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Oak Ridge National Laboratories Deputy Director of Science and Technology Dr. Thomas Zacharia was the featured speaker at an exclusive Premier Partners event sponsored by Blaine Construction Corporation and Partners Development. Dr. Zacharia spoke about an increased partnership between ORNL and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville that is establishing a new Distinguished Fellowship designed to attract top graduate students in science and engineering. The program is jointly funded by ORNL and UT and will provide students with a remarkable opportunity to help with cutting-edge research at both institutions. “Even though there has been an ORNL and UT collaboration for many decades, I don’t believe we’ve fully mined the potential,” said Dr. Zacharia. “Over the next 10 to 20 years we can transform ORNL and the University of Tennessee. In doing so we can transform the economy of this region and we should have national and global impacts.” Tennessee Rep. Ryan Haynes spoke to Chamber members about the state’s current education system, proposed TennCare cuts, and legislation that would allow wine sales in grocery stores during February’s legislative briefing sponsored by AT&T and First Tennessee. The legislative briefing series is designed to help Chamber members stay updated on the ongoing Tennessee legislative session. Mike Edwards, Knoxville Chamber president & CEO, has been appointed to serve on the Teacher Evaluation Advisory Committee established by the recently enacted Tennessee First to the Top Act of 2010. Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen made the appointment. "I am grateful to the individuals willing to serve in this capacity to help move Tennessee public education forward in bold, new ways," said Bredesen. "I am confident that with the level of experience each of these Tennesseans brings to the table, we can accomplish this goal for teachers and their students across the state." The 15-member committee will develop and recommend to the State Board of Education guidelines and criteria for the annual evaluation of teachers and principals, including a local-level evaluation grievance procedure. The committee consists of the Commissioner of Education as chair, the Executive Director of the State Board of Education, the Chairperson of the Education Committees of each house, a K-12 public school teacher appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, a K-12 public school teacher appointed by the Speaker of the Senate, and nine members appointed by the Governor. Appointments made by the Governor include three public school teachers, two public school principals, one director of a school district and three members representing other stakeholder interests. Edwards' appointment to the committee further serves to recognize him as a leader on educational issues. In particular, he has made significant contributions to the development of meaningful partnerships between business and education. In Knox County his vision led to the creation of the Education Management Information System, which includes a data warehouse to tie all sources of student and system data together. EMIS is enabling Knox County administrators and teachers to make data-supported and well-informed decisions about the future direction of the school system and each individual student.  Blue Ribbon Winners Eligible for U.S. Chamber Small Business of the Year Three Knoxville Chamber members have been selected as 2010 Blue Ribbon Small Business Award winners by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The honorees are Construction Plus, Knowledge Launch, and Prestige Cleaners. "We're thrilled to have these members recognized nationally," says Mike Edwards, president & CEO of the Knoxville Chamber. "These three companies are representative of all the terrific small businesses that exist in the Knoxville Innovation Valley region." The Knoxville Chamber nominated 14 local businesses for the U.S. Chamber Small Business Awards program - 11 companies applied. All nominees were past winners of a Knoxville Chamber Pinnacle Business Award and met the U.S. Chamber's criteria. The 75 national Blue Ribbon Small Business Award winners are now eligible to be named as finalists for the Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award. Seven Blue Ribbon businesses will be named finalists - one from each region - on March 15. The grand prizewinner will be announced by the U.S. Chamber at the America's Small Business Summit on May 18, and will receive a $10,000 cash prize. To participate in the Dream Big Small Business of the Year Awards program businesses were required to have fewer than 250 employees and gross revenues of less than $20 million in 2008. Applicants were judged on staff training and motivation, community involvement, customer service, and business strategies and goals. "The Blue Ribbon Small Businessaward is about more than recognizing financially successful businesses. It's about honoring those that show a commitment to their employees, sound business practices, and bettering their communities," says Thomas J. Donohue, U.S. Chamber president and CEO. Community Excellence Award The Blue Ribbon Small Business Award winners are also competing for the U.S. Chamber's Community Excellence Award. The Community Excellence Award is designed to highlight a small business that demonstrates excellence-in the eyes of its community, customers, and employees. Running a successful business is often about making and maintaining strong relationships, something that cannot be clearly depicted in a business plan. One company will receive this award based on the number of online votes received. Polls opened today - Monday, March 1 - and close Friday, March 12 at 5:00 pm EST. Votes may be cast at www.uschambersummit.com/cea-award. Free Enterprise Honorees In addition to the Blue Ribbon Small Business Award winners, 25 businesses were namedFree Enterprise Honoreesfor their strong business practices and contributions to the economy.ES&H, Inc. and NetGain Corporation are the Knoxville area businesses that received this recognition.  