2018 FINALISTS
INSIDE: SH Data Groundbreaking pg. 55 + Monthly Economic Indicators pg. 59
NEW MEMBERS & NEW PREMIER PARTNERS
Allegiant Athletic Agency (865) 546-0564 www.a3athletics.com Business & Professional Services 3° Advertising & Marketing Design (865) 470-0079 www.3degrees.net/ Business & Professional Services: Advertising Agencies Ace Exterminating Co., Inc. (865) 444-6034 www.aceofknoxville.com Residential Services: Pest Control Animal Emergency and Specialty Center (865) 693-4440 www.animalerspecialty.com Pet Care & Supplies Beasley Landscape Architects (865) 441-4428 www.landscapeandgardenservices.com Architectural & Engineering Services: Architects CBBC Bank (865) 380-1356 www.cbbcbank.com Financial Services: Banks Chick-fil-A Kingston Overlook (865) 691-7400 www.chick-fil-akingstonoverlook.com Restaurants Crawl Space Ninja (865) 659-0390 www.crawlspaceninja.com Construction & Contractors: Specialty Services DWC Construction (865) 392-5229 www.dwcinteriors.com Construction & Contractors: Remodeling Eagle Strategies, LLC (865) 694-0575 www.mattharpercfp.com Financial Services Education Loan Finance (844) 601-3534 www.elfi.com Financial Services Gilman Partners (513) 513-3042 www.gilmanpartners.com Employment, Career, & Staffing Services Joe Steuer - Keller Williams Realty (865) 977-0770 www.buy-sell-invest-knoxville-homes.com Real Estate: Residential
M Force Staffing, Inc. (865) 207-8767 www.mforcestaffing.com Business & Professional Services The Osteopathic Center (865) 321-1732 www.theosteocenter.com Healthcare Providers & Services: Ostepathic Paws Pet Supply & Grooming (865) 938-7297 www.pawspetsupply.com Pet Care & Supplies PostModern Spirits (865) 437-3190 www.postmodernspirits.com Restaurants: Bars
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
BASE TIER MEMBERS
McAlister’s Deli - Fountain City (865) 337-7146 www.mcalistersdeli.com
THE KNOXVILLE CHAMBER’S MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
COLBY’S PHOTOGRAPHY
LORENA HUBBARD
Smallball Media (865) 528-7743 www.smallballmedia.com Business & Professional Services: Marketing SmartHomeTechnologies (865) 227-9983 www.mysmarthometechnologies.com Business & Professional Services: Security Services
COLBY MCLEMORE
LAWHORN CPA GROUP
Smoky Mountain Guides (865) 654-4545 www.smokymountainguides.com Attractions & Tourism
SouthEast Bank - Lenoir City www.southeastbank.com Financial Services: Banks
ASSISTANT EDITOR JESSICA GUTMAN DESIGN LADDY FIELDS CONTACT THE KNOXVILLE CHAMBER (865) 637-4550 www.knoxvillechamber.com PRESIDENT & CEO MICHAEL EDWARDS EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT RHONDA RICE CLAYTON
FINANCE & OPERATIONS LARRY JOHNSON MEMBERSHIP MARK FIELD PUBLIC POLICY AMY NOLAN
KENNETH HERRING CIRRUS INSIGHT
SouthEast Bank - Bearden (865) 824-3322 www.southeastbank.com Financial Services: Banks SouthEast Bank - Hardin Valley (865) 824-3320 www.southeastbank.com Financial Services: Banks
EDITOR LYNSEY WILSON
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DOUG LAWYER
Riot Printing Co. (865) 766-7468 www.riotprinting.com Business & Professional Services: Promotional Products
2ND PLACE
BRONZE PREMIER PARTNERS McCarty Holsaple McCarty Architects & Interior Designers (865) 544-2000 www.mhminc.com Architectural & Engineering Services: Architects Residential Services: Interior Design
Landry & Azevedo Attorneys at Law (865) 851-7050 www.lalawknoxville.com Legal Services: Attorneys
CENTRAL BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (865) 246-2654 mhummel@downtownknoxville.org THE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (865) 546-5887 TENNESSEE SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER (865) 246-2663
3RD PLACE
SILVER PREMIER PARTNERS SouthEast Bank (865) 824-3000 www.southeastbank.com Financial Services: Banks
TOM O’BRIAN CORE BENEFITS & INVESTMENTS
Team Foster HR Strategy (865) 719-1177 www.teamfosterhrstrategy.com Business & Professional Services: Human Resources Tullock Consulting, LLC (865) 300-6706 www.tullockconsulting.com Business & Professional Services: Business Advisors & Consultants University Eye Specialists (865) 244-2020 www.universityeye.com Healthcare Providers & Services: Opthalmologists
