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FEATURES Knoxville Relocation Guide 2016
07 The 411 Get the lowdown on everything you need to know about Knoxville. Including important area information, contact information, and important demographics.
20 Five-Star Healthcare
16 225 Years of Commerce & Industry Knoxville is celebrating its 225th anniversary in 2016, and with that celebration comes an observance of the city’s vibrant and industrious past.
Residents throughout the region have access to high-quality care, cutting-edge treatment procedures, and a unique patient-centric information exchange between providers.
24 Educational Endeavors
11 Diverse Diversions Diverse experiences in close proximity to one another are part of what makes the quality of life in Knoxville so phenomenal. Whether you are a mountain biker, a dining enthusiast, a supporter of the arts, or a sports fan Knoxville offers what you are looking for.
Knoxville offers an outstanding public education school system as well as a variety of private school options.
33 Advertisers Index Complete list of Advertisers
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Welcome
Message from the president On behalf of the Knoxville Chamber’s board of directors and 2,200 member businesses, welcome to Knoxville! Whether you are moving to the area for an employment opportunity, or you were captivated by the picturesque beauty and decided to retire or purchase a second home here, we are excited you have decided to make our community your home. This publication will provide you with valuable insight to make your transition to the area easier. You will find everything from important phone numbers and demographical statistics to articles about all the amenities our area offers. We also encourage you to visit our websites www.iKnowKnoxville.com, www.knoxvillechamber.com, and www.knoxvilleoakridge.com to find additional information. Each website delivers relative and unique content that will help you make an informed move to our community. The Chamber’s interactive business directory is www.iKnowKnoxville.com. It will help you find everything from real estate agents to personal service providers, to restaurants and hospitals, all with the peace of mind that the businesses listed are associated with the oldest and most trusted business organization in Knoxville—the chamber of commerce. Additionally, the community calendar on the website will help you find activities and events that the whole family can enjoy, and the job board on the site will provide you with employment opportunities if you are looking for a job. To learn more about the region’s business environment, we invite you to visit the Chamber’s website, www.knoxvillechamber.com. This site will provide you with information relative to business development, public policy, workforce, education, and Chamber membership. It will also give you insight into the cutting-edge business resources we provide the local business community. We are a progressive organization that is striving to make Knoxville America’s Best Business Address®. Finally, if you are interested in additional information on the advantages to locating or expanding a business in this region, we recommend you visit www.knoxvilleoakridge.com. This website is produced by Innovation Valley, the regional economic development initiative led by the Knoxville Chamber and seven additional partner agencies. Once again, welcome to Knoxville! If we can assist you any further, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Michael Edwards, President/CEO Knoxville Chamber 17 Market Square, #201 Knoxville, TN 37902 (865) 637-4550
Know Knoxville is a publication of the Knoxville Chamber Knoxville Chamber 17 Market Square, #201 Knoxville, TN 37902 (865) 637-4550 www.knoxvillechamber.com www.knoxvilleoakridge.com www.iKnowKnoxville.com Michael Edwards President/CEO Rhonda Rice Executive Vice President
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Mark Field Senior Vice President Larry Johnson Vice President/CFO Lori Fuller Vice President, Marketing & Events Michelle Kiely Vice President, Membership Development Doug Lawyer Vice President, Economic Development Melissa Spangler Vice President, Member Services Lori Fuller Managing Editor Laddy Fields Art Director/Photographer Christie Knapper Contributing Writer Jenny Woodbery Contributing Writer Jessica Karsten Contributing Writer Kayla Witt Contributing Writer
THE
411
Approximate Distance from Downtown Knoxville to... (Source: Google Maps) Lexington, KY Nashville, TN Atlanta, GA Charlotte, NC Cincinnati, OH Louisville, KY Birmingham, AL Charleston, SC Memphis, TN Destin, FL
170 miles 180 miles 215 miles 230 miles 250 miles 250 miles 260 miles 370 miles 370 miles 500 miles
The Weather
(Sources: National Weather Service & weather.com) Average High
69.3˚F
Average Low
49.7˚F
Average First Freeze
Nov. 3
Average Last Freeze
April 6
Warmest Month July (88˚F avg high) Coldest Month
January (47˚F avg high)
Average Snowfall/year
6.5 inches
Rainiest Month
March (5 inches)
Average Precipitation/ year
48 inches
Taxes
The state of Tennessee does not have a personal income tax. The state sales tax rate is 7 percent and the Knox County sales tax rate is 2.25 percent (9.25 percent total). Property taxes vary based on location.
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Local Government Offices Counties listed are part of the Innovation Valley footprint. Cities listed are the top three metros within the same area.
