Author:

Ryan Willis

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.

###

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

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. 

# # #

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

 

 

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. 

###

BPV Family of Funds Introduces BPV Core Diversification and BPV Wealth Preservation Funds

Posted by Ryan Willis – November 18, 2011

Knoxville, Tenn. – BPV Family of Funds has announced the launch of two new, publicly traded mutual funds created specifically to achieve sustained wealth accumulation and preservation.  Both the BPV Core Diversification Fund and the BPV Wealth Preservation Fund utilize actively managed, macro investment strategies that address investor risk through diversification and hedging.

In describing the mutual funds, BPV Family of Funds Senior Partner and CEO, Mike West, stated, “The goal of the BPV Core Diversification Fund is to achieve equity-like returns with substantially lower exposure to risk by fund investors.  Risk is actively managed by fund diversification across non-correlated asset classes.  The BPV Wealth Preservation Fund seeks to provide absolute returns with downside protection.  Utilizing a new breed of hybrid investment strategies, the fund seeks to safeguard investor principal and enables individuals to put cash resources to work, while maintaining an emphasis on wealth preservation.”

Mike West

George Hashbarger, Jr. will serve as portfolio manager for BPV Family of Funds.  He is a 19-year veteran in the investing and financial services industry.  Since 2001 Hashbarger has provided portfolio management services to BPV Wealth Management and Northshore Management Company.  Prior to joining Northshore, Hashbarger spent nine years in private equity investing at First Union Capital Partners and GE Capital.  As the funds’ portfolio manager, Mr. Hashbarger will be responsible for managing and monitoring the funds’ investment strategies and investments.

Assuming the position of Funds Managing Partner and Trustee for the BPV Family of Funds is Reed Keller.  Keller was previously an operating executive for private equity financed companies funded by Welsh, Carson Anderson, & Stowe, a New York private equity fund investing in healthcare, technology-enabled services and media companies.  He enjoyed a 20-year professional career as a consulting partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and its legacy predecessor firm, Coopers & Lybrand (C&L).

Additional information about BPV Family of Funds, the BPV Core Diversification Fund, and/or the BPV Wealth Preservation Fund can be found at www.bpvfunds.com or by calling 877-819-2188.

###

About BPV Family of Funds – The BPV Family of Funds’ Advisor is BPV Wealth Management, an independent, privately held firm whose unwavering, primary focus is the accumulation and preservation of wealth for our investors.  We are wealth preservation minded.  In our view, the best way to accumulate wealth is to avoid substantial losses.  In order to avoid material losses, we believe investors need strategies that actively mitigate risk.  To that end, the BPV Family of Funds are actively managed, macro investment strategies that address investor risk through diversification and hedging.

An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing.  Request a prospectus which contains this and other information by calling toll free (877) 819-2188 or visiting www.bpvfunds.com.  Read the prospectus carefully before investing or sending money.

Mutual fund investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Diversification does not eliminate the risk of experiencing investment losses.  There is no assurance that this investment strategy will consistently lead to successful investing.

BPV Funds are new and have limited operating history.

The BPV Core Diversification Fund and BPV Wealth Preservation Fund are distributed by ALPS Distributors, Inc. Separately Managed Accounts and related investment advisory services are provided by BPV Wealth Management, a federally regulated Investment Advisor.  ALPS Distributors, Inc. is not affiliated with BPV Wealth Management.

The BPV Family of Funds are offered only to United States residents, and information in this release is intended only for such persons. Nothing in this release should be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell shares of any BPV Fund in any jurisdiction where the offer or solicitation would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction.

BPV 000111    10/28/2012

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

Alcoa Inc. employees promote recycling to UT’s ‘sailgaters’

Posted by Ryan Willis – November 4, 2011

Knoxville, Tenn. – Alcoa Inc. volunteers ‘gathered by the river’ on Oct. 29 to help spread the word about aluminum can recycling before the University of Tennessee versus South Carolina college football game.

