Home Builders Association 2022 Home Show is Friday through Sunday, March 25-27
KNOXVILLE, TENN. – March 23, 2022 – The Home Builders Association of Greater Knoxville (HBAGK) Home Show 2022 is scheduled to take place at the Knoxville Expo Center this weekend. The show opens on Friday, March 25 at 11 a.m. and continues until Sunday evening March 27 at 5 p.m.
The HBAGK Home Show, sponsored by ORNL Federal Credit Union, features East Tennessee’s premier builders, subcontractors and suppliers. Tickets are available for $5 online at www.HBAGKHomeShow.com or at the door.
What to Expect at the HBAGK Home Show
- “Meet the Vols” with NIL UT athletes: Aaron Beasley, Trevon Flowers, Derrick Furlow and Eunique Valentine will attend and meet with guests for autographs and pictures.
- Family-friendly fun activities including Corn Hole, Jenga-XL, and food trucks
- The HBAGK Home Show returns to the Knoxville Expo Center conveniently located off Interstate 75 at 5441 Clinton HWY Knoxville, TN 37912
- FREE on-site parking at the Expo Center
The HBAGK Home Show is the region’s favorite and longest-running home show – this is the 71st anniversary of the association – and the only home show for people wishing to have face-to-face contact with the area’s premier builders, designers, financial lenders, flooring companies, kitchen and bath remodelers, home security system providers, door and window companies and more. The current housing market has impacted vendor participation at the show with many companies struggling to keep up with demand or staffing shortages overall.
“Contractors and trades pros have backlogs of work, and a shortage of labor, so we are happy to have vendors available at the show to talk with customers about their home projects,” HBAGK President Nathan Anderson said. “The HBAGK Home Show is the only show that gives people direct access to the region’s most established and reputable building industry professionals.”
The Home Builders Association of Greater Knoxville represents the most trusted, professional and experienced home builders, developers and remodelers in Knox, Anderson, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Fentress, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier and Union counties.
For more information about the HBAGK Home Show 2022, visit www.HBAGKHomeShow.com.
KCDC fully reopens Love Towers after $6.5 million renovation
Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC) has fully reopened Guy B. Love Towers after a $6.5 million renovation of the affordable housing community for elderly and disabled residents that features new flooring and appliances in units and a landscaped courtyard.
The renovations also include new cabinets, lighting and heating and air conditioning units to align with KCDC’s sustainability and energy-efficiency initiatives. Additional improvements outside include an urban wildlife habitat, certified butterfly garden and community gardens.
Other amenities that are coming soon include a wellness center that will serve Love Towers residents and a dog park that will be available to the North Knoxville community. Residents will continue to have access to an on-site social worker through a partnership with the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee (CAC).
“The renovation of Love Towers addresses the overall well-being of our residents,” KCDC Executive Director and CEO Ben Bentley said. “From energy-efficient lighting and appliances to outdoor areas to socialize and interact with nature, the residents will be better connected to each other and the community. The improvements to each unit also will boost everyday quality of life for our residents.”
Guy B. Love Towers was built in 1966 and is located at 1171 Armstrong Ave., in North Knoxville off Broadway. The two towers consist of seven stories each with a total of 249 units. Renovations were completed by floor to minimize the number of units needed to be taken offline at any given time.
The certified butterfly garden and urban plant installation was installed last fall for the enjoyment of residents. The garden is designed with specific nectar- and pollen-producing plants to attract butterflies, bees, hummingbirds and other pollinators, giving these important animals a place to fill up so they will continue pollinating plants in the area. It also provides a habitat for wildlife affected by urbanization inside the city. The Native Plant Rescue Squad generously donated two planter beds with low-maintenance annuals so Love Towers residents can easily care for the garden for years to come.
“The organization recognizes the need for our residents to have a relaxing space that brightens their day and betters the environment,” said Darlene Farmer, Love Towers property manager for KCDC. “This garden and all of the renovations will give the Love Towers community an opportunity to pick up a new hobby or simply love where they live even more.”
Studio Four Design served as the architect for the renovation project with BESCO as the contractor and Management Solutions, LLC, as the owner representative. All three companies are based in Knoxville.
About Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation
Since 1936, KCDC has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Knoxville. KCDC’s mission is to improve and transform neighborhoods and communities by providing high-quality affordable housing, advancing development initiatives and fostering self-sufficiency. For more information, call 865-403-1100 or visit http://www.kcdc.org.
Iron Forge Brewing Company to break ground on new brewery & restaurant in Sevierville
Knoxville, TN, March 22, 2022 – A new brewery comes to the city of Sevierville
Summer 2022. On Friday, March 4, 2022, Iron Forge Brewing Company held their
Groundbreaking Ceremony which symbolized hard work and dedication. The project sits in a 4-acre lot that will include a 25,000-square foot brewery, an indoor tasting room, an
outdoor patio, and an enclosed beer garden that will offer dramatic views of Le Conte and the Little Pigeon River.
The company is working with MasseyProperties, Joseph Construction, and Project Design by George Armour Ewart Architects and is scheduled to begin immediately. Iron Forge will be located at 371 Lonesome Valley Road, just down the road from the Apple Barn and Cider Mill, in the heart of the great Smoky Mountains.
Co-founders, Audrei and Rani Dabul and Herus and Edlaine Schultz, developed Iron Forge as a chance to create a friendly neighborhood environment, welcoming to all, to the Great SmokyMountains. The brewpub will be built on sharing their love of beer, food, and spending time with friends and family. The new brewery – which will allow Iron Forge Brewing Company to brew as much as 30,000 barrels of beer annually, with room to grow – will also include a brewpub that will bring patrons a warm and inviting dining experience like no other.
Together, the Iron Forge Team brings years of experience in brewing, restaurant management, marketing, and sales. Audrei and Herus are long-time friends and met in 2013 through their love of beer and craft breweries. Dabul and Schultz have made this brewery a reality. With their combined industry background, education, and core beliefs, Iron Forge hopes to establish a brand that not only engages customers but provides consumers an educational opportunity like no other. Originally from Brazil, Herus and Edlaine Schultz were prior owners of a successful brewery, known for their award-winning Lager in South America. Also from Brazil, Audrei received his doctoral degree in Molecular Biosciences from Arkansas State University. He has been working in business and product management for years. His wife, Rani Dabul, has her master’s in communication studies and will bring her marketing and management experience to
this new endeavor.
Iron Forge will feature an eclectic array of inhouse brewed beers, including award
winning recipes from head brew master, Herus Schultz, owner of the best American
Lager in South America (Brazilian Beer Festival 2021). Iron Forge Brewing Company
will feature a traditional American menu with appetizers, burgers, main and side
dishes, and kid friendly options. There will also be Brazilian specials present on the
menu. The company plans to bring full and part-time positions to the community.
The name reflects the location and community. Iron Forge was named to keep
the traditional values of this area alive. When this community was formed, the Little Pigeon River served as the heart of blacksmiths calling Sevierville home. Keeping in mind the location, Iron Forge’s founders wanted to bring a modern touch to the area. We have plans to incorporate touches of tradition while bringing a modern flair.
This Sevier County brewery, expected to be complete summer 2022, is in a residential and touristic area just miles away from Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Iron Forge Brewing Company will be within walking distance of accommodations including resorts, long and short-term rentals, and residents.
Holston Gases acquires Dixie Welding Supply
Holston Gases is proud to announce that they have signed a letter of intent to purchase Dixie Welding Supply effective May 2nd. Dixie’s location in Atlall, Al and Oxford, Al increase Holston’s locations in Alabama to 8 and the company totals to 42.
Holston Gases President/CEO, Robert Anders said, “We are excited to add Dixie Welding Employees, customers and product lines to those of Holston Gases. This is a perfect fit. Dixie Welding and the Williams Family have an outstanding reputation in North Alabama and we look forward to partnering with them to enhance the offerings they can provide their customers.”
Dixie Welding Supply owner, Kenny Williams, agreed that the businesses are a great match. “We are very proud to become part of the larger Holston Gases Family. Combining with Holston’s people and resources will be great for our customers. We’ve known the Holston Gases folks for a long time and we think a lot of them. Our customers will really benefit from this combination.”
Holston Gases is a regional distributer of industrial, medical, specialty and propane gases as well as welding, safety and industrial supplies. Holston has been in business for over 64 years. It’s headquarters are in Knoxville, TN and it now has 42 locations in Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.