Knox County
Jefferson County
Mayor Tim Burchett 400 Main Street Knoxville, TN 37902 (865) 215-2005 www.knoxcounty.org
Mayor Alan Palmieri 214 West Main Street Dandridge, TN 37725 (865) 397-3800 www.jeffersoncountytn.gov
City of Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero 400 Main Street Knoxville, TN 37902 (865) 215-2000 Dial 3-1-1 for info on city services www.cityofknoxville.org
Loudon County Mayor Buddy Bradshaw 100 River Road Loudon, TN 37774 (865) 458-4664 www.loudoncounty-tn.gov
Monroe County
Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank 100 North Main Street Clinton, TN 37716-3617 (865) 457-6200 www.andersontn.org
City of Oak Ridge Mayor Warren Gooch 200 South Tulane Avenue Oak Ridge, TN 37830 www.oakridgetn.gov
Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell 341 Court Street Maryville, TN 37804 (865) 273-5700 www.blounttn.org
City of Alcoa Mayor Don Mull 223 Associates Boulevard Alcoa, TN 37701-1948 (865) 380-4795 www.cityofalcoa-tn.gov
City of Maryville Mayor Tom Taylor 400 West Broadway Avenue Maryville, TN 37801 (865) 273-3900 www.maryvillegov.com
Mayor Tim Yates 105 College Street Madisonville, TN 37354 (423) 442-3981 www.monroegovernment.org
Roane County Ron Woody, County Executive 200 E. Race Street Kingston, TN 37763 (865) 376-5578 www.roanecountytn.gov
Registrations
State of Tennessee Vehicle Registration New residents and those relocating to the state can obtain a vehicle title from their local county clerk’s office after emissions testing (if it is required by the county). Visit tn.gov/ revenue/section/title-and-registration for more information and county clerks’ locations.
Voter Registration Residents can register to vote in person at the following locations: County Clerk’s Offices County Election Commission Office Public Libraries Register of Deeds Offices Or during a transaction with one of the following: Department of Health (WIC program) Department of Human Services Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
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Department of Mental Health Department of Safety (motor vehicles division) Department of Veterans Services There is also a form online at http://www. tennessee.gov/sos/election/registration.htm that can be filled out and filed directly with the county election commission.
Utilities
Electric & Gas First Utility District of Knox County.............................(865) 966-9741 Hallsdale Powell Utility District ........................... (865) 922-7547 Knox Chapman Utility District............................(865) 577-4497 Knoxville Utilities Board.................................(865) 524-2911 Lenoir City Utilities Board............................... (865) 986-6591 Northeast Knox Utility District............................(865) 687-5345 West Knox Utility District............................ (865) 690-2521
Telephone/Internet/Digital & Cable TV (Residential) AT&T.................................. (800) 331-0500 Charter..............................(877) 286-5390 Comcast........................... (800) 266-2278 Frontier............................ (865) 705-0371 WOW! Internet, Cable & Phone...........................(844) 240-0211 TDS Telecom.................(866) 571-66620 Windstream....................(866) 445-5880
Waste Management/Recycling Waste Connections of Tennessee, Inc............. (865) 522-0078 Waste Management, Inc. of Tennessee.................(865) 525-0529
Transportation
Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) is the city of Knoxville’s transit system, operating buses, trolleys, and paratransit service across the city. KAT carries more than 3 million passenger trips each year. For more information about KAT visit, www.katbus.com.
Interested in additional information regarding businesses and service providers in the Knoxville area? Visit www.iKnowKnoxville.com!
Demographics
(All based on the Knoxville MSA)
Population:
857,585 (Knoxville MSA) 448,644 (Knox County) 184,281 (City of Knoxville) U.S. Census; 2014 estimate
Cost of Living 86.4
(national avg. = 100) c2er; 3rd Quarter/2015
Median Household Income $44,184
Demographics Now; 2014 estimate
Average Commute Time 27.1 minutes
U.S. Census; American Community Survey 5-Year Average 2009-13
Average Home Price $183,962
Knoxville Area Association of Realtors; Sept. 2015
Average Rent
$710 (for 2-BR/2-BA Apartment) c2er; 3rd Quarter/2015
Greenways 97 miles PlanET
National Brands Headquartered Here
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DIVERSE DIVERSIONS Imagine a place where you can take a hike through the wilderness, catch a fly ball at a baseball game, and catch a movie all in a day’s time. Or try your hand at mountain biking, followed by kayaking on the Tennessee River, and 15 minutes later be dining in an exquisite downtown restaurant before heading to the symphony. Diverse experiences in close proximity to one another are part of what makes the quality of life in Knoxville so phenomenal!
by: Christie Knapper
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Game On! Knoxvillians enjoy sports-centered entertainment throughout the year with an impressive array of professional and collegiate teams as well as various leagues for those who wish to participate on a recreational level. The University of Tennessee’s flagship campus is located less than a mile west of downtown and hosts 18 men’s and women’s NCAA Division I intercollegiate teams. At the core of UT athletics is the football team, which will commence its 120th season in 2016. The Volunteers play in historic Neyland Stadium where they have the highest home-field total wins in college football for any school in the nation at its current home venue. The women’s basketball program at the University of Tennessee is historically known as one of the strongest and most competitive having won eight national championships. The Lady Vols play at 12 | KNOXVILLE CHAMBER knoxvillechamber.com
Thompson-Boling Arena and share the home court with the volleyball and men’s basketball teams. Across the board, fans of Tennessee Athletics are some of the most devoted and loyal fans you will find. They wear orange and white with pride on game days and sing Tennessee’s official song, Rocky Top, at every opportunity. The Knoxville area is home to two minor-league professional teams. The Tennessee Smokies baseball team plays 20 miles east of downtown Knoxville and is recognized as one of the top attractions in the state. The Knoxville Ice Bears compete in the Southern Professional Hockey League at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum. The team won its fourth league championship last year. Both teams offer a family friendly, affordable outing. Knoxvillians of all ages have plenty of opportunities to take part in the sports action around town. For 60 years Knoxville Youth Sports has organized leagues in the area offering recreational play across five
sports to children ages 4 to 14. Knoxville Sports & Social Club offers recreational leagues and social events for individuals over 21. Residents are invited to join one of the many leagues including kickball, softball, volleyball, and flag football regardless of skill level or athletic ability with anticipation of a fun time and making new friends. A plethora of other activities exist, ranging from tennis leagues to Frisbee golf leagues.
