Knoxville biz ticker: Eddie Hair Tire holding event for Emory Valley Center
Latest news releases on business happenings in Greater Knoxville Business Journal area. Check back all week for updates.
Eddie Hair Fundraiser to Benefit Emory Valley Center
Eddie Hair Tire and Auto Center in Oak Ridge is holding a fundraiser for Emory Valley Center through Saturday, March 31st. Just mention Emory Valley Center when you schedule or purchase any auto service, auto wash or new tires and Emory Valley will receive $5.00 from every purchase.
Eddie Hair Tire and Auto Center is an employer in the Workforce Development program at Emory Valley Center. To find out how you can become a Workforce Development community partner with Emory Valley Center, please contact Daisy Mullins, Workforce Development Director at daisy.mullins@emoryvalleycenter.com
Emory Valley Center has been supporting people with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities in our community for 62 years. The agency currently provides a comprehensive array of educational, vocational, residential, rehabilitation and senior services, programs and support to over 1,400 children, adults and families monthly located in 16 East Tennessee counties.
To learn more about Emory Valley Center and their programs and services, visit www.emoryvalleycenter.org and like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/emoryvalleycenter
Real Deals Opens New Store in Tennessee
Home decor and boutique fashion retailer introduces the latest in affordably priced trends to Knoxville.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE—March 22, 2018—Real Deals, a boutique featuring home decor and women’s fashion, announces the opening of its first Tennessee store. Located in nearby Powell, the new franchisee-owned store will unveil a personalized-yet-affordable shopping experience Thursday, March 22. Real Deals has 65 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada with local owners providing in-person advice and limited-item displays that change every week.
Franchise owner Kim Severance was first introduced to Real Deals while helping a friend paint her home. When a mutual friend from South Carolina arrived, she unpacked several home decor items. When Severance asked where she’d purchased the items, her friend said Real Deals. “I said, what’s a Real Deal?”
After researching Real Deals, realizing there were no stores in Tennessee and, in fact, very few in the Southeast, Severance decided it was time to introduce Tennessee to the home decor and fashion shop. “I’m really excited to bring this store to Powell, just five miles from downtown Knoxville,” she said. “Real Deals is where you can beautifully support your domestic dreams for a very fair price and get ideas of what you can do in your own home when walking through the store.”
Severance, a hometown Tennessee girl, is a graduate from University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She has had a career filled with retail experience in both fashion and home decor. Working for brands like JC Penney’s, Goody’s and Bugle Boy for several years, she took a break to raise her family. As her children got older, Severance’s passion for retail led her to open her own store and interior decorating company called Imagine This. Joining with two partners, they grew the business until they decided to close in 2007 due to the retirement of her partners.
Over the past 10 years, Severance has worked in marketing and public relations positions for companies like Rural Metro and the non-profit March of Dimes. She has also served in several public service positions including the Knox County Board of Education and the local teen driver awareness program.
When asked why she decided to buy into a franchise when she had once owned her own store, she boiled it down to buying power. “As a small mom and pop store, I didn’t have the buying power. I couldn’t negotiate deals like the Real Deals corporate team is able to secure with vendors. Now I’m able to bring better deals to my customers by having the power of a franchise behind me.”
With no other similar decor and fashion boutiques in the Knoxville area, Severance is eager to introduce everyone to exactly what Real Deals is. “With a team of five employees who are fully dedicated to customer service and love decorating, we are able to cater to each shopper’s needs,” Severance said. “Each person on my team has their own secret passion and weapons of talents and abilities.”
The Powell, Tennessee Real Deals, will host a 3-day grand opening party 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, March 22-24, at their location, 113 E. Emory Road, Ste. 102. The boutique will then be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday. To learn more about the Tennessee Real Deals location, visit https://www.facebook.com/realdealspowell/ or call (865) 389-1504.
About Real Deals
Real Deals strives to provide a custom, locally owned shopping experience with accessibly priced products. At Real Deals, traditional design elements are always a staple, however boutique franchise owners love offering a limited, eclectic mix of curated goods and fashion in every trend that customers can style into their personal look. Established in 2003, Real Deals currently has 65 franchise locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. For more information on Real Deals, visit realdeals.net.
CONTACT:
Tonia Fuller
tonia@realdeals.net
(801) 623-7156
Local company partners with Farragut West Knox Chamber to provide manager training
Great Managers training begins May 9th
Knoxville, TN – People typically become managers because they have superior technical skills. To manage people, you need a set of special skills – people skills – that most companies overlook.
