September 2017 Commerce by Knoxville Chamber

INSIDE: Endeavor Summit Schedule pg. 80 + Monthly Economic Indicators pg. 82

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS NEW MEMBERS & NEW PREMIER PARTNERS THE KNOXVILLE CHAMBER’S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Draft Agency (865) 300-6643 www.draftagency.com Broadcast Media: Video Production Red Door Homes of East Tennessee (865) 531-1880 www.reddoorhomestn.com Construction & Contractors: Residential Sapremacy Consulting (865) 246-4974 www.sapremacy.com Computer & IT Services: Consultants

9Round - Farragut (865) 392-6463 www.9round.com/fitness/farraguttn-x1529 Personal Services: Fitness & Well-being Aggers, Robin - Coldwell Banker Realtors (865) 322-7653 www.servicewithasmile.me Real Estate: Residential Air Specialties, LLC (865) 206-9777 www.knoxvilleairspecialties.com Residential Services

Dove Construction (865) 208-8635 Construction & Contractors: Residential Downtown Realty Inc. - Kimberly Dixon Hamilton (865) 588-5535 www.KnoxvilleDowntownRealty.com Real Estate: Residential Dynamic Security, Inc. (865) 281-8579 www.dynamicsecurity.org Business & Professional Services Gallian Medical Group (865) 383-7223 www.gallianmedical.com Healthcare Providers & Services: Family Practice Gatlinburg Event Center (865) 505-0189 www.gatlinburgeventcenter.com Event Planning, Catering, & Venues: Rentals Home Choice Windows and Doors (865) 357-7007 www.thehomechoice.net Construction & Contractors John Deberry and Associates, LLC (615) 741-2239 Business & Professional Services: Marketing

Aqua Clear Water Systems (865) 986-4234 www.aquaclearws.com Construction & Contractors: Specialty Services

Lillian Ruth Bride (865) 588-8432 www.wedding-wonderland.com Wedding Services

Chick-fil-A West Hills (865) 588-0100 www.cfarestaurant.com/westhills Restaurants

Makline (865) 769-0157 www.makline.biz Restaurant Supplies & Services

Realty Executives - Cynthia Cormany and Verda Hill (865) 384-5100 www.realtyexecutives.com Real Estate RemeVerse - Marcy Cox (865) 216-2489 www.remeverse.com/marcycox Personal Services: Beauty Supplies

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

Core Insurance Advisors (877) 404-8060 www.coreinsuranceadvisors.com Insurance: Health

Premier Locations, Authorized Agent of U.S. CellularMillertown (865) 999-3904 www.uscpremier.com Telecommunications: Telephone

State Farm - Josh Hemphill (865) 675-3999 www.sfagentjosh.com/ quote/?cmpid=kc001 Insurance StayMobile-Knoxville (405) 551-8457 Electrical Supplies & Services Summit Towers Apartments (865) 525-5069 www.mhmltd.com Apartments Tech Nav (865) 210-9555 www.technav.org Computer & IT Services: Consultants

BEN MOSER MOSER VISUALS

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

2ND PLACE

Knoxville Graphic House (865) 971-1007 www.knoxvillegraphichouse.com Shopping: Specialty

CMIT Solutions of Knoxville (865) 444-0910 www.cmitsolutions.com/knoxville Computer & IT Services

LORENA HUBBARD LAWHORN ENTERPRISE GROUP

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

TOM O’BRIAN CORE BENEFITS & INVESTMENTS

TENNESSEE SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER (865) 246-2663 LEADERSHIP KNOXVILLE (865) 523-9137 U.S. DEPT. OF COMMERCE EXPORT ASSISTANCE CENTER (865) 545-4637

The Cabin Rental Store (877) 301-0776 www.thecabinrentalstore.com Hotels & Lodging: Rentals

COVER PHOTO: Officials opened the doors to Lifetime Products’ East Coast manufacturing and distribution facility on Aug. 10, 2017. Credit: Photo courtesy of Gov. Bill Haslam’s office

A N AT O M Y O F A D E A L :

