Knoxville Entrepreneur Center announces 100Knoxville Fall 2023 cohort
The Knoxville Entrepreneur Center (KEC) is excited to announce the ninth cohort of 100Knoxville founders. Five founders have been matched with an all-star team of mentors for a 5-week sprint that kicked off this October. Over the course of the program, founders will work to clarify their business strategy, make connections across the entrepreneurial community, improve operations, and, most importantly, increase sales.
“Without 100Knoxville, my business would’ve continued on, and we would’ve been OK. But, because of 100Knoxville I was able to take a giant leap forward in scaling my business and seeing my vision come to fruition.
Thanks to 100Knoxville, I enjoyed the privilege of one-on-one coaching and mentorship from a group of extraordinary individuals, and forged relationships that will undoubtedly flourish for years to come. For all of these reasons and more, I’m forever grateful for the 100Knoxville program and those that make it possible,” said Ryan McGrew, the founder of RightWay Insurance, and now a mentor for the current cohort.
This cohort of 100Knoxville is made possible through generous support from Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Schaad Companies.
Meet the founders and their mentors:
Deahna Moore -Deahna Joi LLC , paired with mentorRyan McGrew
Budgets by Joi specializes in helping financially anxious individuals and owners build a confident financial foundation. They offer a range of services to develop good financial habits and increase savings by 20-30%. Through a combination of curriculum, budget classes, or private sessions, Budgets by Joi provides custom plans for businesses and nonprofit organizations to implement financial literacy into their programs. With 15 years of experience in finance, they assist first-time entrepreneurs and founders in establishing long-term success, with financial stability. They believe financial literacy should be accessible to all.
Genesis Howard -Ink and Oil LLC, paired with mentorMonty Howard
Ink and Oil LLC Tattoos and Massage Therapy is a unique establishment that seamlessly combines the artistry of tattooing with the therapeutic benefits of massage. Their skilled team of talented tattoo artists and licensed massage therapists provide a holistic experience where clients can express themselves through body art and find relaxation and relief through expert massage techniques. Whether you're looking to get a stunning new tattoo or unwind with a rejuvenating massage, Ink and Oil offers a one-of-a-kind fusion of artistic expression and wellness.
Andrea Yancey -Silbeauty, paired with mentorDamon Rawls
Established in 2010, Silbeauty offers salon services, classes, and supplies to all the bold, beautiful bosses of West Knoxville. Sil stands for Sew In Life. They sew positive energy in their staff, and it pours into their clients; they specialize in providing the ultimate experience one client at a time! Silbeauty has been voted “Best Hair Colorist in Knoxville”and “Best Hair Extension Specialist Knoxville.”
Stephanie Blue -Steph Bee Creative, paired with mentorDr. Angelique Adams
As a mommy blogger and wellness traveler, Steph Bee works with roughly 100 brands per year in multiple capacities to support their marketing efforts as an influencer. Steph Blue/Bee is a London native, born and raised in England’s bustling capital, London, and moved to Knoxville after marrying her husband of six years, Chris Blue. Although Steph is from London, her parents hail from the islands, and their cultural influence has heavily impacted her approach to wellness practices and beliefs on caring for the mind, body, and spirit.
Candice Halbert -YOSTEM, paired with mentorJerry AskewYouth Outreach in STEM is a nonprofit organization whose aim is to empower underserved students nationally by educating them through hands-on STEM experiences and to engage them in STEM through independent ownership, helping those students develop a competitive advantage in the marketplace, build wealth, and positively impact society. Some of their projects include 3D design and printing, robotics, coding, and various chemistry and engineering projects, just to name a few. YO-STEM has 3-flagship programs where they expose students to STEM: Girls in STEM (gSTEM), STEM Saturday, and competitive co-ed Robotics club. They want students to have a fun experience exploring the vast range of what STEM has to offer.
Each company will also receive $5,000 towards growing their business, thanks to the support of Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Schaad Companies. “ORNL is committed to supporting the growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in East Tennessee,” said Susan Hubbard, deputy for science and technology at ORNL. “We’re supporting 100Knoxville because we understand how access to expertise and mentorship can help new businesses and entrepreneurs flourish.” Hubbard oversees the lab’s science and technology portfolio, technology transfer, economic development and strategic partnerships.
For more information, to apply for the next cohort, or to support 100Knoxville, please visit 100knoxville.com.
