RELOCATION GUIDE knoxvillechamber.com | 1
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Equal Housing Opportunity. This is not intended to be an offer to sell or solicitation of offers to buy real estate in WindRiver to residents of any state or jurisdiction where prior registration is required or where prohibited by law, unless registered or exempt from registration. All features, amenities or other representations contained in these materials are based upon current development plans, which are subject to change without notice. There is no guarantee that any of these features, amenities or other representation depicted or described in these materials will be RELOCATION GUIDE knoxvillechamber.com | 3 built or performed at all or as depicted or described. ©2017
FEATURES KNOXVILLE RELOCATION GUIDE 2017
12 Urban Revival The city’s core is vibrant and offers diverse commercial, residential, and entertainment options.
20 Putting the Care in Health Care
16 Recre865 Knoxville provides a wide variety of recreational and cultural offerings.
7 The 411 The 411 provides information and contact information to help make your transition easier.
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Quality health care options are available throughout the region.
24 Educational Opportunities Abound Knoxville offers an outstanding public education school system as well as a variety of private school options.
33 Complete list of Advertisers
We are the nation’s largest public power utility serving 9 million people in portions of seven states through low-cost electricity, managing our natural resources and helping bring good paying jobs to the region. Headquartered here in Knoxville, we’re proud to serve our communities and the entire Tennessee Valley. tva.com
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facebook.com/TVA
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@TVAnews
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@TVA
I’m an
Owner...
Welcome to Knoxville! At UT Federal Credit Union, the moment you open an account you become an owner . And owners get benefits. It doesn't matter if you open a savings or checking account, or take out a home, small business, or auto loan, the minute you open an account you aren't a customer, you're an owner of UT Federal Credit Union.
UTFCU.org | (865) 971-1971 RELOCATION GUIDE knoxvillechamber.com | 5
Welcome!
On behalf of the Knoxville Chamber’s board of directors and 2,200 member businesses, welcome to the 865. Those three digits represent a lot around here. They are our area code. They spell V-O-L, the nickname for the University of Tennessee’s storied athletic program. They are also central to a community branding initiative that allows us to Celebr865 everything that we love about our home. 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. When you reloc865 to our region you will quickly recognize our residents enjoy a high quality of life. We boast a cost of living that is 17 points below the national average (82.7 with the national average of 100), moderate climate, low taxes, and affordable housing options. Within a 20-minute radius of downtown Knoxville you can mountain bike Black Diamond rated trails, spend the day on one of many lakes, run for miles on one of our greenways, attend a college football game with 102,000 fans, be captivated by the opera, or dine at award-winning farm-to-table restaurants. It is an exciting time to be a resident of the state of Tennessee. Under the leadership of second-term governor and former Knoxville mayor, Bill Haslam, the state is seeing unprecedented job growth. The Brookings Institute recently identified Tennessee as the top state in the U.S. for advanced industry job growth. A main attractor in recruiting these high-tech companies is Oak Ridge National Laboratory, located just 27 miles to our west. The transfer of ORNL research to the private sector is making our region a leader in advanced composite manufacturing and 3-D printing. Our local job growth has been on pace with the statewide trends. Innovation Valley, which is the regional economic development initiative that includes eight regional economic development agencies and is managed by the Knoxville Chamber, announced a record 4,149 jobs and more than $1.5 billion in capital investments during the 2015-16 fiscal year. If you are interested in learning more about relocating or expanding a business to the region, please visit www.knoxvilleoakridge.com. There are a few other online resources I want to make you aware of. If you are searching for service providers, I encourage you to visit www.iKnowKnoxville.com, the Knoxville Chamber’s online membership directory. The website also includes a community calendar, a job board, and coupons from member businesses. To learn more about the region’s largest chamber of commerce and find out how we are working to make Knoxville America’s Best Business Address®, visit www.knoxvillechamber.com. Finally, to learn more about all the things that make our region so gr865, visit www.celebr865.com. 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 Senior Vice President/CFO Lori Fuller Vice President, Marketing & Events Michelle Kiely Vice President, Membership Development Doug Lawyer Vice President, Economic Development Amy Nolan Vice President, Public Policy Lori Fuller Managing Editor Laddy Fields Art Director/Photographer Amy Nolan 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 four 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.knoxvilletn.gov
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 www. tn.gov/revenue/section/title-andregistration for more information and county clerks’ locations.
Voter Registration
vehicles division) Department of Veterans Services There is also a form online at 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 Comcast........................... (800) 266-2278 Frontier............................ (865) 705-0371 WOW! Internet, Cable & Phone...........................(844) 240-0211 TDS Telecom....................(866) 571-6662 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.
