Nov2011Commerce

INSIDE: Diversity Summit pg. 51 + Monthly Economic Indicators pg. 54

EDITOR LORI FULLER [email protected]

DESIGN LADDY FIELDS

WRITER JUSTIN KROPFF

CONTACT THE KNOXVILLE CHAMBER(865) 637-4550 www.knoxvillechamber.com

PRESIDENT & CEO MICHAEL EDWARDS

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT RHONDA RICE

ECONOMIC [email protected]

FINANCE & [email protected]

[email protected]

WORKFORCE & [email protected]

CENTRAL BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (865) 246-2654 [email protected]

THE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (865) 546-5887

TENNESSEE SMALL BUSINESSDEVELOPMENT CENTER (865) 246-2663

LEADERSHIP KNOXVILLE(865) 523-9137

U.S. DEPT. OF COMMERCE EXPORT ASSISTANCE CENTER (865) 545-4637

NEW MEMBERS / NEW PREMIER PARTNERS

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

RIBBON CUTTINGSTop 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.

THE KNOXVILLE CHAMBER’S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

KNOXVILLE CHAMBER 48

SILVER UCOR(865) 241-1131www.ucor.comGovernment

BRONZE Elder Advocates(865) 247-0321www.yourelderadvocates.comHealthcare Providers & Services: Geriatrics

Hampton Inn & Suites Downton Knoxville(865) 522-5400www.hamptonknoxville.comHotels & Lodging

A Corporate Janitorial Contractor(865) 951-1504www.acorporatejanitorial.comBuilding & Grounds Maintenance: Cleaning Services & Supplies

AA Roofs(865) 357-6683www.aaroofs4u.comConstruction & Contractors:Roofing

ACC Construction, LLC(865) 566-3131www.accconstructiontn.comConstruction & Contractors

American Laser Skincare(865) 777-4774www.americanlaser.comPersonal Services: Aestheticians & Medispas

Batson, Himes, Norvell and Poe(865) 588-6472Architectural & Engineering Services: Engineers

BKA General Contractors(865) 288-7464www.bkageneralcontractors.comConstruction & Contractors: General Contractors

Candlewood Suites(865) 233-4411 www.candlewoodsuites.comHotels & Lodging

The Casual Pint(919) 621-9558www.thecasualpint.comShopping: Specialty

Choice Solar and Geothermal(865) 951-7456www.choicesolarsolutions.comEnvironmental Services & Equipment

Clinton Bedding Company(865) 463-8330www.clintonbedding.comShopping: Furniture

Color Impax(865) 307-5483www.colorimpax.comBusiness & Professional Services:Promotional Products

Crass Couture(865) 525-7040Shopping: Specialty

Crystal Motor Car Company(352) 628-4300Automotive Sales, Parts, & Service

DineTouch, LLC(865) 806-4750www.dinetouch.comBusiness & Professional Services: Technical Services

East Tennessee Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, P.C.(865) 531-3909www.etoms.comHealthcare Providers & Services: Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons

Elite Financial Products, Inc.(865) 659-1439www.elitefpi.comFinancial Services

First Volunteer Bank(865) 362-7200www.firstvolunteer.comFinancial Services: Banks

CONNECT With The

CHAMBER

Doug Lawyer @knoxoakridgeIVJennifer Evans @knoxevans

Kyle Touchstone @knoxecondevguyMark Field @field101

Michelle Kiely @mkiely1

facebook.com/KnoxvilleChamber

twitter.com/k_chamberCHAMBER STAFF

CUTLINE

TO

P A

CH

IEV

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S JOANI LEEDSPostNet

JANA DAVISONHumana

BRIAN COMBSGreat West Casualty Company

GE Healthcare(865) 521-8719www.gehealthcare.comHealthcare Providers & Services

GoGrabLunch.com(865) 356-9902www.gograblunch.comRestaurants - Eating & Drinking Places

In Spot Media(865) 335-8505www.inspotmediausa.comBusiness & Professional Services: Promotional Products

Litton’s(865) 687-8788www.littonsburgers.comRestaurants - Eating & Drinking Places

Morgan, Stanley, Smith, Barney(865) 558-9000Financial Services

Mystery Shoppers, Inc.(865) 450-8841www.mystery-shoppers.comShopping:Specialty

Pirate Girl PR LLC(865) 621-5800www.pirategirlpr.comBusiness & Professional Services: Public Relations Agencies

Power Savers(865) 388-6094www.powersaverstn.comEnvironmental Services & Equipment: Consultants

Prodigal Primary Care(865) 288-3754www.prodigalprimarycare.comHealthcare Providers & Services: Physicians & Surgeons

TNhomecraft & Plumbing, Inc.(865) 936-4901www.tnhomecraft.comConstruction & Contractors:Plumbing

Zurix Roofing & Repairs(865) 470-4142www.zurixroofing.comConstruction & Contractors: Roofing


The list of benefits Chamber members receive is extensive and can be a bit overwhelming. Members join for different reasons and take advantage of different benefits. However, the marketing opportunities the Chamber affords its members are valuable and relevant to all businesses. Members need to un-derstand the marketing resources they have access to and take full advantage. From capitalizing on their presence on the Chamber’s new online directory, www.iKnowKnoxville.com, to engaging in face-to-face networking, to more tradi-tional marketing vehicles like sponsorships and advertising, members have a wide variety of ways they can create awareness and increase the reach of their business.

