INSIDE: 2014-15 Facts and Figures pg. 62 + Monthly Economic Indicators pg. 66
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS RIBBON CUTTING
TOP ACHIEVERS
BGT RECRUITING & CONSULTING, INC.
2ND PLACE TIE
The Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center celebrated the grand opening of its newest location on Willow Loop Way in September. Dr. Robert (Bob) Overholt is pictured center and is flanked by Mayor Tim Burchett (left) and Knox County Commissioners Jeff Ownby and Bob Thomas (right) along with associates and Knoxville Chamber Ambassadors.
JILL GREEN
MARC ARCHER
3RD PLACE TIE
1ST PLACE
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.
ANTHONY BAYNE
DANIEL MONDAY
MIKE RUSSELL
BONITZ FLOORING GROUP, INC.
SLAMDOT, INC.
ALL CRANE RENTAL OF TENNESSEE, LLC
SAMANTHA LANE
ARCHER DESIGN & MARKETING
KING UNIVERSITY
NEW MEMBERS / NEW PREMIER PARTNERS BRONZE PREMIER PARTNERS Forensic Pursuit (865) 281-3067 www.forensicpursuit.com Computer & IT Services: Consultants Business & Professional Services: Technical Services Legal Services The Adams Law Firm (865) 531-6440 www.terryadamslaw.com Legal Services Admiral Title (865) 531-6060 www.admiraltitleinc.com Real Estate: Title Companies Babalu Tacos and Tapas (865) 332-9060 www.babalutaco.com Restaurants Bestbytes (865) 268-9068 www.bestbytespc.com Computer & IT Services Blake Rickels - Keller Williams Realty (865) 207-4283 www.BlakeRickels.com Real Estate: Residential
THE KNOXVILLE CHAMBER’S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
EDITOR LORI FULLER DESIGN LADDY FIELDS WRITER JENNY WOODBERY
C&J Wealth Advisors (865) 481-0385 www.cjwealth.com Financial Services: Planning
The Insurance Group (865) 670-0911 www.insgrp.net Insurance
NHC HealthCare, Knoxville (865) 524-7366 www.nhcknoxville.com Social Services: Senior Services
Cherokee Farm Development Corporation (865) 974-8210 www.cherokeefarm.org Education & Training
Jack of All Trades (865) 299-5400 www.jackofalltrades.com Construction & Contractors
Dunlap RV Center of Knoxville (865) 233-4010 www.dunlaprvcenter.com Sports & Recreation: Recreational Vehicles
Janice Ann’s Fashion (865) 212-5666 Shopping: Women’s Clothing
Off Road Equipment Parts (865) 379-7895 www.offroadeq.com Industrial Supplies & Services Construction & Contractors Off Road Equipment Parts Construction & Contractors: Equipment/ Supplies
Escape Game Knoxville (865) 246-1306 www.escapegameknoxville.com Attractions & Tourism
Knoxville Uncorked (865) 521-0600 www.scruffycity.com Restaurants
Frussie’s Deli & Bakery (865) 577-2108 Restaurants
The Landings Riverfront Apartments (865) 249-8065 www.landingsknoxville.com/ Apartments Apartments:Corporate Housing
Goodness To Go (865) 253-7099 www.goodnesstogocatering.com Event Planning, Catering, & Venues: Catering
Market House Cafe (865) 524-2224 www.scruffycity.com Restaurants
Innovative Consulting Group, Inc (865) 321-8325 www.innovative-cg.com Computer & IT Services
Moonshine Mountain Cookie Company (865) 362-5997 www.moonshinemountaincookies.com Restaurants: Sweet Treats & Bakeries
Scruffy City Hall (865) 524-2224 www.scruffycity.com Restaurants: Bars Solomon IT (865) 309-4343 www.solomonITC.com Business & Professional Services Computer & IT Services: Consultants
Paul Davis Emergency Services of West Knoxville (865) 584-1227 www.pauldavis-westknoxville.com Residential Services
Sourcing Business Solutions (865) 805-4356 www.SourcingBusinessSolutions.com Business & Professional Services: Business Advisors & Consultants
Premier Laser Spa (865) 777-4447 www.premierlaserspa.com Personal Services: Salons & Spas
Summit Uniforms (865) 454-8194 www.summituniforms.net Business & Professional Services: Uniforms
Preservation Pub (865) 524-2224 www.scruffycity.com Restaurants: Bars
Which Wich Superior Sandwiches (865) 539-9608 www.whichwich.com Restaurants
FINANCE & OPERATIONS ljohnson@knoxvillechamber.com
THE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (865) 546-5887
MEMBERSHIP mfield@knoxvillechamber.com
PRESIDENT & CEO MICHAEL EDWARDS
CENTRAL BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (865) 246-2654 mhummel@downtownknoxville.org
TENNESSEE SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER (865) 246-2663
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT dlawyer@knoxvillechamber.com
Schooley Mitchell of East Tennessee (423) 200-4100 www.schooleymitchell.com/bsams/ Business & Professional Services: Business Advisors & Consultants
Painting with a Twist - Downtown Knoxville (865) 253-7710 www.paintingwithatwist.com/knoxvillecentral/ Entertainment: Arts & Culture