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
Public School Districts
Department of Mental Health Department of Safety (motor
(865) 984-1212 www.blountk12.org
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Alcoa City Schools (865) 984-0531 www.alcoaschools.net
Anderson County Schools (865) 463-2800 ex. 2800 www2.acs.ac
Blount County Schools
Jefferson County Schools (865) 397-3194 www.jc-schools.net
Knox County Schools (865) 594-1800 www.knoxschools.org
Lenoir City Schools (865) 986-8058 www.lenoircityschools.com
Loudon County (865) 458-5411 www.loudoncounty.org
Colleges, Universities & Technical Schools (List only includes members of the Knoxville Chamber)
Carson-Newman University (865) 471-3587 www.cn.edu
Crown College (865) 938-8186 www.thecrowncollege.com
Maryville City Schools
Johnson University
www.maryvillecity schools.k12.tn.us
(865) 573-4517 www.johnsonu.edu
Oak Ridge Schools
King University
(865) 425-9001 www.ortn.edu
Roane County (865) 376-5592 www.roaneschools.com
Select Private Schools (List only includes members of the Knoxville Chamber)
Clayton-Bradley STEM Academy (865) 498-5898 www.claytonbradleyacademy.org
Episcopal School of Knoxville (865) 777-9032 www.esknoxville.org
Tate’s School of Discovery (865) 693-3021 www.TatesSchool.com
Webb School of Knoxville (865) 693-0011 www.webbschool.org
For a full list of Knoxville area private schools visit www.privateschoolreview.com
(865) 690-5803 www.king.edu
University of Tennessee-Knoxville (865) 974-2184 www.utk.edu
Virginia College School of Business and Health (865) 745-4500 www.vc.edu/college/knoxville-colleges-tennessee.cfm
WGU Tennessee (855) 948-8495 http://tennessee.wgu.edu
Regional Hospitals (List only includes members of the Knoxville Chamber)
East Tennessee Children’s Hospital (865) 541-8000
Lincoln Memorial
Fort Loudoun Medical Center
University (423) 869-3611 www.lmunet.edu
Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center
Maryville College (865) 981-8000 www.maryvillecollege.edu
National College
(865) 271-6000
(865) 541-1111
Jefferson Memorial Hospital (865) 471-2500
LaFollette Medical Center
865-539-2011 www.national-college.edu
(423) 907-1200
Pellissippi State
(865) 429-6100
(865) 694-6400 www.pstcc.edu
Methodist Medical
South College
LeConte Medical Center
(865) 835-1000
(865) 251-1800 www.southcollegetn.edu
Newport Medical Center
Strayer University
North Knoxville Medical Center
(865) 288-6000 www.strayer.edu/campus/ knoxville
Parkwest Medical Center
(423) 625-2200
(865) 859-8000
(865) 373-1200
Tennessee College of Applied Technology
Physicians Regional Medical Center
(865) 546-5567 www.ttcknoxville.edu
(865) 545-8000
Tennessee Wesleyan College
(865) 882-1323
Roane Medical Center
(800) 742-5892 www.twcnet.edu
Turkey Creek Medical Center
Tusculum College
University of Tennessee Medical Center
(865) 693-1177 www.tusculum.edu
(865) 218-7092
(865) 305-9896
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by: Jessica Karsten
A vibrant, urban core with diverse residential, commercial, retail, and entertainment offerings is essential to any thriving community, and Knoxville is no exception. Downtown Knoxville is in the midst of a revival and has experienced significant growth in business development, corporate reinvestment, housing options, and leisure activities.
“Like many cities across the country, we’re enjoying the resurgence of our downtown,” said City of Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero. “There’s an interest not only from young people, but also from Boomers who are retiring and want to have a high quality of life with many amenities.”
Stretching Boundaries The Central Business Improvement District (CBID) has played a large role in renewing and improving the downtown area. Created in 1993, the CBID works to bring more people to Downtown Knoxville to work, live, shop, and play. The district covers approximately .67 square miles in the heart of downtown.