LIFETIME PRODUCTS, INC. From left, The 720,000 square-foot facility is the largest industrial building in Knox County and is expected to help the company meet increasing customer demand in a more efficient, costeffective way. Project leaders from Lifetime Products met with local and state leaders and regional economic partners multiple times throughout their search, including several visits to Knoxville. Lifetime Products, the world’s leading manufacturer of blowmolded plastic products, plans to manufacture their water sports line, including kayaks and paddleboards, as well as outdoor playsets at the new Knox County facility. Credit: Photo courtesy of Lifetime Products Lifetime Products President and CEO Richard Hendrickson breaks ground on the company’s East Tennessee manufacturing and distribution center in May 2016.

pproximately 200 guests sat amidst colorful kayaks and children’s playsets to celebrate the Aug. 10 opening of Knox County’s largest industrial facility. The newly-expanded, 720,000 square-foot facility now serves as headquarters for the East Coast operations of Lifetime Products, the world’s leading manufacturer of blow-molded plastic products. The Utah-based company plans to produce

its watersports line, including kayaks and paddleboards, along with outdoor children’s playsets at the Eastbridge Business Park facility. The new manufacturing and distribution center helps meet increased customer demand globally and is expected to have an estimated total economic impact of $184 million and create 1,261 direct and indirect new jobs for the region. “We spent over a year researching different locations on the East Coast. After meeting with

the local, state, and economic groups, Tennessee was obviously the best option,” said Richard Hendrickson, president and CEO of Lifetime Products, Inc. “We are excited to facilitate the creation of U.S. manufacturing jobs and opportunities for the people of the Knoxville area and the state of Tennessee.”

2014: THE SEARCH Lifetime Products officially began its search for an East Coast facility in Nov. 2014 with, according to

“Lifetime” continued on pg. 78

“Lifetime” continued from pg. 77 Hendrickson, three primary requirements: ability to get product to the East Coast in an efficient, cost-effective manner; cost-effective, dependable utilities; and dependable, hard-working people. The state of Tennessee received the company’s request for information, in part, thanks to the recommendation of another global manufacturer who recently expanded their operations to Knox County – Fresenius Medical Care North America. “Many regions tout the assets they have in place to support manufacturing companies,” said Doug Lawyer, vice president of economic development for the Knoxville Chamber. “But only one region is the geographic hub for three major interstates, sits at the junction of major east-west and north-south railway hubs, offers low-cost river transports, and provides access to a national lab and respected research university. “These assets along with the collaboration between our state and regional economic development partners, elected officials, and utility companies are crucial to assuring prospective companies that the support from our community won’t disappear after their doors are open.” State and local officials collaborated on their response to the information request from Lifetime Products, code named “Project Holston.” The company’s search committee received responses from 15 different sites across three states, and following initial visits, narrowed their options to the former General Electric building in Knox County’s Eastbridge Business Park and an empty, industrial warehouse in Tupelo, Miss. While Knoxville, Tenn. officials were optimistic about meriting a place on the company’s short list, they still faced significant challenges. The Mississippi property already met the project’s building and rail spur specifications, while the former GE plant required a substantial capital investment to retrofit and expand. Additionally, the site needed direct rail access, meaning Norfolk Southern Railway had to agree to construct and connect a rail spur servicing the building. “We [Knoxville] had a World’s Fair here in 1982, and there was a train track going through it,” said Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett. “People said, ‘we’ll get them [Norfolk Southern Railway] to move that,’ but they didn’t. They helped us here, though, and moved some train track for this facility, and we’re tickled to death about that. “They’re [Lifetime Products] about what we’re about here in East Tennessee. They’re about family. They’re about faith. They’re about working together, and I’m just delighted to be a small part of it.”

2015: THE SELECTION Burchett and other officials, including Gov. Bill Haslam, played an integral part in recruiting Lifetime Products to the region. As the company continued to weigh their decision, local officials along with representatives from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB), The Development Corporation of Knox County (TDC), Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD), Innovation Valley Partnership, and the Knoxville Chamber marketed the region through steady communication and joint meetings with the project leads. These meetings included a trip to Lifetime Products’ Clearfield, Utah facility, as well as an additional visit to Knoxville by company executives in Sept. 2015. “Persuading Lifetime that Innovation Valley, specifically Knox County, was the best place for them to locate, even though a move-in ready option existed elsewhere, would not have been possible without the participation of our state and

regional partners,” said Lindsay Hammill, director of economic development for the Knoxville Chamber. “We all know that Knoxville is a great place to live, work, and play; and the main thing that makes it great are the people. The consistent, collaborative effort from the people involved in this project - from Gov. Haslam and Mayor Burchett to TVA and KUB to Norfolk Southern - demonstrated to Lifetime Products what we already know – there is no better place to locate than Innovation Valley and East Tennessee.” On Nov. 20, 2015, after a year of searching, Lifetime Products announced its intention to locate their manufacturing and distribution facility in Knox County. “This new East Coast factory is a landmark accomplishment for us as a company,” said Hendrickson. “This expansion is essential to our company’s continued efficient growth and will strengthen our ability to create opportunities for people all around the world, and specifically here in Tennessee.”

