Titanic Museum Attractions and Jewelry Television® Jewelry Collection Sell Out in One Hour

Posted by Natalie Childress – January 27, 2012

Knoxville, Tenn. - Jewelry Television® (JTV), the largest broadcast shopping network focused exclusively on the sale of fine jewelry and gemstones, and Titanic Museum Attractions, unveiled the new “Titanic Jewelry Collection” last week, selling out the entire collection in less than one hour.

The collection was designed to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the RMS Titanic’s maiden voyage in April 1912. The network plans to bring the collection back throughout the year with multiple promotions during the month of April. The proprietary Titanic Jewelry Collection will also be for sale at JTV.com, with prices ranging from $20 to $200.

Titanic Museum Attractions, which operate in both Pigeon Forge, Tenn. and Branson, Mo., are the only Titanic Museums recognized by the Titanic Historical Society and are owned and operated by Mary Kellogg-Joslyn and John Joslyn.  John Joslyn led the 1987 expedition to the RMS Titanic which brought the world its first glimpse of the luxury liner in her final resting place two and a half miles beneath the surface of the North Atlantic.  Joslyn, a documentary filmmaker, produced seven popular documentaries – many of them still airing on national television regularly – about the world’s most famous luxury liner and organized many expeditions to the ship.

“The public’s reception to the Titanic Jewelry Collection reflects the fascination and reverence for this piece of history,” said Pat Bryant, chief marketing officer for JTV.  “Our purpose in bringing this collection to the public is to honor and celebrate the fashionable and heroic women onboard the Titanic, several of whom were international style icons.”

“John Joslyn’s expedition to the Titanic’s resting place at the bottom of the ocean afforded us the opportunity to collaborate on a historically accurate jewelry collection,” said Dan Chase, vice president of merchandising.  “Women everywhere will now be able to adorn themselves with a piece of history.”

The Titanic Jewelry Collection captures the elegance and opulence of the period with intricately designed pieces in the Art Nouveau and Edwardian styles typical of that era. Collections were inspired by famous women traveling on the RMS Titanic’s maiden voyage.

Dorothy Gibson’s American Beauty Collection was inspired by the 22-year-old movie star.  Gibson began her Broadway career as a singer and dancer before being discovered. The epitome of “American Beauty,” the signature piece in this collection is an exquisite gold tone, red and white crystal rose pin/brooch that captures her grace and elegance.

Edith Rosembaum’s collection features a gorgeous chandelier necklace inspired by the Victorian era.  Rosenbaum was a spicy character who loved couture fashion. A journalist who often traveled to Europe to report on the latest fashions, she was returning home from France when she boarded the Titanic.

“Lucy” Lady Duff Gordon’s Couture Cameo Collection features gem-encrusted cameo necklaces, earrings, and brooches.  “Lucy” Lady Duff Gordon was an international style icon and renowned couture designer.  She opened an upscale boutique in London called “Maison Lucile” and was known for her dramatic use of color and sheer fabrics.

Lucile Carter’s Noble Heart Collection features a blue resin “Heart of the Ocean” pendant surrounded by white crystals.  Carter was from one of the most prominent families in Philadelphia and was accustomed to a life of privilege.  When she boarded the Titanic she was on her way home from Europe with her husband, two children, maid, husband’s “manservant,” two dogs, and a brand new convertible she had purchased in France.

Eleanor Widener’s Social Butterfly Collection features a silver tone, marcasite crystal flower pin/brooch.  Widener and her husband were among the wealthiest families aboard the Titanic – second only to Madeleine and John Jacob Astor.

Madeleine Astor’s Edwardian Princess Collection features a glamorous necklace with round, baguette, square and emerald cut crystals.  Madeleine Talmage Force Astor was only 18 when she boarded the Titanic on her journey home from Egypt, where she honeymooned with John Jacob Astor IV – one of the wealthiest men in America.  Mr. Astor was more than twice her age and treated his young bride like a princess.

Hosted by Titanic Museum Attractions’ First Class Maid Jaynee, the Jewelry Television broadcast combines a spotlight on the amazing jewelry collection with the true stories of the amazing women on board the RMS Titanic.