Kruggel Lawton CPAs (865) 310-7244 www.klcpas.com Business & Professional Services: Certified Public Accountants
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LEADERSHIP KNOXVILLE (865) 523-9137 U.S. DEPT. OF COMMERCE EXPORT ASSISTANCE CENTER (865) 545-4637
BY: JESSICA GUTMAN
The Knoxville Chamber is pleased to announce its finalists for the 2018 Pinnacle Business Awards, presented by Regions Bank. This is the 14th year the Chamber has held the prestigious award ceremony acknowledging and celebrating regional business excellence. “A Pinnacle Business Award is one of the highest honors a local business, entrepreneur or organization can receive,” said Mike Edwards, Chamber president and CEO. “We are proud to recognize businesses and businesspeople that positively impact our region by contributing to the local economy and quality of life.” More than 200 companies were nominated in eight award categories recognizing outstanding local businesses and businesspeople. Members of the Chamber’s board of directors are divided into committees and charged with vetting and scoring the applications. Selections are based on information submitted during the application process by the nominated companies and any information available to the general public. Final scoring of the applicants is completed independently by each member of the selection committees on a secure website. Scores are tallied by an independent agency and presented to the Chamber.
FINALISTS FOR THE 2018 PINNACLE BUSINESS AWARDS ARE: The Small Business Excellence Award honors an East Tennessee small business that has 50 employees or less company-wide. The winner demonstrates the ability to overcome obstacles and has a historical index of growth in revenues and workforce.
• Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating & Cooling – A plumbing and HVAC company offering services in Knoxville and surrounding areas. • Axle Logistics - A third-party logistics company with a focus on providing safe, reliable and advanced transportation services to clients throughout the continental U.S., Canada and Mexico. The Business Excellence Awards are divided into a mid-sized category for businesses with 51-200 total employees, and a large category for companies with 201 or more employees. The Business Excellence Awards recognize East Tennessee businesses that have shown remarkable profitability, growth and stability. Companies must have a significant presence in East Tennessee and be nationally or internationally recognized in their respective sectors.
FINALISTS – MID-SIZED BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD - sponsored by Master Service Companies • Lloyd’s Electric Service, Inc.– A company providing high-quality commercial and industrial type electrical services throughout the Southeast, as well as HVAC/refrigeration, alternative energy solutions, back-up power and data and telecommunication products and services. • Michael Brady Inc. – An architecture and engineering firm offering a comprehensive range of services including architecture, structural engineering, land surveying and construction administration. • Rodefer Moss & Co, PLLC – A three-state accounting firm with eight offices in Tennessee, Kentucky and Indiana that serves clients across a wide range of businesses, industries and non-profit entities and services.
FINALISTS – LARGE BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARD • Burleson Brands – The parent company operating 17 restaurants in East Tennessee including Aubrey’s, Sunspot, Barley’s, Stefano’s, Bistro by the Tracks, Drink, Fieldhouse Social and Crown & Goose.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 58 FINALISTS • TAG Resources, LLC – A tech-based, Third Party Administrator (TPA) in the retirement industry, handling all back-office operations in the Pinnacle Nominees continued on page 54 administration of 401(k) or 403(b) retirement plans.