In the Open Air Knoxville’s landscape provides the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures. Known as the “Most Pet-Friendly Community in the Southeast,” you can take your pet with you almost anywhere you go. With five area dog parks and a growing list of pet-friendly businesses, it is easy to get outdoors with your four-legged friend and experience everything that the area has to offer.
ness on both sides of the river.” In the spring of 2016, 100 additional acres will open up at the historic site along downtown’s south waterfront, which will include six miles of trail including a double black diamond mountain bike downhill trail. Legacy Parks Foundation is also working on a new “Rail with Trail” project to connect downtown to Ijams Nature Center at Meads Quarry. This flat, natural surface trail, referred to as “the G and O,” will parallel an existing railroad track offering a new opportunity for commuting to work as well as a recreation.
The City of Knoxville and Knox County offer hundreds of acres of quality parks and greenways easily accessible regardless of where you live. Many of them offer destination excursions such as Concord Park located in West Knoxville providing a beach-type setting with volleyball, kayaking, soccer fields, skatepark, and seven miles of trails. Located just three miles from downtown and boasting 50 miles of trail, the Urban Wilderness is an amenity available to anyone working, living, or playing in Knoxville. The recreational, cultural, and historic preservation initiative, championed by Legacy Parks Foundation, encompasses 1,000 forested acres starting near downtown’s south waterfront. “Urban Wilderness is a unique juxtaposition of wilderness and city,” says Carol Evans, executive director of Legacy Parks Foundation. “With the Tennessee River running through the heart of downtown, kayakers can get on the river at Volunteer landing, in the heart of the city, and travel a half mile upstream to experience wilder-
Creative Affairs Whether you are looking for a museum, gallery, live-music venue, theatrical production, or a day at a local festival, Knoxville is truly a place where you can do it all! Downtown Knoxville’s monthly First Friday is a great way to experience the local arts as galleries and storefronts showcase exhibits, offer wine tastings, live music, and exclusive sales. For over a decade, residents and visitors have come together to enjoy the spirit of a revitalized Downtown Knoxville. “For a market of its size, Knoxville offers residents and visitors a tremendous number of ways to experience arts and culture,” says Becky Hancock, executive director of the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation. “The Historic Tennessee Theatre provides a stunningly beautiful venue and top notch entertainment to over 150,000 guests each year.” The 1920s-era movie palace underwent $30 million in renovations completed in 2005 and is currently home to the Knoxville Opera and
Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. In addition, the theatre offers an annual Broadway series as well as touring musicians, bands, and nationallyacclaimed shows. “Over the course of the year we offer programming for people of all ages and interests as well as economic levels,” says Hancock. Just up the street from the Historic Tennessee Theatre is the Bijou Theatre, a historic vaudeville style theatre hosting film festivals, musical acts, and special events. The Knoxville Museum of Art is one of the area’s most treasured possessions and welcomes over 60,000 visitors annually. In 2014 the museum underwent extensive renovation in preparation of a monumental installation of the world’s largest figural glass piece by local artist, Richard Jolley. It often feels like there is always a main event happening in Knoxville. If it isn’t game day or opening night, rest assured there is an event or festival happening somewhere around town. A premier springtime event is the Dogwood Arts Festival celebrating the region’s arts, culture, and natural beauty. Featuring impressive gardens and trails, visual arts, music, crafts, theater, culinary arts, dance, film, and literary arts, the Dogwood Arts Festival will become a staple to your calendar every year. If you are a culinary enthusiast, you won’t want to miss Big Kahuna Wing Festival, or you may opt to indulge in the heritage of home cooking at the International Biscuit Festival. For music lovers the Rhythm N Blooms and Big Ears festivals are must-attend events each spring. The Kuumba Festival, Greekfest, and Hola Festival each offer a celebration of a few of the many cultures represented in the region. “Knoxville has everything you want in a place to call home,” says Mike Edwards, president and CEO of the Knoxville Chamber. “With breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains to endless opportunities for diverse diversions, you will quickly fall in love with Knoxville.” n
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Knoxville’s #1 Agent 2014 (Broker Metrics) RELOCATION GUIDE knoxvillechamber.com | 15
Health Parade on Gay Street. May 14, 1934. Sign for Park Junior followed by band, banner ‘Health & Happiness Go Hand in Hand.’ Miller’s at left and other businesses going north on Gay Street, including Arlene, Ritz Theatre, Dan Cohen Co. Kress, and Strand Theatre. Spence Shoes at right.. Back of Fountain City streetcar at lower left. Courtesy of Thompson Photograph Collection, McClung Historical Collection. (N-4977)
225 YEARS
OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY A History of Knoxville’s Diverse Business Community Knoxville is celebrating its 225th anniversary in 2016, and with that celebration comes an observance of the city’s vibrant and industrious past. While a number of elements have shaped Knoxville into the dynamic city it is today, none have been as impactful as the evolution of business and industry. Regardless of the era, Knoxville has always been an ideal destination for people to start and run their businesses, and has served as the hub for a variety of progressive industries and technological advancements. by: Jessica Karsten
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1791 – 1840s
Budding Industry in a New Business Destination Established in 1791, Knoxville ambitiously served as the capital of the Southwest Territory of the United States. Given its isolated position in East Tennessee, the city’s first initiatives were manifested through the creation of roads and highways to make the area more accessible to early settlers. These people recognized the city’s prime location as a frontier outpost and the possibilities for future growth and development, which encouraged significant migration to the area by individuals and families hoping to take advantage of abundant opportunities. During its early years, the city experienced a number of transitions and advancements in its developing industries. Local agriculture began to transform from frontier-based to settled field and livestock culture, with an emphasis on hog and cattle driving. The Knoxville Gazette, established the same year as the city’s founding, was the source of news, legislative announcements, and advertisements for locals. This early print publication was one of the first newspapers in the U.S. and marked the beginning of Knoxville’s longstanding media and communication industry. Blount College, now the University of Tennessee, was founded in 1794 as one of the first American colleges west of the Appalachian Mountains and continues to serve the region as a premier research institution. Knoxville also began attracting a number of skilled workers and business professionals including architects, cabinetmakers, and physicians during this era. Many specialists and entrepreneurs established their businesses in the area, making downtown Knoxville a bustling center for commerce and industry. A number of stores opened on Gay and Main streets like the McClung, Wallace & Co. wholesale company
which established itself as Knoxville’s first wholesale house in 1837. The introduction of the wholesaling industry marked a significant milestone in Knoxville’s business community, as it would soon become a dominant center for wholesaling in the south.
1850 – 1890s
Knoxville’s Era of Wholesaling and Manufacturing Following the Civil War, the expansion of railroads made Knoxville a leading distribution center and also led to the capitalization of natural resources in surrounding rural areas. Iron ore, coal, marble, and timber were utilized in the manufacturing industry during this time, leading to the creation of a wide range of products and jobs. A substantial manufacturing boom in the 1870s and 1880s led to the formation of a number of establishments like the Knoxville Iron Company, which quickly became one of the most successful businesses in the city. Other general manufacturing operations in Knoxville included marble and stone work, timber products, and furniture. Gay Street served as the city’s commercial and cultural center with a number of wholesale and jobbing houses nestled in the heart of downtown. By 1896, the city was the third leading wholesale center in the south with 50 wholesale houses generating a total of $50 million in sales a year. A number of entrepreneurs started their businesses in this commercial hub including a former slave named Caldonia “Cal” Fackler Johnson who became a self-made real estate mogul operating three saloons in addition to several other interests. Cal Johnson died in 1925 as the richest AfricanAmerican in Knoxville and one of the richest in the state of Tennessee. The extensive business growth in Knoxville led to the creation of the Board of Trade in 1869, which later became the Knoxville Chamber of
Commerce. The organization worked to encourage industrial plants to locate in or around the city, foster educational initiatives, and encourage city improvements to increase the desirability of Knoxville as a place of residence and commercial enterprise. The Chamber still remains the active voice for the Knoxville business community 147 years later.
1900 – 1940s
‘Underwear Capital’ and Business Development Hub Today, some might be surprised to learn the city of Knoxville was once coined the “Underwear Capital of the World.” During a brief period in the early 1900s, the textile industry grew to be the city’s largest. By 1930 there were 20 textile and clothing factories in Knoxville, including Standard Knitting Mills which employed nearly 4,000 people. At its peak, the industry employed more than 11,000 workers in the area and was the city’s largest employer. This period also marked the establishment of companies still active in the Knoxville business community today. Alcoa’s Tennessee Operations, developed in the early 1900s, has manufactured a variety of products for the construction, aerospace, military, automotive, and consumer markets. Expanding the city’s communication industry, Scripps-Howard (now E.W. Scripps) founded The Knoxville News, which later became the Knoxville News-Sentinel in 1926. This publication, sans the hyphen, continues to serve as a primary media source for East Tennesseans. Family-owned Bush Brothers & Company made its start in 1908 as a tomato cannery, later adding other fruits and vegetables to its products which were canned locally in Tennessee. As new canning and processing technologies helped the company grow through WWI, it expanded its product line into a variety of beans, which is its most famous product today.