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However, Downtown Knoxville’s boundaries have expanded far beyond the area encompassed in the CBID. Surrounding neighborhoods including Old North, Happy Holler, and Fourth & Gill, as well as the area along the city’s South Waterfront, are now considered part of Downtown. Longtime property developer David Dewhirst has experienced firsthand the growth and expansion of Downtown Knoxville over the past 20 years. “Historically, Downtown Knoxville was a big, urban geographic place, and then over the years it literally contracted,” Dewhirst explained. “Back in the 90s, a number of people defined downtown as ending at Summit Hill Drive.” He said, “It has gone way beyond that, and all we’re really doing is reconnecting what was the historical down-
town, which reached out in every direction. I think people in the not-too-distant future will have a much more comprehensive vision, geographically, of what downtown is, and it’ll be a lot bigger than the little rectangle that I originally thought it was.” Urban development and infrastructure improvements continue to facilitate the growth of the downtown area. This includes projects like the ongoing Cumberland Avenue Corridor Project improving connections to the University of Tennessee, and the Magnolia Avenue Streetscape Project working to beautify the area and create a higher-quality pedestrian experience. “One of the city’s goals for a num- Regal Entertainment’s new corporate headquarters under construction on the South Waterfront. ber of years has been to not only focus on downtown, but on the older Tombras Group’s headquarters and ReHalls, a Knoxville suburban community, commercial corridors that extend from gal Entertainment’s corporate headquarinto a nine-story 178,000 square-foot downtown,” Mayor Rogero said. “It’s a ters making decisions to use downtown’s building next to the Gay Street Bridge. great sign that we’re outgrowing downamenities as a backdrop to their workThe former medical office building is untown. We’re seeing buildings in the old spaces. Downtown is rapidly becoming a dergoing an approximate $12 million commercial corridors being bought, and key driver in the competitive business of transformation into a world-class corpowe’re seeing new investment there. workforce recruitment and retention.” rate headquarters for the nation’s largest That’s a positive sign of our momentum.” Knoxville-based advertising and pubtheater circuit. lic relations firm The Tombras Group purNext to the Regal Entertainment chased two downtown properties in Group headquarters, Southeastern De2015, including the former Knoxville velopment Associates is redeveloping Utilities Board building, with plans to the former Baptist Hospital site into One move its headquarters to the 54,000 Riverwalk which will include 300 luxury Another important element contributsquare-foot building at Gay Street and apartments, a student housing compoing to the revitalization and long-term Church Avenue after a $10 million renonent, a public riverwalk and a specialstability of Downtown Knoxville is the invation. events plaza overlooking the Tennessee creased number of businesses migrating One of the top 25 independent agenRiver and the heart of Downtown Knoxto the city’s core. cies in North America, the firm will bring ville. Mixed-use urban developments comits nationally-acclaimed staff of more One Riverwalk will play a major role in bining residential and commercial uses than 150 creative, production, and methe revitalization of the South Knoxville continue to make downtown attractive dia specialists to the new Downtown community and help further extend the not just for relocating individuals, but Knoxville headquarters, which will feaboundaries of downtown to the other employers as well. Numerous companies ture a glass conference room and innoside of the river. and corporate headquarters are moving vation center, an outdoor conference to and expanding in Downtown Knoxpatio, and rooftop patio to offer views of ville given its unique assets and booming downtown and the Great Smoky Mouneconomy. tains. “The momentum of downtown is at The Tombras Group believes Downsuch a dynamic pace as seen by the town Knoxville’s vibrant culture and ennumber of residents and retail establishergy will be a good recruiting tool for the ments that have located here in the past creative employees it wants to attract. In addition to the residential units in year,” said Doug Lawyer, vice president Along Knoxville’s South Waterfront, the One Riverwalk development, there of economic development for the KnoxRegal Entertainment Group soon will be have been a number of housing options ville Chamber. “What’s really exciting is relocating about 350 employees from announced and developed in Downtown to now see major employers such as The
Corporate Reinvestment
Expanded Housing Options and Development
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Knoxville over the past year. From small 400-square-foot studio spaces, larger rental apartments, and luxury condominiums, there is a unique style of living for everyone including young professionals, families, and emptynesters. Marble Alley is a new mixed-use development in the heart of historic Downtown Knoxville on State Street, and includes 248 rental lofts of various sizes with a clean, contemporary look. Phase two of the development will feature a retail and office complex which is currently in the design and planning stages. In Knoxville’s Old City, The Daniel on Jackson Avenue offers nearly 70 unique lofts incorporating many of the original materials and finishes of the building built almost 100 years ago, combined with the modern amenities urban dwellers require. Across the railroad tracks, the $36 million Regas Square development on Depot Avenue will feature 101 condominium units plus restaurant and retail space. The Conversion Properties project will serve as a vital link to the Magnolia Avenue Warehouse District. Situated along World’s Fair Park, The Residences at The Tennessean will include luxury residences with a modern style. The development, set for completion in March 2017, will have 12 condos on the top two floors and 70 hotel rooms beneath them. Also announced last year, the historic Pryor Brown parking garage on Church Avenue will undergo a $9 million redevelopment into 30 residential units and street-level storefronts. Despite the numerous options for
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living in Downtown Knoxville, the rental market is consistently at nearly 100-percent capacity with light turnover. Dewhirst Properties, offering 400 downtown rental units and affordable condos at the Daylight Building, rarely has vacancies. This highlights the continued need for residential developments downtown, as well as the popularity of downtown living. Dewhirst says people want to live downtown because of the authentic experience that comes with it. “These historic buildings have been around for 100-plus years, and they
have some incredible architectural features that you can’t really build new today,” he said. “We don’t offer specific, classic amenities at our properties. We offer downtown as our amenity.”