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Pinnacle Nominees continued from page 53 • DeRoyal Industries – A company specializing in global manufacturing and sales of medical devices in the following markets: surgical devices, unitized delivery systems, orthopedic supports and bracing and wound care dressings. • Covenant Health - A community-owned, not-for-profit health system comprised of 10 hospitals providing comprehensive health services throughout Tennessee.
social events, corporate events, parties and galas. • Dr. Will Tantum, CEO of Blount County Eye Center – After purchasing his father’s practice in 2014, Dr. Tantum has grown Blount County Eye Center into a successful company with five physicians offering comprehensive eye-care services to the people of Blount and surrounding counties.
The Woman-Owned Business Excellence Award, is given to an outstanding woman-owned business in East Tennessee. Companies must be at least 51 percent owned by one or more women, and one or more women must control daily management operations.
The Impact Award, sponsored by Publix, is awarded to a non-charitable, East Tennessee business committed to making the region a better place to live through the development and support of a community project or program. The recipient should demonstrate the ability to improve community conditions that significantly impact the region.
FINALISTS • The Pavilion at Hunter Valley Farm, LLC – A premier event venue
FINALISTS • Blount County Eye Center – Through its Eye Love Project, Blount
specializing in full-service event planning, design and low-stress events. • BGT Recruiting & Consulting, Inc. – A professional recruiting and HR consulting company providing services to clients locally and nationally, focusing mainly on accounting, finance, HR, administrative, marketing, operations and sales disciplines. • Knoxville Graphic House – An alternative marketing and branding agency employing local artists that develop out-of-the-box concepts for its clients and follow them through to production.
County Eye Care provides no-cost eye care and eyewear to individuals in the local community and around the world who have financial hardships or other barriers to care. • Master Service Companies – With a mission of using resources and profits to serve the community, each of Master Services Companies’ employees donates at least eight hours of community service hours per quarter – totaling 2,772.25 hours in 2017. • Strata-G, LLC – Strata-G’s outreach program focuses on four areas: food and shelter for its neighbors in greatest need, education investments to positively affect the life trajectories of youth, stewardship and conservation of the environment for present and future generations and grassroots causes dearest to the hearts of its employees.
The Minority-Owned Business Excellence Award, sponsored by Covenant Health, recognizes companies that have achieved notable growth and are at least 51 percent owned by an ethnic minority.
FINALISTS • Compassionate Care Home Health – A company providing a comprehensive network of support services for people with intellectual, physical and developmental disabilities and individuals with mental health needs or substance use challenges. • Insurefit RM – A personal and commercial insurance agency that maximizes clients’ protection and provides tailor-made services while always keeping affordability in mind. • MBK Wellness of Knoxville – A group of licensed massage therapists providing comprehensive massage services that incorporate several techniques including its Ultimate Signature Massage, deep tissue, sports therapy, and Thai — tailored to each individual client’s needs. The Young Entrepreneur Award, sponsored by Rodefer Moss Company PLLC - acknowledges the importance of the entrepreneurial spirit. This award recognizes young professionals, 40 years of age or younger as of May 4, 2018, who started or are at risk in ownership of a non-franchise business in East Tennessee. The winner will have overcome obstacles and moved their business from early growth to some maturity.
FINALISTS • Andrew Randazzo, executive director of Prime Medical Training – Founded in 2013, the training company teaches life-saving skills to daycare workers, manufacturers, physicians, new parents and other local businesses. • Bradford Jones, CEO of Bradford Catered Events – Jones took over his father’s company in 2014 and rebranded it as Bradford Catered Events, a full-service, off-site catering company that services East Tennessee for weddings,
The Innovator Award, sponsored by Cirrus Insight, is presented to an East Tennessee business that has developed a new technology, innovative product or service or has applied a business system or service in an innovative way.
