INSIDE: Shrimp Boil Recap pg. 52 + Monthly Economic Indicators pg. 54
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS NEW MEMBERS & NEW PREMIER PARTNERS BRONZE PREMIER PARTNER Strata-G, LLC (865) 934-3400 www.stratag.org
Environmental Services & Equipment
Arthur Rutenberg Homes (865) 264-0430 www.arhomes.com
Real Estate: Residential Auralation Music
THE KNOXVILLE CHAMBER’S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
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.
(865) 332-7171 www.business.auralation.tv
Balter Beerworks (865) 999-5015 www.balterbeerworks.com
(865) 689-9661 www.chick-fil-a.com/fountaincity
Event Planning, Catering, & Venues:Catering
Building & Grounds Maintenance
CDI Services, Inc.
Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery
(703) 232-3577 www.cdiservicesinc.com
Construction & Contractors Continuum Planning Partners (865) 246-1696 www.continuumplanningpartners.com
Financial Services: Planning Elite Facility Maintenance (865) 240-4961
(865) 470-2242 www.ferguson.com/branch/knoxville-tn-showroom
Building Materials Shopping Schulz Brau Brewing Company (800) 245-9764 www.schulzbraubrewing.com
Foundation Forward, Inc.
Insurance
(828) 475-6670 www.chartersoffreedom.com
United Capital Lending
Education & Training
(865) 934-1400 www.unitedcapitallending.com
Twig Children’s Boutique
Real Estate: Mortgage Banking
(865) 200-5731 www.twigchildrensboutique.com
PRESIDENT & CEO MICHAEL EDWARDS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DOUG LAWYER FINANCE & OPERATIONS LARRY JOHNSON
LAURA CAVES
MEMBERSHIP MARK FIELD
WATE-TV
PUBLIC POLICY AMY NOLAN CENTRAL BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (865) 246-2654 mhummel@downtownknoxville.org
Transamerica Agency Network (606) 528-4981 www.transamerica.com/tan/
CONTACT THE KNOXVILLE CHAMBER (865) 637-4550 www.knoxvillechamber.com
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT RHONDA RICE
Restaurants
Building & Grounds Maintenance
DESIGN LADDY FIELDS
SLAMDOT, INC.
(865) 771-2645
Restaurants
ASSISTANT EDITOR JESSICA KARSTEN
DANIEL MONDAY
East Tennessee Lock & Key, LLC
2ND PLACE
Utilities & Natural Resources: Propane
THE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (865) 546-5887
3RD PLACE
(865) 546-7282 www.amerigas.com
Chick-fil-A Fountain City
1ST PLACE
Business & Professional Services AmeriGas Propane
EDITOR LORI FULLER
JUSTIN BAXTER THE INSURANCE GROUP
TENNESSEE SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER (865) 246-2663 LEADERSHIP KNOXVILLE (865) 523-9137 U.S. DEPT. OF COMMERCE EXPORT ASSISTANCE CENTER (865) 545-4637
Shopping: Specialty
RIBBON CUTTING
Tandem Financial Partners of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., located at 1512 Coleman Road, Suite 301, celebrated the grand opening of its new Knoxville location in May. Cutting the ribbon is Greg Ward, CRPC®, Financial Advisor at the Knoxville location. Also pictured are Knoxville office staff Marie Ward, Practice Manager, and Bailey White, Client Service Manager. Members from their Chattanooga office were also present including Bryan Kelly, CFP®, CDFA™, Adam Dutton, CFP®, RICP®, Todd Gaither, Cindy Steele, and Paula Keylon. They are joined by friends, family, clients, and Chamber Ambassadors.
K N O X V I L L E C H A M B E R | 48
WHO is the KNOXVILLE CHAMBER?