Highway Transport achieves recruiting and retention goals for professional drivers
Highway Transport, a leader in bulk chemical transportation, has achieved a record number of professional drivers on staff thanks to the company’s recent and continued efforts to celebrate, support and reward its elite team of tanker truck drivers.
The company is achieving its 2022 goals for driver count, through both recruiting and retention, by enhancing Highway Transport programs that support individual drivers, owner-operators and the entire team across its 15 U.S. service centers.
“We employ an elite class of drivers who consistently deliver on ‘Our Promise’ to our customers every day, arriving safely and on time,” Highway Transport President and CFO Marshall Franklin said. “They are hardworking and committed to our standard of excellence, and we are committed to making Highway Transport the best place for them to choose to work. We asked our drivers for feedback, and that led us to make significant, intentional changes aimed at giving drivers the freedom and flexibility the want and deserve.”
These efforts include:
- Fostering Highway Transport’s family culture with meaningful communication, dedicated team member support and the launch of the CARE program, committed to supporting drivers with an aim to Communicate, Appreciate, Respect and Evaluate
- Supporting drivers in ways that make their daily lives easier and better, including changes to load planning with the driver’s schedule in mind in order to get drivers more flexible home time.
- Redesigning Highway Transport’s owner-operator program and creating a dedicated department to help these drivers achieve success as entrepreneurs
- Investing in technology upgrades that support drivers, including a new fleet management system, redesigned driver app, enhanced customer portal and TempTrack™, a solar-powered real-time location and temperature monitoring system
- Building on 2021 pay increase with a substantial pay increase enacted earlier this year for hourly, mileage, training and holiday rates – representing an increase in compensation of up to 20 percent for drivers, depending on their experience and location
In addition to a culture of support and recognition and a historic pay increase, Highway Transport drivers enjoy consistent weekly pay and miles; flexible options for home time; choice of driving positions; top-quality equipment and maintenance programs; and an assigned driver manager providing personal, one-on-one attention. The company also offers benefits including paid vacation and holidays; 401(k) with company match; group health plans; company-paid basic life insurance; supplemental life insurance; major medical, dental and life coverage; and flexible spending and health savings accounts. Highway Transport also continues to deliver on its commitment to drivers by constructing new service centers and reimagining current facilities to provide drivers with a best-in-class experience.
“We trust our drivers, value them and want to recognize, compensate and reward them fittingly,” Franklin said. “Pay is one area we strive to show our commitment and gratitude, but equally important to our drivers are a supportive culture and a focus on getting them home each night. On top of that, we offer operational and other support through investments in technology to make drivers’ jobs easier and more efficient, focus on training, state-of-the-art equipment, our internal CARE program and a continued emphasis on safety.”
Thanks in great part to the diligence and safety record of its drivers, Highway Transport earned the 2021 Responsible Care® Partner of the Year Award from the American Chemistry Council. Highway Transport driver Tom Frain recently was nominated as one of eight finalists for the 2021-2022 Professional Tank Truck Driver of the Year Grand Champion by NTTC (National Tank Truck Carriers), and the winner will be unveiled at the NTTC 2022 Annual Conference April 23-26. Highway Transport also has received recognition as a “Top 20 Company” for women by Women In Trucking.
“We’ve spent nearly 75 years in this business, so we know the heart of the driver. They give their best every day, and they deserve our best,” Franklin said.
Drivers on the team have received pay adjustment details from their managers, and compensation details are available to new drivers applying and training to join Highway Transport. The company currently is hiring experienced drivers. Drivers interested in working for the company can apply at Drive4Highway.com.
Pilot Company begins round-up fundraiser for Ukraine relief
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (March 16, 2022) – In recognition of the growing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, Pilot Company is raising funds through an in-store round-up campaign for Save the Children, a global humanitarian organization actively working to meet the urgent needs of children and their families in Ukraine and the region. Now through April 3rd, visit any of the more than 650 participating company-operated travel centers in the U.S., including Pilot and Flying J travel centers and restaurants, to round-up purchases* to the nearest whole dollar and donate the additional amount to Save the Children.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted by the international crisis in Ukraine,” said Shameek Konar, CEO of Pilot Company. “We are deeply saddened by the effects of this conflict and are doing a roundup in our stores to help raise funds for Save the Children that will go towards immediate assistance for Ukrainian children and families. We will be matching up to $100,000 of donations raised as part of our commitment to giving back to our communities on a local and global scale.”