FINALISTS • GRIDSMART Technologies, Inc. – A company that develops, commercializes and sells efficient Intelligent Traffic Systems (ITS), Internet of Everything (IoE) and services to municipal partners around the world. • 2:45Tech – A web and app development company that has created a sales and marketing CRM designed for small businesses called Pulsetracker. • Smart RIA– A software as a service company that has revolutionized regulatory compliance for wealth managers by creating a cloud-based, responsive web app that simplifies compliance for the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) industry. In addition to the eight awards listed above, the Chamber honors one outstanding business leader each year as the recipient of the James A. Haslam II Chairman’s Leadership Award. The 2018 honoree of this award is Sharon Miller Pryse, CEO and founder of The Trust Company. This award is presented to a longtime Knoxville business leader that exhibits strength in character, resolve, commitment to the community and exemplary success in business. The winners will be announced during the Pinnacle Business Awards on May 4 at the Knoxville Convention Center. The black tie-optional gala features a silent auction and reception starting at 6 p.m., followed by a dinner and awards program. The program concludes with a champagne toast to the winners. M&M Productions, Bandit Lights, All Occasions Party Rentals, Moser Visuals and Big Slate Media provide production assistance for the event. Individual tickets can be purchased online at Pinnacle2018.eventbrite.com.
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SH Data Technologies Breaks Ground on Tier III Data Center
(from left) County Commissioner Brad Anders, SH Data Technologies President Frank Hutchinson, County Commissioner Evelyn Gill, Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, SH Data Technologies CEO Butch Smith, City Council Member George Wallace, City of Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero, City Council Member Gwen McKenzie, Knoxville Utilities Board CEO Mintha Roach, City Council Member Andrew Roberto and County Commissioner Carson Dailey break ground on The Fort, Knoxville’s first Tier III data center.
BY: JESSICA GUTMAN
SH Data Technologies held an official groundbreaking ceremony for Knoxville’s first Tier III data center on Jan. 29. The facility will be constructed at the site of the former Fort Hill building at 901 East Summit Hill Ave. Butch Smith, founder of Smith & Hammaker and now chief executive officer of SH Data Technologies, aims to create a regional anchor for businesses with big data needs, from data storage and security to virtualization. “This facility will be the cornerstone of a broader strategy to provide technology solutions with unlimited scale,” said Smith. “This data center will be Knoxville’s first Tier III data center and will attract businesses from other regional cities outside of Knoxville to use our technology to manage, scale and protect their highest priority data. “The data center is the first step, but we will also offer disaster recovery, technology integration, and managed-cloud services under the SH Data Technologies brand.” Data centers are categorized on a tier scale, from I to IV, based on power,
reliability and availability. The Fort will be Knoxville’s first Tier III data center and will compete with similar facilities in Atlanta and Chicago, among others. In addition to the data security, the company will also offer network and hosting services through connectivity providers such as AT&T. The first phase of the data center will include a restoration of the Fort Hill building. The Fort will consist of 33,000 sq. ft. of commercial office space and 8,000 sq. ft. for the data center. Subsequent phases of the project include four separate data facilities, which will each add an additional 10,000 sq. ft. SH Data Technologies purchased the property in 2014 and has been working with the Knoxville Chamber, Knoxville Utilities Board and Tennessee Valley Authority to finalize the project in order to attract businesses from outside the community. “Besides being a huge economic development win, in and of itself, The Fort will be an asset to add to the list of our region’s technology infrastructure,” said Doug Lawyer, vice president of economic development for the Knoxville Chamber. “I’m confident the data center will help get us on the radar of new business location opportunities from companies considering relocations or expansions.”