2,191
As the largest chamber of commerce in East Tennessee, the Knoxville Chamber is a membership organization representing more than 2,000 businesses. It helps existing business grow, recruits new companies to the region, works to establish a world-class workforce, and is an advocate for businessfriendly government. For nearly 150 years, the Chamber has been the leading voice for businesses in the region, and its mission has remained the same – to make Knoxville a great place for business. It does this by providing a wide range of cutting-edge products and services, designed specifically to drive regional economic prosperity. Contrary to popular belief, the Chamber is not just about big business. Its membership is made up of companies of all sizes and in various industries and stages of maturity. The Chamber’s tiered benefits membership model allows businesses to join at
BUSINESSES
a level that is most applicable to them, including six base-tier levels and five Premier Partner levels. Premier Partners are recognized as leaders within the community and make a vital commitment to the economic development of the region through their enhanced investment in the Chamber. Their contributions provide critical funding for the Chamber’s economic development activities. The Chamber as a whole is a product of its diverse membership base, and serves as a catalyst for the thriving business climate in East Tennessee. It becomes significant to understand who these members are, where they are located, and why they choose to remain active with the Knoxville Chamber, as this information paints a broader image of the role the Chamber plays.
194 51
WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESSES
M I N O R I T Y- O W N E D BUSINESSES
TOP 5 BUSINESS “Who is” continued on pg. 50
K N O X V I L L E C H A M B E R | 49
KNOXVILLE CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP PROFILE
“Who is” continued from pg. 49
2,191
194 51
WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESSES
M I N O R I T Y- O W N E D BUSINESSES
BUSINESSES
TOP 5 BUSINESS CATEGORIES
22% MORE THAN 40% 258 PREMIER LARGE C O M P A N I E SHave been members for more than
10 YEARS 90%
ORE THAN 40% PARTNERS
78%
ave been members for more than BRONZE: $1,500 - $2,499 MEMBERSHIP LEVELS INCLUDE:
90
ANNUAL R
10 % YEARS ORGANIZATIO 90% S ORGANIZATION AT A GLANCE: 90% TOP 10 S SILVER: $2,500 - $4,999 GOLD: $5,000 - $9,999 PLATINUM: $10,000 - $29,999 TITANIUM: $30,000+
an
%
n D
ANNUAL RETENTION RATE
SMALL BUSINESSES
86% satisfaction rate for Networking Opportunities
EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS:
Invitations to economic development groundbreakings Premier Partner events for of outlets Enhancedsatisfaction exposure onrate a number Free affiliate memberships Networking Opportunities Free monthly relocation list
86%
ANNUAL RETENTION RATE
84%
satisfaction rate for Local Business News and Information
(earned by less than 1%
satisfaction rate for Local 84%ANNUAL RETENTION RATE
of chambers nationwide) 71% satisfaction rate for Access to Social Media Friendly Chambers
1,933 MORE THAN 40% 58 71% BASE-TIER 71% TOP 10 AT A GLANCE: MIERORGANIZATION MEMBERS
D
al
TNERS
NCLUDE: ss to 499 999 to 99 29,999 0+
ORGANIZATION AT A GLANCE:
Business News and Information
