Whether for stopping cars or bullets, titanium is the material of choice, but it has always been too expensive for all but the most specialized applications. That could change, however, with a non-melt consolidation process being developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory and industry partners. The new processing technique could reduce the amount of energy required and the cost to make titanium parts from powders by up to 50 percent, making it feasible to use titanium alloys for brake rotors, artificial joint replacements and, of significant interest now, armor for military vehicles.

The spring Workforce and Education Summit dealt with education in broad terms and participants discussed what was necessary for students to successfully complete their education and be functioning members of the workforce.

On June 10, the Chamber will hold a follow-up meeting at Cokesbury United Methodist Center so that the community can share ideas and action items that will positively benefit the local education system and workforce development initiatives.

The Knoxville Chamber has sent letters to a number of Knoxville-area legislators urging them to vote against Rep. Niceley's amendment, which would have the superintendent voted by the public, rather than appointed by the school board.

Note: This is from a release by Food City.

Today, company officials announced that Food City customers will soon see the return of Kern's Bread, a regional favorite, to the shelves of their retail supermarkets.

"We pride ourselves on top quality products, competitive pricing and exceptional customer service," says Steven C. Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer. "Like our company, Kern's was also a local family-owned operation and we're thrilled to bring back such a popular line of top quality products".

Nearly 400 Knoxville-area high school students were awarded this year's Tennessee Scholar designation for successfully completing rigorous high school requirements.

The benchmarks for attaining this award include completing specific advanced high school course work, maintaining a 2.5 GPA, pass Gateway Exams, completing 20 hours of community service, not having out-of-school suspension, and have 95 percent school attendance.

The Knoxville business community celebrated continued success and growth in the region at the sold-out 2008 Pinnacle Business Awards held April 25th at the Knoxville Convention Center. The fourth annual awards gala, hosted by the Knoxville Chamber and presented by Regions Bank, honored nine Knoxville businesses and individuals for excellence in their fields and in service to the community.

The Knoxville -- Center of Innovation coffee table book is now available from the Chamber. The 264-page color pictorial book captures the essence of the region and portrays what it is like to work, live and play in the Innovation Valley.

Photographers from across America were commissioned to shoot thousands of images for this book. The best of these photographs are included in the coffee table book.

ORDER HERE

Gregg Morton, President of AT&T Tennessee told a group of Chamber Premier Partner members about the changing landscape of the communications industry Thursday at the Knoxville Chamber office.

Today, the Knoxville Chamber released the report detailing the ideas and strategies gathered during the Workforce Development and Education Summit, which was held on March 24th. The Summit was an opportunity for businesspeople, community leaders, elected officials, educators, students, parents, and the faith-based community to come together and discuss the important role that education and workforce development have on the future of our economy and society.

Here are the reports from the Workforce Summit:
Final Summit Report
Appendix 1: Summit Notes
Appendix 2: What to Do For Schools List

Today the Knoxville Chamber named finalists for the 2008 Pinnacle Business Awards presented by Regions Bank. The Awards gala is the business community’s marquee event and includes a celebration of business accomplishments and the honoring of the 2008 winners. The Pinnacle Business Awards event will be April 25th at the Knoxville Convention Center and will begin with a reception and silent auction at 6:30 p.m. The dinner and awards presentation will begin at 8:00 p.m.