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To counter the Great Depression of the 1930s, President Roosevelt introduced his “New Deal” to help America recover. The most ambitious project was the Tennessee Valley Authority, created to help with flood control, improve water navigation, provide cheap electrical power, bring agricultural assistance to the region, and create a number of news jobs to assist with the massive dam construction projects. Currently headquartered in Knoxville, this federal corporation is now the largest public power company in the United States.
1950 – 1990s
Attracting Corporate Headquarters Still recovering from the national depression, Knoxville’s growth throughout this period was modest, but not completely suspended. It was during this time America’s mid-sized cities were especially attractive to relocating businesses and families, and Knoxville benefitted from this trend. A number of successful business headquarters in Knoxville made their start during this time. Although many companies were created in the city, others relocated to the area given its established business climate. James Haslam II founded Pilot Corporation, now Pilot Flying J, in Virginia in 1958. Now headquartered in Knoxville, the company is the largest operator of travel centers in North America. Jim Clayton founded Clayton Homes in 1966 with $25,000 at an old drive-in movie theatre in north Knoxville. Today, Clayton homes is the nation’s largest manufacturer of manufactured housing and modular homes and is headquartered in Maryville and owned by Berkshire Hathaway. In 1989 Regal Cinemas was established in Knoxville by local businessman Mike Campbell and quickly began expanding throughout the next decade. Today Regal Entertainment Group is the largest theatre circuit in the U.S. and plans to expand its corporate headquarters on Knoxville’s South Waterfront, creating new jobs and driving the local economy.
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2000s – 2016
Advanced Manufacturing, Digital Media, and Entrepreneurial Spirit The City of Knoxville has experienced steady economic growth in the last few years and consistently enjoys one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state. Large employers like the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory helped the local economy remain fairly insulated through the Great Recession in the early 2000s. With Knoxville’s long history as a manufacturing center, it comes as no surprise that one of the city’s primary industries today is advanced manufacturing, marked by significant technological advances and scientific breakthroughs. Given its assets and resources, Innovation Valley, the regional economic development partnership managed by the Knoxville Chamber, has selected advanced technology and manufacturing as a target recruitment cluster for the region. While existing manufacturers like Alcoa and DeRoyal have expanded and amplified their operations, new area manufacturers like Local Motors, ProNova, and Fresenius Medical Care have established their operations in the region to utilize the technological assets it has to offer. These companies are working toward developments in areas like vehicle innovation and medical technology with Innovation Valley’s resources serving as the driving force for this progress.
Another significant manufacturer in Knoxville is Radio Systems Corporation, which serves as the leading manufacturer of pet products, with a number of successful brands and products like electronic training and containment systems, waste management products, and pet doors. Knoxville has also become an ideal location to create and design digital products and is ranked the third largest video production market in the nation. The city currently houses a dynamic community of digital media companies with focus areas like television production and creative digital marketing tools. Prominent television production companies based in Knoxville include Scripps Networks Interactive, RIVR Media, and Jewelry Television. Since its founding, Knoxville has served as an ideal place for entrepreneurs to start their businesses because of the wide range of opportunities the city has to offer. The city has continued to foster this same business environment by supplying entrepreneurs with resources through Chamber initiatives and the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center. One example is the Young Entrepreneurs Academy in which local middle and high school students have the opportunity to develop their own real businesses from the ground up. This dedication to local entrepreneurs has allowed for the development of a number of successful companies in the community, advancing the city’s economy and making it an ideal destination for businesses for the next 225 years. n
The Proven Approach to Downtown Real Estate
Kimberly Dixon Hamilton REALTOR® | Principal Broker
KnoxvilleDowntownRealty.com
865.588.5535 Residential Sales and Leasing
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FIVE STAR Healthcare
The future of innovative healthcare is being written in Knoxville. With six major regional healthcare providers, the area offers access to the highest-quality care with up-to-date treatment procedures and the most efficient healthcare expertise available.
by: Kayla Witt
Covenant Health is the region’s second-largest employer and consists of nine acute-care hospitals scattered throughout East Tennessee. It was recently named in the top quintile among health systems in a national study by Truven Health Analytics, and three of its hospitals were named among the top 10 hospitals in Tennessee in 2014 by U.S. News and World Report. Overall, Covenant Health aims to
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improve the quality of life through better health - not only for its patients, but also for the families and communities it serves. Another major regional employer, Tennova Healthcare, is a faith-based health system that aims to provide a quality environment of healing while offering innovative healthcare to the community. Tennova Healthcare includes eight acute-care hospitals and numerous healthcare service
facilities, and has invested more than $211 million for facility and service improvements during the past five years. Tennova Healthcare was recently awarded The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Certification for Primary Stroke Centers. This certification recognizes the health system as a leader in stroke care, providing a higher standard of service for stroke patients in East Tennessee.