The American Chamber of Commerce Executives recently released a study that examines the credit ratings of chamber of commerce members in ten locations across the county and compares them to the state, local, and national averages. According to the study, chamber of commerce members possess an average credit score of 629, compared to a 557 average score for businesses at large. Such scores - the payment behavior from which they are derived - play a significant role in attracting lines of credit and securing favorable terms from lenders and suppliers. A complete copy of the study, which includes both the aggregate findings, as well as the individual commercial credit scores for each of the ten local chambers, is available online. The study was contracted by ACCE and performed by Cortera, which reviewed payment behavior for chamber member businesses. "Chamber members have long beenseen as responsible and reliable members of their community," said Mick Fleming, president and CEO of ACCE. "What this study indicates is that the perceptionis right. From a credit standpoint, chamber members on averageare better businesses, and as a result they have significant advantages in obtaining the funds they need. In this economy and the tight credit environment we are experiencing, that's especially important." "The economic health of the entire supply chain is dependent on the payment behavior of each of its stakeholders," said Jim Swift, president and CEO of Cortera. "This study suggests that chamber members are among the most dependable participants in this ecosystem."  Chamber members packed the former Green Hills Grille location, 4429 Kingston Pike, Knoxville (space provided by Commercial & Investment Properties, Co.) during 2010 Casino Night sponsored by UT Federal Credit Union. The odds were in favor of all who attended that they would come away with great new contacts and have fun doing so. “I don’t know anything about gambling but this is a lot of fun,” said Instiglass of Knoxville President and Co-Owner Teri Owens. “Besides the annual BAH Humbug Christmas party, this is probably the best event the Chamber puts on. The networking opportunities are good, the food is fabulous and there is great turnout. This is really a great function.” The Metropolitan Planning Commission will discuss the East Knox County Sector Plan Update on Thursday, February 11th, 2010, at 1:30 PM. Included in the Update is a recommendation by the MPC staff to designate The Development Corporation owned property at the Midway Road Interchange of I-40 as a Mixed Use Special District (Business Park or Town Center development). We need your help to demonstrate support for inclusion of the Business Park in the Sector Plan Update. Those against the development are appealing to MPC and County Commission, and those bodies need to hear from the business community too. Please download a fact sheet that addresses certain issues that have been misrepresented by the opposition. Economic Development in Knox County should be a communitywide decision because high quality, sustainable development benefits the quality of life and tax base for all Knox County residents and businesses by providing opportunities for new businesses to locate in Knox County, supporting existing businesses, and attracting quality employers and workers to Knox County. We ask you to show your support by either attending the MPC meeting or contacting MPC commissioners. Full contact information is attached. Click here for a semi-colon separated list of MPC commissioners' email addresses. On January 20th Tom Donohue, president of the US Chamber, sited the Knoxville Chamber's STEM initiative that will pair 500 middle and high school teachers with area businesses as an example of outstanding business' efforts to support education across the nation. The comments came during a hearing on the reauthorization of the America Competes Act. Read the text of Donohue's testimony here. The Chamber initiative is a partnership with The Knox County Schools to provide a STEM (science, technology, engineering or math) employer experience to all middle and high school math and science teachers in Knox County Schools. This effort will allow 500 teachers to learn what skills are needed as a STEM professional and how to apply the concepts they are teaching in daily classroom lessons. This is an incredible opportunity for these teachers to learn directly from employers. This program is being led by Vols4STEM, a collaborative effort involving several area organizations and individuals, including the Knoxville Chamber, American Society of Civil Engineers, Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers, Knox County Schools, Oak Ridge Economic Partnership, and Innovation Valley Inc. The mission of Vols4STEM is to facilitate collaboration among area STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) professionals and STEM educators and students, primarily through the Vols4STEM website, www.vols4stem.org.   