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Lawmakers Talk Opioid Epidemic, Teacher Training at Capitol Connections BY: AMY NOLAN
Legislation that aims to end the opioid epidemic through prevention, treatment and law enforcement was top of mind for two Knoxville state legislators during the Knoxville Chamber’s first Capitol Connections event of 2018. Sen. Richard Briggs and Rep. Bill Dunn both agreed that treatment options for addicts must be expanded to provide more long-term options, but it’s equally important to focus on prevention and other measures – such as limiting the amount of opioids physicians can prescribe – to prevent people from becoming addicted, they said. Briggs has continued this year to attack what he characterized as organized crime trafficking in gift cards, which are obtained by shoplifters returning stolen merchandise to stores. Knoxville, he said, has the highest shoplifting rate per capita, and much of it is tied to buying and selling of gift cards, which provides cash to fuel the drug trade. Briggs, and law enforcement that he’s worked with on the legislation, estimate the economic impact to retailers at $200 million statewide and the impact to the state in lost sales taxes at up to $20 million. Calls have been coming in from attorneys general in other states inquiring about the legislation’s impact. “We think this can be a real game changer,” the senator said. Dunn will carry part of the Governor’s opioid legislation in the House. The two also touched on other topics including: • Legislation that would tie incentive funding to state universities based on the
institution’s teacher training program outcomes. Dunn is sponsoring the measure along with Sen. Delores Gresham, chairman of Senate Education Committee. • The University of Tennessee’s Board of Trustees, which the governor would like to reduce from 27 members to 11. The governor’s bill would also create advisory boards for each UT campus. Both Briggs and Dunn said they support the measure, although they acknowledge that lawmakers may want to make some changes. Dunn said Haslam discussed the idea with the Knox County delegation in December. “I have served with the governor for eight years now, and I trust that he has thought this through and it’s a good idea.” • The Metropolitan Planning Commission’s vote this past year to require side walks in all new residential development in Knox County. Briggs is sponsoring legislation that would require all planning commission regulations to be approved by its respective legislative bodies, in this case the Knox County Commission. Additional Capitol Connections events are scheduled for March 9 and April 13. Lawmakers will give an inside view of what’s happening on Tennessee’s Capitol Hill during panel discussions moderated by Susan Richardson Williams, chair of the Chamber’s Government Relations & Public Policy Committee. SPONSORED BY:
All Occasions Party Rentals Hosts Business After Hours BY: JESSICA GUTMAN
Nearly 200 businesspeople gathered at All Occasions Party Rentals for a Knoxville Chamber Business After Hours on Feb. 13. Attendees enjoyed making connections, exploring the company’s expansive collection of event rentals and décor and eating food and treats provided by All Occasion Catering and the Gelato Brothers. Heather Majka, Senior Financial Group, and Kim Beets, SMG Knoxville, took home the evening’s door prizes – $50 gift cards to Seasons Innovative Bar & Grille.
A large crowd of professionals packs All Occasions Party Rentals for an evening of networking at the Chamber’s Business After Hours.
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Innovation Valley Releases 2018 Economic Profile BY: JESSICA GUTMAN
Last month, KnoxvilleOak Ridge Innovation Valley released the third edition of the Innovation Valley Economic Development Guide, produced in partnership with Conway, Inc., publishers of Site Selection magazine. The economic profile is a digital and print publication utilized as a marketing tool to promote Innovation Valley’s business climate in both domestic and international markets. This multimedia magazine spotlights the region through detailed reporting and analysis of trends, success stories of regional business growth and expansion and an analysis of Innovation Valley’s competitive advantages. The profile also details the regional partners that make up Innovation Valley: Anderson County Economic Development Agency, Blount Partnership, Knoxville Chamber, Loudon County Economic Development Agency, City of Oak Ridge, Roane Alliance and Tellico Reservoir Development Agency. “One of the strategic priorities of our Innovation Valley efforts is to tell our region’s business story,” said Doug Lawyer, vice president of economic development for the Knoxville Chamber. “This publication does an excellent job in conveying the key selling points of the Innovation Valley region to both internal and external business location consultants and decision makers. “We have already direct shipped this publication to 5,000 C-level executives across the nation in select industry sectors that can benefit from our location, assets, workforce and overall quality of life.” To view the magazine in its entirety, visit KnoxvilleOakRidge.com.
Knoxville Chamber Hosts Regional Legislative Agenda Breakfast BY: JESSICA GUTMAN
More than 230 business leaders gathered in late January to hear from Knoxvillearea lawmakers at the Regional Legislative Breakfast, sponsored by Comcast. The annual event was cohosted by the Knoxville Chamber, Blount Partnership and Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce. State legislators Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, Sens. Becky Duncan Massey, Richard Briggs and Ken Yager, along with Reps. Jason Zachary, Martin Daniel, Rick Staples, Roger Kane, Jerome Moon, Bob Ramsey and John Ragan, briefed Chamber members on what to expect during the 2018 legislative session.