GET KNOWNConsumers rely on online searches now more than ever when making pur-

chasing decisions. A recent study done by BIA/Kelsey found that 97 percent of consumers use online media when researching products or services in their lo-cal area. Recognizing this trend, the Chamber set out to enhance member busi-nesses’ presence on the Internet by improving its own online business directory. Last November, the Chamber launched www.iKnowKnoxville.com – an interac-tive, search engine-optimized replacement for its antiquated, one-dimensional directory. All Chamber members receive exposure on iKnowKnoxville.com and the features they receive vary based on membership level.

The most basic of listings for Associate I members include location and con-tact information for the member along with a 15-word search engine-optimized description of what the business does. Members who are at the Associate II, Professional I, Professional II, Executive I, and Executive II levels, as well as Bronze-level Premier Partners, also receive a link to their website, the abil-ity to include their logo on their page and in their category listing, a 50-word “about us” description, and the ability to offer a downloadable coupon. Premier Partners at the Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Titanium levels receive carte blanche access to all the features available, including photos, slide shows, pop-up windows, multimedia, multiple links, multiple coupons, event listings, and much more. Most importantly, this level also receives “Toolbox Access” which allows the businesses to update their pages with whatever content they wish, when-ever they wish to do it, on a simple to use online-portal. Add-On Bundles are available to Chamber members at the Associate II through Bronze Premier Part-ner levels at an additional cost, providing them access to the Toolbox as well as many of the same features.

The coupon feature is an advertising opportunity that has gotten the atten-tion of a few members, but more need to be taking advantage of it. The coupon page is averaging 400 views each month, with huge potential for growth. Pres-tige Cleaners, Inc. recently discovered the opportunity and has embraced it.

“We’re always looking for new ways to be the first dry cleaning company that

makes an impression on a newcomer to Knoxville or someone visiting the area,” said Prestige Cleaners, Inc. President and CEO Eddie Mannis. “As the Cham-ber continues to promote iKnowKnoxville.com, the exposure will only become greater. It’s hard to get the initial exposure in any market but this online business directory is certainly helping our business and will help many other businesses achieve this.”

FASTFRAME Knoxville is also seeing the benefits of iKK’s online coupon op-tion. It has found a proven and cost-effective way to attract new customers.

“iKnowKnoxville.com is a great vehicle to get our business seen,” FAST-FRAME Knoxville Owner Richard Rivera said. “It provides information and promotional offers to all Chamber members, their employees, and families. En-gaging in this established and already successful online community and convert-ing its high search engine ranking has been a great advantage to our business. Most importantly to us, the Chamber is the most trusted source for local and regional information and, therefore, has become one of the most valuable local advertising venues to be found anywhere across Knoxville and the surrounding communities.”

Since its launch, iKnowKnoxville has had over 122,000 page views. The Chamber hopes to increase that number to near 200,000 over the next year with a dedicated advertising campaign targeting current residents, potential residents, and those visiting the area. The Chamber’s marketing committee is focused on identifying creative and cost-efficient ways to increase traffic and promote the website. After all, the more people utilizing the site as their resource for Knoxville business information, the more exposure and awareness Chamber members receive.

Chamber Membership Provides Valuable Opportunities

See “MARKETING” on pg. 50

“Most importantly to us, the Chamber is the

most trusted source for local and regional in-

formation and, therefore, has become one of

the most valuable local advertising venues to

be found anywhere across Knoxville and the

surrounding communities.”

Richard Rivera, Owner FASTFRAME Knoxville

“MARKETING” continued from pg. 49


FACE-TO-FACE OPPORTUNITIESThere is no substitute for marketing your business one on one, face to face.

The Chamber offers many such opportunities via a new partnership with www.GoGrabLunch.com as well as at over 70 Chamber-produced events each year.

The Chamber announced a partnership with GoGrabLunch.com in Septem-ber, tabbing it the official “Lunch Networking Website” for the Chamber and its members. The site is similar to online matchmaking, but focused on busi-ness development. GoGrabLunch.com helps pair professionals for one-on-one lunches at restaurants throughout the region. The online resource allows users to create a profile, setting specific parameters for the types of professionals they want to meet and do business with. These parameters range from differ-ent industries to the title of the individual the user wishes to meet with. Once members set-up their profile and create their networking preferences, GoGra-bLunch.com provides them a list of matching members who have scheduled lunches at specific restaurants. A member can choose a lunch from the list of pre-planned lunches or they can enter their own lunch schedule, pick the res-taurant, and plan a lunch of their own.

GoGrabLunch.com creator Jonathan Mills Patrick has been active within the Chamber’s vibrant networking environment. His understanding of the value that the Chamber puts on its members’ networking opportunities led to this digitally interactive partnership.

“Chamber members have told us that 80 percent of their new business is coming from appointments set on GoGra-bLunch.com,” Patrick said. “Additionally, they’re noting that the networking tips available on the site are paying dividends. All of this is adding to area businesses’ bottom lines and therefore accomplishing a Chamber goal to help its members economically prosper.”

GoGrabLunch.com’s unique combination of social media and face-to-face networking is helping professionals build relationships through face-to-face interaction. Marrying these important networking outlets is a key focus of the Chamber.