2016 & 2017: THE SITE On May 25, 2016, Hendrickson returned to Knoxville; donned a hard hat, appropriately embellished with a Power T; climbed behind the controls of an excavator; and broke ground on the company’s $115 million facility. Just over a year later, Hendrickson was back to cut the ribbon and officially begin production of Lifetime products in East Tennessee. “We love the fact that you’re going to make things here,” said Gov. Haslam. “You [Lifetime Products] talk about how important it is that things are made in America. There’s this idea that we don’t make things here anymore, and it’s just dead wrong.“ “I always love talking about economic development,” said Mayor Burchett. “People always ask what we’re doing in Knox County, and without a doubt there’s one of those white, long tables where the refreshments are, and I’ll say,’ – look at that little, rectangular label that says Lifetime. That’s going to be made right here in our hometown.’”

THE FUTURE: WHY IT MATTERS As production at Lifetime Products’ Knox County facility ramps up, it is also expected to bring $58.5 million in new wages per year with an average wage of $37,000 annually. “When we announce a new company is relocating to Knoxville or an existing industry has decided to expand their business, anyone without a direct connection to the parties involved may not always understand why it matters to them,” said Lawyer. “But the fact is, if new business or business growth creates new jobs for our region, everyone wins. “These new employees have wages to spend, and they’ll spend them at restaurants, barber shops, and other businesses in our community. Growth for one member of our regional business community generally signifies growth for the rest of business community as well.” Additionally, the relocation of a company to a region often generates buzz among others who are also searching for a new place to call home. “We [TVA] are pleased you [Lifetime Products] have chosen this particular location because it is already drawing additional interest in Eastbridge Industrial Park,” said Bill Johnson, president and CEO of TVA, at the ribbon cutting ceremony. “The second best thing to having Lifetime here is to have a neighbor

“Lifetime” continued from pg. 78 behind them, and one beside them, to create even more jobs and investment.” As state and regional agencies continue to partner on recruiting companies to Tennessee and Innovation Valley, Lawyer said the most important thing the public can do is pass any leads on to their local economic development professional. “Direct leads can be really powerful,” he said. “The public is our eyes and ears on the street. If someone hears of a company with the potential for job growth,

Lifetime Products issues RFI for planned East Coast facility

NOVEMBER

2014

MARCH

2015 Lifetime Products executives make initial visit to Knoxville

call us. We have resources that can help, no matter the size of the expansion. “Companies naturally flow through the business life cycle, so learning about expansions and involving our team in that process is key to keeping our pipeline full and our recruiting efforts relevant. If you don’t maintain a full pipeline of possibilities to fill your business parks and grow your local economy, your community doesn’t have a future.”

Regional partners visit Lifetime Products flagship facility in Clearfield, Utah

SEPTEMBER

AUGUST

Lifetime Product executives make final visit to Knoxville

2015

State of Tennessee and Lifetime Products announce the company is relocating to Knox County

NOVEMBER

2015

MAY

2016 Lifetime Products breaks ground on new facility in Eastbridge Business Park

Officials cut the ribbon to open the East Coast manufacturing and distribution headquarters for Lifetime Products

AUGUST

2017

From left, Bill Johnson, president and CEO of TVA; Gov. Bill Haslam, State of Tennessee; Kathy Mower, Lifetime Products; Barry Mower, Lifetime Products; Richard Hendrickson, Lifetime Products; Mayor Tim Burchett, Knox County; Scott Gutche, Walmart Inc.; Scott Dixon, Stacey Enterprises; and Vince Rhoten, Lifetime Products. Credit: Photo courtesy of Gov. Bill Haslam’s office.

September 15 | The Mill & Mine, 227 West Depot Avenue, Knoxville, TN SUMMIT: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Networking + Happy Hour 5 to 6:30 p.m.