Alcoa volunteers (from left to right) Walt Brockway, Robin Brockway, Time Reyes and Paige Rose prepare to distribute blue bags and bins to tailgaters and "sailgaters" among the Vol Navy. The recycling event ended Alcoa's Month of Service with a promotion to encourage increased recycling away from home.

Building on the success of its “Let’s Tackle Recycling” program with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Alcoa volunteers talked about the importance of recycling to both tailgaters and “sailgaters” who are part of the storied “Vol Navy.”  The University of Tennessee is famous for its fleet of fans who boat up and down the Tennessee River to party before and after college football games.  Known as the “Vol Navy,” they are famous for big boats and big parties.

“Cans are the package of choice for boaters.  We want people to get in the habit of recycling wherever they’re using cans – at home, or away from home,” said Beth Schmitt, director of recycling programs for Alcoa Inc.  “In particular, we know more cans are typically used at special events like tailgate parties or boat outings.  Reaching people in this environment is a good way to remind them to separate their beverage cans for recycling no matter where they are.” 

Alcoa volunteers gave boaters blue bags for beverage containers used before the game, and take-home bins for future use on the boat or at home.  Filled blue bags were collected for recycling just before game time.  The collection program was preceded by an informative email blast to members of the Vol Navy Boaters Association, and it supported the University of Tennessee’s “Game Day Recycling Challenge,” sponsored by Keep America Beautiful, the Environmental Protection Agency and Alcoa Foundation.

Alcoa volunteers Robin and Walt Brockway show off their recycling spirit before the Oct. 29 UT football game.

“Including the work of Alcoa volunteers with the Vol Navy and our game day recycling efforts around the stadium, we recycled a total of 25,000 pounds or 12.5 tons.  That’s the most we’ve ever recycled from a home game,” said Jay Price, UT facilities environmental coordinator.             

“I estimate that we were right at a 50 percent landfill diversion rate for this game,” Price added.  “Hopefully enough to beat all of the other South Eastern Conference schools in the EPA’s Game Day Challenge.”  Last year UT finished third in the SEC.

The aluminum industry saves 95 percent of the energy it takes to make aluminum from raw ore when it uses recycled material.  According to Alcoa, this energy value drives the demand for aluminum cans.  “We could recycle billions more cans if consumers were in the habit of recycling regularly,” said Schmitt.  “We want recycling to be as much a habit as wearing a seatbelt when you get into a car.”

About Alcoa Tennessee Operations
Alcoa’s Tennessee Operations is the world’s largest producer of rolled aluminum can sheet for beverage cans and is based in Blount County, Tennessee.  Locally, it employs approximately 1,000 at its recycling and fabrication plants in Blount County, its hydropower facilities and its downtown Knoxville office. 

About Alcoa Recycling
Alcoa collects both aluminum cans and other aluminum scrap for recycling in its facilities in Alcoa, Tennessee and Yennora, Australia. The mission of Alcoa Recycling is to help people understand how important it is to recycle, and to make it easier to do so. Today, it’s more important than ever to recycle. Recycling not only reduces litter and conserves landfill space; it is also an important key to slowing and stopping the growth of greenhouse gases caused by power generation. 

###

Media Contact:
Christy R. Newman
(865) 977-3358

Alcoa Foundation’s local grants announced

Posted by Ryan Willis – November 4, 2011

Alcoa, Tenn. — Alcoa Foundation has granted more than $250,000 to 12 non-profit organizations in Blount, Knox, and Sevier counties in Tennessee and Graham County, N.C. 

Alcoa’s Community Advisory Board -  a group of 11 business, community and government leaders responsible for evaluating and making recommendations to Alcoa Tennessee Operations and Alcoa Foundation on what projects should be funded – reviewed almost 50 grant proposals totaling more than $820,000 in funding requests.

