endeavor Summit is slated for Friday, Sept. 15 at the Mill & Mine in Knoxville’s Old City. The one-day experience empowers young professionals towards personal and professional growth and provides opportunities to get involved in the Knoxville Community. “At the Knoxville Chamber, it is part of our mission to attract and retain young professionals in the Knoxville region, and the Endeavor Summit is a way to get them plugged in and develop their professional and personal network,” said Holly Holloway, events manager for the Knoxville Chamber. “Last year was the inaugural event and more than 600 young professionals attended; this year, we are expecting an even larger audience. We are excited to build upon last year’s framework and make Endeavor 2017 a huge success.” Endeavor will feature two inspiring keynote speakers and three breakout sessions with four different options, so participants can build a unique schedule for the day, tailored specifically to their needs as a young professional. Breakout session topics range from Launch Something New to Grow What You Got and learning Why Knoxville is No. 1. The day concludes with a networking happy hour offering food and drinks from local vendors and live music. Early bird registration for Endeavor is open until July 15. Registration includes access to the full day’s agenda and activities, breakfast and a food truck court lunch, peer-to-peer networking opportunities, and two complimentary drink tickets for the happy hour. Early bird tickets are now available and can be purchased by visiting www.endeavorsummit. com.
JULY 13 a.m. Exchange hosted by Petland Knoxville 8– 9 AM • Petland Knoxville – 9339 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37922 Hosted by: Catering provided by:
JULY 25 New Member Orientation 4 - 6 PM • Knoxville Chamber – 17 Market Square, #201
RIBBON CUTTING
AFC Urgent Care/Family Care celebrated the grand opening of its new location at 5150 North Broadway in Fountain City. Pictured cutting the ribbon is John Tacker joined by his partners Jack Fromm, John Kugler and Larry Kugler (not pictured), AFC staff, local government officials, and chamber ambassadors.
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