Research and Demographics
(earned by less than 1% of chambers nationwide) satisfaction rate for Social Media Friendly Business ChambersEducation
Have been members for more than
satisfaction rate for Access to Research and Demographics
10 YEARS TOP 10
MEMBERSHIP LEVELS INCLUDE: Social Media Friendly Chambers (earned by less than 1% ASSOCIATE I: $350 of chambers nationwide) satisfaction rate for 2011 NATIONAL ASSOCIATE II: $450 (earned by less than 1% Business Education CHAMBER PROFESSIONAL I: $550 of chambers nationwide) OF THE YEAR PROFESSIONAL II: $650
71%
2011 NATIONAL CHAMBER OF THE YEAR
90% PARTNER 2011 NATIONAL CHAMBER OF THE YEAR
ANNUAL RETENTION RATE
TOP 5 ZIP CODES FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS
PARTNERS INCLUDE: TOP 5 ZIP CODES ORGANIZATION AT A GLANC PARTNERS INCLUDE: PARTNERS INCLUDE: FOR CHAMBER TOP 10 84% EXECUTIVE I: $750 EXECUTIVE II: $950
86% satisfaction rate for Networking Opportunities
MOST POPULAR BENEFITS: ITS: t groundbreakings Opportunities to attend networking events 37919 - West Knoxville (299 MEMBERS) Promotional page on iKnowKnoxville.com nts 37922 - West Knoxville (198 MEMBERS) Access to targeted demographics ber of outlets satisfaction rate for Local Subscription to the Greater Knoxville Business Journal 37902 - Downtown Knoxville (167 MEMBERS) hips Business News and Information Access to Chamber Ribbon Cutting services n list 37923 - Cedar Bluff (136 MEMBERS)
DES R DES
MEMBERS
ER37919 - West Knoxville
(299 MEMBERS)
37922 - West Knoxville (198 MEMBERS)
- Hardin MEMBERS) K N O X 37932 VILL E CValley H A(110 M(earned B E Rby|less 50than 1%
Social Media Friendly Cha
2011 NATIONA CHAMBER
PARTNERS MEMBERSHIP LEVELS INCLUDE: BRONZE: $1,500 - $2,499 SILVER: $2,500 - $4,999 GOLD: $5,000 - $9,999 PLATINUM: $10,000 - $29,999 TITANIUM: $30,000+
EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS: Invitations to economic development groundbreakings Premier Partner events Enhanced exposure on a number of outlets Free affiliate memberships Free monthly relocation list
90% 1,933
AL RETENTION RATE
BASE-TIER MEMBERS
ATIONMEMBERSHIP AT A LEVELS GLANCE: INCLUDE: ASSOCIATE I: $350 ASSOCIATE II: $450 PROFESSIONAL I: $550 Social Media Friendly Chambers PROFESSIONAL II: $650 2011 NATIONAL EXECUTIVE I: $750 CHAMBER EXECUTIVE II: $950
TOP 10
OF THE YEAR
MOST POPULAR BENEFITS: Opportunities to attend networking events Promotional page on iKnowKnoxville.com Access to targeted demographics Subscription to the Greater Knoxville Business Journal Access to Chamber Ribbon Cutting services
NERS INCLUDE:
MORE THAN 40% Have been members for more than
10 YEARS 86% satisfaction rate for Networking Opportunities
84%
satisfaction rate for Local Business News and Information
71%
satisfaction rate for Access to Research and Demographics
71%
satisfaction rate for Business Education
TOP 5 ZIP CODES FOR CHAMBER MEMBERS 37919 - West Knoxville (299 MEMBERS) 37922 - West Knoxville (198 MEMBERS) 37902 - Downtown Knoxville (167 MEMBERS) 37923 - Cedar Bluff (136 MEMBERS) 37932 - Hardin Valley (110 MEMBERS)
*** All numbers in this report reflect those found in the Knoxville Chamber database as of June 7, 2016, as well as data received from the Knoxville Chamber Benefits Survey courtesy of Survature.