Nationally acclaimed treatment for all your needs. “We believe, and our patients tell us, that Tennova is a very special organization,” said Neil Heatherly, CEO at Tennova Healthcare. “To be honest, if we can’t do it well, we simply don’t do it. Patients can expect the best possible care in specialties ranging from orthopedics to robotic-assisted, minimally invasive surgery; from cardiology to cancer care; from bariatrics to neuro-sciences. With eight hospitals spread throughout the region, we can offer a comprehensive array of services to meet virtually any challenges our patients might face.” University of Tennessee Medical Center is the region’s only academic medical center and has six centers of excellence providing comprehensive care to its patients. UT Medical is home of the region’s only dedicated Heart Hospital and Level I Trauma Center. Consistently ranked as one of Tennessee’s best hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, UT Medical Center prides itself on its rich history of providing quality patient-centered care and remaining at the forefront of medical care innovations. With a 90,000 square-foot stateof-the-art facility, the Provision Center for Proton Therapy offers patients an advanced form of radiation therapy to treat various forms of cancer. Proton therapy is a non-invasive cancer treatment technique that uses a single beam of high-energy protons to target treatment to a specific area. This allows maximum energy to be deposited directly into the tumor, reducing damage to nearby healthy tissue and thus limiting negative side effects. The Provision Center has the capability to treat up to 1,500 cancer patients each year and is one of only 15 such centers in the United States. East Tennessee’s largest primary care organization, Summit Medical
Group, has more than 220 physicians at over 50 locations in 12 counties. Summit has a strong commitment to quality, and its physician’s ranked top 10 in the nation in all three categories of National Committee for Quality Assurance recognition: Patient Centered Medical Home, Diabetes Recognition Program, and Heart/Stroke Recognition Program. Summit Medical Group also offers three express care clinics in the Knoxville area that provide care seven days a week and during evening hours for both current and new patients. As the only comprehensive regional pediatric center in East Tennessee, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital’s sole concern is the care of your child. During its 2013-14 fiscal year, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital had more than 142,000 patient visits, completed 10,500 surgeries, and was named one of the country’s top hospitals by the Leapfrog Group. East Tennessee Children’s Hospital partners with Knox County adult facilities to provide expert on-site neonatal nurses supporting newborn deliveries and has provided both physician and nursing support for the University of Tennessee Medical Center’s Level I Trauma Center. The hospital is currently in the middle of a $75 million expansion, which will include a new surgery center and 44-bed neonatal intensive care unit. “The expansion is going well. We hope to be done by September 2016 and moving into it in November,” said Keith Goodwin, president of East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. “This expansion will allow us to offer a much better experience to our patients and their families, and will allow the hospital to have space that we can grow into in the future, which is important.”
A Focus On Connected Care
Knoxville continues to lead the state in patient care through the East Tennessee Health Information Network (eTHIN). eTHIN enables physicians to access the patient information they need in order to make well-informed decisions. By providing real-time access to lifesaving data, eTHIN is helping improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of health care delivery in Knoxville. “eTHIN is focused around the patient,” said Mike Ward, senior vice president and chief informational officer at Covenant Health and president of eTHIN. “All of the regional healthcare leaders came together years ago when eTHIN was first becoming established and said, ‘we need to provide the best, most efficient care for our patients, and we need to make this happen.’ We never saw it as a competitive advantage to withhold patient information. If hospitals and physicians can get the most information about the patient, then they can provide the best care.” Currently four major hospital systems and several of the largest physicians’ groups in the area are participating in the Knoxville-based eTHIN. To date, more than 82 million clinical messages have been shared from 1.2 million people throughout the region. “eTHIN allows participants to easily pull up accurate, real-time results in one location and see any of their patients’ prior treatment and care that has been facilitated at other hospitals,” said Goodwin. “We can share meaningful information within the network, and in turn facilitate patient care more efficiently and give them exactly what they need without having to duplicate services.” n RELOCATION GUIDE knoxvillechamber.com | 21
Regional Hospitals*
Clayton-Bradley Academy Where STEM and Project-Based Learning through innovative 1:1 technology take place. Located at the end of Pellissippi Parkway and convenient to Knox and Blount Counties. Dedicated to educating East Tennessee’s future leaders. Now enrolling PreK - 11th grades for 2016-2017
Make an appointment for Campus Visit Day:
February 3, 2016
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www. claytonbradleyacademy. org
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Tate Insurance Group Agency Accomplishments • Top Agent Award for New Business in Tennessee with Erie Insurance • 1 of 4 agents in the $1 Million Dollar New Business Club with Erie Insurance • Appointed Product Chairman for a National Company • Currently serving on two national company agency councils
EXCELLENCE ISN’T CLAIMED, IT’S EARNED. Being ranked as a U.S. News & World Report Best Hospital for the fourth year in a row means we are nationally recognized for our continued commitment to excellence in patient care.
Recognized as the region’s best hospital by U.S. News & World Report four years in a row. Learn what that means at UTMedicalCenter.org/Excellence.