“While social networking has gained in popularity and is proving to be a valuable business development tool, we need to continue to emphasize the importance of building relationships face to face, and there is no better time to do that than over lunch” Chamber Senior Vice President Mark Field said. “Our members are always looking for new ways to meet people and make con-nections that will lead to future business. GoGrabLunch.com provides us with a turnkey solution.”

Another way for members to meet new people, build relationships, and market their business is through over 70 events the Chamber produces each year. Events like Schmoozapalooza, Business After Hours, Power 30 Speed Networking, and a.m. Exchanges are specifically created for networking and business development. However, members have the opportunity to meet new people and expand their audience at all of the Chamber’s events, with time programmed at either the beginning and/or the end of the events to talk to other attendees.

“The first principal of networking that we like to teach our members is that they shouldn’t put a hard sell on another member at an event. Instead, members should focus on building relationships and consider the person they are talking to as someone who can refer their business to a friend. By approaching net-working from that mentality, members can more effectively market themselves and the business they represent,” commented Lori Fuller, Vice President of Marketing & Events for the chamber.

RIGHT AUDIENCE, RIGHT PRICEFor members looking for more traditional marketing vehicles like sponsor-

ships and advertising, the Chamber can also help them reach a targeted audi-ence at a reasonable price.

Over 8,000 people registered for over 70 Chamber events during the 2010-11 fiscal year. Event sponsorships are an affordable marketing tool that can offer up to a year’s worth of marketing exposure. Sponsorship benefits vary by event, but can range from logo exposure on promotional pieces, to hosting the event at the sponsor’s location, to introducing speakers, and addressing attendees. Sponsors also receive pre- and post-event recognition in Com-merce, the Chamber’s newsletter that is part of the Greater Knoxville Business Journal and is distributed to over 13,000 businesspeople.

In addition to event sponsorships, there are a number of other advertising opportunities available to members at reasonable pricing. The Chamber’s website is a valuable resource that offers banner advertisement exposure. The site generates more than 8,000 visits and 24,000 page views per month. Sec-tions include News, Visit Knoxville, Relocate, Economic Development, and the

online business directory (iKnowKnoxville.com, which also offers members opportunities to enhance their exposure via banner ads). Ads include links to your business’s website or special offer. Statistical information on impressions and click-throughs is provided to every advertiser. This enables website advertis-ers to strategically target their messages to site visitors based on their specific audience demographics. The website will be undergoing a drastic redesign this spring, which will afford members expanded advertising opportunities on a highly-inter-active site that will include more relevant information and social

media integration.The Chamber’s Weekly Digest is another platform that can

help extend members’ marketing reach. The weekly e-newsletter is distributed to more than 4,700 businesspeople and community leaders. It features an 20 percent open rate and includes informa-tion about Chamber and community initiatives, events, news items,

workforce development activities, and a public policy update. By advertising in the Digest, members can direct users to their website

or special offer. Utilizing Constant Contact, all click-throughs are tracked and advertisers can see their return on investment.

Members can also purchase advertising in the Relocation Packet, which is a folder of valuable information that is distributed to newcomers or those interested in relocating to Knoxville. The packets include a magazine-style re-location publication, map, apartment information, and Home Market Magazine. As the go-to organization for relocation information, the Chamber sends out an average of 2,000 packets in a given year to people across the country. New residents establish many long-term business/customer relationships within the first few weeks of coming to town, and by marketing to these individuals, advertisers get an edge over their competition. Advertisers also receive a list of captured contact information for the perspective residents requesting packets. Advertising options range from inserts to folder labels.

From iKnowKnoxville.com’s state-of-the-art marketing features, to face-to-face networking opportunities like GoGrabLunch.com, to the many advanta-geous advertising platforms, the Chamber provides many different ways for members to increase their bottom lines. The Chamber continues to look for new ways to help members create awareness about their businesses. For information about any of these marketing platforms, call Lori Fuller at (865) 637-4550 or email her at [email protected].


Beth Harwell, Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives, wants legislators to consider three things when deciding how to vote on bills. “I encour-age my members to ask themselves, ‘Does this bill make government bigger of smaller? Does it make it easier for businesses in Tennessee? And, does it improve education?’” If it fails any of those tests, then Harwell asks that they vote no.

Speaker Harwell recently finished her first legislative session in the top leader-ship post in the House. She shared her experiences with a crowd of Chamber members at a Political Insight event sponsored by AT&T and TVA on October 4. She also looked ahead to the 2012 session.

As a part of preparing for the next session, Speaker Harwell has been meeting with small businesspeople and hearing their concerns. One of the small business

House Speaker Visits Knoxville Business Peopleowners she talks with most often is her husband. Mr. Harwell recently told the Speaker that every time the state government tries to help small businesses, it seems to add more paperwork or more taxes. He asks her to simply “leave small businesses alone.”

Speaker Harwell is currently serving her twelfth term in the Tennessee House and represents District 56, which includes southern Davidson County. Harwell received her Bachelor of Arts degree from David Lipscomb University, an M.S. degree from George Peabody College, and a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt. She has been an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Belmont University.