The Tennessee Small Business Development Center, a partner of the Knoxville Chamber, recently released its 2009 Annual Report. The organization's results for the year are impressive. In 2009 TSBDC consulted with 782 clients and taught 1335 students in its classes about starting and running a small business. Its clients started 44 new businesses, created 225 new jobs, and invested more than $12.2 million. You can read the full report here. The Tennessee Small Business Development Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Additional funding is provided by the Tennessee Board of Regents and the State of Tennessee. The organization helps small businesses by providing existing and potential companies consultation, education, referral, and support services. You may contact the TSBDC by calling 865-246-2663. “The first thing we think about before producing a television program is whether or not there is a need out there,” Haslam said. “Is this (program) something people are interested in and is there a void that is not being served?” After careful consideration, the coalition of chambers of commerce recommended the following slate of issues to members of the General Assembly: First and foremost: education. A skilled, well-prepared workforce is the key to this region’s success in the global economy. VISIT THE PINNACLE BUSINESS AWARDS WEBSITE Clear your calendar and SAVE THE DATE! Join us for the sixth annual Pinnacle Business Awards Gala, presented by BB&T, on April 30, 2010, in the ballroom at the Knoxville Convention Center. A reception and silent auction will begin at 6:00 p.m., followed by the dinner and awards at 8:00 p.m. The gala has become the Knoxville business community's premier social gathering. Over 550 businesspeople attended last year's event. The Chamber is currently accepting nominations for the Pinnacle Business Awards. Anyone may nominate a deserving company or individual. Award categories include: Business Excellence, Small Business Excellence (business with 50 or fewer employees), Minority Business Excellence, Woman-Owned Business Excellence, Impact, Innovator and Young Entrepreneur. A full description of each of the awards is included on the nomination form. Nominees do not need to be a member of the Knoxville Chamber. Companies that are nominated for a Pinnacle Business Award will be sent an application that must be completed and returned to the Knoxville Chamber. The nomination deadline is February 19 and the application deadline is March 5. Download a nomination form here. For ticket or table sponsorship information please contact the Chamber by calling (865) 637-4550.  Knox County’s EMIS is the first of its kind in the country. Along with student and academic data, the system incorporates financial information.  On February 15, 2010, the Knoxville Chamber is partnering with The Knox County Schools to provide a STEM (science, technology, engineering or math) employer experience to all middle and high school math and science teachers in Knox County Schools. This effort will allow 500 teachers to learn what skills are needed as a STEM professional and how to apply the concepts they are teaching in daily classroom lessons. This is an incredible opportunity for these teachers to learn directly from you and we hope you will participate by allowing as many teachers as you can to visit your offices, learn about your company, and shadow your employees that day. If you are interested in participating, please fill out this form and send to Ahnna Estes at aestes@knoxvillechamber.com or mail to 17 Market Square #201, Knoxville, TN, 37902. For questions or comments, please call (865) 246-2658. This program is being led by Vols4STEM, a collaborative effort involving several area organizations and individuals, including the Knoxville Chamber, Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers, Knox County Schools, Oak Ridge Economic Partnership, and Innovation Valley Inc. The mission of Vols4STEM is to facilitate collaboration among area STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) professionals and STEM educators and students, primarily through the Vols4STEM website, www.vols4stem.org. The Knoxville Chamber is launching a Mentor/Protégé program in January 2010. As we all know, mentorship is essential to small business owners and because of this, the Chamber is starting this program. To be included in the Knoxville Chamber's Mentor/Protégé Class of 2010 please read the attached Frequently Asked Questions document and complete the application. Here are some highlights of the Mentor/Protégé program:
One of Downtown Knoxville’s favorite holiday traditions, Knoxville’s Holidays on Ice, will kick off a festive season of ice skating and events with a ribbon-cutting this Friday, November 27 at 10 a.m. at the ice rink on Market Square. This year, the first 50 skaters on the ice are FREE. Make plans now to join us and launch a festive holiday season with your friends, family and community. Worried the Holidays on Ice ribbon cutting will cut into Black Friday shopping time? In addition to the downtown’s unique shops that are sure to have a gift for everyone on the list - skaters will enjoy two special additions to the ice rink this year. The Cupcakery will be offering a special cupcake and box set available only at the rink. Mast General Store will also open a satellite shop within the ice rink area. KNOXVILLE, TN - Former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist recently presented area businesspeople a State Collaborative on Reforming