K N O X V I L L E C H A M B E R | 51
KNOXVILLE CHAMBER MEMBERSHIP PROFILE
258 PREMIER
OR
(ea of c
P
K N O X V I L L56 E C H A M B E R | 52
Lifetime Products Celebrates Groundbreaking BY: KAYLA WITT
On May 25, Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett along with company officials from Lifetime Products gathered to break ground on the company’s new manufacturing and distribution facility in Knox County’s Eastbridge Business Park. The new 720,000 square-foot facility represents an investment of $115 million and 500 jobs for Innovation Valley. Lifetime Products is the leading manufacturer of blow-molded plastics products. Its products range from plastic folding tables and chairs, basketball hoops and outdoor sheds, to kayaks and paddleboards. “We spent over a year researching different locations on the east coast,” said Richard Hendrickson, president and CEO of Lifetime Products. “Tennessee was obviously the best option. Not only will Lifetime be able to meet shipping demand for customers on the east coast, but we are thrilled to be facilitating the creation of hundreds of jobs for the people of Knoxville and the state of Tennessee.” This new facility will produce the company’s water sport products including kayaks and paddleboards, as well as its outdoor Play System line of products. It will also allow Lifetime to meet its customers’ increasing demand for faster shipping times. The company hopes to open its facility in April 2017. “We are excited to welcome Lifetime to Knox County. It’s always great to announce a new business is moving to our community, but especially when it comes with such a significant investment,” Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett said at the initial announcement last fall. “Along with investing millions in the Eastbridge Business Park, Lifetime will create hundreds of new jobs in our area. I look forward to the positive impact they will have on our
community.” The Innovation Valley economic development team along with the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, TVA, and the Knoxville Utilities Board, among others, worked for over a year to recruit the company to the region. Lifetime Products joins many other successful manufacturing companies in Innovation Valley like Keurig Richard Hendrickson and Bob Adams of Lifetime Green Mountain, Bush Products, flank Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett at the company’s groundbreaking ceremony in May. Brothers and Co., and Radio Systems Corporation. Manufacturing and distribution is one of Innovation Valley’s target recruitment clusters because of its strong pipeline of workforce and the areas proximity to more than 60 percent of the United States population within one day’s drive.
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 7. The Chamber’s Ambassador program currently has 47 members who have volunteered countless hours to assist the Chamber and further its mission. “Our Ambassadors are an integral part of the Chamber,” said Katie Wells, member services manager for the Chamber. “We wouldn’t be able to produce more than 70 events each year without their dedication to the program, and we greatly appreciate their willingness to commit so much time and energy to our organization.” During the luncheon, each Ambassador was recognized with a certificate for his or her service. Christa Early was named “Ambassador of the Year” for her dedicated service. Early, who works as area market development manager for StaffingSolutions, has been a Chamber Ambassador since 2012. Co-chairs of the program, Marc Archer of Archer Design & Marketing and Sherry McHaffie of Pinnacle Financial Partners, thanked the Ambassadors for their hard work and expressed their gratitude for all they do. Archer and McHaffie were recently reelected to serve a second term as co-chairs. “This is a time I look forward to every year,” Archer said. “We are so busy working hard at events that it can be difficult to really get to know one another. The luncheon is a great time to just relax, share stories, and connect with the other Ambassadors.”
Chamber Ambassador program co-chairs Marc Archer of Archer Design & Marketing and Sherry McHaffie of Pinnacle Financial Partners address the crowd at the annual Ambassador appreciation luncheon on June 7.
K N O X V I L L57 E C H A M B E R | 53
MONTHLY ECONOMIC INDICATORS
(May 2016)
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 May ’15May ‘16
May 2016
Apr. 2016
May 2015
% Change Apr. ’16May ‘16
235,610 416,650 3,131,500 158,800,000
234,110 413,990 3,121,100 158,488,000
233,350 414,800 3,106,400 157,719,000
0.6 0.6 0.3 0.2
1.0 0.4 0.8 0.7
396,100 2,954,600
394,600 2,958,300
386,000 2,889,100
0.4 -0.1
2.6 2.3
NA NA NA
8,270 16,270 133,250
11,990 23,820 194,020
NA NA NA
NA NA NA
3.2 3.5 3.8 4.5
3.2 3.6 3.9 4.7
4.7 5.3 5.7 5.3
0.0 -0.1 -0.1 -0.2
-1.5 -1.8 -1.9 -0.8
Non-Ag Employment Knoxville MSA Tennessee
Residential Closings Residential Inventory Median Residential Price
May 2016 1,721 8,673 $164,000
Unemployment Rates Knox Co. Knoxville MSA Tennessee U.S.
Sources: Tennessee Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development/U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
INFLATION RATES -
*Southeast Region Avg. U.S. Avg. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
% Change May ’14May ‘16 1.4 1.0
May ’15-‘16
Apr. ’15-‘16
May ’14-‘15
0.7 1.0
0.7 1.1
-0.7 0.0
0.0 -0.1
% Change May ’15May ‘16
Knoxville (City)
Total Single-Family Multi-Family
Apr. 2016* 41 41 0
Apr. 2015 23 23 0
% Change Apr. ’15Apr. ‘16 78.3 78.3 0.0
Knox Co.