Sponsored by:

The Knoxville Chamber recently helped present the 2011 Diversity Summit at Scripps Networks Interactive’s Knoxville headquarters. The event was co-presented by Scripps Networks Interactive, the Knoxville Urban League, and Diversity Champions. Over 200 attendees participated in the forum which featured breakfast, networking, a keynote address delivered by DiversityInc Media co-founder Luke Visconti, and a panel discussion. The summit was an opportunity to explore the dimension of diversity as an economic driver for community and business development.

A message emphasized throughout the day detailed the importance of collaboration among business, political and community leaders, and the education community. This collaboration will help Innovation Valley compete within the international marketplace. The summit is a key component of the 2012 Diversity Champions Report that will be drafted to highlight and raise awareness of eco-nomic inclusion and its impact on the region. The report also will identify best practices to address inclusion in the workplace.

“This summit was a needed first step to open up the conversation on economic inclusion,” said Chamber business Development Manager Doug Minter, “It allowed us to see that diversity and inclusion in the workplace and marketplace is not just about race or gender, but is a key indicator of world class businesses. We are fortunate to have Scripps in our region as one of those examples, and there are several others. Businesses that adopt best practices around economic inclusion increase the quality of life for their employees, the community, and add to their bottom line financially.”

Rhonda Rice, Chamber executive vice president, believes Knoxville has the leadership to improve diversity in the region. Large employers like TVA, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Scripps Networks, and Bush Brothers are leading by

Summit Explores Diversity as Economic Driver

The 2011 Diversity Summit hosted by Scripps Networks Interactive was held to explore the dimension of diversity as an economic driver for community and business development, (bottom) DiversityInc Media co-founder Luke Visconti, Knoxville Area Urban League President Phyl-lis Nichols, Chamber Business Development Manager Doug Minter, Chamber Executive Vice President Rhonda Rice, and Scripps Networks Interactive President and CEO Ken Lowe

example. “I think we need to tell our story more. I think we need to communicate the

things that we are doing in this region,” Rice said. “There are great opportuni-ties, and the more we tell our story I think the more successful we’re going to be in creating those opportunities.”


Schmoozapalooza V was another fantastic Chamber networking event hosted by Turkey Creek Public Market in Farragut. Over 650 busi-nesspeople attended the event and 85 businesses participated in the Tabletop Expo, both records. As always, the event featured an ener-

getic yet laid-back atmosphere for making contacts and exchanging ideas.

Door prizes were also awarded at the event. The winners were:Tickets to UT/Buffalo Game courtesy of ORNL Federal Credit Union - Nina Edmonds, Knox County Arc / Sunshine Industries

Blackberry Bold courtesy of Cellular Sales - Pat Fallon, HF2 Enterprises Sony DVD/Blue Ray Player courtesy of Comcast Business Class - Margaret O’Donnell, Tellico Consultants Alliance

(2) round trip tickets (continental US, Mexico or Canada) courtesy of American Airlines - Tiffany Bradley, My Points Vault

Over 80 Exhibitors and 650 attendees made Schmoozapalooza V the best one yet!

L-R: Rena Amerson, Sue Allen, and Lori Sexton Amy Nolan, Editor of the Greater Knoxville Business Journal, speaks with an attendee.


The partner agencies involved with Innovation Valley Inc. have been busy giving updates and presenting the program of work to board members, elected officials, political candidates, and investors throughout the region. One such meeting recently took place at the Knoxville Chamber.

Innovation Valley, Inc. was created to implement a five-year economic development blueprint for business growth in the Knoxville-Oak Ridge area of East Tennessee. The partnership consists of six agencies that collaborate on executing the blueprint for long-term business success. These partners include the Knoxville Chamber, Blount County Chamber of Commerce, Loudon County Economic Development Agency, Oak Ridge Economic Partnership, The Roane Alliance, and Tellico Reservoir Development Agency. A private, independent board of directors guides the management of this regional partnership.

“Over the last few years, many of the board members of partner agencies and elected officials have changed.

The Innovation Valley partners want to make certain that we keep every-one informed on the strategic plan and the goals we are trying to accom-plish” said Rhonda Rice, Knoxville Chamber executive vice president. Constant communication of the strategy is instrumental in its success.

The blueprint outlines 13-targeted industry sectors that are based on an analysis of the region’s world-class resources. Six program areas provide the framework for the group’s business relocation and business development efforts.

“Our six program areas include education and workforce development, technology and entrepreneurship, global marketing, business retention and expansion, public policy, and resources for living which work together and rely upon each other,” said Rice. She also noted the majority of IVI’s funding is allocated towards increasing the region’s education and workforce development, as well as technology and entrepreneurship. “We can’t go out throughout the world and market In-novation Valley as a great place to grow as a business if we don’t have the workforce that’s needed to support a business’s needs.”

At the recent meeting hosted at the Knoxville Chamber, Loudon County Economic Development Agency President Pat Phillips shared a U.S. Census Bureau Origin-Destination Employment Statistics chart with guests. The chart detailed work commute flows throughout the Innovation Valley region. On any given day over 22,000 vehicles leave Knox County for work while nearly 35,000 make their way to the county.

“The work commute patterns show that the entire region is all in this together,” Phillips said. “Collectively we must market and promote our region as a single organization. It’s important that we understand that job creation impacts all of us in the region.”