CONTACT THE KNOXVILLE CHAMBER (865) 637-4550 www.knoxvillechamber.com
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT RHONDA RICE
Saving Little Hearts (865) 748-4605 www.savinglittlehearts.com Healthcare Providers & Services: Agencies
LEADERSHIP KNOXVILLE (865) 523-9137 U.S. DEPT. OF COMMERCE EXPORT ASSISTANCE CENTER (865) 545-4637
K N O X V I L L E C H A M B E R | 60
L E TTE R
FROM
It is a privilege to be serving my first of two years as the chair of the Knoxville Chamber’s board of directors. I’ve been engaged with the Chamber for a number of years and I recognize the importance the organization plays in the overall wellbeing of our community. The Chamber’s mission of Driving Regional Economic Prosperity is an important one that can be summed up in just one word – jobs. It’s about providing businesses and businesspeople with the resources and programs to help them grow, recruiting new businesses to the area or helping existing companies expand, and ensuring that our public education system is preparing the workforce for tomorrow’s jobs. A year ago, the Chamber embarked on its second three-year strategic plan. This document provides the framework for everything the organization does. The three key objectives in the strategic plan are to ENGAGE the business community, to INFLUENCE the business climate, and to STRIVE for distinction. These objectives also provide a structure for reporting the organization’s triumphs and tribulations as we strive to help make Knoxville America’s Best Business Address®. Each October the Chamber hosts its Annual Meeting and Stakeholders Report to inform members and the community about what it has accomplished over the past year. You will find the notable results on the pages that follow, but I would like to bring your attention to a few of the most remarkable results. First and foremost, we must applaud the record-setting year we’ve had with regards to economic development. Innovation Valley, the regional economic development partnership led by the Knoxville Chamber, welcomed seven new corporate recruits to the region and celebrated 37 expansions at existing companies. These announcements accounted for 3,250 new jobs, $642.5 million in capital investments, and a 2.8 percent
THE
CHA I R
wage increase. On the membership side of the organization, we continue to serve members as diverse as the businesses in our region. The organization finished the year with just shy of 2,200 members, 70% of which employ 50 or fewer employees, and 42% of which employ 10 or fewer employees. While we serve businesses of all sizes, we are not the “big business” organization we are perceived to be. Small business is at the core of who we are. Member engagement continues to be a priority for the organization. The Chamber strives to host 55-65 meaningful events and average more than 6,800 registrants, each year. During the 2014-15 fiscal year the Chamber produced 58 events that attracted more than 7,000 registrants, including a record crowd of 750 attendees at the 11th annual Pinnacle Business Awards. Engaged members are highly likely to renew their membership, and the organization once again hit its budgeted member retention goal of 88 percent. Finally, as members we can rest assured our Chamber continues to be in a strong financial position. Last year, the organization recorded $136,528 in new member sales and $37,163 in Premier Partner sales, and its net assets increased by $49,069. An organization is only as good as the people who work within it and I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize the Chamber’s staff for their tireless work. I am proud of the staff that is the face of the Knoxville Chamber, and I look forward to working hand-in-hand with them over the coming two years to continue to drive our region’s economic prosperity.
Robyn Askew Chair, Knoxville Chamber Board of Directors
K N O X V I L L E C H A M B E R | 61
2014-15 FACTS & FIGURES The Knoxville Chamber is in year two of its most recent three-year strategic plan. The plan is focused on three objectives that will guide the organization through 2017: to ENGAGE the business community, to INFLUENCE the business climate, and to STRIVE for distinction. The metrics associated with each of these objectives provide a good barometer of the Chamber’s accomplishments over the past year.
OBJECTIVE: To INFLUENCE the business climate…
3,250 1,242
Number of net new jobs created by business expansion or relocation in Innovation Valley.
Number of relocation packets distributed to individuals looking to move to the area.