SPONSORED BY:

2017 ENDEAVOR SUMMIT AGENDA 7:30 a.m.

Registration + Networking + Breakfast The Mill & Mine

9-10 a.m. Opening Session The Mill & Mine Amped 4 Life: How To Stay Plugged In And Turned Up. Hallerin Hilton Hill, Newstalk 98.7 WOKI Sponsored By: University of Tennessee 10:20-11:10 a.m. Breakout Sessions 1 - Launch Something NEW Southern Station, Southern Depot, & The Mill & Mine Sponsored By: Lincoln Memorial University

Kala Me Krazy, But These Beans Are Delicious! Amy Grover, Bush Brothers & Co.

How Emotion Impacts Our Ability To Make A Decision Julie Ferrara, University of Tennessee

Managing A Side Hustle, Too Jonathan Sexton, Knoxville Entrepreneur Center Samantha Lane, Computer Systems Plus & Origami Day

Beer Makes Me Happy Alex Violette, Elkmont Exchange, Matt McMillan, Hexagon Brewing Company; Blaine Wedekind, Balter Beerworks

11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m. Breakout Sessions 2 - GROW What You Got! Southern Station, Southern Depot, The Mill & Mine Sponsored By: Tennessee Valley Authority

Click. Quick! Creating Emotional Connections. Fast. Caleb Boaz, U30 Group

What Growth Looks Like James Horey, Reviewbox; Michael Goldsborough, Resque App; Erin Slocum, Knoxville Weekend; Jessica Bookstaff Doppelt, PigeonForge.com & Durango.com

The Power of Being A Needle In A Haystack. Finding Your Personal Brand Maria Antoinette, Blogger & Entrepreneur

Lessons For Business From A Life In Music and Television Dylan Jones, Scripps Networks Interactive

12:20-2 p.m.

Food Truck+Food Court Lunch Southern Station, Sevier Yard Plaza

2-2:50 p.m.

Breakout Sessions 3 - Why Knoxville is No. 1 Southern Station, Southern Depot & Mill & Mine Sponsored By: Pilot Flying J

Know Knoxville Back Then Bob Booker, Knoxville Historian Jack Neely, Knoxville History Project

Leading Knoxville Into The Future Tammy White, Leadership Knoxville Jesse Mayshark, City of Knoxville

South Knox Spotlight Dawn Michelle Foster, City of Knoxville Robbie Pope, Regal Entertainment Group

Underground Comedy Scene Einstein Simplified Improv Troupe

3:10-5 p.m. Afternoon Keynote & Closing Session The Mill & Mine A City of Movers And Shakers - A Kickoff To Innov865 Week Afternoon Keynote: Start At Z Chris Bashinelli, host of Bridge the Gap featured on PBS and the National Geographic Channel Sponsored By: The University of Tennessee 5:00-6:30 p.m.

Networking + Happy Hour The Mill & Mine Courtyard Featured Music: True Blue

Corker Warns About Federal Spending at Chamber Luncheon BY:AMY NOLAN

Tennessee Sen. Bob Corker, a national leader in foreign policy and an evangelist for fiscal restraint, told the Knoxville business community at an August luncheon that the nation’s debt is one of the biggest threats to the United States. Listing trouble spots around the world, including Korea, Syria and Afghanistan, Corker said, “The greatest threat to our nation right now is ourselves. It’s the fact that we take in much less money than we spend.” Sen. Corker chairs the Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee and serves on the Budget and Banking Committees. The fastest-growing item in the federal budget right now, he said, is interest on the debt, and with interest rates rising that will continue to worsen unless action is taken. “As a nation, we have to resolve to deal with this issue appropriately,” the senator said. The Knoxville Chamber hosted Sen. Corker and more than 300 business leaders at a luncheon sponsored by Atlantic Capital Bank on Aug. 16 at the Holiday Inn at World’s Fair Park. Occurring days after white supremacists marched in Charlottesville, Va., where one person was killed, Corker called what occurred in the city “repugnant” and condemned racist rhetoric and actions. Mike Edwards, Chamber president, presented Sen. Corker the U.S. Chamber’s Spirit of Enterprise Award for his 100 percent voting record in support of issues that are most important to the success of free enterprise. Those included votes on legislation that would increase access to capital for small business; protect and defend intellectual property rights; and pave the way for manufacturers to compete in a global economy. “You have served this state extremely well throughout your tenure,” Edwards said. “We are very lucky as a business community to have you.” Prior to the luncheon, Sen. Corker visited Lifetime Products, which recently celebrated the opening of the largest manufacturing facility in Knox County where the company is expected to employ 500 people over the next five years.