 This year’s grant-selection focused on programs in the areas of empowerment – which includes youth leadership and development as well as workforce development – and education.  Special grants were also made to foster recycling efforts in the community and aid in recovery efforts at Second Harvest Food Bank.

“Results of recent community surveys, along with the business goals of Tennessee Operations and the valuable input of our Community Advisory Board, led us to narrow our grant making focus to efforts that promote STEM education, enhance recycling initiatives and train a workforce for jobs of the present and future,” said Chris Jackson, Alcoa Tennessee Operations Location Manager.

The following is a list of grants that Alcoa Foundation and Alcoa Tennessee Operations have awarded in 2011: 

Empowerment – Youth Leadership, Workforce Development
Organization Name 2011 Grant Grant Purpose
Adult Education Foundation of Blount County $25,000 Career readiness for adults
Knoxville Area Urban League $20,000 Project Ready
Leadership Blount $10,000 (year 1 of 2) Youth Leadership Blount program
Pellissippi State Community College $22,135 (year 1 of 2) Industrial Maintenance Technology program
Richard Williams Jr. Leadership Academy $18,500 Graduation Enhancement program
 
Education – Support programs in the areas of
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
Organization Name 2011 Grant Grant Purpose
Boys and Girls Clubs of the TN Valley $15,000 Lego Robotics program
Friends of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park $15,000 Programs for teachers of science and technology
Graham Revitalization Economic Action Team $26,834 STEM program for Graham County, N.C. school system
Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont $20,000 Summer programs for teachers and students
 
Environment – Reduce and Recycle
Organization Name 2011 Grant Grant Purpose
Keep Blount Beautiful $40,000 Special events recycling initiative
Keep Knoxville Beautiful $20,000 City of Knoxville curbside recycling initiative
 
Community Enhancement – Critical Social Services recovery/response
Organization Name 2011 Grant Grant Purpose
Second Harvest Food Bank $25,000 Flood recovery efforts

About Alcoa’s Tennessee Operations
Alcoa’s Tennessee Operations is the world’s largest producer of rolled aluminum can sheet for beverage cans and is based in Blount County, Tennessee.  Locally, it employs approximately 1,100 at its recycling and fabrication plants in Blount County, its hydropower facilities and its downtown Knoxville office.  

About Alcoa Foundation
Alcoa Foundation is one of the largest corporate foundations in the U.S., with assets of approximately $436 million.  Founded more than 50 years ago, Alcoa Foundation has invested more than $530 million since 1952. In 2010, Alcoa Foundation contributed nearly $20 million to nonprofit organizations throughout the world, focusing on promoting environmental stewardship, enabling economic and social sustainability, and preparing tomorrow’s leaders through education and learning.  The work of Alcoa Foundation is further enhanced by Alcoa’s thousands of employee volunteers, who in 2010 gave more than 720,000 service hours. Through the company’s signature Month of Service (October) program, Alcoa employees share their energy, passion and purpose to make a difference in our communities. In 2010, a record 49 percent of Alcoans took part in nearly 1,000 Month of Service events across 24 countries, reaching 59,000 children, serving 17,000 meals, planting 16,000 trees and supporting 3,000 nonprofit organizations. For more information about Alcoa Foundation, please access www.alcoa.com/foundation.

###

Media Contact:
Christy R. Newman
(865) 977-3358

M Force Staffing Receiving National Recognition for Tremendous Growth

Posted by Ryan Willis – August 26, 2011

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – During a time when many businesses are struggling and some even closing their doors, one local company is enjoying a growth rate that has placed them on Inc. magazine’s Inc 500 list.  M Force Staffing, a professional staffing firm was recently named to this prestigious list, which annually ranks the fastest-growing private companies in America. 

The Knoxville-based company is five years old, with a branch office located in Nashville, Tenn.  With a 960% growth rate, M Force is ranked as the fourth fastest growing human resources company in the country on this year’s Inc 500 list. 