Education final report update at the Knoxville Chamber. As Chairman of SCORE, Senator Frist says he’s well aware of the improvements needed within this area’s education system. Dr. Frist and Tennessee SCORE have developed four key strategies to acheive the goal. Embracing high standards, cultivating strong leaders, ensuring excellent teachers, and utilizing data to enhance learning will help Tennessee become the Southeast's top education achiever. Check out these newly added benefits! If you are a member at one of the levels below (or at a higher level), please call Member Services at 637-4550 to take advantage of your new benefit. Executive I - Multiple category listings (3) Executive II - Multiple category listings (4) Gold - Multiple category listings (5) Click here to see all levels of member benefits. On Wednesday, December 2 the Knoxville Chamber and its economic development partners in the region will be contacting manufacturers, distribution centers, and other significant employers to discuss ways to support those businesses. During the economic downturn many companies have tightened their belts to stay in business. The regional economic development partners will be providing advice and directing companies to resources that could help reduce costs, train employees, and prepare for the recovery. "More than 25 businesspeople have volunteered to help the Chamber staff visit companies across the area," said Doug Lawyer, vice president of economic development. "We're going to drop in on 100 businesses discuss the assistance available. Chamber staff will then follow up with specific information and resources to address the individual issues we uncover. These businesses are key contributors to the local economy and it's important that we do all we can to support them." The Existing Industry Blitz Day is an initiative of Innovation Valley Inc. a regional economic development effort that brings together chamber of commerce and economic developers from across the Knoxville-Oak Ridge area. The partners in Innovation Valley are Blount County Chamber of Commerce, Knoxville Chamber, Loudon County Economic Development Agency, Oak Ridge Economic Partnership, The Roane Alliance, and Tellico Reservoir Development Agency. The Oak Ridge Economic Partnership will also be visiting existing industries. The other partners will be contacting the manufactures and other industrial businesses in their areas. The agencies will be discussing business strengthening programs, utility efficiencies, job training resources, and how find the right employees. Knoxville Chamber volunteers will be visiting all areas of Knoxville and Knox county - north, south, east, and west.
Rep. Haynes and fellow legislators recently passed the Tennessee First to the Top Act of 2010, which will help improve education. Included in the law are initiatives to help low-performing schools become eligible for assistance from outside organizations and the state Department of Education and requirements that student achievement data be reflected in teacher evaluations.
“This bill is massive education reform,” said Haynes, a House Education Committee member. “While it won’t completely overhaul our system nor completely insure that we pump out more graduates, I think it is a tremendous step in the right direction.”
Nearly 150 Chamber members attended February’s a.m. Exchange that was held at the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, 700 Hall of Fame Drive, Knoxville. In addition to utilizing the building’s elegant and spacious lobby to get connected with other members of the area’s business community, guests were able to tour the facilities’ 30,000 square feet of exhibits and hands-on experiences celebrating women’s basketball at the youth, collegiate and international levels. Knoxville’s WBHOF is the only women’s basketball hall of fame in the world. The building offers a great venue for you or your business to host corporate parties, weddings, proms, birthday parties, retreats or education programs.
RIVR Media Co-Owner and CEO Dee Haslam was the featured speaker at an exclusive Premier Partners event sponsored by Pinnacle Financial Partners. Haslam spoke about her company’s Knoxville roots, history and about the many benefits of conducting business in East Tennessee. She also shared what she believes to be the key to RIVR’s production departments’ abilities to produce high-quality documentaries and series: meticulous research.
ALCOA, TN - The Knoxville Chamber, along with the Blount County Chamber of Commerce and the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce recently presented the 2010 legislative agenda at the Airport Hilton in Alcoa. The Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority and Alcoa sponsored the event. The business breakfast and presentation was held to help the regional legislative delegation begin to work on issues that will benefit the regional economy.
Knox County Schools, the Knoxville Chamber, and Follett Software Company recently launched the Education Management Information System that had been under development for the last eighteen months. EMIS, which includes a data warehouse to tie all sources of student and system data together, is enabling Knox County administrators and teachers to make data-supported and well-informed decisions about the future direction of the school system and each individual student.
The deadline for turning in the applications is Tuesday, December 15th. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Doug Minter. We only have 15 slots available!!!