State Rep. Jason Zachary speaks to a sold-out crowd at the Regional Legislative Agenda breakfast, presented by Comcast and hosted by the Knoxville, Oak Ridge, and Blount chambers.
SPONSORED BY:
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Businesses Needed to Open Doors to Local Educators this Summer BY: AMY NOLAN
Knoxville employers are needed this summer to provide opportunities for educators to observe first-hand the 21st century workplace and to take what they’ve learned back to their students. The Knoxville Chamber is recruiting businesses for two such programs in June. Educators in the Workplace matches educators with business people in the workplace setting for a two or more hour event. Members of various departments within the company provide information on company’s business and workplace culture, and specifics on ways to connect what the students learn in the classroom with what is required in the workplace. Companies will offer a tour of the workplace and arrange for question and answer sessions with representatives from various departments. The opportunity to participate is for companies in all industry sectors. A more intensive externship opportunity for teams consisting of teachers, school
counselors and administrators is planned under a Pathways Tennessee grant for Anderson, Blount and Knox Counties. Businesses in advanced manufacturing and information systems – two industries in which finding talent is difficult – are being sought to provide a two-day experience for the school teams. The aim of both projects is for teachers to take what they’ve learned back to the classroom and share the information with students, offering business insights and getting them excited about the potential of these workplaces and the careers they offer. Businesses benefit by increasing teachers’ awareness of industry needs to aid them in preparing students for the workforce. In many cases, these externships have also served as the beginning of an ongoing connection between industry and education. If you would like to participate in either or both experiences, please contact Alex Kleto, the Knoxville Chamber’s manager of existing industry, at akleto@knoxvillechamber.com or 865-246-2661.
MARCH - 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 March. Thank you for your commitment to the Chamber and the community! MEMBER SINCE
The Salvation Army
1992
Geosyntec Consultants
2003
MWC Media
1960
Edfinancial Services
1992
Utilities Management Federation, Inc.
2003
Pugh CPAs
1965
Robert Half Internationalq
1993
Armstrong Relocation/United Van Lines
1972
Bertelkamp Automation, Inc.
1975
20 – 24 YEARS
Alsco Inc.
2004
Pellissippi State Community College
1976
Delta Dental of Tennessee
1995
Knowledge Launch
2005
Brown, Brown & West
1978
High Resolutions
1995
Dollar & Ewers Architecture, Inc.
2005
Rouse Construction Company
1978
Land Development Solutions
1997
Wyndham Vacation Resorts
2006
First Utility District of Knox County
1982
Tennessee Associated Electric
1997
Management Solutions, LLC
2006
Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority
1982
Caris Healthcare, LP
2006
Volunteer Lumber Sales, Inc.
1982
15-19 YEARS
Pathway Lending
2006
U.S. Cellular
1985
Beaty Chevrolet Company
1999
Slamdot, Inc.
2007
Monday Properties
1987
Orkin Pest Control
2000
Information International Associates, Inc. (IIA)
2007
Waste Management, Inc. of Tennessee
1987
I. C. Thomasson Associates, Inc.
2000
Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum
2007
Knoxville Track Club
1988
Faith Promise Church
2001
Graduate & Executive Education
2007
1988
New Balance Knoxville
2001
Accounting Principals
2007
31+ YEARS
Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union
10 – 14 YEARS MEMBER SINCE
MEMBER SINCE
MEMBER SINCE
TJ Development & Management, LLC
2001
Answer Quick
2007
MEMBER SINCE
Hiscall Incorporated
2003
Dean-Smith, Inc.
2008
1991
East Tennessee PBS
2003
JB&B Investments, LLC
2008
Stonecraft, Inc.
1991
Visit Knoxville
2003
EnerNex 2008
YMCA of East Tennessee, Inc.
1992
Steiner & Ellis, PLLC
2003
UT Haslam College of Business
All Occasions Party Rentals
2003
25 – 30 YEARS Cellular Sales of Knoxville, Inc.