“This is such a tremendous honor for our company and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff,” said M Force Staffing CEO, Joe Kirby.  “We take great pride in being a solutions provider for human resources issues for our clients and continue to develop these solutions to meet each of their needs.” 

With many clients looking to cut costs in a number of areas, M Force Staffing offers a solution for the hiring process that saves clients both time and money.  Through the use of video resumes, employers get a 90-second snapshot of applicants and can more easily identify prospective candidates.  Currently, M Force is the only staffing agency in the state of Tennessee that features the video resume tool as a resource for their clients. 

“In many cases, you know within the first 90 seconds of an interview if the candidate is a fit for your organization,” said M Force Staffing Vice President Andy Moss.  “Our clients absolutely love this tool because they can quickly and efficiently find potential candidates for the position they need filled.” 

M Force Staffing is an affiliate of ModernTech Corporation, a leading value-added reseller of 3D CAD and engineering technology for manufacturers in the Southeast. 

“M Force is a great complement for ModernTech’s large regional footprint and customer base,” says Rich Reed, President of M Force. “The relationship between M Force and ModernTech allows many of our customers to get a unique benefit with their technology purchases—trained personnel to operate the latest hardware and software releases.” 

###

About M Force Staffing
M Force is a professional staffing firm with over 45 years of combined technical recruiting experience. M Force Staffing is affiliated with ModernTech Corporation, a company doing business with engineers, manufacturing, government entities and projects for more than 23 years. The company has multiple offices and both small and Fortune 100 customers across the Southeastern U.S.

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

Local Boys and Girls Display an Array of Talents at Annual Show

Posted by Ryan Willis – July 22, 2011

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. ― With a full week of activities planned for members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley, Thursday afternoon was highlighted by the annual talent show held at the Boys & Girls Clubs headquarters.  More than twenty-four acts took to the stage to showcase their talents as individuals or as a group during the two-hour show. 

Participants were placed in one of four different categories with cash prizes of $100, $50 and $25 awarded in each category.  They were judged on their creativity, presentation and overall performance.  Judges for this year’s show included John Duncan, Carla Hatifeld, Barbara Tallent and Anthony Ingram.

 

*Video courtesy of WBIR-TV

The talent show is among a week full of activities for Boys & Girls Clubs members.  Teen members were given the opportunity to take part in “Career Exploration” days where they learned about different careers in the Knoxville area.  Local business professionals spoke to the group and gave the teens the opportunity to ask questions about their careers. 

The week concluded with the Boys & Girls Clubs’ 65th Annual Fun Day on Friday, sponsored by the Knoxville Civitan Club.  The kids enjoyed a day full of carnival games, inflatables and even a dunking booth.  Refreshments were provided along with drawings for prizes, including new bicycles. 

###

About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley
Boys & Girls Clubs currently serves more than 5,600 youth and teens, ages 5 to 17 years throughout the Tennessee Valley region. The organization also provides 404,401 USDA hot meals and snacks annually for youth free of charge. The Clubs serve a variety of youth, more than 80% of whom live with a single parent, foster parent or other nontraditional guardian. There are 16 Club locations strategically placed throughout Knox, Blount, Loudon and Northern Anderson Counties. The organization employs more than 260 trained, professional, caring staff and welcomes more than 1,200 volunteers annually. It is a charter member of United Way.

Media Contact:
Sarah Malak
(865) 584-0550
smalak@ackermannpr.com

30th Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony Honors Sports’ Finest

Posted by Ryan Willis – July 20, 2011

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. ― The Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame will continue its tradition of honoring the area’s finest athletes – past and present – when ten inductees are recognized at the dinner and induction ceremony on Thursday, July 28, 2011, at the Knoxville Convention Center. Former NBA and University of Tennessee basketball player Bernard King will serve as the keynote speaker of the 30th annual celebration. King is an alumnus of Boys & Girls Clubs. 