Eclectic Offerings Within less than one square mile of Downtown Knoxville, there are more than 75 restaurants, 40 shops, rooftop bars, world-class theatres, museums, parks, and a number of other unique offerings that make downtown an exciting place to live and visit. The new Phoenix Pharmacy on Gay Street features a drugstore and soda fountain, offering classic floats, shakes,
sundaes, and ice cream with a vintage vibe. From the classic soda counter, to the traditional uniforms, the location offers a unique 1950s experience. Next door, Maple Hall brings a unique bowling experience to downtown. The underground 11-lane boutique bowling alley features a lounge, bar, and restaurant. James Beard-nominated chef Alex Bomba crafts a simple, tasty menu of top-quality food. Downtown Knoxville’s unique culinary scene is on the rise due to a number of chef-driven restaurants making strides in the “foodie” culture. This includes Chef Matt Gallaher at Knox Mason and Emilia; Chef Jon Gatlin of the Oliver Royale; Chef Jesse Newmister at Kaizen; James Beard nominee Chef Tim Love with Lonesome Dove Western Bistro; and Chef Joseph Lenn at J.C. Holdway, a James Beard Award Winner for Best Chef in the Southeast. S i m i l a r l y, d o w n t o w n ’s craft brewery scene is overflowing with a wide range of beer from traditional ales to quirky infused brews at locations along Knoxville’s Ale Trail like Alliance Brewing Company, Balter Beerworks, Crafty Bastard Brewery, Downtown Grill and Brewery, Last Days of Autumn Brewing, Saw Works Brewing Company, and Shulz Brau Brewing Company. “No matter one’s taste in playing, shopping, working, and living, Downtown Knoxville is a vibrant urban center booming with diverse opportunities and activities for all,” said Michele Hummel, director of CBID. “The revival of our downtown has been an exciting thing to witness, and I look forward to seeing even more developments in the future.”
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RELOCATION GUIDE knoxvillechamber.com | 15
DOING BUSINESS IN KNOXVILLEOAK RIDGE INNOVATION VALLEY With its heritage of innovative science and technology breakthroughs and solid, business-friendly values, Knoxville-Oak Ridge Innovation Valley is a prime location for business. The region is home to world-class business facilities and headquarters. Last year, nearly 40 companies decided to relocate or expand in Innovation Valley creating 4,150 new jobs and investing $1.54 billion.
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RECENT RANKINGS
#5
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UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE’S RANKING FOR AMERICA’S BEST GRADUATE PROGRAMS - SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
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A SKILLED AND EXPERIENCED WORKFORCE MORE THAN 17,900 INDIVIDUALS GRADUATE EACH YEAR WITH A HIGHER-EDUCATION DEGREE OR CERTIFICATE THROUGHOUT INNOVATION VALLEY National Center For Education Statistics (2014-15)
402,270 NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS EMPLOYED THROUGHOUT THE KNOXVILLE MSA TN Department of Labor (September 2016)
If your company is looking to relocate or expand, contact Doug Lawyer, vice president of economic development at the Knoxville Chamber for more information at dlawyer@knoxvillechamber.com | 865-637-4550
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THE 865 IN N U F E D HAV RELAX AN by: Kayla Witt
Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville offers residents breathtaking views and a quality of life that is second to none. At the intersection of I-40 and I-75, Knoxville is conveniently positioned and boasts a cost of living more than 17 percent below the national average. Its growing population demonstrates that people from all over are attracted to its moderate climate, affordable housing, unique neighborhoods, and an abundance of cultural and recreational opportunities.
Outdoor Options Whether you prefer water or land adventures, you will find something to love about Knoxville’s great outdoors. The area is a mecca for people with a passion for outdoor recreation with 4,500 acres of green and open space to enjoy. The region is home to seven TVA reservoir lakes and a diverse ecosystem of quarries, rivers, ponds, and mountain streams. Travel along Downtown’s South Waterfront and enter the 1,000-forested acres of Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness. The Urban Wilderness features more than 50 miles of multi-use trails, 10 parks, and four Civil War sites. Its newly added Baker Creek Preserve offers seven miles of hiking and biking opportunities including the Devil’s Racetrack Downhill Trail. The double black diamond competition-style mountain
biking trail was professionally designed and constructed for extreme adventure mountain bikers. Never leave your four-legged friends behind in America’s “Most PetFriendly Community in the Southeast.” The Most Pet-Friendly Community effort focuses on fostering a culture of pet friendliness throughout the Knoxville community, paving the way for an abundance of pet-friendly businesses and five area PetSafe Dog Parks to enjoy with your canine companions. Knoxville’s greenway system features more than 50 miles of paved and natural-surface trails for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy year-round. The greenways offer easy accessibility with many loops and trails running within neighborhoods and city and county parks including the 185-acre Lakeshore Park. The park offers miles of paved walking trails; baseball, softball, and soccer fields; large open spaces; and
two playgrounds. The most visited city park is currently undergoing a $50 million two-phase overhaul which will highlight the spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains while adding new amenities, including additional walking trails, community spaces, and a kayak and canoe launch.