2.8%/$44,718 Increase in annual wages across Innovation Valley and the average salary.
$642.5
MILLION
Capital investments for new or expansion projects in Innovation Valley
OBJECTIVE: To STRIVE for distinction…
$136,528/$37,163 New Member Sales/Premier Partner Sales
NATIONAL LEADERS RHONDA RICE 2015 Excellence in Economic Development Award Site Selectors Guild
MARK FIELD
$49,069 Increase in Chamber net assets.
Reveived designation as Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) Chamber of Commerce Executives
DOUG LAWYER North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers Consultant Connect
K N O X V I L L E C H A M B E R | 50 62
2014-15 FACTS & FIGURES
OBJECTIVE: To ENGAGE the business community…
88%
2,569
Membership retention rate.
Number of research requests processed by the Chamber’s research specialist.
1,670
Number of volunteer hours dedicated to the Chamber by its board members, committee members, and Ambassador program.
3.5K
@K_Chamber Followers. Up 20%
Knoxville Chamber Total Likes
34K/150K
82
Number of views the Chamber’s YouTube Channel received during the 2014-15 fiscal year and the estimated number of minutes watched.
58/7,074
10.1K
636,414
Number of minority-, veteran-, and woman-owned small businesses provided with one-on-one counseling through the Propel Program.
Number of promo page views on www.iKnowKnoxville.com, a 44% increase over prior year.
Number of events hosted by the Chamber and the number of people who registered for those events.
K N O X V I L L E C H A M B E R | 63
Chamber Members Save Big at Office Depot Knoxville Chamber members have the opportunity to save money on office, cleaning, and breakroom supplies through the Office Depot Chamber Advantage Program, which offers huge discounts on materials businesses use every day. Each business that joins the Chamber automatically receives an Office Depot Store Card. This provides all member businesses with immediate discounts of up to 10 percent on most everything in Office Depot retail stores and the Business Solutions Division annual catalog. These savings can also be extended to the business’ employees through the Employee Purchase Program – giving the whole team a chance to utilize the discount in stores. “The discounts our members receive on office supplies and printing services through the Office Depot Program provide our members with a direct return on their investment in joining the Chamber,” said Melissa Spangler, vice president of member services for the Knoxville Chamber. Another way to save through the advantage program is to open an Office Depot Business Account, which provides member businesses with next-day delivery on discounted supplies ordered over the phone, fax, or online at www.officedepot.com. An
added benefit of this account is the ability for businesses to receive monthly reports of their office supply expenses from Office Depot. The program also provides a “Best Buy List” of more than 600 items that members receive discounts of up to 45 percent on, as well as monthly promotions that offer special pricing on supplies used by businesses daily. Members also save big on printing services through Office Depot including 2.5-cent black and white copies, 24-cent color copies, and 40 percent off finishing services. “The Office Depot program is invaluable,” said Brielle Hoffman, benefits specialist for Premier Solutions International. “As a business owner, I am always looking for ways to reduce expenses, and this program has helped me save thousands annually. I am so thankful for my Chamber membership.” To learn more about the program, please visit www.knoxvillechamber.com/ office-depot-program. If you are a Chamber member who has not received their discount card, contact Member Services Coordinator Katie Wells at kwells@knoxvillechamber.com. Marketing and Events Assistant Jessica Karsten contributed this story.
Inaugural Class Selected for Knoxville’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy On Oct. 13, the inaugural class of Knoxville’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy embarked on a 30-week journey through the ins and outs of owning and operating a real business. The Knoxville Chamber, which manages the program, accepted 24 talented students from the area to participate in the class. Ranging in age from 11 to 17, these students represent 14 different schools within Knox County. “When we set out to recruit the inaugural class for Knoxville’s YEA! program, we had hopes that it would be a diverse class,” said Lori Fuller, vice president of marketing and events for the Knoxville Chamber. “We are so excited to see that come to fruition. Diverse backgrounds are going to bring diverse ideas, which will create incredible opportunities for the students.” Throughout the program, students will attend one, three-hour class each week from October through April. In this time, students will brainstorm and form their enterprises, make pitches to real investors, obtain funding, file their DBAs, and by the end, actually launch their own business or social movement. However, the students won’t spend all of their time in the classroom. The class will experience six exciting field trips during the program, which include trips to a food franchise, a personal style business, and an ad agency. YEA! is presented by Pilot Flying J and hosted by the University of Tennessee’s Haslam College of Business. The Chamber has partnered with the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center and Tech 2020 to help with YEA! programming. Thanks to a $15,000 grant that the Chamber’s Partnership Initiatives Fund received from the Alcoa Foundation, tuition for all students participating in the
program for the first two years has been reduced from $395 to $160. Seven students in this year’s program have received full scholarships. In addition to the Alcoa Foundation’s investment in the program, Clayton Bank is also a supporting sponsor. Follow the class’ progress on the YEA! Knoxville Chamber Facebook page.