Total Single-Family Multi-Family
183 183 0
109 109 0
67.9 67.9 0.0
Knoxville MSA
Total Single-Family Multi-Family
300 287 13
220 197 23
36.4 45.7 -43.5
Tennessee
Total Single-Family Multi-Family
2,708 1,896 812
2,272 1,710 562
19.2 10.9 44.5
Knox Co. Knoxville MSA Tennessee
May 2016
Apr. 2016
May 2015
% Change Apr. ’15May ‘16
53,245,202 82,082,615 685,464,196
55,343,703 84,554,406 727,974,078
50,793,972 77,484,447 643,705,081
-3.8 -2.9 -5.8
4.8 5.9 6.5
14,680,344 23,203,507
15,092,839 23,728,650
14,024,930 22,036,971
-2.7 -2.2
4.7 5.3
AIR SERVICE (MCGHEE-TYSON AIRPORT)
Passengers Cargo
Feb. 2016 114,587 6,050,754
Jan. 2016 119,081 6,186,302
Feb. 2015 101,588 5,924,011
% Change Jan. ’16Feb. ‘16 -3.8 -2.2
% Change Feb. ’15Feb.‘16 12.8 2.1
Source: Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority
Local Sales Tax Knox Co. Knoxville MSA
*All 2016 building permit data is preliminary and therefore subject to revision throughout the year. Sources: U.S. Housing & Urban Development – SOCDS – State of the Cities Data Systems; U.S. Census Bureau – Building Permits Survey
*South – City Size Class B/C
SALES TAX REVENUE - STATE & LOCAL ($) State Sales Tax
1,466 10,368 $163,000
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMITS
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (CPI) - ALL ITEMS % Change Apr. ’15May ‘16
May 2015
% Change May ’15May ‘16 17.4 -16.3 0.6
Source: Knoxville Area Association of Realtors
Available Labor Knox Co. Knoxville MSA Tennessee
Apr. 2016 1,570 8,521 $163,000
% Change Apr. ’16May ‘16 9.6 1.8 0.6
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
May 2016
Apr. 2016
471,421 35,027 21,552 7,665 59,915 57,600 8,771 36,147 55,767 27,847 11,203 98,415 44,322
450,935 32,551 20,310 7,188 56,785 56,637 8,524 32,831 52,978 27,168 10,207 95,767 43,024
462,615 33,282 22,093 7,931 59,494 55,231 8,831 39,999 57,441 25,436 10,697 96,973 38,212
% Change Apr. ’16May ‘16 4.5 7.6 6.1 6.6 5.5 1.7 2.9 10.1 5.3 2.5 9.8 2.8 3.0
7,190
6,965
6,995
3.2
May 2015
% Change May ’15May ‘16 1.9 5.2 -2.4 -3.4 0.7 4.3 -0.7 -9.6 -2.9 9.5 4.7 1.5 16.0 2.8
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
Recruitment Update: Leisure Pools BY: KAYLA WITT
It has been nearly three years since Leisure Pools announced it would open its new corporate headquarters and production facility in Knox County, creating 240 new jobs for the region and investing $6.2 million. Now the fiberglass swimming pool manufacturer has settled into its new 84-acre site at Forks of the River Industrial Park and is making significant strides in achieving its goals since making its initial investment in Innovation Valley. Leisure Pools is one of the world’s largest fiberglass swimming pools manufacturers. The company credits an ideal available facility, large number of skilled fiberglass workers in the region, proximity to existing market locations, and easy interstate access as being key in the decision to locate in Innovation Valley. “Knox County has bent over backwards to accommodate our relocation and our needs since being in Knoxville,” said David Pain, president of Leisure Pools. “Knoxville’s leadership along with the Tennessee Economic and Community Development office and their
vision for developing a strong economic base in the area were both instrumental in our decision, and the quality of life this area provides is a big plus in recruiting people to our business. Having strong local partners such as TVA and Knoxville Utilities Board have been a tremendous benefit to us as well.” While the primary product at the 350,000 square-foot facility is fiberglass swimming pools, Leisure Pools is also a contract partner with HydraSports Custom Boats. It also builds composite components for ProNova Solutions, the Knoxville-based company which provides a lower-cost proton therapy solution for cancer treatment. “We are approaching 100 associates at our Knox County facility, and given the company’s growth curve in the fiberglass pool business and projected growth in contract composites work, Leisure Pools is constantly adding new employees,” said Pain. “Right now the biggest need is for experienced fiberglass technicians, however, we are continuously looking for truck drivers and office support staff.” Leisure Pools plans to have as many as 250 employees at its plant within the next three years, but projects it could see that number grow to 1,000 over the next decade.