Pilot Company will donate 100% of the funds raised, along with the $100,000 matching contribution, directly to Save the Children’s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund. Save the Children is distributing critical emergency supplies in Ukraine and the region and establishing safe spaces for children where possible. These funds will support their efforts to provide lifesaving relief, including food, water, hygiene kits, psychosocial support and cash assistance for children and their families impacted by the conflict.
To learn more about Pilot Company and its longstanding commitment to giving back, visit pilotcompany.com/about. For nearby travel center locations to donate, download the myRewards PlusTM app**. More information on Save the Children is available at https://www.savethechildren.org/.
*Certain purchases (including, without limitation, fuel and fuel additives and purchases made on fleet cards or direct bill programs) are not eligible for round-up contributions.
**Data rates may apply. Other terms and conditions apply.
About Pilot Company
Pilot Travel Centers LLC (“Pilot Company”) keeps North America’s drivers moving as one of the leading suppliers of fuel and the largest operator of travel centers. Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Pilot Company has grown its network to more than 800 retail and fueling locations and as the third largest tanker fleet in North America, supplies more than 14 billion gallons of fuel per year to the market. Its energy division also supplies DEF, bio and renewable fuels and provides hauling and disposal services to the oil field sector. Pilot Company serves 1.5 million guests per day and provides over 70,000 fleet customers with solutions for fuel, credit, factoring, services and rewards. Its Pilot Flying J Travel Center network includes over 750 locations in 44 states and five Canadian provinces with more than 790 restaurants, 75,000 truck parking spaces, 5,300 deluxe showers, 6,200 diesel lanes and offers truck maintenance and tire service with Southern Tire Mart at Pilot Flying J. The One9 Fuel Network connects a variety of fueling locations to provide smaller fleets and independent professional drivers with everyday value, convenience, credit, and perks. More information on locations and rewards are available in the myRewards PlusTM app.
Pilot Company is currently ranked No. 7 on Forbes’ list of America’s Largest Private Companies. For additional information about Pilot Company, its 28,000 team members and commitment to giving back, visit www.pilotcompany.com.
About Save the Children
Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. Since our founding more than 100 years ago, we’ve changed the lives of more than 1 billion children. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
Local Urban League is one of six chapters nationwide chosen to bolster vaccine rates in their communities
The Knoxville Area Urban League joins five other chapters across the country selected to receive funding so that the organizations can recruit, hire, train and support community health navigators to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates and acceptance in their communities.
The National Urban League has been awarded $11.125 million by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration to fund the initiative. The Knoxville Area Urban League will receive $1.4 million of the funding for its community health navigators. The people in these positions will conduct outreach and engagement activities in the community and assist residents in getting vaccinated and boosted.
“I am honored that the National Urban League recognizes our organization as change-making chapter and is equipping us with the resources to protect our beloved community,” said Phyllis Nichols, president and chief executive office of the Knoxville Area Urban League. “We will continue caring for our people with these necessary positions so that we can once and for all end this pandemic.”
“One lesson we’ve learned through the COVID-19 pandemic is that trusted voices within communities, such as our affiliate Presidents and CEOs, are the best way to overcome vaccine hesitancy, combat misinformation, and connect people with health care providers,” National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial said. “With the support of the HRSA, our affiliates can expand their reach by hiring a local Community Health Navigator workforce to help keep our communities informed, safe and healthy.”
The National Urban League is one of many dedicated community-based organizations receiving a combined $250 million in American Rescue Plan funding to increase vaccine access for the hardest-hit and most vulnerable communities. Other chapters receiving funding for the program include:
- Houston Area Urban League
- Mississippi Urban League
- Urban League of Greater Kansas City
- Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City, Inc.
- Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis
For more information on the Knoxville Area Urban League and its programs, call 865-524-5511 or visit thekaul.org.