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2008
MONTHLY ECONOMIC INDICATORS
(Jan. 2018)
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 Dec. ’16Dec. ‘17
Dec. 2017
Nov. 2017
Dec. 2016
% Change Nov. ’17Dec. ‘17
235,130 415,290 3,207,400 159,880,000
237,000 418,370 3,206,300 160,466,000
235,590 417,410 3,156,400 158,968,000
-0.8 -0.7 0.0 -0.4
-0.2 -0.5 1.6 0.6
398,800 3,060,600
401,800 3,063,500
396,700 3,027,100
-0.7 -0.1
0.5 1.1
6,100 12,070 99,500
6,810 13,160 107,000
9,710 19,300 155,100
-10.4 -8.3 -7.0
-37.2 -37.5 -35.8
2.6 2.9 3.1 3.9
2.9 3.1 3.3 3.9
4.1 4.6 4.9 4.5
-0.3 -0.2 -0.2 0.0
-1.5 -1.7 -1.8 -0.6
Non-Ag Employment Knoxville MSA Tennessee
Residential Closings Residential Inventory Median Residential Price
Jan. 2018 1,136 5,842 $167,000
Unemployment Rates Knox Co. Knoxville MSA Tennessee U.S.
Sources: Tennessee Dept. of Labor & Workforce Development/U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
INFLATION RATES - CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (CPI)
*Southeast Region Avg. U.S. Avg. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
% Change Jan. ’16Jan. ‘18 -1.2 -0.4
Jan. ’17-‘18
Dec. ’16-‘17
Jan. ’16-‘17
1.6 2.1
1.7 2.1
2.8 2.5
-0.1 0.0
% Change Dec. ’16Dec. ‘17
Knoxville (City)
Total Single-Family Multi-Family
Dec. 2017* 39 9 30
Dec. 2016 11 11 0
% Change Dec. ’16Dec. ‘17 254.5 -18.2 100.0
Knox Co.
Total Single-Family Multi-Family
132 102 30
110 110 0
20.0 -7.3 100.0
Knoxville MSA
Total Single-Family Multi-Family
223 183 40
215 198 17
3.7 -7.6 135.3
Tennessee
Total Single-Family Multi-Family
2,256 1,477 779
2,194 1,445 749
2.8 2.2 4.0
Knox Co. Knoxville MSA Tennessee
Dec. 2017
Nov. 2017
Dec. 2016
% Change Nov. ’17Dec. ‘17
54,637,892 83,014,466 730,212,261
51,940,892 80,370,697 716,158,221
52,480,346 78,940,758 671,592,137
5.2 3.3 2.0
4.1 5.2 8.7
15,618,237 24,707,569
14,826,008 23,567,529
14,482,405 22,707,506
5.3 4.8
7.8 8.8
% Change Jan. ’17Jan. ‘18 5.1 6.0 3.1 2.9 4.3 1.8 6.6 10.1 3.0 1.8 6.4 4.2 13.2 -5.9
AIR SERVICE (MCGHEE-TYSON AIRPORT)
Passengers Freight
Dec. 2017 163,850 5,103,336
Nov. 2017 177,150 7,081,521
Dec. 2016 149,603 8,223,846
% Change Nov. ’17Dec. ‘17 -7.5 -27.9
% Change Dec. ’16Dec. ‘17 9.5 -37.9
Source: Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority
Local Sales Tax Knox Co. Knoxville MSA
*All 2017 building permit data is preliminary and therefore subject to revision throughout the year. Sources: U.S. Housing & Urban Development – SOCDS – State of the Cities Data Systems; U.S. Census Bureau – Building Permits Survey
*South – City Size Class B/C
SALES TAX REVENUE - STATE & LOCAL ($) State Sales Tax
1,106 6,730 $160,000
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMITS
- ALL ITEMS
% Change Dec. ’17Jan. ‘18
Jan. 2017
% Change Jan. ’17Jan. ‘18 2.7 -13.2 4.4
Source: Knoxville Area Association of Realtors
Unemployment Estimates Knox Co. Knoxville MSA Tennessee
Dec. 2017 1,409 5,973 $175,000
% Change Dec. ’17Jan. ‘18-19.4 -2.2 -4.6
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
Jan. 2018
Dec. 2017
444,632 25,313 16,187 7,564 59,731 53,374 8,901 37,712 50,952 27,040 9,736 88,195 53,927
561,925 29,044 34,367 12,069 66,980 59,702 11,500 38,639 79,790 30,658 12,166 100,800 75,120
423,111 23,873 15,700 7,350 57,266 52,437 8,348 34,246 49,479 26,564 9,154 84,658 47,658
% Change Dec. ’17Jan. ‘18 -20.9 -12.8 -52.9 -37.3 -10.8 -10.6 -22.6 -2.4 -36.1 -11.8 -20.0 -12.5 -28.2
6,000
11,090
6,378
-45.9
Jan. 2017
EST. 1869 For more information on research, contact Joe Riley, jriley@knoxvillechamber.com.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau – Advance Monthly Retail Trade Report
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Propel Protégé Profile The Knoxville Chamber’s Propel mentor/protégé program pairs an established community business leader with a protégé who is relatively new to business.