For three decades, the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony has celebrated excellence in athletics while benefiting the life-changing work of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley. Each year, ten individuals with ties to the Greater Knoxville region are inducted into the Hall of Fame for their achievements in athletics. 

Hospitality begins at 5:30 p.m., dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. and the program begins at 7:30 p.m.  Media interviews will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Knoxville Convention Center. Live interviews may be conducted in Room 300A; please contact Sarah Malak at (865) 584-0550 or smalak@ackermannpr.com to reserve your interview time slot and/or reserve media pass(es).

2011 Inductees

BEN MARTIN

Legendary Oak Ridge High School coach in football, basketball, and track, compiling winning record in each sport he coached. Served as Athletic Director at Oak Ridge from 1943-1971, with ORHS teams winning 14 boys’ state championships. ORHS on-campus track facility named in his honor in 1977. Was one of first inductees into Oak Ridge Sports Hall of Fame in 1986 and the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2010.  

Former NBA and UT basketball player Bernard King will be this year's featured speaker

BILL REDDING

Longtime Knoxville News Sentinel Human Resources Director was city golf champion in 1957. At age 61, qualified for Match Play at USGA Senior Amateur Tournament, advancing to the Sweet 16. Defeated defending champion James Stahl before being defeated by reigning British Senior Champion Joel Hirsch. Served on Tennessee Golf Association Board of Directors 1968-1997, as vice-president 1987-90, and as member of Competitions Committee. He officiated at State Amateur Tournament from 1981 through 1997. 

DONNA FIELDEN

Fielden’s officiating career began in 1982 with the Knox-Ridge Basketball Officials Association, working district, regional and sub-state tournaments for 15 years. Was the first female to officiate in the TSSAA Boy’s State Basketball Championship (1994). Collegiate career in women’s basketball began in 1985 with the Volunteer State Athletic Conference and the Tennessee Junior College Athletic Association. Has assigned and supervised officials for AAU and Special Olympic State Basketball Tournaments. 

ED POORE                                                  

Poore, a 1962 graduate of East High School and native Knoxvillian, earned basketball scholarship to the University of Florida, playing from 1963-67. Spent more than 30 years in public education in Gainesville and Hernando County school systems as teacher, assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent. Also served as director of Human Resources and Chief Negotiator for the Hernando County School System. 

ELIZABETH HENDERSON

Involved in tennis since 1973 at junior, prep and collegiate levels and in coaching and teaching, and administrative capacities. Head women’s coach at William & Mary (1982-84) and the University of Tennessee (1984-87). Inducted into the UTC Sports Hall of Fame in 1992, the Tennessee Tennis Hall of Fame in 2010, and the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 2011. 

HEATH SHULER

Former University of Tennessee quarterback and 1993 Heisman Trophy runner-up was elected to Congress in 2006 and reelected in 2008 and 2010. Led Swain County Maroon Devils to three state championships and was named “North Carolina High School Player of the Year.” Was All-SEC quarterback, SEC “Player of the Year,” and Academic All-SEC in 1993. Built one of the largest real estate firms in Tennessee. 

JIM BEMILLER

University of Tennessee pole vault coach had legendary success in career dating from 1986-2005, with five NCAA Championships, 15 Southeastern Conference Championships, and 21 All-America Certificates.  Led the way as vaulters broke SEC, American Junior, NCAA, American, World Athletic Final, and Olympic records.  Former Vols won the pole vault at three consecutive U.S. Olympic Trials (1996, 2000, and 2004) and won Gold (2004) and Silver (2000) Olympic Medals.

JIM SMELCHER

Lake City, Tenn., native played 1955-57 as tackle at University of Tennessee. Was an outstanding football and basketball player for Lake City High School. In 1953, he was an All-State football selection and was in the State Basketball Tournament in 1951-1953. Was 1966 KIL “Coach of the Year” for his work at Bearden High School. In 2009, he was inducted into the Anderson County Hall of Fame. In 2010, Bearden dedicated a new fieldhouse named in his honor. 