About the Knoxville Area Urban League
Since 1968, the Knoxville Area Urban League has assisted disadvantaged people attain social and economic stability and self-sufficiency through direct services and advocacy. The League works to provide a skilled and diverse workforce; to increase homeownership; to support economic and small business development, and to enhance education efforts for our youth. The Knoxville Area Urban League is a United Way partner agency and affiliate of the National Urban League. The League’s work and results are evident in the lives of the over 11,000 people it impacts each year. For more information, call 865-524-5511 or visit thekaul.org.
RAM needing volunteers for Jellico Free Healthcare Clinic
JELLICO, TENN. (March 11, 2022) – Remote Area Medical – RAM® – a major nonprofit provider of pop-up clinics delivering free dental, vision and medical care to those in need – is seeking volunteer medical, dental and vision professionals and general support staff for its May 21-22 clinic. The two-day clinic is to be held at Jellico Elementary School located at 551 Sunset Trail, Jellico, TN 37762.
We are also in need of interpreters and general support volunteers to help set up and take down. If you or your organization would like to volunteer your time to help provide free healthcare services to the Jellico, Tenn. community, please visit our website at www.ramusa.org or call us at 865-579-1530.
Additional Information:
- All RAM services are free, and no ID is required. Free dental, vision and medical services will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Services available at the RAM free clinic include dental cleanings, dental fillings, dental extractions, dental x-rays, eye exams, glaucoma testing, eyeglass prescriptions, eyeglasses made on-site, women’s health exams, flu shots and general medical exams. Free take-home colon cancer screening test kits will also be available.
- About Remote Area Medical: RAM is a major nonprofit organization that operates pop-up clinics delivering free dental, vision and medical services to individuals in need who do not have access to, or cannot afford, a doctor. Founded in 1985, RAM has treated more than 888,000 individuals with $181.5 million worth of free healthcare and veterinary services. Since its foundation, nearly 183,000 volunteers – comprised of licensed dental, vision, medical and veterinary professionals, as well as general support staff – have supported RAM’s mission.
Wholesale Furniture and Linens commands $6.1 million price tag
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn., March 14, 2022 – Marcus & Millichap (NYSE: MMI), a leading commercial real estate brokerage firm specializing in investment sales, financing, research and advisory services, announced today the sale of Wholesale Furniture and Linens in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, according to Jody McKibben, Marcus & Millichap first vice president and regional manager. The asset, including the property, the business and its inventory, sold for $6,100,000.
“Finding the right buyer was the most important factor,” says Wendy Davis, an investment advisor based in Marcus & Millichap’s Knoxville office. “The seller would only sell the property if the buyer also purchased the business and inventory.”
Davis had the exclusive listing to market the property on behalf of the owner, in addition to securing the buyer, an Asheville, North Carolina-based partnership. The new ownership plans to continue running the business and lease the second building as a triple-net lease.
“With high demand for warehouses in Sevier County and this property being located only 1.5 miles from the parkway, the second building should be leased quickly,” added Davis.
Wholesale Furniture and Linens is located at 1215 Wears Valley Road in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The multimillion-dollar business caters its goods to hotels, cabins and restaurants in the tourism-dense region. Sevier County welcomed over 14 million visitors in 2021 and expects at least an additional million in 2022, according to the county’s tourism website.
DENSO deploys Beam Global Sustainable Electric Vehicle Charging Systems at Tennessee location, supports company’s green focus
SOUTHFIELD, Mich., March 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — DENSO, a leading mobility supplier, has deployed five EV ARC™ solar-powered charging systems from Beam Global (Nasdaq: BEEM, BEEMW), a leading clean technology provider, at its Maryville, Tennessee, location. The charging systems, which have been installed at buildings across campus, are available to all DENSO employees with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
In addition to providing employees with convenient vehicle charging options, the EV ARCs make and store their own electricity to deliver clean and renewable energy. They also monitor how much carbon is saved compared to combustion engine vehicles with each use. Together, these capabilities contribute to DENSO’s Two Great Causes: Green – achieving carbon neutrality by 2035 – and Peace of Mind – creating a safe and seamless world for all.
“The charger deployment helps us support our employees and represents a key part of DENSO’s future vision: helping society become greener and safer through innovative technology,” said Mark Moses, vice president of Electrification Systems at DENSO. “We’re doing this by reducing the environmental impact of our manufacturing operations, of the energy we use and of the products we produce. Beam’s technology contributes to these efforts, providing a sustainable solution that helps protect our local communities and the planet.”