Ignite Succeed is excited to announce a partnership with the Farragut West Knox Chamber of Commerce to bring our Great Managers Workshop Series to Chamber members. Ignite Succeed’s five-part essential skills series is designed to build on the traits of high-performing managers as identified in Gallup’s State of the American Manager.
The series kicks off May 9th with Communicating Effectively. The workshop helps managers recognize how they and their employees prefer to communicate so that both managers and employees can adapt to each other’s style to be more effective.
These additional workshops complete the series:
June 13, 2018: Understanding What Motivates Employees. Managers explore the six key factors of motivation and the 12 driving forces that will enable you to more effectively motivate each of your employees.
July 11, 2018: Managing Conflict for a Positive Result. Managers look at why conflict arises, what clouds the issue, and how you can create the most value in every conflict situation.
August 8, 2018: Creating Accountability on Your Team. Managers explore what accountability requires, what gets in the way, and how you can do when accountability goes by the wayside.
September 12, 2018: Engaging Employees for High Performance. Managers discover the top three reasons employees disengage and what to do to address each of those issues to re-engage their team.
Susanne Dalton Dupes is the presenter for this workshop series. She is an internationally accredited business communicator and a certified analyst of behaviors, motivators, driving forces, emotional intelligence, and acumen.
The three-hour workshop starts at 9:00 a.m. in the meeting room at the Knox Co. Sheriff’s West Precinct, 11429 Parkside Drive, Knoxville, TN 37934. Register at ignitesucceed.com/fwkccgreatmanagers. Individual tickets for each of the three-hour workshops are $99 for Farragut West Knox Chamber members (obtain discount code by contacting the Chamber), $149 for non-members. Registration deadline for the May workshop is April 27th.
To register for the workshop: https://ignitesucceed.com/fwkccgreatmanagers/
More information about Ignite Succeed: https://ignitesucceed.com
Questions: Info@IgniteSucceed.com.
Ignite Succeed is a leadership development company founded by Susanne Dalton Dupes and Deb Schmitz. The company works to ignite and inspire personal value and self-awareness in leaders so they can be a catalyst for change.
Ignite Succeed is headquartered in Loudon, Tennessee and can be reached at 865.896.9665 or by email at info@IgniteSucceed.com. For more information, visit www.ignitesucceed.com.
Snow biz slides into Pigeon Forge
Billing itself as “the first indoor snow complex in North America,” Pigeon Forge Snow opened for business Sunday at 2533 Teaster Lane.
“Yes, it’s real snow!” the new attraction says on its website. “There are no chemicals or anything added to our snow, it’s just water, nothing else added. The only difference between mother nature’s snow and ours is that we use a machine to create the snow then blow it ourselves.”
The year-round venue is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, charging $21 for an hour of snow tubing on slides. It costs $7.99 to play in the snow for half an hour, or both can be had for $26.99.
Tube-riders must be at least 3 years old and 38 inches tall, but there are no age or height restrictions on snow play.
Despite the frozen surface, the indoor air temperature is 60 to 70 degrees, according to the website. For those not wanting more winter, there is a second-level viewing area and snack bar.
Speakers announced for Women's Leadership Summit
Atlanta author, speaker and business coach Wendy Watkins will be a featured speaker at the Women’s Leadership Summit, coming June 8 to the Hilton Knoxville Airport, according to the event organizer Ignite Leadership Council.
Watkins, author of “The Joy Factor Recipe Book,” is expected to “help attendees improve their clarity and confidence by using the ‘right ingredients’ to help them accomplish their goals, according to a news release.
“While chasing short-term gratification, we lose sight of the long-term satisfaction we all crave,” Watkins said in a news release.
The summit in the hotel at 2001 Alcoa Highway will also feature Trish Holliday, chief learning officer in the state Department of Human Resources; a sold-out vendors’ area; and presentation of the Lizzie Crozier French Women’s Leadership Award. Nominations for that award will be accepted through March 31.
The event for women leaders in East Tennessee has been held for a dozen years. Through March 31 registration is $127, including materials, two meals, and networking breaks, the news release said. The price goes up to $227 on April 1.
The summit is sponsored by longtime supporter DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee. For registration and more information, including a full list of speakers, go to www.ignitesucceed.com/the-summit.