Culture Cultivators Knoxville has a vibrant cultural life with a thriving arts, culture, and music scene. Set aside some time to take in the performing arts at the Historic Tennessee Theatre, or spend an afternoon perusing one of Knoxville Museum of Art’s rotating or permanent collections. “Knoxville has long been a vibrant creative center for all the arts, and has produced and attracted visual artists of national and international reputation for more than 150 years,” said David
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Butler, Knoxville Museum of Art creative director. “The Knoxville Museum of Art celebrates the area’s rich and diverse visual legacy and showcases its vital current art scene — and admission is always free!” During its 25th Anniversary Campaign, the Knoxville Museum of Art underwent a $6 million renovation and recently unveiled a permanent, monumental glass installation by internationally acclaimed Knoxville artist Richard Jolley. “Cycle of Life: Within the Power of Dreams and the Wonder of Infinity” is the largest figural glass installation in the world and took more than five years to create. Knoxville events and festivals happen year-round and showcase the region’s music, dance, food, and heritage. The Dogwood Arts Festival has been helping usher in the spring for more than 50 years and celebrates the region’s natural beauty while showcasing the work of regional and local performing and visual artists. Knoxville’s live music scene is unparalleled making it the perfect backdrop for the internationally recognized Big Ears Festi18 | KNOXVILLE CHAMBER knoxvillechamber.com
val. Noted as “the most adventurously programmed music festival in America,” by Rolling Stone magazine, the Big Ears Festival brings a weekend of world-class musical performances in a dynamic and interactive setting to Downtown Knoxville. The International Biscuit Festival brings out the foodie and fun in everyone at its annual event each May. More than 20,000 biscuit lovers converge in downtown Knoxville to enjoy the weekend festivities includ-
ing a Biscuit Baking Contest and Biscuit Bash. With an ever-evolving brew scene, the Knoxville Ale Trail provides residents a unique experience to enjoy local craft brews in some of the area’s most historic neighborhoods and locations. Sample locally-curated drafts at one of the trails 12 stops, many located along Knoxville greenways. “The Knoxville brewing scene grew rapidly, and a lot of people did not
know about the different breweries around town,” said Adam Palmer, president of the Knoxville Area Brewers Association and founder of Saw Works Brewing Company. “There is a significant brewing scene in Knoxville made up of quality breweries, and the Ale Trail celebrates the collaborative effort among the breweries by giving visitors and residents of Knoxville information about where they can have a unique experience and a great brew at any one, or multiple locations, along the trail.”
Compelling Competition Whether you like to participate or spectate, Knoxville delivers various opportunities to get your competitive juices flowing. The University of Tennessee’s flagship campus is home to a storied NCAA athletic program with its famed Power T and orange and white colors prominently displayed throughout the region. For seven Saturdays in the fall, UT’s historic
Neyland Stadium plays host to more than 100 years of football tradition as people fill the stadium to watch the NCAA Division I football team. The Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball team historically dominates the court having won 17 SEC championships and eight national championships. The Lady Vols hold court in Thompson-Boling Arena, along with the men’s basketball team and volleyball teams. The Knoxville Ice Bears and Tennessee Smokies deliver familyfriendly professional sporting events to the region. The Smokies ballpark is located just 20 miles east of Downtown Knoxville and gives fans the opportunity to enjoy the minorleague ballgame from the stands, porch, or luxury suite. The Knoxville Ice Bears offer an exciting experience during its seasonal games inside Knoxville’s Civic Coliseum. The team competes in the Southern Professional Hockey League and has taken home the President’s Cup four times within the past 10 years. For those who like to take part in the action, Knoxville has a plethora of opportunities to get involved for
all ages. Knoxville Youth Sports offers various sporting programs throughout the year for those 4 to 14 years old. There are plenty of opportunities for adults as well. The Knoxville Disc Golf Club hosts weekly events at the area’s six disc golf courses. Knoxville Sports and Social Club provides recreational sports leagues and social events for adults older than 21 including kickball, flag football, and softball. Additionally, there are more than 75 golf courses and ample opportunities at public and private clubs for tennis, hockey, and soccer. “The Knoxville region offers residents an unparalleled quality of life,” said Randy Boyd, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. “Along with the University of Tennessee’s main campus, which offers nationally recognized programs in engineering, business, and law, Knoxville’s low cost of living, diverse roster of growing businesses, entrepreneurial spirit and ample outdoor activities make it the ideal place to call home.”