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
AAA Tennessee/ The Auto Club Group 1948 Abercrombie Radiological Consultants, Inc. 1948 Aggregates USA - Regional Offices 1948 Cook’s Pest Control, Inc. 1948 Egerton, McAfee, Armistead & Davis, P.C. 1948 Harrison 1948 Home Federal Bank of Tennessee 1948 Hop Bailey Co. 1948 Kendall Electric, Inc. 1948 Knoxville Utilities Board 1948 Mercedes Benz of Knoxville 1948 Power Equipment Company 1948 Reily Foods Co. 1948 Tate & McCallie, Incorporated 1948 Willis 1948 Rice Buick GMC Trucks, Inc. 1957 Baker, O’Kane, Atkins & Thompson 1958 Coldwell Banker Wallace & Wallace - Bearden Hill 1958 The Dow Chemical Company 1958 Shoney’s of Knoxville, Inc. 1962 First Tennessee 1963 StaffingSolutions/Employbridge Companies 1968 Tindell’s Lumber & Building Materials 1970
BarberMcMurry architects East Tennessee Development District NAI Knoxville Commercial Real Estate West Town Mall
25 – 30 YEARS
1978 1980 1983 1984
1987 1987 1991 1991
MEMBER SINCE
East Tennessee Historical Society 1992 Inter-Agency Insurance Service, Inc. 1993 SCORE - Counselors to America’s Small Business 1995
15-19 YEARS
2000 2001 2001 2001 2001
MEMBER SINCE
RE/MAX Preferred Properties Tusculum College Douglas A. Horne The Tennessee Credit Union
20 – 24 YEARS
Schaad Companies Scott Insurance Belew Drug, Inc. Tennessee Valley Human Resource Association John H. Daniel Company
MEMBER SINCE
ORNL Federal Credit Union - Main Location Tech 20/20 Realty Trust Group, LLC Carpenter Wright Engineers, PLLC Raymond James and Associates Aurora Pool, Spa & Billiard Gallery Highland Memorial Park, Funerals and Cremations
1997 1998 1998 1999 1999 2000 2000
K N O X V I L L E C H A M B E R | 55
10 – 14 YEARS
MEMBER SINCE
21st Mortgage Corporation Republic Plastics Justin Fee of Photographfee Metropolitan Drug Commission Yow Properties Angela Floyd School for Dance & Music, LLC Hampton Inn & Suites - Downtown Knoxville Kenesaw Promotional Products The Episcopal School of Knoxville Express Employment Professionals MEDIC Regional Blood Center Temple Baptist Church Liberty Tax Service Trinity Benefit Advisors The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Jeannette Rogers - State Farm Coverall of Eastern Tennessee
2003 2003 2003 2003 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006
Few Spots Remain for 2016-17 YEA! Class BY: MACKENZIE FOX
The inaugural class of the Knoxville Chamber’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) has come to a close, and recruitment for the 2016-2017 class is in full swing. With 16 of the 24 spots filled, only eight remain for Knoxville’s second class. YEA! is a 30-week program that teaches middle and high school students the process of starting and running their own legitimate business or social movement. The program consists of brainstorming business ideas, developing a business plan, pitching the business to potential investors, and launching their own real business. Local entrepreneurs and Knoxville business leaders are involved with the class by sharing their knowledge and experiences, hosting field trips, and growing the students’ confidence in their ideas and abilities. Students are also exposed to mentors, investors, graphic designers, and web developers to help create and promote their products and services. Knoxville is the first and only city in Tennessee to offer the program, which has licensees in more than 100 communities, nationally. The program is presented by Pilot Flying J and supported by Alcoa Foundation and Clayton Bank with WATE serving as a media partner. Starting in October, classes will meet every Tuesday evening for three hours