Knoxville, TN – The Knoxville Chamber has launched a brand new program called the Fittest Exec Challenge, sponsored by 180 Sports & Fitness, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and the University of Tennessee Medical Center. The program is designed to recognize business owners and executives throughout East Tennessee who have made a commitment to health and fitness, setting a standard for their employees to follow. The Chamber hopes the program will encourage business owners to change their healthcare culture from one of disease treatment to one of disease prevention.

Tom Donohue, President and CEO

Today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce issued The State of American Business 2009 report. It's not a news flash to say that these are difficult and troubling times for millions of American businesses, workers, and families. The nation is in a recession, credit remains tight, jobs are scarce, and confidence is low. And there are more difficult months ahead. But if we collectively make the right decisions, then our nation has an extraordinary opportunity to emerge from this crisis stronger than ever.

On December 18th at the Knoxville Chamber, the AT&T Foundation awarded $75,500 in grants to educational institutions and nonprofit organizations in the Knoxville area. The grants will support education initiatives and include a $30,000 grant to the Knoxville Chamber to support the KeyTrain curriculum program, which will be used to assess, track and improve every Knox Country high school student’s skill level.

The national economy has slowed - there's no doubt about it and no way to sugarcoat it. Fortunately, the Knoxville economy has not been hit as hard, but we have certainly seen some effects.

However, now is not the time to pull back and tuck your head. This period should cause businesses to look at the tools and services already available to them. Many of these may be unused and could be fully employed to help your business through the downturn. The benefits available to you through the Knoxville Chamber should be one of the places you look – make sure you are receiving all you can from your membership. The Chamber has developed a five-part series of tips, strategies, and reminders for its members. The Chamber has produced this guide to help ensure its members understand the value of Chamber membership during these uncertain economic times – times when members should depend on their membership the most.

• Part 1 - Market Your Business
• Part 2 - Utilize Your Assets
• Part 3 - Stick Close to Home
• Part 4 - Manage Your Money
• Part 5 - Network, Network, NETWORK!

Knoxville, TN (Dec 4) – Dr. Jim McIntyre, Superintendent of Knox County Schools, presented his vision for the school system at the board’s regular meeting Wednesday night. The plan seeks to improve student achievement by increasing rigor, teacher development, and collaboration among other things. Read the full report click here.

PepsiCo Americas Foods, Inc. CEO John Compton recently spoke to a sold-out crowd of regional business leaders at the kick-off to the Chamber’s execUTive Luncheon series. The Compton event was sponsored by Pilot Travel Centers, LLC. Compton, a 1983 graduate of the University of Tennessee’s College of Business Administration, urged Knoxville business leaders to do what they do best, lead.

Knoxville, TN (Nov. 18) – With wide-eyed, energetic enthusiasm, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. executives held a grand opening and ribbon-cutting at the company’s 334,000 square foot facility in Knox County today.

The national economy has slowed - there's no doubt about it and no way to sugarcoat it. Fortunately, the Knoxville economy has not been hit as hard, but we have certainly seen some effects. During these difficult economic times, what do you do? How do you make smart business decisions? Is there a way to thrive?

The Knoxville Chamber is happy to provide some tips in a handy booklet. To download a copy please click here.

The Knoxville Chamber Existing Industry Program, serving the Knoxville/Knox County area, has been recognized at the Synchronist Users’ Forum in Chicago, IL Oct. 6th, for its positive impact on existing businesses.

Chamber U workshops educate small business owners and general businesspeople on topics such as marketing, sales, technology and personal development. If you consider yourself an expert on a business-related topic and want to share your knowledge with membership, download the application and submit it prior to December 17.