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Wherever you are, Covenant Health is always nearby. Just like we promised.
Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center Downtown Knoxville
Parkwest Medical Center West Knoxville
Methodist Medical Center Oak Ridge
Fort Loudoun Medical Center Lenoir City
Roane Medical Center Harriman
LeConte Medical Center Sevierville
Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System Morristown
Cumberland Medical Center Crossville
Claiborne Medical Center Tazewell
We are the top performing healthcare network in our region, with more than 10,000 employees and 1,500 affiliated physicians across East Tennessee and the Cumberland Plateau. And we are honored to care for more than one million patients every year as we fulfill our mission to improve the health of residents in the communities we serve.
www.covenanthealth.com 1-877-334-4500
Claiborne Medical Center | Cumberland Medical Center | Fort Loudoun Medical Center Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center | LeConte Medical Center | Methodist Medical Center Morristown-Hamblen Healthcare System | Parkwest Medical Center | Peninsula, a Division of Parkwest Roane Medical Center | Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center | Thompson Cancer Survival Center Covenant Breast Centers | Covenant Joint Centers | Covenant HomeCare and Hospice Covenant Medical Group | Covenant Sleep Centers | Covenant Therapy Centers Fort Sanders West | Fort Sanders Health and Fitness Center | Nanny’s 20 | KNOXVILLE CHAMBER knoxvillechamber.com
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PROUD MEMBERS OF COVENANT HEALTH
by: Lori Fuller
More than 23,000 medical professionals put the “care” in health care across Innovation Valley. Regardless of where you plant your roots in the region, you will be able to quickly access quality health care that is delivered with a flare of Southern hospitality.
Exceptional Hospital Care Area residents have three hospital systems, as well as a children’s hospital, to select from when making some of the most critical health care decisions. Covenant Health is the region’s largest hospital system with 12 hospitals. Fort Sanders Medical Center and Parkwest Medical Center, both located within Knox County, are the second and third-largest hospitals, based on beds, in East Tennessee. Located in Downtown Knoxville,
Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center is a 541-bed facility that is a regional referral center for stroke, neurosurgery, orthopedics, oncology, cardiology, neurology, obstetrics, and rehabilitation medicine. Fort Sanders houses the nationally-acclaimed Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center and region’s largest obstetrics program, including high-risk pregnancy care. Parkwest is West Knoxville’s premier medical facility and the region’s only Top 100 Heart Hospital. It has a nationally recognized emergency department and offers award-winning care in orthopedics, neurosurgery, obstetrics, and bariatrics.
With eight convenient locations throughout East Tennessee, Tennova Healthcare has a rich history as a faithbased healthcare system. Tennova’s flagship hospital is Physicians Regional Medical Center in North Knoxville, a 401-bed facility that has served the community for more than 80 years. Physicians Regional is an accredited Chest Pain Center, is recognized as an orthopedics Blue Distinction Center by BlueCross BlueShield, and is the only hospital in the area offering midwifery. Tennova’s Turkey Creek Medical Center is located in West Knoxville and offers a full range of services including ICU, state-of-the-art surgical
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suites, heart and cancer care, cardiac and pulmonary rehab, sleep center, home-like birthing suites, and digital mammography, just to name a few. The University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC) is the region’s largest hospital with 609 beds, and is the only academic medical center, Magnet® recognized hospital, and Level I Trauma Center in the area. Located in South Knoxville, UTMC features six Centers of Excellence: Brain & Spine, Cancer, Emergency & Trauma, Heart Lung Vascular, Orthopaedics, and Women & Infants. Each Center of Excellence offers focused, high-level care that is comprehensive and innovative. As an academic medical center, UTMC emphasizes medical research leading to new treatments for a wide variety of diseases. U.S. News and World Report has recognized UTMC as the region’s best hospital for four consecutive years, and its Pulmonology specialty is nationally ranked by the same publication. The Knoxville region is fortunate to have one of approximately 180 pediatric specialty hospitals in the country. East Tennessee Children’s Hospital (ETCH) has been a part of the community’s fabric since 1937 and provides care to children from East Tennessee, Southeast Kentucky, and Southwest Virginia. From play therapy to child-friendly equipment, it is the only medical center in the region organized to provide family-centered care. ETCH recently expanded, opening the Scripps Networks Tower, which includes a neo-natal intensive care unit with 44 private rooms and a rooftop garden, inpatient/outpatient surgery center, light-filled pedestrian walkways, and a diabetes/endocrinology center.