Allen Lutz, Education and Workforce Specialist for The Roane Alliance noted that partnering with Innovation Valley, Inc. has enabled the organiza-tion to implement a highly active and successful program that’s made signifi-cant strides in the county’s education and workforce development initiatives. “It’s grass roots type work that is having a big impact on our students,” he

Innovation Valley Gives Program Updatescommented.

Oak Ridge Economic Partnership president Kim Denton emphasized how successful IVI has been in leveraging the region’s technology assets.

“Those of us who’ve been around economic development in the region for awhile have known about the amazing local technology resources here but we’ve never leveraged them to their fullest capacity,” said Denton. “Due to Innovation Valley, we’re now succeeding in maximizing our technology differentiators and engaging researchers, often world-leading experts, during prospect meetings.”

Denton also said that research-based institutions such as The University of Tennessee, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Y-12 National Security Complex now include IVI representatives in their prospect meetings. This has become extremely valuable because many Fortune 500 companies who send officials to access area research institution technologies now receive informa-tion about valuable Innovation Valley relocation benefits.

Knoxville Chamber Vice President of Economic Development Doug Lawyer spoke about the invaluable education improvements Innovation Valley sup-

ports through its workplan. “We continue to work to raise the awareness and importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathemat-ics education in this community to both educa-tors and businesses alike.” The Educators in the Workplace program is a perfect example. It places educators, who take time away from their vacations, in area businesses so that they can begin to incorporate the things that they’ve learned into the classroom.

“The companies that call me interested in potentially relocating to the region are asking questions about the workforce and its skillsets,” Lawyer said. “We must continue to raise the bar

on our available workforce.”Another component of the plan Lawyer noted is working with small, minor-

ity, woman and veteran-owned businesses through PROPEL. In the past year, IVI representatives have worked with nearly 130 local small businesses in an attempt to help them realize what it takes to go through the process of starting a small business.

At one of the meetings, Rice spoke on behalf of Blount Partnership Presi-dent and CEO Bryan Daniels who was at the time announcing TeamHealth’s plans to expand its corporate operations by leasing a new facility to be constructed at Alcoa’s Base Pointe Business Park. The $18 million investment and expansion is creating 160 full-time jobs and could mean 550 future jobs in management, accounting, medical coding, billing and clerical. The Knoxville-based company already employs 400 in Alcoa.

“I’m excited to fill in for Bryan this morning because that’s what partners do when needed. We all work together; whatever needs to be done is what we do in our efforts to recruit and expand businesses to the region,” Rice said.

Kevin Clayton, Innovation Valley board member, summed up another meet-ing with this comment “The regional collaboration that Innovation Valley brings to our region works. It is evident by the way these folks work together…you can’t fake that kind of partnership.”

Learn more about the Innovation Valley program of work and view its annual reports at www.knoxvilleoakridge.com.

Monthly Economic Indicators (September 2011)

Workforce %Change %Change Aug.’11- Sept.’10-ResidentLaborForce Sept.2011 Aug.2011 Sept.2010 Sept.‘11 Sept.‘11Knox Co. 238,400 240,100 235,140 -0.7 1.4Knoxville MSA 373,700 376,110 368,770 -0.6 1.3Tennessee 3,130,000 3,129,900 3,066,600 0.0 2.1U.S. 154,022,000 154,344,000 153,854,000 -0.2 0.1 Non-AgEmployment Knoxville MSA 327,500 327,200 326,700 0.1 0.2Tennessee 2,658,600 2,640,100 2,633,300 0.7 1.0 AvailableLabor Knox Co. 20,160 20,370 18,710 -1.0 7.7Knoxville MSA 32,680 32,740 30,060 -0.2 8.7Tennessee 336,580 332,340 316,960 1.3 6.2 UnemploymentRates Knox Co. 7.7 7.7 7.1 0.0 0.6Knoxville MSA 7.9 7.9 7.3 0.0 0.6Tennessee 9.7 9.6 9.2 0.1 0.5U.S. 8.8 9.1 9.2 -0.3 -0.4Sources: Tennessee Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development/U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Inflation Rates - Consumer Price Index (CPI) – All Items %Change %Change Aug.’10- Sept.’09- Sept.‘10-‘11 Aug.‘10-’11 Sept.‘09-‘10 Sept.‘11 Sept.‘11*Southeast Region Avg. 4.3 4.5 1.5 0.2 2.8U.S. Avg. 3.9 3.8 1.1 0.1 2.8Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics *South – City Size Class B/C

Sales Tax Revenue – State & Local $ %Change %Change Aug.’11- Sept.’10-StateSalesTax Sept.2011 Aug.2011 Sept.2010 Sept.‘11 Sept.‘11Knox Co. $48,282,162 $45,906,305 $41,686,906 5.2 15.8Knoxville MSA $66,736,310 $64,783,169 $58,850,330 3.0 13.4Tennessee $554,974,531 $562,362,748 $512,311,556 -1.3 8.3 LocalSalesTax Knox Co. $13,581,667 $13,079,260 $11,785,602 3.8 15.2Knoxville MSA $18,798,525 $18,220,475 $16,583,154 3.2 13.4Source: Tennessee Dept. of Revenue