INAUGURAL KNOXVILLE YEA! CLASS Frenando Blevins, West High School Dareece Blue, Career Magnet Academy
Ashton Mayo-Beavers, Episcopal School of Knoxville
Bailey Butler, West High School
Alise Ndacayisaba, Career Magnet Academy
Katherine Chen, West Valley Middle School
Paul Nodit, West High School
Chase Countiss, West High School
Mick Rash, West High School
Christian Crawford, Vine Middle School
Nathan Respess, West High School
Aaron Frazer, Christian Academy of Knoxville
Santiago Sanabria, Powell High School
Josiah Gibson, West Valley Middle School
Alex Seaver, L&N STEM Academy
Thomas Gore, Bearden High School
Sierra Shuck-Sparer, Nature’s Way Montessori
Ethan Hoskins, Farragut Middle School Anna Huss, Karns Middle School Cooper Jones, Catholic High School
K N O X V I L L E C H A M B E R | 64
Noah Smith, Webb School Spencer Terry, Central High School
RIBBON CUTTINGS
Jackson Terminal Events by All Occasion Catering celebrated its grand opening in the newly renovated Jackson Terminal in September with an open house and ribbon cutting. All Occasion Catering owners, Neal & Susan Green are pictured center with Mayor Madeline Rogero, family, associates, and Knoxville Chamber Ambassadors. Jackson Terminal provides the perfect atmosphere for a variety of events and occasions and is located in the Southern Terminal and Warehouse Historic District.
Cornerstone of Recovery broke ground on an $18 million expansion of its facility on Alcoa Highway in September. Cornerstone’s executives and their partners on the project are pictured for the ceremonial ground breaking.
Community Colleges, TCATs Welcome First Class of Tennessee Promise, Reconnect Students This fall community colleges and technical schools across the state welcomed the first class of Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect students. These programs are helping nearly 20,000 students in the state obtain advanced degrees or certificates at no cost. For graduating high schoolers, the Tennessee Promise gives every student two years of tuition-free community college or technical school. Tennessee Reconnect helps adults, 27 or older, enter higher education so they can gain new skills and advance in the workplace by obtaining an associates degree or certificate from one of the state’s 27 Tennessee College of Applied Technology. Both the Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect programs are key components of Gov. Bill Haslam’s Drive to 55 initiative, which strives to bring the percentage of Tennesseans with college degrees or certifications to 55 percent by the year 2025. It’s projected by 2025 that 55 percent of jobs in Tennessee will require a degree or certificate. In order to reach this goal, the state needs an additional 494,000 degrees or certifications. With 15,000 students participating in the Tennessee Promise, and nearly 5,000 participating in Tennessee Reconnect, area schools such as Roane State Community College and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Knoxville have seen increased enrollment numbers from these programs. Roane State Community College has nearly 850 Tennessee Promise students enrolled. Teresa Duncan, vice president of workforce development and student affairs at Roane State, said many of these students are enrolled in the college’s health science and nursing programs, as well as many who are focusing on transfer degrees.
Duncan said with the increase in student enrollment from the Tennessee Promise, Roane State has staffed up their math and English departments. She said this not only helps with the volume of students taking these classes, but also with the ones who need additional help. Duncan said in total Roane State had nearly 2,000 students who were interested in attending this fall through the Tennessee Promise. However, she said many of these students simply missed the application deadline. She hopes this will improve next year. TCAT Knoxville currently has 300 Reconnect students and 334 Promise students. These students are working towards certificates in programs such as welding, machine tool technology, practical nursing, and computer information technology. “We’re looking at potentially doubling our enrollment with these programs,” said Patrick Wade, assistant director of TCAT Knoxville. “We’re excited about that. So what we’re doing is creating partnerships with Pellissippi and area high schools, and starting night programs so that we can accommodate more students.” Wade said these partnerships will help TCAT eliminate wait lists that exist for their most popular programs. “We know that’s an issue and especially when someone is just out of high school or out of a job looking for training, Wade said. “We know two years is a long time for them to wait around to get in a class.