Innovative Cancer Care Knoxville is home to one of only 23 U.S.-based proton therapy centers for cancer treatment. Provision Center for Proton Therapy opened in January 2014 and has treated more than 1,000 patients from 29 states and eight coun-
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tries. People travel from all over the world to Knoxville to be treated with proton therapy. Unlike conventional radiation therapy, which uses xrays, protons deposit their energy in a specific location, treating the cancer and sparing the patient. The treatment allows patients to lead a more normal life while going through the protocol because of the limited side effects. Provision has treated cancers affecting 53 sites in the body including head and neck, lung, esophageal, endocrine, prostate, breast, brain, bladder, sarcoma, tongue, lymph nodes, sinuses, eye, and colon, as well as pediatric cancers.
Primo Primary Care Residents in need of basic, less specialized health care needs, have countless primary care options to choose from. Ranging from independent practices to large primary care organizations, medical care is easy to access in Innovation Valley. Summit Medical is East Tennessee’s largest primary care organization comprised of 220 doctors at more than 50 locations in 13 counties. Summit has more than 1 million patient encounters each year. The office-based physician group also offers laboratory, diagnostic, and imaging services at convenient locations throughout Knoxville and in Greeneville. Summit has garnered national rankings from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) in three areas of care: Patient Centered Medical Home, Diabetes Recognition Program, and Heart/Stroke Recognition Program.
An innovative approach to primary care, called direct primary care, is offered locally by Trinity Medical Associates. This alternative payment model gives general practitioners a meaningful alternative to fee-for-service insurance billing, typically by charging patients a monthly, quarterly, or annual fee that covers all or most primary care services including clinical, laboratory, and consultative services, and care coordination and comprehensive care management.
Connected Care Knoxvillians are fortunate to have access to a unique organization, which would be considered impossible in many other areas, called the East Tennessee Health Information Network (etHIN). The University of Tennessee Medical Center, Covenant Health, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, and Blount Memorial put aside competitive issues and created a community-wide information sharing network that is compliant with HIPAA laws. Built upon the premise that a connected and informed healthcare system is safer, more effective, and less costly, 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.
EXCELLENCE ISN’T CLAIMED, IT’S EARNED. Being ranked as a U.S. News & World Report Best Hospital for the fifth year in a row means we are nationally recognized for our continued commitment to excellence in patient care.
Ranked the region’s best hospital by U.S. News & World Report five years in a row. Learn what that means at UTMedicalCenter.org/Excellence.
BRAIN & SPINE
CANCER
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EMERGENCY & TRAUMA
HEART LUNG VASCULAR
1-877-UTCares
ORTHOPAEDICS
WOMEN & INFANTS
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EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND by: Amy Nolan
Image courtesy of Knox County Schools
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.
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Knox County Schools is a complex organization with 52,000 students who are served by 8,500 teachers and staff at 89 sites. Its mission, however, is clear: Excellence for every child. One of 12 “exemplary” school districts in Tennessee, and the only urban district to achieve that prestigious designation based on student achievement measures, Knox County Schools is committed to continuous improvement, says Interim Schools Superintendent Buzz Thomas. “I want us to continue to improve, not so we can pat ourselves on the back, but so the community can thrive,” says Thomas. “The community with the best schools wins.” Thomas co-founded and led the Great Schools Partnership, a public-private education foundation in Knoxville, before being tapped as interim superintendent. “We have identified some areas for growth within the Knox County Schools and are laser focused on making those improvements,” Thomas says. “We remain committed to being the best school district in the South so that every student can achieve his or her dreams.” Knox County Schools currently ranks No. 4 among metropolitan systems in the South, and Thomas is determined the district can reach No. 1. The ranking criteria includes: ACT readiness, graduation rate, and other measures of student achievement. Gov. Bill Haslam visited a Knoxville elementary school as the 20162017 school year was underway to celebrate the state’s science grades on the Nation’s Report Card. Tennessee fourth-graders and eighth-graders’ scores grew faster than the nation and their gains were double the national pace. Tennessee fourth-graders ranked 19th in the nation and eighth-graders were 21st. Mike Edwards, president and CEO of the Knoxville Chamber, was recently reappointed to the Tennessee Board of Education by Gov. Bill Haslam. “Tennessee schools have benefited from higher and more rigorous academic standards, more accountability for classrooms, schools and districts, and overhauled Career and Technical Education courses,” Edwards notes. The state K-12 education goals for 2020 include: Tennessee will rank in the top half of states on the NAEP; the average ACT composite score in Tennessee will be a 21; and the majority of high school graduates that year will earn a post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree. “These goals are bold, but achievable,” Edwards says.
Private-School Options
Some families, for a variety of reasons, prefer private-school options. About 50 private schools serve roughly 10,000 students in the Knoxville area. Among the religious schools is The Episcopal School of Knoxville (ESK), which offers academic excellence and character training to students from junior kindergarten through eighth grade. The school’s stated mission is “to prepare students for higher education and a lifetime of learning within the context of a loving, inclusive and family-centered community.” With about 350 students and a 9:1 student-teacher ratio, ESK sits on 96 acres in West Knoxville.