What does your firm offer its clients? Our company offers clients the option to have their groceries delivered directly to them wherever they are, from wherever they’d like. Our clients never have to stress out or put in the effort of going to the grocery store ever again. Not only do we deliver groceries, we have partnerships with local restaurants and are now able to deliver food to your home or place of business. What makes your firm unique? Client relationships are our number one priority, and our relationship with current clients is incredible. We build relationships with our clients to the point where they trust us enough to enter their homes and be around their families. Gateway Grocery Delivery has a partnership with The Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, so for every $100 dollars our clients spend on their own groceries, we provide three meals for families in need in East Tennessee. We believe with our company and the support of our communities, we can eradicate hunger in Knoxville. Who are your perfect clients? We have clients that range from college students with no vehicles, all the way to elderly clients who find it difficult to do the little things like grocery shopping.
Firm: Gateway Grocery Delivery Owner: Jimmy Sengchanh and Patrick Bardsley Email: www.mygatewaygrocerydelivery.com Phone: (865) 964-3843
RIBBON CUTTINGS
Peak Restaurants celebrated the grand opening of its 12th McAlister’s location on Jan. 22 in Fountain City. The new restaurant is located at 2885 Tazewell Pike.
Comcast celebrated the grand opening of its first Knoxville Xfinity Store on Feb. 13. It offers a unique space for customers to explore the latest products and to enjoy a more convenient customer experience. The new store is located at 6928 Kingston Pike.
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The Knoxville Chamber’s economic development team accelerates job growth and corporate investment in the community through the active recruitment of new businesses to the Knoxville-Oak Ridge Innovation Valley region. Part of the overall strategy includes marketing the region’s assets at trade shows and conferences and face-to-face meetings around the world. This map shows all the locations the team visited in 2017.
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RIBBON CUTTINGS
UPCOMING EVENTS
MARCH 9
Capitol Connections 8 – 9 AM • Knoxville Chamber – 17 Market Square, #201 Sponsored by:
MARCH 27
a.m. Exchange – All Occasion Catering 8 – 9 AM • Jackson Terminal – 205 West Jackson Ave. Sponsored by:
Hyatt Place Knoxville/Downtown celebrated its grand opening in the historic Farragut Hotel building on Dec. 19. The newly restored hotel is located at 530 S. Gay Street.
MARCH 27
New Member Orientation 4:00 PM – 6 PM Knoxville Chamber – 17 Market Square, #201 Sponsored by:
MARCH 28
Bright Ideas 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Knoxville Chamber – 17 Market Square, #201 Sponsored by:
MARCH 29
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Premier Locations, an authorized dealer for U.S. Cellular, celebrated the grand opening of its Chapman Hwy location with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Dec. 8. The store is located at 4409 Chapman Highway, Suite K.
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Interested in scheduling a ribbon cutting for your business? Contact Julie Massie at (865) 246-2606 for more information.
Governor’s Luncheon 11:15 AM – 1 PM Knoxville Convention Center, 701 Henley Street Sponsored by:
Supported by:
REGISTER FOR EVENTS AT KNOXVILLECHAMBER.COM/EVENTS-CALENDAR.
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