K N O X V I L L E C H A M B E R | 65
MONTHLY ECONOMIC INDICATORS
(Sept. 2015)
NOTES – Knoxville MSA includes: Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Grainger, Knox, Loudon, Morgan, Roane & Union Counties.
WORKFORCE
HOUSING MARKET
Resident Labor Force Knox Co. Knoxville MSA Tennessee U.S.
% Change Sept. ’14Sept. ‘15
Sept. 2015
Aug. 2015
Sept. 2014
% Change Aug. ’15Sept. ‘15
228,590 405,890 3,037,500 156,607,000
228,700 406,380 3,050,900 157,390,000
226,470 396,602 3,000,000 155,903,000
0.0 -0.1 -0.4 -0.5
0.9 2.3 1.3 0.5
390,400 2,890,100
386,700 2,866,400
380,900 2,842,000
1.0 0.8
2.5 1.7
11,990 23,550 193,090
12,130 23,630 194,280
13,360 26,490 218,850
-1.2 -0.3 -0.6
-10.3 -11.1 -11.8
4.8 5.3 5.7 4.9
4.8 5.3 5.8 5.2
5.4 6.0 6.6 5.7
0.0 0.0 -0.1 -0.3
-0.6 -0.7 -0.9 -0.8
Non-Ag Employment Knoxville MSA Tennessee
Residential Closings Residential Inventory Median Residential Price
Sept. 2015 1,495 10,293 $155,000
Unemployment Rates Knox Co. Knoxville MSA Tennessee U.S.
Sources: Tennessee Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development/U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
INFLATION RATES -
% Change Sept. ’13Sept. ‘15 -2.1 -1.7
Sept. ’14-‘15
Aug. ’14-‘15
Sept. ’13-‘14
-0.6 0.0
-0.3 0.2
1.5 1.7
-0.3 -0.2
% Change Sept. ’14Sept. ‘15
*Southeast Region Avg. U.S. Avg. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Knoxville (City)
Total Single-Family Multi-Family
Aug. 2015* 12 12 0
Aug. 2014 16 16 0
% Change Aug. ’14Aug. ‘15 -25.0 -25.0 0.0
Knox Co.
Total Single-Family Multi-Family
104 104 0
109 109 0
-4.6 -4.6 0.0
Knoxville MSA
Total Single-Family Multi-Family
201 179 22
159 159 0
26.4 12.6 0.0
Tennessee
Total Single-Family Multi-Family
2,530 1,615 915
1,484 1,378 106
70.5 17.2 763.2
Knox Co. Knoxville MSA Tennessee
Sept. 2015
Aug. 2015
Sept. 2014
% Change Aug. ’15Sept. ‘15
52,746,036 80,866,636 662,239,049
52,539,050 80,885,550 681,741,813
49,027,309 75,062,013 622,113,570
0.4 3.1 -2.9
7.6 7.7 6.4
14,317,119 22,421,796
14,312,483 22,668,745
13,496,108 21,209,898
0.0 2.8
6.1 5.7
% Change Sept. ’14Sept. ‘15 2.5 3.0 5.0 -5.2 3.0 8.4 5.8 -20.0 2.1 3.5 5.4 8.7 5.2 6.4
AIR SERVICE (MCGHEE-TYSON AIRPORT)
Passengers Cargo
June 2015 163,099 6,585,367
May 2015 147,493 6,551,753
June 2014 164,397 5,466,645
% Change May ’15June ‘15 10.6 0.5
% Change June ’14June ‘15 -0.8 20.5
Source: Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority
Local Sales Tax Knox Co. Knoxville MSA
*All 2015 building permit data is preliminary and therefore subject to revision throughout the year. Sources: U.S. Housing & Urban Development – SOCDS – State of the Cities Data Systems; U.S. Census Bureau – Building Permits Survey
*South – City Size Class B/C
SALES TAX REVENUE - STATE & LOCAL ($) State Sales Tax
1,148 11,320 $150,000
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMITS
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (CPI) - ALL ITEMS % Change Aug. ’14Sept. ‘15
Sept. 2014
% Change Sept. ’14Sept. ‘15 30.2 -9.1 3.3
Source: Knoxville Area Association of Realtors
Available Labor Knox Co. Knoxville MSA Tennessee
Aug. 2015 1,575 10,489 $158,000
% Change Aug. ’15Sept. ‘15 -5.1 -1.9 -1.9
Source: Tennessee Dept. of Revenue
RETAIL SALES - NATIONAL (IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS) Category Total Retail Sales Building Materials Clothing Stores Electronics & Appliances Food & Beverage Stores Food Svcs & Drinking Places Furniture & Home Furnishings Gasoline Stations General Merchandise Stores Health & Personal Care Stores Miscellaneous Stores Motor Vehicle & Parts Sales Non-store Retailers Sporting Goods/Books/ Hobby/Music
Sept. 2015
Aug. 2015
430,925 27,404 19,485 8,067 55,219 51,058 8,680 36,060 51,778 25,954 10,245 92,016 37,880
456,513 27,928 22,180 8,247 57,372 53,130 8,848 39,889 57,309 26,137 10,581 98,967 37,756
420,516 26,617 18,564 8,509 53,633 47,090 8,203 45,062 50,691 25,077 9,724 84,687 36,007