More than 300 businesspeople gathered at Holiday Inn World’s Fair Park to hear Sen. Bob Corker’s perspective on the current political climate in Washington, D.C.

Pictured at the luncheon, sponsored by Atlantic Capital Bank, are from left, Mike Edwards, Knoxville Chamber; Mike Kramer, Atlantic Capital Bank; Sen. Bob Corker; Robert Baird, Atlantic Capital Bank; Mayor Tim Burchett, Knox County; Terry Turner, All Occasions Party Rentals.

RIBBON CUTTING Main Event Entertainment celebrated its Knoxville grand opening on July 25. With state-of-the-art bowling, multi-level laser tag, over 100 video and arcade games topped with handcrafted food and a full bar under one roof, Main Event is the destination for FUN. The new location is located at 9081 Kingston Pike.

MONTHLY ECONOMIC INDICATORS

(July 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 June ’16June ‘17

June 2017

May 2017

June 2016

% Change May ’17June ‘17

235,310 415,320 3,195,900 161,337,000

233,150 411,100 3,152,400 159,979,000

238,790 422,280 3,175,300 160,135,000

0.9 1.0 1.4 0.8

-1.5 -1.6 0.6 0.8

390,300 3,002,600

395,800 3,024,200

390,700 2,942,100

-1.4 -0.7

-0.1 2.1

8,810 16,920 133,800

5,750 11,130 91,300

10,390 20,030 159,300

53.2 52.0 46.5

-15.2 -15.5 -16.0

3.7 4.1 4.2 4.5

2.5 2.7 2.9 4.1

4.3 4.7 5.0 5.1

0.8 1.4 1.3 0.4

-0.6 -0.6 -0.8 -0.6

Non-Ag Employment Knoxville MSA Tennessee

Residential Closings Residential Inventory Median Residential Price

July 2017 1,731 7,269 $179,900

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 July ’15July ‘17 1.2 0.9

July ’16-‘17

June ’16-‘17

July ’15-‘16

1.6 1.7

1.5 1.6

0.4 0.8

0.1 0.1

% Change June ’16June ‘17

Knoxville (City)

Total Single-Family Multi-Family

June 2017* 27 27 0

June 2016 25 25 0

% Change June ’16June ‘17 8.0 8.0 0.0

Knox Co.

Total Single-Family Multi-Family

182 182 0

136 136 0

33.8 33.8 0.0

Knoxville MSA

Total Single-Family Multi-Family

317 300 17

247 229 18

28.3 31.0 -5.6

Tennessee

Total Single-Family Multi-Family

3,597 2,289 1,308

2,605 1,867 738

38.1 22.6 77.2

Knox Co. Knoxville MSA Tennessee

June 2017

May 2017

June 2016

% Change May ’17June ‘17

54,850,028 84,780,418 732,406,497

55,311,251 85,104,870 729,984,618

53,148,226 81,429,576 686,261,685

-0.8 -0.4 0.3

3.2 4.1 6.7

14,977,143 23,768,662

15,193,982 23,954,498

14,327,239 22,782,577

-1.4 -0.8

4.5 4.3

AIR SERVICE (MCGHEE-TYSON AIRPORT)

Passengers Freight

May 2017 178,810 6,808,159

Apr. 2016 146,020 6,842,231

May 2015 163,598 6,770,146

% Change Apr. ’17May ‘17 22.5 -0.5

% Change May ’16May ‘17 9.3 0.6

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

1,666 8,632 $169,000

RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMITS

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (CPI) - ALL ITEMS % Change June ’16July ‘17

July 2016

% Change July ’16July ‘17 3.9 -15.8 6.4

Source: Knoxville Area Association of Realtors

Unemployment Estimates Knox Co. Knoxville MSA Tennessee

June 2017 1,981 7,212 $179,900

% Change June ’17July ‘17 -12.6 0.8 0.0

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

July 2017

June 2017

479,912 32,752 20,508 7,546 60,709 57,592 9,520 38,680 56,013 26,978 10,754 104,155 48,021

483,749 36,240 20,441 7,672 59,579 57,420 9,549 38,641 56,320 27,755 11,120 102,951 49,264