FirstBank opens new Knoxville Branch location on Emory Road
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Oct. 23, 2023)— Today, FirstBank opened the doors to its newest Knoxville branch, located at 233 E. Emory Rd. With an already strong presence throughout the region, this new branch marks the bank’s first location in the Powell/Halls communities.
“FirstBank is committed to providing our communities with greater accessibility to the financial services they need,” said Brent Ball, Knoxville Market President. “We look forward to opening this new location in Powell so more local families and businesses have an opportunity to benefit from our community-focused approach to banking.”
The team spearheading this new FirstBank branch consists of seasoned bankers. Leading the team is Patrick McMahon, Financial Center Manager, and he is joined by Shirley Schady, Universal Banker; Faith Coomer, Senior Financial Services Representative; Julie Gibson, Senior Teller; Robin Harp, Business Development Officer; Brandon Burton, Business Development Officer; and Brianna Terry, Teller Manager. The majority of the team lives in the Powell/Halls area.
“This new location will better serve our North Knoxville customers,” said McMahon. “I look forward to helping FirstBank expand its footprint throughout the greater Knoxville area and leading this experienced team of individuals committed to serving local communities.”
On Monday, Nov. 13, at 10 a.m., FirstBank will hold an official ribbon cutting event for the Emory Road branch in partnership with the Knoxville Chamber, featuring remarks from Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs.
The new location will be a full-service bank with an ATM and instant-issue debit card capability. Both mortgage and investment services will also be available.
About FirstBank
FirstBank, a wholly owned subsidiary of FB Financial Corporation (NYSE: FBK), has approximately $13.1 billion in total assets, ranking it in the top 3% of all U.S. commercial banks. Since 1906, local banking has remained at the forefront of FirstBank’s approach to serving businesses, families, and individuals within the communities it calls home. FirstBank is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, and has 82 full-service branches across Tennessee, South Central Kentucky, Alabama and North Georgia along with mortgage offices throughout the Southeast.
The Bearden Barker, a dog family friendly festival, hosted by Rotary Club of Bearden coming October 21
Bearden Barker at The Cove, Concord Park, Knoxville, TN. Oct. 21, 2023 10am – 2 pm (stay as long or as little as you want), the schedule including registration is on our website https://beardenrotary.org/. The Rotary of Bearden announces the Bearden Barker, a community family-friendly dog walk/festival with fun walk stations to complete, prize drawings, and dog contests. We are seeking rescues to come (for free) and bring their tents for community outreach and/or rescue fundraising. Also, we are seeking sponsors to help with Bearden’s own fundraising efforts.
Rotary of Bearden is a non-political, non-religious service organization dedicated to helping our local community. Our mission is to "provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders." We are helping to develop the next generation of leaders and make the world globally and locally a better place with world peace being a priority. This year our theme is creating hope in the world. On a local level, such hope is shared by Bearden Rotary has helped our local school Pond Gap with various needs. We have participated in and delivered Mobile meals for over 10 years. We have scholarships for individuals in financial need and support local interact (youth rotary and speaking) programs.
For more information, please contact Lorna Keathley at lornak@utk.edu or 865-335-2570.
Three Roots Capital receives $45 million allocation of new markets tax credits
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) recently awarded $5 billion in New Markets Tax Credits to 102 Community Development Entities (CDEs) nationwide. Three Roots Capital, an innovative finance company focused on economic and social impacts, is pleased to announce it is one of two recipients in Tennessee to receive $45 million from the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) Program.
Three Roots Capital seeks to use this allocation of federal tax credits to help finance industrial, manufacturing and commercial office projects in severely distressed regions of Appalachia, including East Tennessee.
“Receiving this $45 million allocation of NMTCs allows Three Roots Capital to add a powerful tool to our financial toolbox. Since our founding in 2016, Three Roots Capital has deployed more than $133 million of direct financing and fostered partnerships with 15 banks to better support our regional communities,” said Grady Vanderhoofven, President and Chief Executive Officer of Three Roots Capital. “With these New Market Tax Credits, we will continue this legacy and leverage these credits to create lasting economic and social impacts for years to come.”