% Change Aug. ’15Sept. ‘15 -5.6 -1.9 -12.2 -2.2 -3.8 -3.9 -1.9 -9.6 -9.7 -0.7 -3.2 -7.0 0.3
7,079
8,169
6,652
-13.3
Sept. 2014
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 | 66
Manufacturers Gather and Learn from Each Other Area manufacturers gathered at the Jackson Terminal in downtown Knoxville on Sept. 29 for a day-long Workforce Employer Outreach Committee (WEOC) seminar. Hosted by the Chamber’s Manufacturers Roundtable and the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, more than 80 individuals representing 50 public and private firms attended the event. The Knoxville Chamber and Knoxville-Oak Ridge Innovation Valley sponsored the seminar. Attendees heard from panelists representing companies such as Bush Brothers, Keurig Green Mountain, and Monterey Mushrooms, discuss topics ranging from diversifying the workforce to best practices in employee recruiting and retention. “It is important to start the conversation amongst the manufacturing sector on what is working and what is not working in the field,” said Sharon Shanks, workforce development manager at the Knoxville Chamber. “We can then begin maximizing efforts where needed, and also minimize duplication of thought processes in order to leverage resources.” Special guests included Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero, Knoxville Chamber CEO Mike Edwards, and a keynote address from Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Burns Philips.
Much of the discussion was focused on preparing high school students for the workforce, which continues to be an ongoing conversation as the manufacturing sector grows across Innovation Valley. Industry leaders are calling for more industrial exposure for high school students who choose not to pursue four-year degrees after graduation. Panelists touched on high school-to-work programs and plans for the Labor Education Alignment Program (LEAP) grant that was recently awarded to three counties in East Tennessee. “My mission in the workforce arena is to promote career awareness and exploration to help fill the skills gap as students consider post-secondary options,” said Shanks. “It is important that we work with the school systems and make sure they are not only working on college readiness, but also having a strong focus on career readiness programs for students who may not pursue a four-year degree.” The manufacturing industry continues to rapidly expand across Innovation Valley, with almost 10 percent of the region’s workforce working in a manufacturing related field. This story was contributed by Kayla Witt, marketing coordinator.
NOVEMBER - MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
Since 1869, the Knoxville Chamber has been the leading voice for business in our region. Each of these businesses are celebrating milestone anniversaries as Chamber members during the month of November. Thank you for your commitment to the Chamber and the community! Home Builders Association of Greater Knoxville
1999
1986
Monterey Mushrooms
2000
Duncan for Congress
1987
Knoxville Habitat for Humanity
2000
Coldwell Banker Wallace & Wallace - North Office 1958
West Chevrolet, Inc.
1987
Heritage Lake at Westland
2000
Beverage Control, Inc.
1961
Fort Sanders Health & Fitness Center
1988
Stowers Machinery Corporation
1961
Wood Printing Company
1989
10 – 14 YEARS
Atchley, Cunningham & Shoemaker
1989
SERVPRO of North Knoxville
2001
Tennessee Brokerage Agency, Inc.
2001
Knox County Schools
2001
1991
M & M Development Company, Inc.
2001 2001
31+ YEARS
MEMBER SINCE
World Travel Service Wood Realtors
1954 1956
Gerdau 1963
25 – 30 YEARS FMB Advertising
Weigel’s Stores, Inc.
1964
Knoxville Area Transit
1967
20 – 24 YEARS
Addicks CPA Firm, LLP
1971
Kelso-Regen Associates, Inc.
MEMBER SINCE
MEMBER SINCE
MEMBER SINCE
Knoxville Academy of Medicine
1975
NHC HealthCare, Knoxville
1992
Technology for Energy Corporation
Stonemill Log & Timber Homes
1975
Randstad USA
1992
First Priority Title Company, Inc.