“JTV is proud to partner with Titanic Museum Attraction to bring our loyal customers the jewelry collection of a lifetime,” said Randy Sadler, vice president of marketing for JTV.

Anyone with access to a computer has access to Jewelry Television 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Visit the Airing Now page to view all the items in a show, new and featured items, view the turntables, or even watch the live broadcast. The Channel Finder will tell viewers where they can watch Jewelry Television in their area.

Shopping online with Jewelry Television is easy, fast and convenient and offers many different payment options. Take advantage of BillMeLater®, PayPal, or apply for the JTV Preferred Account private label credit card. Jewelry Television also accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover, as well as debit cards backed by those companies.  Viewers can also visit www.TitanicAttraction.com for more information.

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History and Hollywood meet at Titanic Museum Attraction’s newest exhibit – The Titanic Movie Gallery

Posted by Rick Laney – January 17, 2012

Pigeon Forge, TN – Fans of the Hollywood blockbuster Titanic don’t have to wait for the film’s 3D re-release to feel close enough to reach out and touch the story. The first-ever museum exhibit of actual props, costumes and items from the movie go on display at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, in January 2012 as part of the museum’s Titanic centennial retrospective. The exhibit, opening exclusively at Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, gives movie fans a behind-the-scenes look at the making of James Cameron’s award-winning drama and its role in the lore and legend of the RMS Titanic. The exhibit is available for viewing through December 2012.

While the museum’s permanent exhibits focus on the factual history of the Titanic, the new movie-related exhibit featuring costumes, props and behind-the-scenes videos and photos, provides the museum an opportunity to explore the role of the disaster in today’s popular culture.

“We feel the movie has earned its own place in film history and will stand forever as a tribute to RMS Titanic, her builders, passengers and crew,” said John Joslyn, owner of the Titanic Museum Attraction and leader of the first private-expedition dive to explore Titanic’s resting place. “The film’s successful history as the first billion dollar blockbuster, one of the top Academy Award®-winning films of all time, and its highly anticipated release in 3D format illustrate how the stories of Titanic are just as compelling today as a century ago.

The movie will be return to movie theaters in 3-D format on April 6, 2012, in time to help commemorate the centennial of the great ship’s voyage. Popular items from the movie on display at the Titanic Museum Attraction will include a $250,000 replica of the heart-shaped diamond and sapphire necklace pursued by characters from the film. The famous full-length pink coat worn by actress Kate Winslet during the film’s climactic sinking scenes is also among the many famous costumes on display.

“We are excited to add this new dimension to our 100 year review of Titanic’s legacy in our culture,” said Joslyn. “Thanks to exclusive rights from private collectors, Titanic Museum Attraction is able to provide an unprecedented multi-dimensional exhibit associated with the film just as the film itself is returning to screens in a multi-dimensional format of its own.”

The exhibit is part of the Titanic Museum Attraction’s year-long commemoration of the centennial of the fateful maiden voyage in April 1912.

“It has been 100 years since a lookout in the crow’s nest shouted a warning of an iceberg ahead,” said Joslyn. “In the century since that moment, we have been captivated by the stories of bravery and tragedy experienced by the 2,208 passengers and crew members. Throughout 2012, Titanic Museum Attraction will offer an ongoing series of special events, activities and ceremonies to pay our respects and honor their memory.”

As the world remembers the most famous night in maritime history, Titanic Museum Attraction will continue to open the door to the past in it’s one-of-a-kind way by allowing “passengers” to experience what it was like to walk the hallways, parlors, cabin and Grand Staircase of the Titanic while surrounded by more than 400 artifacts directly from the ship and its passengers. Visitors gain first-hand experience through interactive exhibits such as touching an actual iceberg, attempting to stand on sloping decks, and placing their hands into 28-degree water.

The museum itself is housed inside a half-scale replica of three decks of the ship. Each and every day, Titanic Museum Attraction provides a gateway to 1912, where First Class Maids and a variety of Officers and crew members bring the stories of the ship and its passengers to life in vivid, dramatic detail.

The Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, opens daily at 9 a.m. Reservations are strongly suggested since many days sell out entirely. Passengers may purchase tickets online at www.titanicattraction.com or by phone at (800) 381-7670.

Cedar Bay Entertainment, LLC owns and operates the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Missouri, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. A privately owned-and-operated entertainment and development company, Cedar Bay is headquartered in Branson, Missouri, the site of its first Titanic Museum Attraction. Titanic Branson has welcomed more than four million guests and Titanic Pigeon Forge boards approximately 100,000 “passengers” each month.

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Media Contact
Rick Laney
(865) 584-0550
rlaney@ackermannpr.com

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The Eyes of the World Turn to Titanic Museum Attraction and Jewelry Television® As The 100th Year Approaches

Posted by Rick Laney – January 17, 2012

Titanic "Madeline" necklace

Knoxville, Tenn. –  Historic romance, unprecedented drama, exquisite luxury and first-class treatment were all part of the RMS Titanic’s maiden voyage 100 years ago in 1912. These are also the words being used to describe the brand new, exclusive Titanic Jewelry Collection debuting on Jewelry Television® through a new partnership with Titanic Museum Attraction.

Beginning at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012, Titanic Museum Attraction and Jewelry Television will launch an exclusive line of high-quality jewelry, reminiscent of the kinds of pieces actually on the ship’s maiden voyage 100 years ago.  Each of the 20 designs in the initial collection is named in honor of actual passengers aboard the Titanic, and are available only through Jewelry Television and JTV.com.  Jaynee, the Titanic Museum Attraction’s First Class Maid, will host the hour-long show and share the fascinating true stories of the amazing women the jewelry collection honors.

“We know that the 100 Year Anniversary of the Titanic’s maiden voyage is going to draw unprecedented world-wide attention this year,” said Dan Chase, Vice President of Merchandising for Jewelry Television.

“This is a perfect partnership between the world’s most respected Titanic museum attraction and one of the world’s top jewelry retailers.  We are so excited to have this new, exclusive line of the Titanic Jewelry Collection available to our customers.”

This is a must-see show on Jewelry Television for anyone who is fascinated by the story of the Titanic or the fashion of that era. For four magical days, the Titanic’s elite passengers reveled in every modern luxury known at the time. Not only was it the most impressive ship of it’s time – draped in every luxury imaginable – but so were its passengers.  The women of the Titanic planned for months, just to bring the right fashionable apparel aboard the luxurious ship.  Along with extensive outfit planning came the accessories – large hats, mink stoles, gloves and of course the jewelry.  Jewelry of that time was depictive of the Art Nouveau, Edwardian, and Victorian eras.

The story of the RMS Titanic has remained a constant focus of interest around the world for the past century. With passengers ranging from some of the most well-known and wealthiest celebrities and business leaders of the time to everyday working class men and women who invested their life savings for a third-class ticket, people from all walks of life were thrown side-by-side into one of history’s most dramatic events. The events of that voyage brought about amazing acts of heroism and self-sacrifice that still mesmerize people today.

Each item in the collection is inspired by an actual Titanic passenger.  Examples include “Dorothy Gibson’s American Beauty Rose”, “Madeleine Astor’s Edwardian Princess Collection”, and “Lucy, Lady Duff Gordon’s Couture Cameo Collection”. Viewers will hear the actual stories – some for the first time ever – of each woman who inspired the jewelry designs during the Jewelry Television broadcasts, which will also be available on JTV.com.

One Century Ago

This year is the most significant milestone since the RMS Titanic – the largest movable manmade object on the face of the planet at the time – set sail in 1912, and it is a story that continues to fascinate the entire world.  In April 2012, it will have been 100 years since the Titanic launched its maiden voyage and embarked with its iconic passengers on a journey of adventure and elegance. The launch of the new Titanic Jewelry Collection is just one more way we keep their stories alive by telling them to a new generation.