at the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee. The cost to participate in the program is $165, thanks to the generous Alcoa Foundation Tuition Grant that allowed tuition to reduce from $395. There is also the opportunity for scholarships, which are based on financial need and merit. Students in grades 6-12 are encouraged to apply. Eligible students can apply on their own or be nominated by their parents, counselors, teachers, or mentors. The program is recruiting responsible and creative students with the ability to communicate well and demonstrate a commitment to their community. “After such a successful inaugural class, we are excited to witness more potential from the youth in the Knoxville community,” said Mackenzie Fox, YEA! program manager. “The students that have been accepted so far demonstrate the creativity, diversity, and excellence that YEA! strives to find in every community to partake in the program. We can’t wait to have our second class filled and ready to talk business!” Recruitment will continue until the 24 spots are filled. To apply for the program, students must fill out the application form, complete the essay and short-answer questions, submit their most recent transcript, and present a letter of recommendation. After these forms are submitted, the student will be invited for a personal interview. The application and interview process will occur on a rolling basis. To apply, nominate a student, or learn more about the program, visit knoxvillechamber.com/YEA or call 865-246-2658.
Pinnacle Award Winners Gather for CEO Luncheon BY: JESSICA KARSTEN
The Knoxville Chamber invited the CEOs of the eight businesses honored with 2016 Pinnacle Awards to join Mike Edwards, the Chamber’s president and CEO, for a luncheon on May 26 as a chance to network, mind-share, and discuss the needs of businesses in Knoxville. Attendees included Bill Weigel of Weigel’s; Josh Smith of Master Dry Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists; Dr. Hash Hashemian of AMS Corporation; and Brandon Bruce of Cirruspath. The group discussed business advice and philosophies including talent recruitment and retention and the importance of establishing core values. They also expressed what it means to be recognized by the Knoxville business community for a Pinnacle Business Award. “It was an invaluable experience to hear the Pinnacle Award winners talk with each other about doing business in Knoxville and share their stories,” said Mike Edwards, president and CEO of the Chamber. “Each of the CEOs were from companies in different industries and in various stages of maturity, so it was fascinating to see how the best business practices discussed could be applied universally to each person in the room.” Watch each of the award winners’ acceptance speeches from the 12th Annual Pinnacle Business Awards on the Chamber’s YouTube channel.
Chamber staff members Larry Johnson, Rhonda Rice, Mike Edwards, and Mark Field pose for a photo with Pinnacle Award winners Josh Smith of Master Dry Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists; Bill Weigel of Weigel’s; Brandon Bruce of Cirruspath; and Dr. Hash Hashemian of AMS Corporation (pictured center) at the Pinnacle CEO Luncheon on May 26.
SPONSORED BY:
K N O X V I L L E C H A M B E R | 56
MENTOR/PROTÉGÉ SPOTLIGHT MENTOR: SUNTRUST BANK
PROTÉGÉ: EDEN FLORAL DESIGN Owners: Kyle & Elora Prichard
Name: Denise J. Moseley
Website: www.edenfloraldesign.com
Website: www.suntrust.com
Industry Type: Retail floral design and gifts;
Industry Type: Financial Services
wedding décor; private and corporate event planning; and interior consultation.