Prestige Cleaners adds new service, Maryville location
Prestige Cleaners is launching an in-home division to clean carpets, rugs and drapes, and opening a dry-cleaning and tuxedo store in Maryville, according to a news release.
The service to clean carpets, drapes and rugs – including Oriental rugs – on location will be available in Knox and surrounding counties. There is no trip fee within 50 miles of Knoxville, according to the news release.
Prestige, headed by founder Eddie Mannis, started with three employees in one store in 1985. Now it has more than 145 employees in nine Knoxville dry-cleaners, one Oak Ridge location, two Knoxville tuxedo rental stores, pick-up/delivery routes in four counties, and its own processing facility, the news release said. The company also has a disaster restoration division serving East and Middle Tennessee.
Scapa expands, consolidates in Knoxville
Scapa Healthcare is building a new factory in Knoxville, expected to create more than 100 new jobs over the next five years.
British-based Scapa makes “skin-friendly, turnkey solutions for advanced wound care, medical device and consumer wellness markets,” according to the company.
It already has one factory in Knoxville on Middle View Way, in addition to facilities in California, Connecticut and New York, according to Scapa’s website.
The new factory, at 152,000 square feet nearly twice as large as Scapa’s current local facility, will be nearly nine miles away at 2565 Bertelkamp Lane, in Hardin Business Park.
According to a company news release, Scapa’s local operations will consolidate in the new facility. It’s expected to be finished in November 2018.
“Scapa Healthcare is significantly committed to the region, strengthening growth and job creation within the community,” Joe Davin, president of Scapa Healthcare, said in the announcement. “We are excited to bring all of our Knoxville operations together under one roof to meet increased market demand and to continue providing our customers with innovative solutions for the medical device market.”
It’s a $31 million project, according to the Knoxville Chamber.
A public groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled at the Bertelkamp Lane site, with company executives and local officials, for 10 a.m. Thursday.
Let your secrets go to pieces at Shred Day
Got sensitive documents you want to disappear? Come to Lakeshore Park on March 24.
Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union is sponsoring a Spring Shred Day there 9 a.m. to noon, or until the shredding trucks are full. It’s free, and first come, first served, according to a news release.
“Whether we’re helping people grow financially or simply helping with a little spring cleaning, we love being able to meet the people of the communities we serve,” Shred Day Volunteer Coordinator Mary Beth McCauley said in the announcement.
Each vehicle is allowed four banker’s boxes or four tall kitchen trash bags full of items to be shredded. People should enter the park from Northshore Drive and follow directional signs.
Items that can’t be accepted include cardboard, three-ring binders, phone books, hardcover books, wet trash or ordinary household garbage, plastic or metals, and hazardous materials like batteries, cell phones and CDs, according to the news release.
For more information, including a full list of acceptable items and a map, go to www.tvacreditunion.com/shredday.html.
Hilliard Lyons wealth management firm unveils new brand, logo
Hilliard Lyons, a wealth management firm headquartered in Louisville, is unveiling a new brand and logo firm-wide. The 10 branches in Tennessee will reveal the new Hilliard Lyons logo this week in their exterior signage. Hilliard Lyons employs 70 Wealth Advisors, Client Service Associates, and other staff in Tennessee.
“We are really excited to reveal our new branding,” said Hilliard Lyons President Tom Kessinger. “For more than 160 years, our number one priority has been clients’ success – and that is not changing. But our new branding reflects how our firm has evolved from a traditional brokerage firm to a comprehensive wealth management firm with deep roots in each community we serve. We’ve embraced the latest technology to help clients meet their financial goals more effectively. Yet our advisors remain intent on learning each client’s story so they can create wealth management strategies unique to each client. Now were’ refreshing our brand to match our forward-facing commitment to our clients and their families.”
The new logo and branding elements are a dramatic departure from the firm’s former bull-and-bear-and-tickertape logo, which the firm has used since 1973. The new logo, incorporating a golden “pathway” and a bold, modern typeface, will be the most visible part of the firm’s redefined brand. While the logo makes a nod to the firm’s long heritage by including “EST. 1854,” it is cleaner, more forward-looking mark. The firm has rebranded everything that the public will see, including letterhead, business cards, statements, the firm’s website, and websites for Wealth Advisors. The changes are rolling out across the firm’s geographic footprint over five weeks from mid-March to mid-April.