2002
Allied Toyotalift
1976
Construction Plus, Inc.
1995
Tennessee Orthopaedic Clinics
2002
Markman’s Diamonds and Fine Jewelry
1976
Harmony Family Center
2003
R. H. Sinclair Construction Company, Inc.
1976
15-19 YEARS
Walker Springs Apartments
2004
Southern Management and Development, LP
1976
The Grove at Deane Hill
1998
Club LeConte
1978
BACO Realty Corporation
1998
Hilton Knoxville
1981
Commercial Lighting Supply, Inc
1998
Ackermann PR
1982
Fountainhead College of Technology
1998
Burkhart & Company, PC
1982
Lawhorn CPA Group, Inc.
1998
MEMBER SINCE
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Chamber Hosts Premier Partner Appreciation Reception The Knoxville Chamber celebrated its most generous investors at its Premier Partner Appreciation Reception, sponsored by Ruth’s Chris Steak House, on Sept. 29. The Chamber has nearly 250 Premier Partners that are recognized as leaders in the community. The contributions of these partners are vital to funding the organization’s economic development activities, including recruiting new companies to the area, nurturing entrepreneurs, and assisting existing businesses as they grow and expand. The event, held at Ruth’s Chris, drew more than 70 guests representing these elite business partners. “The investment and commitment our Premier Partners make to the Chamber greatly outweighs any benefit we can offer them return,” said Mike Edwards, president and CEO of the Chamber. “They make it possible for us to have more resources to use when working towards creating a better economy for Knoxville.” Randy Merritt of J.S. Ridenour Construction Inc. took home the evening’s door prize – a $100 gift card to Ruth’s Chris.
Elite Group of Chamber Ambassadors Recognized The Knoxville Chamber is proud to recognize 20 of its Ambassadors for being Top Achievers during the 2014 – 2015 fiscal year. These Ambassadors have been especially valuable to the organization by volunteering countless hours to assist with Chamber events and mentoring new members. “As a Knoxville Chamber Ambassador, board member, and membership committee chair, I am constantly reminded of the value our Ambassador group brings to the Knoxville Chamber,” Jill Green said. “I am proud to be part of such an active, professional group as the Ambassadors who all dedicate so much of their time to helping the Knoxville Chamber provide the service its members expect and deserve.” The Knoxville Chamber Ambassador Program has 53 members who all play an integral role in the organization’s ability to provide excellent customer service. “Knoxville Chamber Ambassadors are truly an extension of our staff,” said Melissa Spangler, vice president for member services. “They are friendly, engaging, and professional, and work with us to provide an extra special connection with our members. Whether Ambassadors are helping with an event or calling on a member, they make the Knoxville Chamber member experience a great one!”
2014-15 TOP ACHIEVERS
James Mynatt, Tim Miller, Doug Minter, and Steve Linn pose in the midst of their conversation at the Premier Partner Appreciation Reception.
Marc Archer
Samantha Lane
Archer Design & Marketing
King University
Cleshon Bess
George Lucke
Cellular Sales of Knoxville, Inc.
Edwards Jones Investments
Lea Bradley
Paige McDaniel
Contract Business Interiors
Rodefer Moss & Company, PLLC
Laura Caves
Sherry McHaffie
WOW Business
Pinnacle Financial Partners
Brent Christian
Daniel Monday
Capital Financial Group, LLC
Slamdot, Inc.
Alice Eads
Ben Moser
SunTrust Bank
Moser Visuals
Christa Early
Hayden Oakley
StaffingSolutions/Employbridge Companies
Regions Bank
Jill Green BGT Recruiting & Consulting, Inc.
Alex Kleto Southeastern Technology Consultants Dawn White, Susan Lynch, Eric Barton, and Annie Pentecost pose with Chamber’s Mark Field at the event.
Lorena Hubbard Lawhorn CPA Group, Inc.