Retail Sales – National (in millions of dollars) %Change %Change Aug.’11- Sept.’10-Category Sept.2011 Aug.2011 Sept.2010 Sept.‘11 Sept.‘11TotalRetailSales 382,009 401,951 351,696 -5.2 8.6Building Materials 24,764 26,196 23,288 -5.8 6.3Clothing Stores 17,578 19,057 16,229 -8.4 8.3Electronics & Appliances 7,737 8,240 7,685 -6.5 0.7Food & Beverage Stores 50,418 52,164 47,710 -3.5 5.7Food Svcs & Drinking Places 41,188 42,244 37,992 -2.6 8.4Furniture & Home Furnishings 7,671 7,892 7,357 -2.9 4.3Gasoline Stations 45,681 48,238 37,596 -5.6 21.5General Merchandise Stores 48,368 51,797 46,166 -7.1 5.4Health & Personal Care Stores 22,581 23,255 21,546 -3.0 4.8Miscellaneous Stores 10,510 10,681 9,591 -1.6 9.6Motor Vehicle & Parts Sales 67,055 71,725 61,676 -7.0 8.7Non-store Retailers 31,390 31,889 28,266 -1.6 11.1Sporting Goods/Books/ Hobby/Music 7,068 8,573 6,594 -21.3 7.2Source: U.S. Census Bureau – Advance Monthly Retail Trade Report

Notes - Knoxville MSA includes: Anderson, Blount, Knox, Loudon & Union Counties.

Housing Market %Change %Change Aug.’11- Sept.’10- Sept.2011 Aug.2011 Sept.2010 Sept.‘11 Sept.‘11Residential Closings 887 979 785 -10.4 13.0Residential Inventory 14,950 15,555 17,095 -4.0 -14.3Median Residential Price $138,575 $137,550 $140,625 0.7 -1.5Source: Knoxville Area Association of Realtors

Residential Building Permits %Change Aug.‘10- Aug.2011* Aug.2010 Aug.‘11Knoxville (City) Total 6 20 -233.3 Single-Family 6 20 -233.3 Multi-Family 0 0 0.0

Knox Co. Total 82 83 -1.2 Single-Family 71 83 -16.9 Multi-Family 11 0 100.0 Knoxville MSA Total 102 100 2.0 Single-Family 91 100 -9.9 Multi-Family 11 0 100.0 Tennessee Total 1,099 1,579 -43.7 Single-Family 1,044 837 24.7 Multi-Family 55 742 -124.9

*All 2011 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

Air Service (McGhee-Tyson Airport) %Change %Change Aug.’11- Sept.’10- Sept.2011 Aug.2011 Sept.2010 Sept.’11 Sept.’11Passengers 152,233 154,731 141,235 -1.6 7.8Cargo 8,145,247 8,137,960 8,122,811 0.1 0.3

Source: Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority



Fluor Government Group’s Julie Doering may be a mentor within the Chamber’s PROPEL Mentor/Protégé Program but she firmly believes she and her company are receiving as many benefits from

the partnership as G2 Engineering president and protégé Mike Twine.“We’ve found that the protégé companies we partner with bring a fresh

perspective and innovation to technical challenges,” Doering said.Doering knows the value that both mentor and protégé receive because

as a protégé earlier in her career with Fluor, she was fortunate to receive the training, resources, and opportunities she needed to succeed.

“The best advice I ever received was from a manager who told me that the most successful people figure out ways to ‘get to yes,’” added Doering. “To this day when someone asks me if we can get something done, I always do my best to figure out a way to ‘get to yes’ and make it happen.”

As one of the world’s largest engineering, construction, and project management companies, Fluor is able to open doors for its protégés that afford them opportunities to demonstrate their abilities and expertise. Twine is optimistic that teaming with Doering and Fluor will help G2 grow because it has the opportunity to learn from an internationally successful corporation.

“Having access to information and guidance about such items as infra-structure, business practices, policies, and programs from keen business

models will prove invaluable to us,” said Twine. “In addition, the knowledge of successful approaches and potential pitfalls as we expand will expedite our learning curve and help us initiate and integrate these practices into our busi-ness model.”

Twine also anticipates his company’s PROPEL Mentor/Protégé partnership with Fluor will increase revenue and employee headcount while continuing to diversify its capabilities and client base. Additionally, Twine believes G2’s successful strategic approach to diversi-fication will improve with strong mentor evaluation, guidance, and support.

G2 differentiates itself from its competition with solid attention to detail and execution. Its focus on customer deliverables and end results is unrivaled. The company completes tasks with quality in mind and on time. It’s successful with remaining within budget and steadfastly adheres to the company motto, “Suc-cess, the only option.”

For more information about PROPEL’s Mentor/Protégé Program, call Doug Minter at (865) 246-2662 or email him at [email protected]

PROPEL MENTOR/PROTÉGÉ PROFILEProtégé: Mike Twine, President, G2 EngineeringMentor: Julie Doering, Marketing, Fluor Government Group

The Chamber’s Premier Partners gathered at Thompson-Boling Arena in the Ray Mears Room to hear from Tennes-see’s 18th men’s basketball coach, Cuonzo Martin on Octo-ber 20. The exclusive event was sponsored by Studio Four Design and Merit Construction. Both companies recently completed the remodeling of both the Vols and Lady Vols

basketball coaches’ offices.Bob Kesling, the play-by-play voice of Tennessee football and basketball,

moderated an interactive and entertaining discussion with Coach Martin. Topics ranged from Coach Martin’s upbringing in East St. Louis, to his playing days at Purdue, to his early coaching successes at Missouri State, and finally to his inau-gural campaign as head coach at Tennessee.