As the whole world remembers the world’s most famous luxury liner, Titanic Museum Attractions will continue to open the door to the past in it’s one-of-a-kind way – letting “passengers” experience what it was like to walk the hallways, parlors, cabins and Grand Staircase of the Titanic while surrounded by more than 400 artifacts directly from the ship and its passengers.  As visitors touch a real iceberg, walk the Grand Staircase and third class hallways, reach their hands into 28-degree water, and try to stand on the sloping decks, they learn what it was like on the RMS Titanic by experiencing it first-hand.

Each and every day, Titanic Museum Attractions provides a gateway to 1912, where First Class Maids and a variety of Officers and crew members bring the stories of the fabled ship and its fascinating passengers to life by retelling their stories in vivid, dramatic detail.  The priceless artifacts throughout the museum shed additional light on the lives of those passengers and crew members when guests see the actual belongings of those on board and artifacts that sailed on Titanic’s maiden voyage.

Since 1993, Knoxville, Tennessee-based Jewelry Television’s mission has been to open the world of fine jewelry and gemstones to everyone. As the largest retailer of loose gemstones and one of the top four electronic jewelry retailers in the United States, Jewelry Television has the fine jewelry and gemstones buyers are searching for.

Anyone with access to a computer has access to Jewelry Television 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Visit the Airing Now page to view all the items in a show, new and featured items, view the turntables, or even watch the live broadcast. The Channel Finder will tell viewers where they can watch Jewelry Television in their area.

Shopping online with Jewelry Television is easy, fast and convenient and offers many different payment options. Take advantage of BillMeLater® , PayPal, or apply for the JTV Preferred Account private label credit card. Jewelry Television also accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover, as well as debit cards backed by those companies.  Viewers can also visit www.TitanicAttraction.com for more information.

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BioPet Vet Lab introduces tiered-pricing options for DNA Proof of Parentage

Posted by Ryan Willis – January 17, 2012

Knoxville, Tenn. – BioPet Vet Lab, a leading DNA animal testing laboratory, is helping DNA Proof of Parentage testing become an industry standard in the competitive world of dog breeding and dog shows. The company’s unveiling of new retail pricing structures of up to 80% less than traditional DNA testing services provides an affordable option for large clubs and individual breeders alike. 

“In the past year, BioPet Vet Lab representatives have traveled around the globe to talk about our DNA Proof of Parentage Test,” said Tom Boyd, CEO of BioPet Vet Lab. “We also used these discussions to find out from dog clubs and professionals what they needed in order to implement a successful DNA proof of parentage program.” 

“Not surprisingly, cost of the testing was the most frequently cited obstacle,” said Boyd.

Armed with input from the breeders and clubs, BioPet Vet Lab representatives returned to the company’s headquarters in Knoxville, Tennessee, with a goal to develop a testing program capable of meeting customer needs and becoming an industry standard. 

By improving efficiency and reducing labor costs, the DNA Proof of Parentage Test managed by BioPet Vet Lab can now be available in a two-week turnaround time for less than $10 per test. The new DNA Proof of Parentage Test offers a significantly more affordable option, especially for breeders and clubs with the need to register multiple dogs. 

Testing is easily completed with owners collecting DNA samples from parent dogs and their litter. Two weeks after the samples are forwarded to the company laboratory, the owner receives a password and entry key to a DNA World Pet Registry database where the dog’s status can be certified. Testing is only needed once per dog. Once a dog is registered its information stays in the database, further reducing testing expenses. 

Testing kits and services are available at different price points based on the number of tests an individual or organization needs to conduct in a year. Testing kits include all materials necessary for DNA extraction and sample collection. 

“By listening to club officials and breeders, we believe BioPet Vet Lab is better equipped to provide a standardized DNA certification process worldwide at a cost that does not exclude smaller organizations and programs,” said Boyd. “Participating in our standardized DNA Proof of Parentage Program gives organizations of all sizes an opportunity to affordably differentiate themselves from organizations who do not provide the guarantee of DNA testing.” 

The testing service does not identify a dog’s breed or breeds within a dog’s lineage. The testing is intended only to make familial matches. For additional information about pricing and testing, visit the BioPet Vet Lab website at www.dnaproofofparentage.com or call toll-free at (866) 883-7389.

