Bruce Hayes Tabbed as Small Business Development Center Director BY: JESSICA KARSTEN
The Tennessee Small Business Development Center is under new leadership, following the retirement of its longtime director, Larry Rossini. Bruce Hayes, who served as the senior business solutions specialist of TSBDC for nine years, has officially stepped into the role of center director. Hayes’ education is extensive, with an associate degree in electrical engineering from Roane State Community College; a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Tusculum College; and a master’s of business administration from East Tennessee State University. Following college, Hayes worked for a number of companies, including Westinghouse, W.W. Granger, and Federal Mogul. His experience is diverse, and he has worked on several notable projects around East Tennessee including the Alcoa modernization project, the Norris Dam turbine retro fit, and the power distribution for Tellico Village. In 1998, he started a small construction company and experienced the successes and challenges of small-business ownership. Hayes was active in the home builders’ association and served a one-year term working in the state legislature on impact fee structure and as an advisor on changes to worker’s compensation legislation.
The economic downturn had a staggering effect on the construction business and drove his business to bankruptcy in 2006. “As I pondered my next career move, little did I realize that the opportunity to join the Tennessee Small Business Development Center network would enable me to apply my diverse business experience in one job,” Hayes explained. “I began with consulting and teaching classes to small business owners in the Knoxville TSBDC network. Eventually I started training construction companies regarding incorporation, taxes, budgets, cash flow, and planning.” Hayes was able to use his business experience to help numerous businesses during his nine years as a business specialist for TSBDC. Since 2012, the majority of his consulting practice has been focused on helping small to mid-size companies with development strategy. As director, Hayes says he will work with TSBDC’s partners to reduce duplication of efforts and more efficiently assist small businesses. “The Knoxville-area center will concentrate on consultation and training for local businesses with technical challenges that could threaten their continuity and growth,” he said. “By utilizing successful models of effectuation, lean planning, and the application of cutting-edge planning tools like GrowthWheel, priority will be placed on addressing the immediate challenges and growth opportunities of the business client.”
JUNE - MEMBER ANNIVERSARIES Since 1869, the Knoxville Chamber has been the leading voice for business in the region. Each of these businesses are celebrating milestone anniversaries as Chamber members during the month of June. Thank you for your commitment to the Chamber and the community! National Association Credit Management - East TN 1989
George C. Paris Co., Inc.
2000
1948
Merit Construction, Inc.
1990
Norco Metal Finishing, Inc.
2000
Kramer Rayson LLP
1953
Denark Construction, Inc.
1990
Southeastern Communications Services, Inc.
2001
Bacon & Company, Inc.
1954
Broadway Carpets, Inc.
1991
RBM Company, Inc.
1954
31+ YEARS Vulcan Materials Company
MEMBER SINCE
10 – 14 YEARS
MEMBER SINCE
1958
20 – 24 YEARS
Pilot Flying J
1960
S&ME, Inc.
1993
Pepsi Beverages Company
2003
The University of Tennessee
1966
The Wakefield Corporation
1993
LDA Engineering
2003
Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc.
1972
FPS, Inc.
1995
WEBTEC Converting
2003
Analysis and Measurement Services Corporation
2004
Claris Networks
2004
Coulter & Justus, P.C.
The Ferguson Company, Inc.
MEMBER SINCE
Hickory Construction, Inc.
2003
1975
15-19 YEARS
MEMBER SINCE
AT&T 1980
South Central A/V
1997
Greater Knoxville Hospitality Association
2006
Farmers Mutual of Tennessee
1981
USI Consulting Group
1997
Airgas USA, LLC
2006
1983
First Century Bank
1998
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
2006
Royal Brass and Hose
1983
IMG, College Sports Group
1999
Security Walls, LLC
2006
Turley & Company
1984
Frazier Welding & Steel Co., Inc.
1999
Southeastern Dermatology Consultants, PC
2006
Alzheimer’s Tennessee
1999
Parker Business Consulting & Accounting, PC
2006
Luedeka Neely Group, PC
1999
HTC Professional Floor Systems
2006
Days Inn West
2000
Dr. Christopher O’Rourke
2000
Maryville College
Knoxville Symphony Society
25 – 30 YEARS Ross the Boss & Co.
1977
MEMBER SINCE 1987
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