The charger deployment comes as DENSO is transforming its 2.6-million-square-foot, 4,500-person Maryville location into a manufacturing hub for electrification and safety systems. Such technologies are critical to the automotive industry as it continues to create vehicles that are more electrified and connected than ever before.
“DENSO is empowering its team members to get to and from work more sustainably with the carbon-free electricity that EV ARC systems provide. And they’re removing environmental impact from the EV charger installation because EV ARC deploys without construction,” said Beam Global CEO Desmond Wheatley. “We applaud DENSO leadership and look forward to providing for their expanding needs and the needs of the many corporations who will do the same thing.”
If you’re interested in working at company that’s focused on creating a better world through innovative and sustainable solutions, apply for open DENSO positions today at densocareers.com.
About DENSO
DENSO is a $44.6 billion global mobility supplier that develops advanced technology and components for nearly every vehicle make and model on the road today. With manufacturing at its core, DENSO invests in its 200 facilities to produce thermal, powertrain, mobility, electrification, & electronic systems, to create jobs that directly change how the world moves. The company’s 168,000+ employees are paving the way to a mobility future that improves lives, eliminates traffic accidents, and preserves the environment. Globally headquartered in Kariya, Japan, DENSO spent 10.0 percent of its global consolidated sales on research and development in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2021. For more information about global DENSO, visit https://www.denso.com/global.
In North America, DENSO is headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, and employs 27,000+ engineers, researchers and skilled workers across 51 sites in the U.S, Canada and Mexico. In the United States alone, DENSO employs 17,700+ employees across 14 states (and the District of Columbia) and 41 sites. In fiscal year ending March 31, 2021, DENSO in North America generated $9.3 billion in consolidated sales. DENSO is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion inside the company and beyond – a principle that brings unique perspectives together, bolsters innovation and pushes DENSO forward. Join us, and craft not only how the world moves, but also your career: densocareers.com. For more information, go to https://www.denso.com/us-ca/en/.
About Beam Global
Beam Global is a clean technology leader providing innovative, sustainable products and technologies for electric vehicle (EV) charging, energy storage, energy security and outdoor media. Core platforms include Beam EV ARC™ and Solar Tree® sustainable EV charging systems, Beam AllCell™ high-performance energy storage solutions, energy resiliency and disaster preparedness products and a deep patent library.
Beam EV ARC™ EV charging infrastructure systems support any quality brand EV charging service equipment, and Beam AllCell™ battery solutions power micro-mobility, terrestrial EVs, aviation, maritime and recreational vehicles as well as stationery and energy-security platforms.
Beam develops, patents, designs, engineers and manufactures unique and advanced clean mobility solutions that protect the environment, save customers time and money, empower communities and keep people moving. Based in San Diego and Chicago, the company produces Made-in-America products with the mission to Lead the World to Clean Mobility. Beam Global is listed on Nasdaq under the symbols BEEM and BEEMW. For more information visit BeamForAll.com, LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter.
Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians to hold meet-and-greet with nationally acclaimed hiker Jennifer Pharr Davis
Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians (GSCSA) will host the second-annual “Reach for the Peaks” fundraiser March 5-13 to coincide with National Girl Scout Week and the 110th anniversary of the founding of Girl Scouts. The independent hike event encourages Girl Scout troops, their families, former Girl Scouts, supporters, and the public to register to hike 3.12 miles.
As part of the week-long event, GSCSA will host Jennifer Pharr Davis on Saturday, March 12. Pharr Davis is an internationally recognized adventurer, long-distance hiker, speaker, author and entrepreneur who has hiked more than 14,000 miles of trails on six different continents. Pharr Davis was named National Geographic’s 2012 Adventurer of the Year and is the 2022 honorary GSCSA “Reach for the Peaks” hiker.
The event will take place at the Knoxville Museum of Art (1050 World’s Fair Park Drive).
