Author:

Ryan Willis

Lower Price Music Packages Praised by Top Distributor

Posted by Ryan Willis – March 18, 2010

Knoxville, Tenn. - The CEO of one of America’s largest music distribution companies said today that packaging music for consumers priced at $10 or less is a key  part of the industry’s future.

“Last week, Warner recording artist Blake Shelton, came out with a “six pack”, (six songs sold for $6 in Walmart), and now Universal Music Group is endorsing the same concept by offering a wide range of music for under $10.” said Charlie Anderson, CEO of Anderson Merchandisers.  “I applaud them.  We all know this is where the music industry must head.”

Anderson Merchandisers, headquartered in Amarillo, TX, distributes music to all Walmart stores in the U.S. and Canada, as well as to AAFES, the on-base stores for military bases.  No other American firm distributes more albums than Anderson.

“The change from vinyl albums to tapes to CD’s basically left the same album format in place,” said Anderson.  “The one song digital download has changed all that.  We need to keep pace with our consumers who are seeking more flexibility and value, both digitally and on disc.”

“What we all need to realize is that building a system that is more responsive to what consumers want is in everybody’s best interest.  No matter what the delivery system, it is still real talent that makes music sell.”

Anderson Merchandisers, L.P. is one of the nation’s largest distributors of pre-recorded music, movies, and books.

A privately held company, Anderson Merchandisers, L.P. is an affiliate of Anderson Media, headquartered in Knoxville, TN which was established in 1917.  The company has more than 4,000 associates across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada. 

Media Contact:
Mike Cohen
(865) 584-0550
mcohen@ackermannpr.com

Clayton i-house Unveiled in Evans

Posted by Ryan Willis – March 16, 2010

Evans, Colo. –  The new, Energy Star™ rated i-house from Clayton Homes has arrived in the Evans area and can now be viewed, toured and purchased at Clayton Homes of Evans.  The model i-house – one of only a few nationwide – was built at Clayton’s Albuquerque facility.  

The eco-friendly Clayton i-house, which is now available for purchase, launched nationally at the Berkshire-Hathaway Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, Neb. on May 2, 2009 when Warren Buffett showed the i-house to attendees.  Since that time, the i-house has been featured on numerous national cable television news shows and in newspapers and magazines across the country. 

The i-house is Energy Star™ rated, which means the home is at least 30 percent more energy efficient according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  Although home buyers are likely to first notice the stylish design, cutting-edge color combinations and modern furnishings, the i-house also features solar panels, a rain water catchment system, high-end “low e” windows, a tankless water heater, low-flow faucets, easily renewable bamboo flooring and many other energy saving items. 

“The i-house will change the way people look at our products and housing in general,” said Kevin Clayton, CEO of Clayton Homes.  “We build these homes in a controlled environment away from the weather, so there’s a huge quality benefit simply because of how we build a home.  We also have far less scrap in our building process than a traditional home, so there are tremendous cost savings we pass along to the homebuyer.”

Built with an exterior of cement board and architectural metal, the home’s most distinctive feature is the V-shaped roof over the primary living space that includes the i-house’s rainwater catchment system and solar panels. The primary living area includes a kitchen, bathroom and bedroom, and a deck connects it to a separate living area that features a bedroom or den, a full bath and a roof-top patio.

Clayton Homes says the i-house’s energy costs are less than $70 a month, but that figure drops to less than one dollar per day when the optional solar panel system is installed.

The i-house is consistent with the overall environmental focus at Clayton Homes, which is in the process of obtaining LEED certification – the national benchmark for eco-friendly design – at its Tennessee headquarters.  Clayton has cut energy costs at its offices by 28 percent over the last two years, and has already started implementing many of the “green” features of the i-house into its traditional homes.

Although the i-house is expected to be a popular primary residence, it is also drawing considerable interest from people who wish to have a second home or vacation home because of its affordability, unique design and energy efficiency.  The $8,000 first-time homebuyer’s tax credit, is expected to attract many first-time homebuyers, many of whom will be drawn to the modern design and energy efficiency of the i-house. More information is available at http://claytonihouse.com. 