Describe your firm briefly, and what are your main markets or services? At Eden Floral Design, our mission is to send beauty, love, and inspiration into our community by creating personalized floral arrangements and gifts. We specialize in fresh floral arrangements and wreaths that are uniquely “Eden.” Also, we love to help create undeniably special events for every occasion. We are honored to be a part of some of life’s most special moments. Eden Floral Design is located in Claiborne County, but has serviced events in Knox County, Tennessee; Bell County, Kentucky; and Lee County, Virginia.
Who has been one of your important mentors and why? What were the key lessons learned? I have had numerous mentors in my business career. The one that stands out would be my father-in-law Babe Moseley. He taught me that hard work and effort pay off, not to forget where I’ve have been and where I’m going, and to stay focused.
What are the benefits of being a mentor? I appreciate the opportunity to hear about my protégé’s success and challenges and figuring out how I can give advice and encouragement. Mentoring has given me a chance to learn about some unique businesses, and allowed me to gain new friends.
What is your primary objective over the next year? Our primary objectives are a bit widespread. As far as Eden Floral Design is concerned, we are continuing to grow our customer base and market, which will in turn increase our sales allowing us to bring on at least one full-time employee over the next year. We are also working with other small businesses in Claiborne County to develop strategies within our prospective industries which will increase success and better our community.
What are some lessons you have learned from your mentor? Marketing is one avenue of business that is tough in our area. Denise has been able to give us some great direction with marketing ideas that we are implementing. She is always available to help us and give us creative ideas about how to market our business. Denise is very knowledgeable about the loan process, and we hope to put her knowledge into practice as we try to obtain a small business loan.
What do you want your protégé to learn from you? Kyle and Elora have the opportunity to become the top floral shop in their area. I hope my advice and ideas will help them grow their business.
Do you think successful firms should mentor a small firm? If so, why? Yes. Success breeds success. It is important to give back, and mentoring affords us the opportunity to learn from each other.
What are the three key priorities small firm owners should consider every day? 1. Networking 2. Time Management 3. Revenue Generation
Why should every business have a mentor? There is so much to gain from others. Learning from someone who brings different experiences and greater sets of knowledge to the table allows you to grow, both professionally and as a business.
How has your business or management thinking changed because of your mentor? We’ve learned to take time and learn from others. There is a reason other businesses in our industry are successful, and even though our designs may be different, our business plan does not have to be. Also, our mentor has made great suggestions on how to better market our business face-to-face.
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Networking Event in West Knoxville Draws Large Crowd BY: JESSICA KARSTEN
UPCOMING EVENTS
JULY 21 a.m. Exchange
Nearly 80 businesspeople gathered at Floor & Decor in West Knoxville on May 27 for the Knoxville Chamber’s a.m. Exchange. Guests enjoyed a morning of networking with other local professionals, exploring the location’s expansive collection of flooring materials, and eating a breakfast spread provided by All Occasion Catering. Seven lucky guests took home door prizes including an array of gift cards and passes to a Tennessee Smokies baseball game with clubhouse access. The winners were: Andrew Kilgore of TEKsystems; Samantha Lane of King University; Noelle Whyte, culinary student; Steven Herzog of Sandler Training; Brian Chamberlain of CreditBrian. com; Katherine Evans of the University of Tennessee; and Doug Barringer of Quinn Appliance Company.
Hosted by Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery 8 – 9 a.m. 215 Peregrine Way, Knoxville, 37922 SPONSORED BY:
CATERING PROVIDED BY:
AUGUST 3 Premier Partner Event featuring Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero 8 – 9 a.m. • Knoxville Chamber, 17 Market Square, #201 Exclusive to Premier Partners
AUGUST 17 - SAVE THE DATE! Women on the Rise to Shine Lunch Featuring Susan Packard, co-founder of Scripps Networks and author of New Rules of the Game: 10 Strategies for Women in the Workplace 11:30 – 1 p.m. • More Details Coming Soon! PRESENTED BY:
A large crowd of business professionals gathered at Floor & Decor for the Knoxville Chamber’s a.m. Exchange on May 27
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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