Attendees enjoyed breakfast provided by catering sponsor Jason’s Deli, while taking in the panoramic murals saluting Tennessee’s basketball history throughout the room. Following Coach Martin’s discussion, attendees were offered tours of the coaches’ offices by the Studio Four Design staff.

The Tennessee Fund, which hosted the event, gave away several Coach Martin-signed items to attendees at the conclusion of the event. Winners of autographed pictures included: Mike Cooper (Cooper Drywall & Painting), Brett

Coach Cuonzo Martin Addresses Premier PartnersVols’ head basketball coach Cuonzo Martin and The Vol Network’s Bob Kesling speak to Chamber Premier Part-ners during an exclusive event inside Thomp-son-Boling Arena

Sponsored by: Catering Sponsor: Hosted by:

Malone (BB&T), Brenda Herron (Calhoun’s), Chad Keaton (Northwestern Mutual), and Katlyn Dench (Studio Four Design). Wes Needham (Capital Risk Management) won an autographed basketball.

The grand door prize was a sleek orange and white office chair provided by Dean Vance and Synergy Business Environments. Synergy provided the office furnishings for the new coaches’ offices. Bavy Lopez, of Capital Financial Group, was the lucky winner.

G2 Engineering president and protégé Mike Twine, and mentor Julie Doering, Fluor Government Group

PREMIER PARTNER PROFILE

Alcoa, Inc. Corporation Fostering

Knoxville’s Curbside

Recycling Program


Alcoa Foundation recently granted $20,000 to Keep Knoxville Beautiful in sup-port of the City of Knoxville’s new curbside recycling program. The grant provided for the purchase of 5,200 small, in-home recycling bins designed to help new re-cyclers get in the habit of sorting recyclables from garbage in the kitchen. To date more than 4,000 of the bright blue bins have been distributed and nearly 18,000 Knoxville citizens have signed up to participate in the city’s “Do Your Part with the Cart” program. Program participation will be capped at 20,000.

“Our ability to implement curbside recycling in Knoxville couldn’t have hap-pened without our partnership with Alcoa,” said David Brace, City of Knoxville Public Service Department Deputy Director.

No strangers when it comes to recycling partnerships, the city and Alcoa, Inc. have a mutual desire to increase recycling rates throughout the area.

“Alcoa and the Alcoa Foundation have been good partners with the City Solid Waste Office on a number of projects such as America Recycles Day and Earth-Fest, Knoxville’s Earth Day Event,” said John Homa, City of Knoxville Solid Waste Project Manager. “We welcome them as a partner of our curbside recycling program.”

“We know convenience plays a major role in getting consumers to make recy-cling a habit,” said Beth Schmitt, Alcoa’s director of recycling. “We want recycling aluminum cans to be as natural as wearing a seat belt when you get in a car. Recycling saves 95 percent of the energy it takes to make aluminum from virgin material. That’s energy we can’t afford to waste.”

In an interesting use of new media, Alcoa printed the in-home recycling bins with a special “QR” bar code, which when read by a smart phone takes Knoxville residents to a special video message from Governor Bill Haslam.

“The introduction of curbside recycling is an education process,” said Allison Teeters, executive director of Keep Knoxville Beautiful. “The ease of having the in-home bins, coupled with single stream recycling format and a large curbside cart at no additional cost is key to the success of this program.”

Alcoa’s Tennessee Operations is the world’s largest producer of rolled alumi-num can sheet for beverage cans and is based in Blount County. Locally, it em-ploys approximately 1,000 at its recycling and fabrication plants in Blount County, its hydropower facilities and its downtown Knoxville office. Alcoa collects both aluminum cans and other aluminum scrap for recycling in its facilities in Alcoa and Yennora, Australia. The mission of Alcoa Recycling is to help people understand how important it is to recycle and to make it easier to do so.

Alcoa Foundation is one of the largest corporate foundations in the U.S., with assets of approximately $436 million. Founded more than 50 years ago, Alcoa Foundation has invested more than $530 million. In 2010, Alcoa Foundation contributed nearly $20 million to nonprofit organizations throughout the world, focusing on promoting environmental stewardship, enabling economic and social sustainability, and preparing tomorrow’s leaders through education and learning. For more information about Alcoa Foundation, visit the organization’s website at www.alcoa.com/foundation.

Chamber Events Help Launch Tennova Healthcare

A pair of Knoxville Chamber events helped Mercy Health Partners transition to Tennova Healthcare in early October. Leadership from Health Management Associates, which acquired or leased all of Mercy’s hospitals in East Tennessee, converged on Knoxville the first week of October to officially launch the new brand. Tennova sponsored both an a.m. Exchange, hosted at the North Knoxville Medical Center in Powell, and an exclusive Premier Partner Reception, hosted at the Knoxville Museum of Art to help introduce the business community to the new ownership and brand.