Clayton, the nation’s largest homebuilder, has built 1.5 million homes since 1934.  Clayton homes are precision-built in 35 state-of-the-art, climate-controlled facilities strategically located throughout the United States. 

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About Clayton Homes:  A Berkshire-Hathaway Company, Clayton Homes is a national, vertically integrated housing company. Through its family of brands, Clayton Homes builds, sells, finances, leases, and insures a full spectrum of affordable housing and is the nation’s leader in housing.  Visit Clayton Homes at www.claytonhomes.com. 

The i-house can be viewed, toured and purchased at Clayton Homes of Evans, 3455 W. Service Rd., Evans, CO 80620.  For more information call Mike Jansen at (970) 339-5500.

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

Giving Back to Fight Local Hunger

Posted by Ryan Willis – March 15, 2010

Knoxville, Tenn. – Walmart is known for ‘every day low prices’ on thousands of items to cut costs for Americans, and its associates are hoping that those low prices will draw people to donate peanut butter and make their very first food drive for Second Harvest a great success. 

From noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 20th, Walmart associates in Sevierville and Knoxville will volunteer their time hosting a food drive to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee. 

Volunteers will be outside each Walmart store to collect peanut butter for Second Harvest. Food items for donation do not have to be purchased at Walmart. Donors may even drive up and hand-off their donation to volunteers who will place it in the food drive barrels. Walmart customers are encouraged to come out in support and donate nutritious peanut butter. 

“The goal is to gather as much peanut butter as possible, no matter where it comes from,” says Jonathan Harness, a volunteer and Walmart employee. “Many children in our community are going to be hungry tonight.  That circumstance is unbearable to us. Walmart associates are thrilled to volunteer and help turn that situation around by partnering with Second Harvest.” 

“The demand for food is continuing to grow in East Tennessee and the situation is so dire for so many all across the country. It’s exciting to see a group of volunteers come together and organize something like this. They are really showing compassion for the hungry in this region,” said Elaine Streno, Executive Director of Second Harvest. 

*Please note that this is not a Walmart Corporation sanctioned event. 

If you are interested in supporting Second Harvest or are interested in setting up an interview with a Second Harvest representative, please call Elaine Streno at 865-850-4284.  

For more info visit: www.secondharvestknox.org. 

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Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, a member of Feeding America, has worked to eliminate hunger since 1982.  In 2009, this organization provided food for more than 9.7 million meals in 18 counties in East Tennessee.  With 6 major programs and over 500 non-profit partners, Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee distributes food to more than 155,000 kids, adults and seniors each month.  The service area includes Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne , Cocke, Cumberland, Fentress, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier and Union Counties.

Media Contact:
Mike Cohen
(865) 584-0550
mcohen@ackermannpr.com

Clayton Homes Trendsetter Construction Completes Project at Fort Sam Houston

Posted by Ryan Willis – March 9, 2010

San Antonio, Texas – One of the largest residential modular construction projects ever is going up at a U.S. Army base in San Antonio, Texas. 

The Army found it could create housing for 1200 military medical trainees faster and more cost effectively by turning to modular construction. Some universities are reaching the same conclusion about how to quickly create more student housing…and do so while keeping costs down. 

At Fort Sam Houston the Army chose Trendsetter Construction’s modular design and construction process. In essence, 250,000 square feet of barracks were transported and assembled keeping the construction time involved to an absolute minimum.  That’s just the beginning. Eventually there will be five such buildings, supplying housing for 3,000 members of the armed forces. 

Trendsetter manufactured the modular units in their Belton, Texas facility and then transported each module to the site in San Antonio.  The building which stands four-stories tall, features 600 hotel-style apartments.  Along with Trendsetter, other companies involved in the project included, Hensel Phelps Construction Co., and the Warrior Group. 

“We have a strong team that includes our manufacturing partner and Hensel Phelps Construction Co, the general contractor,” said Gail Warrior-Lawrence, president of Warrior Group.  “It is an honor to be a part of providing housing for the men and women who defend America.” 