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About BioPet Vet Lab:  BioPet Vet Lab is an animal DNA testing laboratory located in Knoxville, Tennessee. The company’s mission is to offer quality DNA testing services at an affordable price with timely turnaround and friendly, professional customer service. BioPet continues to explore genetic science in order to offer more DNA services that can benefit pet organizations and pet owners. For more information on BioPet Vet Lab, visit their website at www.biopetvetlab.com. 

About DNA World Pet Registry: The DNA World Pet Registry is a hosted Pet Management System that uses an animal’s unique genetic makeup as a basis of membership. The Registry’s services are available to the everyday pet owner as well as businesses, clubs or organizations that want to offer DNA testing services to their customers or members. For additional information about the DNA World Pet Registry, visit their website at http://www.dnawpr.com/.

Media Contact:
Ryan Willis
(865) 584-0550
rwillis@ackermannpr.com

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Nation’s best volleyball players converge on Sevierville for K2 Volleyball’s Wilderness at the Smokies Tournament

Posted by Rick Laney – January 17, 2012

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. – K2 Volleyball Club is back at Wilderness at the Smokies resort for its second annual volleyball tournament. This year, it’s bigger than ever!

This weekend, the nation’s best volleyball clubs will open the two-weekend tournament.  This weekend’s invitational will draw 78 teams to Sevierville (more than 1,000 competitors and 5,000 spectators, coaches and officials) and 181 teams (more than 2,500 athletes with 10,000 attendees) will come to the resort the weekend of Jan. 27 to complete the tournament.

In 2011, the first K2 Wilderness at the Smokies Volleyball Tournament had 120 teams and more than 6,000 guests. Because of the success of the inaugural event, K2 expanded this year’s tournament at Wilderness at the Smokies.

Traditionally a slower tourism season, Wilderness at the Smokies has successfully attracted massive crowds to Sevierville and the Smokies Region during the winter months because of the resort’s year-round offerings. This boosts sales in shopping, food and family activities and has a big impact on local revenues.

“We knew that K2 Wilderness at the Smokies Volleyball Tournament would be successful,” said Erin Caylor, a coach for K2 Volleyball Club. “Last year’s event exceeded our expectations in every way.  We immediately decided that not only were we coming back in 2012, but that we would expand the tournament into two separate weekends allowing us to grow.

“In spite of the event being two weekends this year, we are completely at capacity for this year’s event and have a lengthy list of teams from around the country on a waiting list.”

K2’s Elite Invitational will begin this weekend and is for power/open level teams ages 13-18. Junior Volleyball Association (JVA), Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) and USA Volleyball (USAV) clubs will participate.

For players in the Knoxville area and those who will be arriving a few days early, two-time gold medalist Kerri Walsh and husband, Casey Jennings, hosted volleyball clinics this week at K2 Volleyball Club . The clinics were held at K2 Volleyball Club at 2639 Topside Road Louisville, TN 37777.

Attached to the 200,000 square-foot Sevierville Event Center, Wilderness at the Smokies has restaurants, gift shops, convenience stores, game rooms, a 36-hole championship golf course, mini-golf, lounges, a deli, two outdoor waterparks and a five-acre indoor waterpark, it isn’t necessary to leave the 700-acre resort. Coaches, athletes and spectators can even get to/from the event center without ever going outside – making Wilderness at the Smokies one of the Southeast’s only year-round destinations for sporting events.

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Media Contact
Rick Laney
(865) 584-0550
rlaney@ackermannpr.com

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Planned Harmony Family Center earns media spotlight

Posted by Shane Rhyne – January 16, 2012

Welcome to Montvale sign at camp entranceThanks to generous help from volunteers and donors, Harmony Adoptions is making exciting progress towards revitalizing historic Camp Montvale in Blount County. When work is completed the camp will become the Harmony Family Center at Montvale, a counseling resource for families with newly adopted children.

Work on the camp has generated media interest, including a front page article by the Knoxville News Sentinel about significant new donations and volunteer achievements.