About Three Roots Capital
Three Roots Capital is an innovative finance company that provides loans and equity investments to small businesses and real estate projects in Tennessee and Appalachia. 3Roots was established to address the chronic need for investment capital in central and southern Appalachia. 3Roots supports small businesses, entrepreneurs, real estate projects, and communities in economically challenged areas throughout the region. 3Roots is certified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and as a Community Development Entity (CDE). For more information, visit www.3rootscapital.org.
Tickets available for annual Parkridge Home Tour
Tickets are now available for the annual Parkridge Home Tour on November 5, 2023. The Parkridge Home Tour is an annual event featuring some of Knoxville’s most charming historic homes and vibrant local businesses each year. This tour is a must-attend for all home, architecture, and history enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the local culture as you stroll through the streets, meet friendly neighbors, and gain inspiration for your own home projects. Present-day Parkridge encompasses the early Edgewood subdivision, which contains many houses designed by George F. Barber, Knoxville’s famous 19th to early 20th century, Victorian house architect. The homes span the eras from the 1890’s to the 1920s and are good examples of the ongoing revitalization of the neighborhood.
Parking is available on Washington Avenue at the first tour stop, 1520 Washington Ave, 37917, where wristbands and programs will be distributed to ticket buyers. Tickets may be purchased in advance through Eventbrite for $15. Tickets may be purchased until 4:00pm the day of the tour at 1520 Washington Ave for $20. Children 12 years and younger do not need tickets/wristbands.
Tour is self-guided. Walking is necessary and many houses have steps. Parkridge is a bike-ableneighborhood and tour-goers are welcome to ride bicycles. Driving may be necessary to somelocations.
- Sunday, November 5th 2023
- 12 p.m.-6 p.m., start any time after 12 p.m., but allow around 2 hours for the tour
- Start at 1520 Washington Ave. in Knoxville, TN
- $15 in advance from Eventbrite or $20 the day of the tour
- Tickets available on Eventbrite, shorturl.at/cfqEU
- Find more information: parkridgecommunity.org/events/home-tour
- Follow us at: facebook.com/parkridgecommunity or instagram.com/parkridge_community_org
Arby's to support local community through its Make a Difference Campaign
Knoxville, TN (September 28, 2023) - This fall, Arby's will raise over $3 million as a part of their Make a Difference Campaign to deliver on their mission of "helping kids Dream Big and pursue their dreams with confidence." The donations will benefit the Arby's Foundation and go towards supporting hundreds of organizations around the country.Locally, Arby's is proud to partner with the following youth serving nonprofits:
- In Knoxville: Compassion Closet of East Tennessee
- In Clinton: Junior Achievement of East Tennessee, Inc
As a thank you, any guest who donates $1 to the campaign at the register will receive a free small Curly or Crinkle Fries and a cup of Cheddar for dipping."The Make a Difference Campaign is a time when our restaurants and our guests come together to support kids in their community and across the country. We are proud to partner with local organizations who make such a great impact, like those in the Knoxville area," said Stuart Brown, Executive Director of Inspire Brands Foundation.Guests can visit any Arby's now through October 22 and donate $1 to Make a Difference for kids in their community. Donations can also be made online at foundation.arbys.com.
Let Her Speak launches the 2023 Let Her Lead cohort
The Let Her Lead program, developed by Let Her Speak, is a 12-week leadership program that provides women with the necessary tools, resources, and social capital to become the leaders our modern world needs. This one-of-a-kind program offers tracks for both aspiring leaders and established leaders to learn together, grow their networks, and challenge each other while working alongside subject-matter experts, mentors, and professional coaches.. Working with professionals in the areas of confidence, communication, finance, empathetic leadership, and bias – we are empowering women to embrace their unique strengths, abilities, and ideas for change.
“Three years ago, we discovered there was a gap in the types of programs that existed for women who aspired to lead and who were established leaders seeking to improve their skills. Thanks to our dedicated community, our partners, and our sponsors - we have been able to bring this program to life for the Knoxville community and beyond. I am excited to see the women in this program grow and flourish as local leaders, ” said Catherine Porth, Founder & Chief Advocate of Let Her Speak.