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GUIDE knoxvillechamber.com | 23 HEART LUNG VASCULARRELOCATION ORTHOPAEDIC WOMEN & INFANTS
EDUCATIONAL ENDEAVORS Knoxville not only boasts an excellent quality of life and vibrant economy, but also has some of the best K-12 education opportunities around. With an outstanding public school system and a variety of private school options, parents relocating to the area can rest assured that their children will receive a top-notch education.
by: Jenny Woodbery
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‘Exemplary’ Public Education Knox County Schools is composed of 50 elementary schools, 14 middle schools, and 15 high schools — all of which are staffed by talented faculty members. With the mission of providing “excellence for every child,” the school system has proven its doing so by ever-improving test scores and state standings. In 2015, Knox County Schools was deemed “exemplary” by Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, joining an elite group of school districts in the state. Out of 144 districts in Tennessee, Knox County was one of 12 to earn this prestigious designation, and the first urban district to be recognized. In addition, six Knox County schools were named Reward Schools for being in the top five percent in the state for performance and year-overyear performance. Exemplary districts are recognized for raising proficiency levels, narrowing achievement gaps, and guaranteeing growth for all students. “Becoming an exemplary district is a direct result of Tennessee and Knox County taking necessary steps to put students’ success first — the most important of these reforms being much-needed changes to our math and language arts standards,” said Mike Edwards, president and CEO of the Knoxville Chamber and a member of the Tennessee State Board of Education. “These elevated standards are critical to preparing today’s students to be tomorrow’s workforce.” In fact, 2015 marked the fifth consecutive year that Knox County Schools students’ overall scores on the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program, or TCAP, were either higher or on par with the
“Becoming an exemplary district is a direct result of Tennessee and Knox County taking necessary steps to put students’ success first” state of Tennessee’s average in every achievement category. In 2013 and 2014, the school system received straight A’s on the Tennessee State Report Card for reading/language arts, math, science, and social studies. The achievement grades are based on how well students performed on the TCAP against the curriculum standards. Knox County Schools also boosted its graduation rate from 88.7 percent to 90 percent on the 2015 report card. Continuing to strive for greater results, Knox County Schools is currently implementing its strategic plan, Knox Schools 2020. The plan emphasizes higher academic expectations with rigorous curriculum, personalized learning, and strong learning foundations.
Private-School Options In addition to an excellent public school system, the Knoxville area offers great private-school options. There are 49 private schools in the Knoxville area serving more than 9,100 students, and 69 percent of RELOCATION GUIDE knoxvillechamber.com | 25 RELOCATION GUIDE knoxvillechamber.com | 25
them have religious affiliations. The Episcopal School of Knoxville is an independent, co-educational school that offers academic excellence and character training for students in prekindergarten through eighth grade. With small class sizes, the school seeks to instill a lifelong love of learning in its students and enrich their lives through intellectual, cultural, and spiritual growth. For more than 50 years, Webb School of Knoxville has offered comprehensive curriculum for students in grades kindergarten through 12th grade. The school boasts an impressive 100 percent college placement rate for its graduates. Webb prides itself on preparing its students to become tomorrow’s leaders through teaching them how to think critically and be socially conscious. Tate’s School of Discovery offers a robust learning experience for elementary and middle school children. The school builds its curriculum around “brain-compatible learning,” which aims to shape students through multiple instructional techniques and strong character development. Tate’s School
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has several specialty area classes, including art, music, physical education, and Spanish. Located in Maryville, the ClaytonBradley STEM Academy is creating a unique learning experience for its students by partnering with the business community. The school offers STEMbased curriculum for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Co-founded by Clayton Homes, the school has teamed up with area companies and organizations to provide real-world experiences in the classroom. With the combination of STEM curriculum and practical business applications, the academy aims to prepare its students for tomorrow’s workforce.
Higher-Education Accessibility Graduating high school seniors have the opportunity to receive two years of community college or technical school tuition-free through the Tennessee Promise program.
The program was created to address Gov. Bill Haslam’s “Drive to 55” mission, which aims to increase the percentage of Tennesseans with post-secondary certifications or degrees from 32 percent to 55 percent by 2025. In order to reach this goal, the state needs an additional 494,000 degrees or certifications, particularly in programs provided at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology and community colleges. The program got off to a strong start in 2015, as community colleges and TCATs across the state welcomed more than 15,000 Tennessee Promise students. Tennessee Promise students are required to maintain a 2.0 GPA and complete community service hours to remain eligible for the scholarship. Post-secondary access and success program tnAchieves is helping Tennessee Promise students meet that benchmark. The program provides participating students with mentors that will coach them through the college application process and their first year or more of school. n
SELECT Private Schools in Innovation Valley (List only includes members of the Knoxville Chamber)
Clayton-Bradley STEM Academy 425 Alcoa Trail Road Maryville, TN 37804 (865) 498-5898 www.claytonbradleyacademy.org
Episcopal School of Knoxville 950 Episcopal School Way Knoxville, TN 37932 (865) 777-9032 www.esknoxville.org
Tate’s School of Discovery 9215 Bob Gray Road Knoxville, TN 37923 (865) 693-3021 www.TatesSchool.com
Webb School of Knoxville 9800 Webb School Drive Knoxville, TN 37923 (865) 693-0011 www.webbschool.org
For a full list of Knoxville area private schools visit www.privateschoolreview.com
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Colleges, Universities & Technical Schools In the Greater Knoxville Area The best and brightest in East Tennessee attend one of the many colleges and universities that are Knoxville Chamber members.