This type of construction allows for a speedier and more accurate construction, saving both time and money.  The manufacturing process also provides significant reduction in waste and energy costs.  “On typical project timelines, we can save 40-50% of the time on-site as compared to traditional construction techniques, while increasing control and reducing waste,” says Doug Henriquez, Trendsetter’s Director of Business Development.  “Our on-site finish includes assembly, corridor completions, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing connections.  This moves the bulk of work and risk to a manufacturing environment which increases consistency and accuracy.” 

“The Fort Sam Houston project has been such a rewarding project for our company,” added Henriquez.  “We were thrilled to be selected as the manufacturing partner on this job, and to be able to provide housing for the men and women serving our country as they go through their training programs.” 

Trendsetter is a subsidiary of Clayton Homes, a Berkshire-Hathaway Company. 

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About Clayton Homes:  A Berkshire-Hathaway Company, Clayton Homes is a national, vertically integrated housing company. Through its family of brands Clayton Homes builds, sells, finances, leases, and insures a full spectrum of affordable housing and is the nation’s number one retailer of modular and manufactured homes. Learn more at www.claytonhomes.com. Learn more about Trendsetter Construction, a Clayton subsidiary, at www.trendsetter-construction.com. 

MEDIA NOTE: Digital images available upon request

Media Contact:
Mike Cohen
(865) 584-0550
mcohen@ackermannpr.com

Invisible Fence® Brand Announces National Dealer Recognition Awards

Posted by Ryan Willis – March 4, 2010

Knoxville, Tenn. – Determined, focused, hard working and dedicated – these are all characteristics of this year’s Invisible Fence® Brand Dealer Recognition Award recipients.  The awards honor dealers from around the country for their excellence in a variety of critical business areas including, marketing, sales and customer service. 

“All of our dealers put in a great deal of time and effort each day to help make our company a successful leader in the pet safety industry, and we are happy to recognize those leading the way,” said Lori Sharp, Invisible Fence Brand Manager.  “Each of these award winners has proven to be invaluable members of the Invisible Fence® Brand Dealer Network and we feel fortunate to have them on our team.” 

This year’s National Dealer of the Year recipient in the Mega Dealer division is no stranger to the award.  For the past four years, Tony Hettinger with Invisible Fence of Upstate New York has owned this title.  “Tony has done an unbelievable job, growing his business in a market that has consistently produced the highest sales penetration performance for Invisible Fence® Brand in the country,” said Sharp.  A consummate professional, Hettinger manages both the broader sales and installation activities while also focusing on the smaller, finer points of customer service that lead to extremely high levels of customer satisfaction. 

The other two deserving finalists in this category were Jim White, Invisible Fence of the Carolinas and Bradlee Arvin, Shelley Bennett & Bennett Associates of Invisible Fence Brand of Central Indiana. 

Top honors in the Super Dealer division went to Michael Dugan with Invisible Fence of Buffalo Niagara, located in Williamsville, N.Y.  To counteract a tough economy, Dugan made a number of changes that significantly impacted his dealership last year.  “We took a look at our processes and programs and decided to make a number of changes and improvements,” said Dugan.  “Fortunately we had an extremely successful year due in large part to the changes we made.”  Other finalists in the Super Dealer division were Jim White, Invisible Fence of Raleigh and Joyce Brennan and Kathy Orzey, Invisible Fence of Dundee-McHenry County. 

The Sprinter Cup division recognizes the achievements of the dealers located in smaller markets.  This year’s winner, Brodie Bergeson, resides in Montana, overseeing Invisible Fence of the Big Sky.  His Montana markets include Bozeman and Billings, where he doubled his sales in 2009.  “Even though he is in a small market, Brodie is just as tenacious and focused as our largest dealer in our largest market, said Sharp.  “This drive and determination is what has made him and his dealership the leader of our smaller market dealers.”  The two additional finalists in this division were Tim and Ann Schoenfelder, Invisible Fence of the Tennessee Valley and Juli Stroka, Canine Solutions by Invisible Fence Brand. 

Michael Sundbye of Invisible Fence of Northern Kentucky was named this year’s Rookie Dealer of the Year.  Sundbye may be in his first year as a dealer, but he is no rookie when it comes to Invisible Fence® Brand, having been a part of the team since 2002.  “Michael has done an outstanding job in the short time he has been a dealer,” said Sharp.  “We couldn’t be more pleased with the success he has demonstrated in his first year and look forward to many more.”  The other finalist in the Rookie Dealer division was Tom Kurrack, Invisible Fence of Central Florida. 