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Also serving students from pre-K through eighth grade is Tate’s School, an independent, private day school. Opened in 1968, Tate’s describes its offerings as “an accelerated, 21st-century curriculum that instills academic excellence in our students. Each student is challenged to think critically and creatively in a structured environment where excellence is rewarded and individual effort is encouraged.” Webb School of Knoxville also has deep roots in Knoxville. Founded in 1955, Webb serves students from prekindergarten through 12th grade. The school seeks to prepare “students intellectually, emotionally, and ethically to thrive in a collegiate setting and beyond with the lifelong purpose of active participation in global citizenship.” With approximately 1,000 students, the school boasts a 100 percent college-placement rate. Newer, but no less impressive, is the Clayton-Bradley Academy, a joint effort
between the nonprofit organization Innovative Education Partnership and Maryville-based Clayton Homes. The private, small-school community opened in summer 2013 and now serves students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school has created partnerships between educators and business to offer students real-world experiences in an integrated STEM learning environment.
Higher-Education Accessibility Tennessee was the first state to make community and technical college educations free for high school graduates when it created the Tennessee Promise, which Gov. Haslam and the Legislature funded in perpetuity with an endowment. Students may use the scholarship at any of the state’s 13 community colleges, 27 colleges of applied technology, or eligible institutions offering associate’s degree programs.
While removing the financial burden is key to increasing access to higher education, a critical component of the Tennessee Promise is the guidance students receive from mentors who help them navigate the college admissions process, including financial aid. More than 9,000 volunteers are engaged as mentors through tnAchieves, which coordinates the effort and the community service students are required to complete each term. Pellissippi State Community College and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology offer degree and certificate programs at multiple sites in the Knoxville area. At the same time, enrollment at the University of Tennessee, particularly its flagship campus in Knoxville, continues to grow. Offering more than 300 degree programs, the 28,000-student campus adds to the diversity of Knoxville’s cultural opportunities.
financial aid
cohorts
tutoring
Member of
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SO
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Your Downtown Experience Begins Here
300 Gay St.
SO
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Unit 302 Sold for $435,000 $338 / sq. ft.
129 S. Gay St. The Holston
Unit 1402 Sold for $1,445,000 $422 / sq. ft.
Call today for an appointment! MELINDA GRIMAC | Affiliate Broker | o. 865.357.3232 | c. 865-356-4178
Unit 301 Sold for $730,000 $326 / sq. ft.
Selling?? I will market your property here! Considering Buying or Selling a Downtown property? Call Melinda Grimac today for a personal property evaluation.
Melinda.Grimac@SothebysRealty.com | melindagrimac.alliancesothebysrealty.com office is independently owned and operated 28 | KNOXVILLEEach CHAMBER knoxvillechamber.com
COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES & TECHNICAL SCHOOLS
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What can you do with our degree?
ANYTHING you want.
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LOCAL EXPERTISE GLOBAL CONNECTIONS POWERFUL MARKETING Providing real estate services to the Mobility Workforce for 40 years with just one call: • Representing families from Anywhere to Anywhere • Experienced Relocation Team - departures and destinations • Home Sale & tax benefit knowledge • Home Finding Destination Services
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800-446-2830
423-296-1444 - Direct 800-446-2830 - Toll Free www.crye-leike.com/relocation
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Homewatch CareGivers
Redefining Home Care People are what make a house a home. Not stuff. Not chores. Not routines. People. That’s why we take what we do far beyond caregiving tasks.
Here, home care is human. “I’m really excited to partner with Homewatch CareGivers because they are at the leading edge of that effort to reinvent caregiving. Their approach is different: instead of focusing on the task, they focus on the person.” - Dr. Bill Thomas, geriatrician, author and aging expert
Here For You Always • 24/7 availability with a live person, so we can respond quickly when you need us • Ability to staff a caregiver within 2 hours • Able to assist with an array of home based, non-medical care • Monitoring for each client and data-based reports about clients’ health and well-being
Caregivers with Purpose • Annual national background and DMV checks • 12 hours annual training for all caregivers • Caregivers who speak same language as loved one • Caregivers matched to clients needs based on skills, interests, likes and dislikes
The Power of You + Us • Person-directed care that empowers and includes the client • Meaningful connections that improve interest in following a health plan • Care for the whole person, not just their condition • Facilitation of communication with any involved providers and loved ones
Serving Knox, Blount, Loudon, Anderson, Sevier Counties P: 865.470.4292 9047 Executive Park Dr.Ste210 Knoxville, TN 37923 hwcg.com/Knoxville hwcg.ca/Knoxville
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ADVERTISERS INDEX
For more information on advertising opportunities with the Knoxville Chamber, call 865-637-4550.
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