UScellular announces winners of Seventh Annual Black History Month Art Contest
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (March 9, 2022) – UScellular has announced the three winners of its Seventh Annual Black History Month Art Contest that was held in conjunction with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley in recognition of influential Black icons in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Public voting for the finalists’ artwork was available online, and the winning artists earned gift cards during a celebration at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley in the following amounts:
- Alina Fominy, $250, first place
- Keith Seay, $150, second place
- Roman Staples, $100, third place
This year, UScellular introduced a new element to the contest with Boys & Girls Club members encouraged to create original pieces of artwork in recognition of STEM icons, including historical figures, world leaders, scientists and educators. Representatives from the Boys & Girls Clubs and local UScellular leaders chose 10 finalists based on creativity, quality, interpretation, clarity of theme and overall impression. Public voting for the finalists was made available online throughout the month of February. In addition, the finalists’ artwork was digitally displayed in select stores.
“It was amazing to see the creativity and wide range of inspirations the club members used to create their art,” said Thomas White, director of sales for East Tennessee at UScellular. “We’re thrilled to be able to team with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley to celebrate Black History Month and to highlight the STEM achievements of these Black icons. We extend our appreciation for all the submissions and congratulate our winners.”
UScellular is focused on addressing gaps in STEM education and is committed to connecting more than 200,000 of tomorrow’s innovators each year with the resources they need today to help shape future opportunities. For more information about UScellular’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, please go to newsroom.uscellular.com/community.
No Purchase Necessary. Entrants who are minors must have parental consent to participate in the Contest. Official Contest Rules, including full entry details and Finalist and Winner selection criteria/voting are available by email request to [email protected].
About UScellular
UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com. Connect with UScellular on social media at facebook.com/uscellular, twitter.com/uscellular, instagram.com/uscellular, YouTube.com/uscellularcorp and linkedin.com/company/uscellular.
New Food City coming to Alcoa
ABINGDON, VA (Friday, March 4, 2022) – Earlier today, company officials broke ground on the new Food City, located at 1388 Tesla Blvd. in Alcoa, TN. The 54,000+ square foot supermarket, which will serve as a replacement for the existing location is expected to open early Fall.
“We’re excited to have the opportunity to construct a new state-of-the-art Food City to serve our loyal customers,” says Steven C. Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer. “They can expect to find the same smiling faces, top quality products and low prices they have come to expect from Food City, along with some great new services and conveniences.”
The location includes an in-store bakery/deli, complete with a hot food bar, large 40+ café seating area, fresh sushi, fireplace, Wok/Asian hot food bar, hickory smoker, pizza oven, fresh food bar, offering a variety of soup, salad and fruit selections and full-service catering and event planning. Full-service meat and seafood departments offer pre-marinated and seasoned oven ready products, plus a complete selection of top-quality meats that are all-natural with no solutions added, including Certified Angus Beef. In-house meat cutters hand cut steaks and fresh meat to order. Expanded grocery and produce departments offer a complete selection of gourmet, international and specialty items. The Food City Floral Boutique is staffed with a designer seven days per week, offering a full assortment of fresh-cut floral arrangements, bouquets, gift items and more. Rapid checkout service is provided by six check-out lanes and seven self-checkouts. For added convenience, the store includes a Food City Pharmacy, equipped with a private consultation room and drive-thru window, Food City Gas n’ Go with large 5 pump station, GoCart curbside pick-up and home delivery, for customers who wish to shop on-line. The location also features a Starbucks café, offering a wide assortment of blended hot and cold coffees and beverages, as well as an assortment of tasty breakfast sandwiches and pastries.
Several award-winning energy saving concepts are also included, ranging from energy efficient glass cooler doors, parking lot lights and refrigeration systems to motion sensors and 100% LED lighting, as well as an open rafter ceiling design.
“Our customers will enjoy the expanded variety/selection and exciting new conveniences and services the new store will offer,” says district manager, Barry Brogan.
Headquartered in Abingdon, Virginia, K-VA-T Food Stores (Food City’s parent company) operates 138 retail outlets throughout southeast Kentucky, southwest Virginia, east Tennessee, north Georgia, and Alabama.
KUB plants trees at Habitat for Humanity homes
KUB has celebrated Tennessee Arbor Day by planting trees at Habitat for Humanity homes for 14 years. Today KUB and its contractor KMF3 Landscaping planted nine dogwood trees throughout the community.