463,245 30,194 20,487 7,655 59,897 56,392 9,124 38,162 55,263 26,564 10,551 98,760 43,107

% Change June ’17July ‘17 -0.8 -9.6 0.3 -1.6 1.9 0.3 -0.3 0.1 -0.5 -2.8 -3.3 1.2 -2.5

6,684

6,797

7,089

-1.7

July 2016

% Change July ’16July ‘17 3.6 8.5 0.1 -1.4 1.4 2.1 4.3 1.4 1.4 1.6 1.9 5.5 11.4 -5.7

EST. 1869 For more information on research, contact Joe Riley, jriley@knoxvillechamber.com.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau – Advance Monthly Retail Trade Report

Chamber Board Members Engage As Committee Chairs BY: KAYLA SMITH

On July 1, 2017, three Chamber board members began new positions as leaders of its member committees.

The Knoxville Chamber Ambassadors are an extension of the Chamber staff, primarily supporting the membership and events teams with their volunteer efforts. They attend ribbon cuttings, assist at events, and advocate for Chamber resources. The program has entered the 2017-2018 year under the leadership of co-chairs Christa Early, EmployBridge and Lorena Hubbard, Lawhorn CPA Group.

Terry Turner, All Occasions Party Rentals Chairman, Board of Directors

Turner has been engaged in the Knoxville Chamber since his company joined in 2003. On July 1, 2017, he officially began his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors where he hopes to engage and utilize the talents of board members to enhance the Chamber’s impact on the business community. “I want to continue the forward thinking of the Chamber and put the board to work to engage current members as well as attract new members,” said Turner.

Harry Gross, SunTrust Bank

Chairman, Economic and Community Development Committee Gross was initially attracted to the economic and community development committee as a way to contribute to the continued economic vitality of the Knoxville region. SunTrust Bank has been a valued Chamber member since 1926 and Gross currently serves as its Knoxville City President. “I view my role as the committee chair as one of facilitator and promoter,” said Gross. “The Chamber’s economic development team does a great job of promoting the local business community, and connecting with existing and prospective businesses regarding their growth needs and challenges. In my role, I plan to be a promoter of the local community and help to communicate our region’s many strengths and advantages to those both within and outside the market.”

Ed Medford, Knoxville Utilities Board

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) has been a Chamber member for 78 years, but Medford became an engaged member in 2006. Medford sees great value in being involved with Chamber members, where he can personally interact to understand their business better and how KUB can best serve them. As the new chair of the transportation and infrastructure committee, Medford is most excited to coordinate each member’s individual organizational efforts toward major job centers and ensure they work together.

Lorena Hubbard

Lawhorn CPA Group

Christa Early

EmployBridge

NEW AMBASSADORS • Cody Biggs, Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Knoxville • Erica Coffey, Zoo Knoxville • Betsy Cunningham, ORNL Federal Credit Union • Kevin Fillers, Innovative Design Inc. • Jill Green, Maple Hall • Jonathan Halley, BigSlate Media • Colby McLemore, Colby’s Photography • Reggie Nichols, First Tee of Greater Knoxville • Landon Pyle, R&S Logistics

SEPTEMBER - 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 September. Thank you for your commitment to the Chamber and the community! 31+ YEARS

MEMBER SINCE

AESSEAL, Inc.

1995

Bradford Catered Events

2002

YP, formerly AT&T Advertising Solutions

1965

Knoxville Area Urban League

1995

McClure Realty Company

1966

Sandler Training Herzog & Associates

1996

10 – 14 YEARS

Frantz, McConnell & Seymour, LLP

1968

Athens Paper Company, Inc.

1996

Rodefer Moss & Company, PLLC

2003

Bernstein, Stair & McAdams LLP

1973

Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Knoxville 1997

The Relocation Division for Realty Executives

2004

Blaine Construction Corporation

1973

Mike Lewis - State Farm Insurance

1997

Dempster Poured Foundations

2004

Junior Achievement of East Tennessee

1984

Swofford Financial - Lifetime Wealth Solutions

1997

3 Minute Magic Carwash of Knoxville, LLC

2005

Sertoma Center, Inc.

1984

Butler, Vines and Babb, P.L.L.C.