Pam Wolf, CEO of Harmony Adoptions, says that volunteers have donated 3,500 hours at the camp since May 2011 doing construction, cutting grass, taking trees down, cleaning and reclaiming land. In addition, two notable local foundations have contributed a combined $150,000 towards the development of programming and counseling services for the camp.

Please visit the Knoxville News Sentinel site for the full story: “Donors, volunteers transforming old Camp Montvale into Harmony Family Center.”

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Web Video Series Shares Human Story of Historic Titanic Voyage

Posted by Ryan Willis – January 12, 2012

Pigeon Forge, Tenn. – The crew and passengers of Titanic likely could not have imagined the technology that would one day be used to help people remember their stories a century after the ship’s fateful voyage. Stories that were forged in the day of early wireless radio signal are now being shared online in a series of web videos produced and hosted by Titanic Museum Attractions.

The museum attraction has produced 100 videos spotlighting individual crew members and passengers aboard the ship in April, 1912. The Titanic Museum Attraction is sharing a new video online each day for 100 days. The videos are narrated by the museum’s First Class Maid, Jaynee, and provide background on how the spotlighted person and Titanic became intertwined in history. 

“While the Titanic Museum Attractions are notable for their collection of important artifacts associated with the ship and its passengers, the real treasure of the Titanic is found in the stories of the people associated with the event,” said John Joslyn, owner of the Titanic Museum Attraction and leader of the first private-expedition dive to explore the ship’s resting place. “This video series offers a glimpse of the stories that are told every day in one of our museums.”

Featured videos will include vignettes associated with famous passengers such as John Jacob Astor, as well as lesser known participants such as Annie Caton, a member of the ship’s crew. 

For the first 100 days of 2012, a new video will be featured each day on www.titanicbranson.com and www.titanicpigeonforge.com. All 100 videos will be available as a collection for viewing in April as part of the RMS Titanic 100th anniversary commemoration. 

The Titanic Museum Attractions in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Branson, Missouri, open the door to the past in a one-of-a-kind way by allowing “passengers” to experience what it was like to walk the hallways, parlors, cabins and Grand Staircase of the Titanic while surrounded by artifacts directly from the ship and its passengers. Visitors gain first-hand experience through interactive exhibits and through vivid, dramatic detail shared by “crew members.” Passengers may purchase tickets online at www.titanicattraction.com or by phone at (800) 381-7670. 

Cedar Bay Entertainment, LLC owns and operates the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Missouri, and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. A privately owned-and-operated entertainment and development company, Cedar Bay is headquartered in Branson, Missouri, the site of its first Titanic Museum Attraction. Titanic Branson has welcomed more than four million guests and Titanic Pigeon Forge boards approximately 100,000 “passengers” each month. 

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Media Contact:
Rick Laney
(865) 584-0550
rlaney@ackermannpr.com

 

 

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Titanic Museum Attraction readies for world-class Ice Carving Competition on Saturday, Jan. 14

Posted by Rick Laney – January 6, 2012

Pigeon Forge, Tenn. –  World-class professional ice sculptors will compete at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge this month as part of the museum’s amazing kick-off to the 100-Year Anniversary of Titanic’s maiden voyage.  This unique, family-oriented, outdoor special event takes place in the parking area at the World’s Largest Titanic Museum Attraction.

The Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge will host the outdoor event with a major ice carving competition on Saturday, Jan. 14 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.  Due to anticipated interest, visitors are advised to arrive early for the best views to watch all of the ice carving action.  Last year’s ice carving competition at Titanic Museum Attraction drew nearly 5,000 people to the massive museum, and this year’s event is expected to be even bigger.

“This exciting one-day event will be produced by Titanic Pigeon Forge under the auspices of the National Ice Carving Association,” said John Joslyn, co-owner of the Titanic Museum Attraction.

“Visitors will be invited to come to Titanic’s outdoor staging center and watch professional and amateur sculptors turn 250-pound blocks of ice into frozen works of art. Kids and parents can view sculptures in progress, talk to the artists and learn the secrets of championship ice carving from the most accomplished ice artists in the entire world.”