Tennova Healthcare’s affiliation with Health Management Associates, a company with 66 hospitals in 15 states, will allow the hospital system to le-verage economies of scale for access to capital and purchasing power and share clinical best practices, providing more efficient delivery of services to patients in East Tennessee. Health Management will support the hospitals with financial resources and operational and clinical expertise in a number of impactful areas all which work together to improve the overall delivery of care.Door prizes were awarded at the a.m. Exchange:Movie passes to the premier of The Ides of March at Regal Cinemas:

Christa Early, Resource AccountingBavy Lopez, Capital Financial Group

$50 gift card to the Chop House, courtesy of Tennova:Gary Pritchett, Home Helpers

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTHEconomic Development Project Manager Kyle Touch-stone presents Director of Membership Development Michelle Kiely with Septem-ber’s Chamber Employee of the Month award

Tennova Healthcare (formerly Mercy Health Partners) sponsored an exclusive Premier Partner Reception at The Knoxville Museum of Art

LEADERSHIP PROFILE

Valerie GillespieEast Tennessee Area Vice President and General Manager Comcast Mid-South Region

Valerie Gillespie is the East Tennessee area Vice President and General Manager for Comcast Mid-South Region that serves the Chattanooga, Knoxville, Johnson City, and Southwest Virginia areas. Gillespie is an 18-year veteran of the cable television industry. Her start came in cable advertising before migrating to cable operations in 1997. Prior to Comcast acquiring the Middle Tennessee properties, Gillespie was the regional director for the cable operation in Nashville, serving over 300,000 cus-tomers. She has served as the general manager for Comcast in Augusta, Georgia and Chattanooga before relocating to Knoxville. Valerie is a member of the Geor-gia and Tennessee Cable Telecommunications Associations Board(s) of Directors as well as Community Television of Knoxville. What’s more, she is a contributing member in numerous community organizations. Over the past couple of years Gil-lespie has led the company’s launch efforts for new products and innovations such as Project Calvary (digital deployment), Docsis 3, Xfinity branding, and Xfinity Home Security.

Comcast Corporation is one of the world’s leading media, entertainment, and communications companies. Comcast is principally involved in the operation of cable systems through Comcast Cable and in the development, production, and distribu-tion of entertainment, news, sports, and other content for global audiences through NBCUniversal. Comcast Cable is one of the nation’s largest video, high-speed Internet, and phone providers to residential and business customers. Comcast is the majority owner and manager of NBCUniversal, which owns and operates entertain-ment and news cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, local television station groups, television production operations, a major motion picture company, and theme parks. For more information about Comcast, visit the organiza-tion’s website at www.comcast.com.


Attendees listen as Bob Lovelace, CEO of Image Matters, addresses them.

Image Matters Hosts Annual Tailgate-Themed a.m. Exchange

Image Matters helped prepare the business community for the Tennessee versus LSU football

game by hosting its annual a.m. Exchange on October 13 at its Suther-land Avenue location. Attendees enjoyed breakfast and coffee provided by catering sponsor All Occasion Catering, while networking in the show-room of the copier and multifunction device provider.

Door prizes were awarded to the following individuals at the event:HoundDogs Gift Card, courtesy of Image Matters: Kristina Everett, NewsTalk 98.7Best Buy Gift Card, courtesy of Image Matters: Chelse Stevens, Capital Financial

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH

Do you need to learn how to manage your employees, comply with the law, and protect your profits. If so, make plans to attend November’s Bright Ideas seminar “Employ-ment Law for the Business Owner” presented by Leslie Beale, The Beale Firm, PLLC. Participants will learn how business owners can most advantageously deal with a com-

plex maze of legal issues that arise when managing a workforce. Mistakes can be costly, but compliance does not have to be. In this seminar you will

Sponsored by:

Sponsored by: Catering Sponsor:

Employment Law for the Business Owner Presented by Leslie Beale, The Beale Firm, PLLC • Wednesday, November 16, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.$25 for Chamber Members/$35 for Non-Members (includes a boxed lunch)

learn which laws apply to your business, gain an understanding of the practical require-ments of each, and receive tips for complying in cost-effective ways to help you avoid expensive litigation.

To register, go to “Chamber Events” on knoxvillechamber.com or call the events line at (865) 246-2622.

UPCOMING EVENTSNOVEMBER 10a.m. Exchange at Bryan College 8 – 9 a.m., 170 North Seven Oaks Drive, 37922

Sponsored by:

NOVEMBER 15Power 30 Speed Networking4 – 7 p.m., Knoxville Chamber, 17 Market SquareMembers Only

NOVEMBER 16Bright Ideas SeminarEmployment Law for the Business Owner: How to Manage Your Employees, Comply with the Law, and Protect Your ProfitsPresented by Leslie Beale, The Beale Firm11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Knoxville Chamber, 17 Market Square$25 for Chamber Members and $35 for non-members (in-cludes a boxed lunch)

Sponsored by:

NOVEMBER 30 Exclusive Premier Partner Event w/ Featured Speaker Chad Speck, Allegiant Athletic Agency7:30 – 8:30 a.m., Knoxville Chamber, 17 Market Square

DECEMBER 8BAH Humbug – Holiday Party5 – 8 p.m., Tennessee Theatre Lobby, 640 South Gay Street

Presented by: Catering Sponsor:

ProductionAssistance:

DECEMBER 13New Member Reception4 – 6 p.m., Knoxville Chamber, 17 Market Square


Go to “Chamber Events” on knoxvillechamber.com to learn more or registerfor any of these events. You may also call the events line, (865) 246-2622.

Sponsored by:

Nov2011Commerce

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