REGGIE COBB

Cobb broke in as a redshirt freshman at the University of Tennessee in 1987 and rushed for 1197 yards and 17 touchdowns.  Had 225 yards rushing in a 21-14 win over No. 4 Auburn. Had ten 100-yard games during career. Ranks No. 10 on career rushing list with 2,360 yards. Taken in second round of 1990 NFL draft by Tampa Bay. Rushed for 3,743 yards and 27 touchdowns. Now a scout with the San Francisco 49ers. 

SCOTT GALYON

Seymour native and Tennessee linebacker and co-captain (1995) is Lakeway Area Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) representative in Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, and Jefferson counties. Follows grandfather Milo Fisher in to the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame. Played professionally for the New York Giants and Miami Dolphins. Helped lead team to 11-1 record and victory over No. 2-ranked Ohio State in senior season. 

Special Award Recipients

GUS MANNING

2011 “THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES”

Athletic department’s longest serving employee, dating to the days of Gen. Neyland. Has held nearly every position athletic department could offer and joined Haywood Harris as the co-host of the legendary “Locker Room” program on game days starting in 1961. Has served through ten football and basketball coaches over the years and, like Harris, is one of the most recognizable “Tennessee faces” in college athletics. 

JAMES A. DICK

2011 SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Long-time Knoxville radio entrepreneur lived a life of dedicated community service, starting WIVK Radio and using the airwaves to benefit a number of community causes. His last great gifts to the community were his support for the historic Tennessee Theatre and the Joy of Music School. Named University of Tennessee “Volunteer of the Year” and was presented “Distinguished Alumni Award” by Transylvania University. 

TREVOR BAYNE

2011 PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

Newest and youngest Daytona 500 Champion. Has more championships (22) than his age. Has stamped himself as a fierce competitor on the track. Has notched 14 wins, 19 pole positions and 30 top-five finishes in only 41 starts in the Allison Legacy Race Series. In short period of time, has established himself as one of the up and coming NASCAR stars. 

VANCE LINK

2011 SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Has been a leader in youth league baseball, doing everything from lining fields to distributing flyers about baseball programs. By his estimate has pitched to more than 600,000 prospective young baseball players, either overhand or underhand, depending on their ability level. Has led the growth and development of programs at Sequoyah and Lakeshore Parks. Has taught young players lessons that go beyond the baseball diamond. 

Male High School Athletes of the Year

DEVRIN YOUNG

BEARDEN HIGH SCHOOL

Bearden product was one of the more heralded prospects to come out of the Knoxville area in years, honored by the Tennessean, PrepXtra, and the Tennessee Sportswriters Association. Was a threat to go all the way any time he touched the ball, either rushing or returning kicks. Signed scholarship papers with the University of Tennessee in February 2011. For his career had 7,433 all-purpose yards, 83 touchdowns, 498 points scored. 

LESTER WILSON

CARTER HIGH SCHOOL

The all-time leading scorer and rebounder at Carter High School, with 2,872 points (25 ppg) and 1,452 rebounds (14 rpg) for his career. Three-time All-State selection. Was four-time All-District and All-KIL. Named District 3AA “Player of the Year” in 2011 and was Class AA “Mr. Basketball” finalist in 2010. Led Carter to first TSSAA State Tournament appearances in 2009 and 2010. 

PARKER WORMSLEY

WEBB SCHOOL OF KNOXVILLE

Awarded 11 letters in three sports at the Webb School of Knoxville. Four-year starter at quarterback, leading team to a 25-1 record during junior and senior seasons, winning back-to-back state championships. Won the Spartan Award in 2010, named Best Offensive Player in 2009 and 2010, and was 2010 team captain. Also had distinguished career in baseball, being a three-time All-State selection and University of Tennessee baseball signee. 