“Our new brand – and logo – reveal a transformed Hilliard Lyons,” said Mike Shea, Manager of the Murfreesboro branch. “We make our expertise easily accessible and our wealth advisors really strive to learn our clients’ stories. We encourage them as we work together to reach their financial goals. We truly believe in their success. Our new logo implies a confident, encouraging path to the future in a way that our prior logo did not.”
Clinton downtown plan comes to public
The plan to revitalize downtown Clinton will be on show 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 22, at Junior Achievement East Tennessee Building, 2135 N. Charles Seivers Blvd., in Clinton. That’s at the entrance to Anderson County High School.
The Anderson County Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event, which includes a presentation from Gianni Longo, president of Gianni Longo and Associates, according to a news release. Longo’s previous efforts can be seen on Chattanooga’s riverfront, downtown Franklin, and Market Square, the news release said.
The plan is the result of a long process, including a four-day public session in late February. The compiled ideas now include specific steps to implement them, the announcement said.
Video banking, new service concept comes to Regions Bank
Regions Bank has opened a new type of branch at the corner of Northshore Drive and Pinnacle Point Way.
“Think of the Apple Store – but make it a bank,” said Jeremy King, Regions Bank spokesman, in an email.
Instead of approaching a counter, customers will be greeted on the floor by a banker, according to a news release. The banker can help with general transactions or more involved financial services.
The location is also the first in East Tennessee to offer video banking, combining live two-way video and an ATM, the news release said. The three video ATMs in the drive-through and one in the lobby are available 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday and most holidays.
“This location combines personal service and modern technology in a way that represents the future of branch banking,” Mark Wittschen, Consumer Banking Manager for Regions in Knoxville, said in the news release. “Regions is working every day to make banking easier, more convenient and more meaningful. Our bankers are focused on having deeper conversations with the people we serve to help them reach their financial goals. We’re also offering the latest technology so when a customer needs quick, efficient service early in the morning, in the evening, or even on Saturday or Sunday, this branch has what that customer needs.”
The branch is already open for business, but Regions will hold a grand opening 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 28. At the event employees will demonstrate the bank’s features. It will include free food, Starbucks coffee, children’s activities and an Amazon Echo Dot giveaway, according to the news release.
The Alabama-based bank has 1,500 offices and 1,900 ATMs in the South and Midwest.
Humana to Celebrate National Vietnam War Veterans Day with Pinning & Proclamation Ceremony, Health Fair
Local Veterans, Families Invited to March 29 Recognition Ceremony at Humana Knoxville Location
Humana Working to Combat Food Insecurity Among Veterans with Donation Drive
What: Humana Inc., one of Tennessee’s largest Medicare health benefits companies and the health benefits provider to more than 6-million service men and women and their families, will celebrate National Vietnam War Veterans Day with a free Health & Services Fair and a Pinning & Proclamation Ceremony for Veterans. Living U.S. military veterans who served during the Vietnam War period are invited to attend and will receive one honorary Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin as a lasting memento of the nation’s thanks for their service. Knoxville-area veterans and health organizations will also be on hand to provide information on their resources and programs for veterans and the community.
Humana is also coordinating a donation drive to benefit East Tennessee veterans and support our nation’s servicemen and women. With more than 20 percent of U.S. military veterans and their families being food insecure, Humana is partnering with the Knoxville community to address this key health care barrier. Humana has a Bold Goal in Knoxville to improve the health of the community 20 percent by 2020. Non-perishable food and men’s and women’s underwear and athletic sock donations can be dropped off at the Humana Knoxville location throughout the months of March and April.
For more information or to RSVP for the Pinning & Proclamation ceremony, please call the Humana Knoxville location at 865-329-8892. Everyone in the community is welcome to attend.
When: Thursday, March 29, 2018
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Veterans Health & Services Fair
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Vietnam Veterans Pinning & Proclamation Ceremony
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Veterans Social
Where: Humana neighborhood location
4438 Western Ave.
Knoxville, TN
Who: Vietnam Veterans of America – Knoxville Chapter 1078
Volunteer State War Era Veterans Honor Guard
Living U.S. military veterans
Don Dare, WATE news anchor and Master of Ceremonies
Info: Humana neighborhood locations help close the gap between people and the care they need to live healthier, happier lives. By partnering with the community and offering a place for people to connect with others, share common interests, and participate in fitness classes, health and wellness seminars, and disease-specific education classes -- at no cost -- Humana is making it easy for people to achieve their best health. The Humana Knoxville location also offers a host of free health and wellness activities and programs. The location is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.