Trees add beauty and life to our community, as well as help conserve energy, increase property values, and clean our air and water. As a participating member of the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Line USA program since 2001, KUB follows best practices in utility arboriculture through quality tree care, annual worker training, tree planting, and public education.
KUB encourages customers who are interested in planting their own trees to use proper tree planting techniques; including planting the right species of tree in the right place to avoid future growth into power lines and calling 811 to prevent dig-ins on utility lines during an excavation project.
KUB serves more 213,000 electric customers and maintains more than 5,000 miles of electric lines. For more information on how to plant the right tree in the right place, Tennessee’s Call 811 system, or KUB’s tree pruning services, visit www.kub.org/plantsmart.
For more information on Habitat for Humanity, visit www.knoxvillehabitatforhumanity.com.
UScellular offering support to customers with free calls to Ukraine
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (March 1, 2022) – To help those needing to connect with family, friends and loved ones, UScellular is offering customers free calls to Ukraine from the United States. From Feb. 25 through March 31, customers can make outbound calls to Ukraine with no international dialing rates applied.
Postpaid customers will have charges automatically waived. Prepaid customers whose plans allow for international calls can contact customer service at 1-888-944-9400 or *611 from their mobile phone to receive credits for applicable calls.
Visit uscellular.com/plans/international/long-distance for more information on UScellular’s international calling options.
About UScellular
UScellular is the fourth-largest full-service wireless carrier in the United States, providing national network coverage and industry-leading innovations designed to elevate the customer experience. The Chicago-based carrier provides a strong, reliable network supported by the latest technology and offers a wide range of communication services that enhance consumers’ lives, increase the competitiveness of local businesses and improve the efficiency of government operations. To learn more about UScellular, visit one of its retail stores or www.uscellular.com. To get the latest news, visit newsroom.uscellular.com. Connect with UScellular on social media at facebook.com/uscellular, twitter.com/uscellular, instagram.com/uscellular, YouTube.com/uscellularcorp and linkedin.com/company/uscellular.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee accepting nominations for the East Tennessee Mentor of the Year Award
[Knoxville, TN, February 2022] Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee (BBBS-ETN) is excited to announce their newest award, the East Tennessee Mentor of the Year Award. The BBBS-ETN East Tennessee Mentor of the Year Award is a new award that will recognize an individual who has been instrumental in providing direction, energy, and support through mentorship in East Tennessee.
Individuals who have made a positive and lasting in East Tennessee will be considered. Nominations are being accepted now through March 18, 2022, at tennesseebig.org/events/. This individual does not need to be affiliated with BBBS-ETN but is someone who has made an extraordinary impact in the lives of East Tennesseans.
BBBS-ETN Chief Executive Officer, Tyler Boldin, says “This award represents the heart of our mission and the volunteer spirit of East Tennessee. Mentorship changes lives forever, and we are thrilled to honor those who have dedicated their lives to providing this incredible gift to others.”
The nominee selected will be announced at BBBS-ETN’s new event, The Big Night Out, on May 12 at The Mill and Mine. Tickets for this event may be purchased at tennesseebig.org/events/ beginning March 1, 2022.
The East Tennessee Mentor of the Year award and The Big Night Out is made possible by the generous support of FirstBank.
Pattersons Home Appliances opens new location in Alcoa
(Alcoa, TN, March 2022) Pattersons Home Appliances has opened a new retail/scratch and dent outlet location in the Midland Plaza Shopping Center at 148 S Calderwood St, Alcoa, Tennessee. The new location marks the seventh store in Tennessee, accompanied by stores in Harriman, Oak Ridge, Farragut, the Rockwood Scratch & Dent Outlet, Crossville, Cookeville plus the Luxury Appliances Design Center in Downtown Knoxville.
Since 1965, Pattersons has provided its communities with care and experience through brands such as Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, JennAir, and more. Pattersons customers are served by non-commissioned, knowledgeable sales specialists who understand the importance of great customer service and enjoy helping customers fit their specific appliance needs. Pattersons also services what they sell with in-house factory-trained service technicians.
The sales staff at Pattersons Home Appliances’ Alcoa store can be reached at 865-268-4700 and are available today to help customers find the right kitchen and laundry appliances to fit their needs. Customers can also chat online with sales staff during their normal business hours or conveniently shop online at www.pattersonsappliances.com.
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