Bethel University 325 Cherry Ave McKenzie, TN 38201 (731) 352-4000 www.bethelu.edu
Carson-Newman University
Pellissippi State Community College 10915 Hardin Valley Road Knoxville, TN 37932 (865) 694-6400 www.pstcc.edu
South College
Strayer University
3904 Lonas Drive Knoxville, TN 37909-3323 (865) 251-1800 www.southcollegetn.edu
10118 Parkside Drive Suite 200 Knoxville, TN 37922 (865) 288-6000 www.strayer.edu/campus/knoxville
2130 Branner Ave Jefferson City, TN 37760 (865) 471-3587 www.cn.edu
Crown College 2307 W Beaver Creek Drive Powell, TN 37849 (865) 938-8186 www.thecrowncollege.com
Fountainhead College of Technology 3203 Tazewell Pike Knoxville, TN 37918 (865) 688-9422 www.fountainheadcollege.edu
ITT Technical Institute 9123 Executive Park Drive Knoxville, TN 37923 (865) 342-2300 www.itt-tech.edu
Johnson University 7900 Johnson Drive Knoxville, TN 37998 (865) 573-4517 www.johnsonu.edu
King University 10950 Spring Bluff Way Knoxville, TN 37923 (865) 690-5803 www.king.edu
Lincoln Memorial University 6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway Harrogate, TN 37752 (423) 869-3611 www.lmunet.edu
Maryville College 502 East Lamar Alexander Parkway Maryville, TN 37804-5907 (865) 981-8000 www.maryvillecollege.edu
National College of Business & Technology 8415 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37919 865-539-2011 www.national-college.edu
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Colleges, Universities & Technical Schools
Colleges, Universities & Technical Schools In the Greater Knoxville Area - Continued The best and brightest in East Tennessee attend one of the many colleges and universities that are Knoxville Chamber members.
Tennessee College of Applied Technology 1100 Liberty Street Knoxville, TN 37919 (865) 546-5567 www.ttcknoxville.edu
Tusculum College 1305 Centerpoint Boulevard Knoxville, TN 37932 (865) 693-1177 www.tusculum.edu
University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Virginia College School of Business and Health
Visitor’s Center Knoxville, TN 37996-0180 (865) 974-2184 www.utk.edu
5003 North Broadway Street Knoxville, TN 37918 (865) 745-4500 www.vc.edu/college/knoxvillecolleges-tennessee.cfm
Tennessee Wesleyan College 9827 Cogdill Road, # 2 Knoxville, TN 37932 (800) 742-5892 www.twcnet.edu
Public School Districts located within Innovation Valley Alcoa City Schools
Lenoir City Schools
Maryville City Schools
Roane County
524 Faraday Street Alcoa, TN 37701 (865) 984-0531 www.alcoaschools.net
2145 Harrison Avenue Lenoir City, TN 37771 (865) 986-8058 www.lenoircityschools.com
833 Lawrence Avenue Maryville, TN 37803 (865) 982-7121 www.maryvillecity schools.k12.tn.us
105 Bluff Road Kingston, TN 37763 (865) 376-5592 www.roaneschools.com
Anderson County Schools
Loudon County School District
101 South Main Street, Suite 500 Clinton, TN 37716 (865) 463-2800 ex. 2800 www2.acs.ac
100 River Road Loudon, TN 37774 (865) 458-5411 www.loudoncounty.org
Oak Ridge Schools 304 New York Avenue P.O. Box 6588 Oak Ridge, TN 37830 (865) 425-9001 www.ortn.edu
Blount County Schools 831 Grandview Drive Maryville, TN 37803 (865) 984-1212 www.blountk12.org
Jefferson County Schools 1221 Gay Street, P.O. Box 190 Dandridge, TN 37725 (865) 397-3194 www.jc-schools.net
Knox County Schools 912 South Gay Street Knoxville, TN 37901-2188 (865) 594-1800 www.knoxschools.org
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Specializing in:
Knoxville & Surrounding Areas
Executive Relocation Luxury Homes custom homes
Shannon Foster-Boline, broker
ABR速, SRES速, GRI, CRS速 865-693-1111 Shannon@FosterTheAmericanDream.com
Coldwell Banker Wallace & Wallace, realtors Each office is independently owned & operated.
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What can you do with our degree?
ANYTHING you want.
cn.edu
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Advertisers Index Aqua-Chem 32
Gibson Hotel Management
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Tate Insurance
22
Carson-Newman University
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Gouffon Moving & Storage
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Tennessee State Bank
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Clayton-Bradley Academy
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Grace Christian Academy
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Tennessee Valley Authority
15
Coldwell Banker/Shannon Foster-Boline
Hallsdale-Powell Utility District
Tiffany Dorn Real Estate
30
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TN National
5
Covenant Health
19
Innovation Valley
2
Dean Smith Realty
15
Introduction Knoxville
33
TVA Employees Credit Union
3
Downtown Realty/ Kimberly Dixon
18
Mortgage Investors Group/ Lisa Wiles
31
University of TN Medical Center
23
Episcopal School of Knoxville 28
N-Hance Wood Renewal
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Webb School of Knoxville
26
First Priority Title Company 34
Pellissippi State Community College 27
WindRiver 10
For more information on advertising opportunities with the Knoxville Chamber, call 865-637-4550.
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