Professionals and amateurs will compete for prize monies ranging from $500 to $2,000. The official NICA Judging Panel will announce the competition winners and award prizes at 3 p.m.

“After watching these artists at work, people will want to stick around to see if their favorite sculptor is the big-prize winner,” Joslyn said.

Although it has been open less than two years, the Titanic Museum attraction already is recognized as one of the Great Smoky Mountain Region’s top attractions, and draws approximately 100,000 visitors each and every month.

“As the whole world remembers the world’s most famous luxury liner on the 100-Year Anniversary of her maiden voyage, Titanic Museum Attractions will continue to open the door to the past in it’s one-of-a-kind way, letting ‘passengers’ experience what it was like to walk the hallways, parlors, cabins and Grand Staircase of the Titanic while surrounded by more than 400 artifacts directly from the ship and its passengers,” Joslyn said.

The Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is open daily at 9 a.m.  Reservations are strongly suggested (many days sell out entirely). Or, passengers may purchase tickets online at www.titanicpigeonforge.com or by phone at 800-381-7670.

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Media Contact
Rick Laney
(865) 441-2388
rlaney@ackermannpr.com

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Local developers announce plans for unique, urban retail development featuring Publix and Walmart

Posted by Ryan Willis – January 4, 2012

Knoxville, Tenn. – Plans are underway for Knoxville’s first urban, vertical retail complex, built over covered parking and featuring two major brands from the grocery and retail industries.  This distinctive multi-story structure will revive the look and feel of a turn of the century factory, adapted for an urban shopping and dining experience for visitors. 

University Commons will cover 12+ acres, with 211,000 square feet of retail space and parking.

Both Walmart and Publix have made commitments to be a part of this project planned for the former Fulton Bellows site, adjacent to the University of Tennessee.  In addition to both Walmart and Publix, more than 40,000 square feet will be dedicated to smaller retailers and service providers. 

The retail complex will fill a grocery and retail void in the downtown area, including providing grocery/supermarket services in a federally designated “food desert.” A food desert is considered a low-income census tract (LICT) where a substantial number of residents have low access to a supermarket or large grocery store.

“With the commitment from Publix, we will provide a grocery and supermarket service not currently available and one that is much needed in this area,” said Mike McGuffin, a partner with CHM, LLC.  “Downtown residents, students on campus, residents from Alcoa Highway and other local neighborhoods, will all greatly benefit from the convenience University Commons will provide.” 

The University Commons project will have an approximate economic impact of $226 million on the Knoxville community and create more than 1,700 jobs.  “We’ll be able to provide job opportunities to low-income residents in this area, making it easier for them to get to and from work each day,” added McGuffin. 

With the current property classified as a brownfield site, the development of University Commons will return a non-productive real estate asset to productive use, while anchoring several other major public and private development efforts in the area.  “This project along with the Cumberland Avenue Corridor Project will be great complements to each other,” said Jim Harrison, a partner with CHM, LLC.  “Together, these projects will make this semi-suburban area that is often used as a pass-through into a safe and attractive urban district for the community.” 

There are many hurdles involved in redeveloping this site, including securing the funding necessary to successfully complete the project.  “Because the current site is a brownfield, we will acquire some substantial expenses required to properly clean up the site, along with construction costs necessary to build this unique, vertical complex,” said Harrison. “We will be seeking funding for the project through real estate and sales tax TIFs and through the New Markets Tax Credit Program.” 

“University Commons will absolutely not happen unless we are able to secure the necessary funding through the TIFS and the NMTC.” 

The project is being developed by CHM, LLC, a Knoxville-based development team.  Members of the team include Budd Cullom, Jim Harrison and Mike McGuffin. 

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Vote for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley to win!

Posted by Sarah Malak – December 22, 2011

Knoxville, Tenn. – Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley are in the running to win $200k in free cloud computing services from Claris Networks, LLC. Please share the link below and cast your vote for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley!

http://clarisnetworks.com/About-Us/Cloud-Giveaway

For more information about Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, visit www.bgctnv.org.

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