Female High School Athlete of the Year

MADDIE TREASURE

WEST HIGH SCHOOL

Won the 2010 Nike Indoor Nationals in the Pentathlon, earning Indoor All-American status.  Served as Track Team Captain for three years and helped lead her team to two state titles and one runner-up in the Division I AAA class.  Part of 4×400 relay team that set a state record (3:51.19).  Earned two All-American honors and 14 All-State honors.  Will attend Stanford University on a track scholarship. 

### 

Media Contact:
Sarah Malak
(865) 584-0550
smalak@ackermanpr.com

Wish granted to Fayetteville girl during Cellular Sales Grand Opening event

Posted by Ryan Willis – June 16, 2011

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Most often, grand opening events are a celebration of a company and the products or services it offers to customers.  But on Tuesday, Cellular Sales did something a little out-of-the-box during its 400th store Grand Opening event.  The day belonged to a special little six-year old girl from Fayetteville: Georgia.

Cellular Sales presents check to Make-A-Wish Foundation to help fulfill Georgia's wish

Georgia suffers from Wilms Tumor, a form of childhood kidney cancer.  But on Tuesday, she was granted her wish thanks to a partnership between Cellular Sales and the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Eastern North Carolina.  Like many young girls, Georgia loves to play with her dolls and dress them in all kinds of different outfits, which is why her wish is to go on a shopping spree to Wal-Mart and Toys“R”Us.

During Tuesday’s Grand Opening event, Cellular Sales and the Make-A-Wish Foundation granted Georgia her wish.  Georgia and her parents, Ashley and Anthony, and her brother and sister, Austin and Makyla, will share in the excitement of her special shopping day on July 5.

“Opening our 400th store is an amazing feat for Cellular Sales, but being able to make Georgia’s wish come true has certainly been the most rewarding part of the day,” said Ari Mendlovitz, North Carolina Regional Director of Cellular Sales.  “We couldn’t think of a better way to kick things off here in Fayetteville and Hope Mills.”

Ribbon cutting ceremony held for the opening of Cellular Sales' 400th store in Hope Mills, NC

Tuesday’s milestone event took place at the new store located at 3001 Hope Mills Road and despite a tough economy, Cellular Sales, the nation’s largest retailer of Verizon Wireless products and services, continues to open 30 to 50 new stores every quarter.

Cellular Sales invested more than $225,000 in the Hope Mills location and created 15 sales positions to service the store, according to Matt Henry, Regional Recruiting Manager for the East Carolinas Region.

“As we continue to grow,  we are extremely excited to open our 400th store in this area,” said Mike Baker, Regional Director of Cellular Sales. “North Carolina is a great state and the Fayetteville/Hope Mills area is an area full of patriotism, community spirit and history.  We are truly honored to celebrate this milestone in Hope Mills.”

Starting as a one-store company in Knoxville, Tenn., Cellular Sales is now a more than $300 million annual business that maintains an annual growth rate of more than 150 percent and has 2,000 sales consultants across the country.

“Cellular Sales has grown tremendously because we put customer service first,” said Dane Scism, founder and CEO of Cellular Sales. “Our business model is based on treating every customer as if they were our only customer.  People notice it when you take care of them.”

For more information about Cellular Sales, visit the company’s website at www.cellularsales.com. For more information about the company’s 400th store opening, contact Sarah Malak at (865) 584-0550 or smalak@ackermannpr.com, Ari Mendlovitz at (843) 696-5556 or Mike Baker at (910) 409-3222.

###

About Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Eastern North
Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Eastern North Carolina grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Founded in 1986, the chapter serves all medically eligible children who reside in the 49 counties east of the Orange / Alamance county line. The Foundation operates solely through generous donations of individuals, corporations and foundations. With the help of more than 280 volunteers, including a 17-member Board of Directors, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Eastern North Carolina has granted more than 2,100 wishes since its inception. For more information, please visit us at www.eastncwish.org.

Media: For more information, interviews, high resolution photos, or to speak to a Cellular Sales representative, contact Sarah Malak at (865) 584-0550.