Meet the aspiring leaders cohort and their mentors:
Coy Kindred |Coy Kindred Consulting, paired with mentorLina Evans |Bank of America
Rainey Rawles |Naughty Pine Woodworks, paired with mentorJasmine Newton |Javon
Abby Hassler |Piper Communications, paired with mentorShelby Ooten | Ethisphere
Rachel Baker |YWCA Knoxville & The Tennessee Valley, paired with mentorLeslieBatchelor |Sparrow Health System
Angelee Day |UT Research Park, paired with mentorBonnie Casmassima |Intuitive By Nature
Jaleria Rivera | SpaceCraft, paired with mentorVictoria Frankel |Validity Communications
Meet the established leader cohort and their coaches:
Rachel Stallings |Covenant Health, paired with coachJennifer Gamble |Leadership Coach & Consultant
AmyModen |YWCA Knoxville & The Tennessee Valley, paired with coachDr. Dasha Lundy |The Women of Knoxville
Emma Moran |Degreed, paired with coachAlysia Bullock |Incite HR
Porschia Pickett |Wesley House Community Center, paired with coachBooth Andrews |The Booth Andrews Company
Jaime Conry |Insight Strategic Wealth, paired with coachBerta Medina |Dreamers Succeed
Kirby Deal |The Women’s Fund of East Tennessee, paired with coachErika Biddix |Aught
Meet the program facilitators:
Catherine Porth |Let Her Speak
As part of the program, participants in both programs will receive professional photoshoots with area photographers and the opportunity to speak at a public event in January. Those participating in the aspiring leader cohort will also receive a $1,000 - $2,000 grant to invest in their leadership journey. "As a longstanding member of the Knoxville business community, it is important to us that we help create leadership opportunities for women. We are excited to see the impacts of Let Her Lead and are honored to be partnering with Let Her Speak on this important project,” said James Schaad, President & Chair of Schaad Companies.
Full bios of program participants, volunteer mentors & coaches, and program facilitators can be found in our latest article - It Takes a Village to Build a Leader on the Let Her Speak website.To support, join, or learn more about Let Her Speak, please visit LetHerSpeakUSA.org.
Rotary Club ‘Come and Learn About Rotary’ event October 3
KNOXVILLE, TN – The Rotary Club of Bearden is having a free "Come and Learn about Rotary" event on Tuesday, October 3rdfrom 4-6 pm at Albright Grove Brewing Company, located at 2924 Sutherland Avenue. Free food for all attendees. A short program with speakers and an overview of Rotary will be given. This event is for anyone that would like to have a better understanding of Rotary and see how Rotarians give back to the local community. Anyone interested can RSVP to Doug Kose at dkose@tworld.com.
Marcus & Millichap facilitates $14.3 million sale of Maryville Commons
MARYVILLE, Tenn., Sept. 27, 2023– 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 Maryville Commons, a 61,775 square foot retail property located in Maryville, Tennessee and part of the Knoxville MSA which is the state’s 3rd largest. The asset sold for $14,333,642.
"Maryville Commons is strategically situated on a dense retail corridor at the intersection of US Highways 129 and 321 providing exceptional visibility to a combined traffic count over 59,000 vehicles per day,” said Tim Giambrone, senior managing director of investments. “Shadow anchored by Target, the property is 100% leased with an attractive anchor lineup led by HomeGoods, ULTA Beauty, Five Below, Rack Room Shoes, and Kirkland’s. In conjunction with significant recent capital improvements, the property’s excellent location, demographics, and stable tenant lineup offered the buyer an opportunity to add a long-term appreciable asset to their portfolio.” added Giambrone, an investment specialist in Marcus & Millichap’s Atlanta office, who secured and represented the buyer, a private investor.
Maryville Commons is situated at 726-742 Watkins Road. This community shopping center comprises nine suites on a 5.72-acre lot. The property is located 14 miles from the University of Tennessee with over 40,000 students and an annual economic impact of $1.7 Billion.
Rotary Club of Bearden Rotarian of the Year announcement
KNOXVILLE, TN – The Rotary Club of Bearden announced Tom Daughtrey as their 2023 Rotarian of the Year award recipient. Daughtrey is a past Club President and 2022-2023 Youth Services Chair. Tom’s efforts have led to the reorganization of the Interact Club at West High School with now 25 members. Additionally, he sent students to Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, held Rotary Speech contests at West High School, and was a regular volunteer reader at Pond Gap Elementary School.
Daughtrey is married to Patty Daughtrey, who is also a long-time Rotarian. Together they have two children, Joe and Kati Neff and five grandchildren. The Daughtreys reside in Knoxville.
Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.
For more information, please contact Doug Kose at 865-207/9454 or dkose@tworld.com.