2005

25 – 30 YEARS

MEMBER SINCE

15-19 YEARS

MEMBER SINCE

AC Entertainment

1998

Gresham Smith & Partners

2005

Zaxby’s 2005

V. Alexander & Co., Inc.

1989

Commercial & Investment Properties

2000

Jason’s Deli

2007

Pellissippi Office Center, LLC

1991

Factory Carpet Warehouse

2000

Translucent Design, LLC

2007

Crown College

1991

Impact Associates, Inc.

2000

RHA Health Services

2007

Tennessee Tubebending, Inc.

1992

Bonitz Flooring Group, Inc.

2000

SHADES of Development, Inc.

2007

Turkey Creek Land Partners

2001

Eagle Distributing Company, Inc.

2007

Studio Four Design, Inc.

2002

20 – 24 YEARS

MEMBER SINCE

Enterprise Rent-A-Car - Dutchtown

1993

Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

2002

Ashe’s Wines & Spirits

1994

The Abacus Group, LLC

2002

RIBBON CUTTING 19 Square Bar and Asian Kitchen celebrated the grand opening of its new Knoxville location on July 21. The new location is located at 19 Market Square.

Chamber Welcomes New Staff

PREMIER PARTNER PROFILE

BY: KAYLA SMITH

The Knoxville Chamber recently welcomed two new faces to its team.

Alex Kleto, Manager of Existing Industries A Knoxville native, Alex joined the Chamber’s economic development team as manager of existing industries in August 2017. In this role, Alex will be responsible for meeting with the region’s existing industries and connecting them with resources and area partners to foster the retention and expansion of key industries in the region. Kleto holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from the University of Tennessee and was previously the market director of an IT recruiting firm.

Natasha Lusk, Membership Development Coordinator If you are a new member to the Chamber, there is a good chance you have already spoken with the membership team’s newest addition, Natasha Lusk. Natasha serves as the Chamber’s membership development coordinator where she assists the Chamber’s account executives and Vice President of Development with new member and Premier Partner appointments. Lusk holds a bachelor’s degree from NYIT Ellis College and has two children, ages 14 and 2.

VIRGINIA COLLEGE Fast, flexible, and affordable, Virginia College offers hands-on-training in high-demand, highgrowth careers. Limited class sizes and instructors with real-world experience prepare students to confidently enter the workplace, and flexible scheduling makes career change possible even with today’s hectic lifestyle. Students may choose from day, night, or online classes, and some programs can be completed in as little as nine months. Along with degrees in business administration, computer networking, and the medical field, Virginia College now offers an Electrical Technician diploma program. The new Electrical Technician diploma program can be completed in as little as 36 weeks. The program equips students to work with electrical systems, including power, communications, lighting and control systems in environments such as hospitals, retail businesses, commercial buildings and more. Labs simulate safe, real-world work environments that provide practical training and information about state and local building codes and regulations, creating a unique and invaluable program for interested students. “The goal of this new Electrical Technician diploma is to ensure that our students are ready to enter the field, whether it’s at a school, factory or as a selfemployed Electrical Technician for residential homes,” says Campus President Sergio Takahashi. “Our instructors bring a variety of work experience to the classroom, and their backgrounds will help our students gain industry information and tips that take other electricians years to learn on their own.” Graduates of the program are able to operate power tools, use measuring and diagnostic devices, read voltage meters, read blueprints, solder wires, work on elevators, install electrical systems, repair faulty wires, troubleshoot to determine problems and assist electricians with residential and commercial electrical services as well as with installation, servicing and troubleshooting of electrical equipment and supply. If you are committed to being successful in an exciting new career, then Virginia College is now enrolling for the next class start. To learn more about Virginia College in Knoxville, and the programs they offer, visit www.vc.edu/knoxville or call the campus at 865-745-4500.

Chamber Hosts Appreciation Event for Members

UPCOMING EVENTS

FRIDAY, SEPT. 8 Premier Partner Event featuring Thomas Zacharia, Director of ORNL

8 – 9 A.M.• Knoxville Chamber, 17 Market Square

BY: JESSICA KARSTEN

On Aug. 17, the Knoxville Chamber hosted a fun, members-only event to express its appreciation for their continued partnerships and community investment. The event, hosted by Main Event Knoxville, allowed Chamber members to enjoy Knoxville’s newest entertainment venue, which features bowling, laser tag, food, a full bar, and more than 100 arcade games. Ron Dresen, owner of Culver’s on Kingston Pike, took home the evening’s door prize: a $100 Main Event FUNcard that can be used for any of the location’s arcade games.