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Tom O’Brian Core Benefits & Investments
Laney Palmieri Visit Knoxville
Brandi Salyers Regions Bank
TSBDC’s Laura Overstreet Receives GrowthWheel Certification
Crowd Gathers at Lamar Advertising to Celebrate and Network
Laura Overstreet, business specialist for the Tennessee Small Business Development Center in Knoxville, has been licensed as a GrowthWheel Certified Business Advisor. This allows her to utilize GrowthWheel’s visual toolbox to assist small businesses in the area. The GrowthWheel toolbox is simple, visual, and practical. It helps small businesses make decisions and develop action plans in a convenient and interactive way. The toolbox was designed with the idea that all businesses are faced with four challenges: creating a business concept, building a strong organization, developing lasting client relations, and maintaining profitable operations. The four challenges are broken down into 20 focus areas such as revenue model, sales and service, and production and deliveries. Small businesses can undergo a GrowthWheel 360° screening to help identify which specific focus areas need to be addressed. Advisors like Overstreet use this information to create a visual profile of the business’ current situation and to identify future growth opportunities and obstacles. “The GrowthWheel framework provides a simple and efficient process to identify areas a business needs to focus on in order to drive the business forward,” said Overstreet. “Once identified, worksheets help the business owner develop a plan of action. The GrowthWheel tool is flexible for businesses of all sizes and stages because it addresses the four challenges all businesses face.” The GrowthWheel method does not replace the traditional business plan, it simply addresses business problems and helps businesses develop a plan of action. Overstreet acknowledges how the toolbox speeds up the process of small business assistance and how it will help Knoxville businesses. She said, “Applying the GrowthWheel process brings new tools to our small business clients here at the TSBDC to help them find challenges and opportunities, get new inspiration, make decisions, and take action.” Jessica Karsten, marketing and events assistant, contributed this story.
Lamar Advertising hosted a Business After Hours at its new location on Deerborn Lane on Oct. 8. More than 140 guests enjoyed networking in the brand new building, including Mayor Tim Burchett and County Commissioners Ed Brantley, Jeff Ownby, and Bob Thomas. Prior to the networking event, the Chamber helped officially christen the new building with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Two lucky attendees, John Randazzo of Fish Window Cleaning and Manuela Scott Ptacek of Arbonne, won tickets to upcoming UT football games provided by Lamar.
Lamar Advertising celebrated the grand opening of its new Knoxville facility in October. Brian Conley, vice president/general manager is pictured center with Knox County Mayor Burchett. He is joined by Lamar associates and Knoxville Chamber Ambassadors. SPONSORED BY:
Propel Mentor/Protégé Program Supports Small Businesses Small businesses have the unique opportunity to team up with an established community business leader with the Knoxville Chamber’s Propel Mentor/Protégé Program. Each year the program accepts approximately 15 individuals to serve on each side of the program, acting as either a mentor or protégé. The protégés are relatively new small business owners who have a passion to grow and the ability to articulate clear and measurable goals with the assistance a mentor. The program spans two-years during which the protégés attend a seven-week boot camp used to develop their business goals and are assigned a mentor to help them achieve those goals. They also participate in monthly peer-to-peer sessions where the class of protégés meets to share success stories and discuss best business practices. The protégés also receive technical assistance from the Tennessee Small Business Development Center and the SCORE Association. This ensures the business owner is able to maximize time with his or her mentor. “As a protégé in the mentor/protégé program, I have received a mountain of support from both my mentor, Misty Mayes, and the program’s initiatives,” said Laurel Patrick, CEO of First Place Finish, Inc. and second-year protégé. “There is a genuine element of sincerity to the advice and guidance given. I truly feel the program wants me to succeed
and I am thankful.” The program recently expanded to rural areas including Anderson, Blount, Jefferson, Claiborne, Scott, and Roane counties with help from a grant provided by the State of Tennessee’s “LIFTTN” microenterprise initiative. “We are grateful for the knowledge being given to us by our instructor, Doug Minter, and his guest speakers,” said Barrie Paulson, vice president manager of Darkhorse Entertainment, LLC and first-year protégé. “We are also grateful for the LIFTTN grant that has allowed those of us in rural counties to participate in this program for free. Since we are a big believer that ‘a rising tide raises all ships,’ we are grateful this program is lifting us up, so that we have a greater capacity to lift up others.” The program currently has 28 active teams, with nine second-year teams, 10 first-year teams, and nine rural firms. Recruitment for next year’s class will begin in April 2016. For more information about the program, please contact Doug Minter, business development manager for the Chamber, at dminter@ knoxvillechamber.com. Jessica Karsten, marketing and events assistant, contributed this story.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
NOVEMBER 10
Bright Ideas Seminar: The Process of Leadership Presented by Angela Cassel, TLC Moments, LLC 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Knoxville Chamber, 17 Market Square, #201 $25 for Chamber members/$35 for non-members
Sponsored by:
NOVEMBER 16 Dale Carnegie Leadership Essentials Series: “Leveraging Generational Differences” 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. Knoxville Chamber, 17 Market Square #201 $25 for Chamber members/$35 for non-members
Sponsored 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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