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Media Contact:
Mike Cohen
(865) 584-0550
mcohen@ackermannpr.com

Maryville-based Company Awarded $10M Contract in Afghanistan

Posted by Ryan Willis – March 3, 2010

Maryville, Tenn. – Only two months in to 2010, and one local company is beginning the year by winning a large contract overseas, while also projecting another significant growth year.  Critical Mission Support Services (CMSS), a Maryville-based company specializing in providing governments and organizations around the world with mission critical services, was recently awarded a $10M contract with the Joint Contracting Command, Afghanistan. This contract serves as a vehicle to provide third country national or U.S. National personnel in support of the coalition efforts in Afghanistan. 

“This is a great opportunity for CMSS to expand our business and our existing footprint in Afghanistan,” said CMSS President, Eric Barton.  “We’ve had a great start to 2010 and are excited about the direction of the company as we continue to grow and expand throughout the year.” 

With this most recent contract awarded, CMSS has already secured 25 percent of its total new business revenue goal for the entire year.  As revenues grow, so to does the number of employees.  By the end of 2010, CMSS expects to add 77 new staff employees to support its global operations. 

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Critical Mission Support Services (CMSS) is a global “turn-key” service provider dedicated to delivering world-class solutions to complex projects around the globe.  The company offers a wide variety of services, including construction, life support, demining, logistics/procurement, security and IT communications.  

The company is headquartered in Maryville, with additional U.S. offices in San Antonio and offshore offices in Iraq, Afghanistan, Uganda, Jordan, and Libya.  

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

Local Small Business Receives National Accolade

Posted by Ryan Willis – March 2, 2010

IF LogoKnoxville, Tenn. – Recognition is not always reserved for the largest and loudest businesses.  One local business was recently recognized on a national level for their work and success in the pet safety industry.  Invisible Fence of the Tennessee Valley was one of three finalists selected for National Dealer of the Year in the Sprinter Cup division by Invisible Fence Brand at their National Dealer of the Year Awards.  This division recognizes the achievements of the dealers located in smaller markets across the country. 

In just their second year, Tim and Ann Schoenfelder, owners of Invisible Fence of the Tennessee Valley have experienced a great deal of success despite the economy and tough business climate.  Although only in their second year as owners, the Schoenfelders are no strangers to the pet industry, possessing a wealth of previous experience. 

“We take a tremendous amount of pride in ensuring the safety and happiness of pets at home,” said Tim Schoenfelder.  “We are involved first-hand in the development of customized solutions for each and every customer, ensuring their complete satisfaction.” 

While the company has focused strongly on growing and continuing to succeed, Invisible Fence of the Tennessee Valley has also become very active in the local community.  They continue to work with local animal shelters, veterinarians and the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley on raising awareness around pet safety and reasonable solutions that are available. 

Another important community initiative the company is involved with is the donation of pet oxygen masks to local fire departments.  Just recently Invisible Fence of the Tennessee Valley donated masks to the Maryville Fire Department with the hopes of providing oxygen masks for pets to as many departments as possible in the future. 

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For more information on Invisible Fence of the Tennessee Valley, contact Tim Schoenfelder at (865) 588-2999 or tennesseevalley@invisiblefence.com. 

ABOUT INVISIBLE FENCE® BRAND
Invisible Fence® Brand is the original electronic fence pet containment system trusted for over three decades and has safely contained over 1 million pets. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., Invisible Fence Brand is sold nationwide by professional dealers who offer Safe Dog® and Perfect Start™ Pet training and custom installation resulting in the best performance of the system and creating an environment of both safety and freedom for pets. For more information, visit www.invisiblefence.com. 

Media Contact:
Mike Cohen
(865) 584-0550
mcohen@ackermannpr.com

Western North Carolina’s Largest Solar Array is Now Online

Posted by Ryan Willis – March 1, 2010

LogoAsheville, N.C. – Progress Energy Carolinas’ generation mix in Western N.C. is a little sunnier, as the region’s largest solar photovoltaic (PV) array is now online and generating electricity. The new 555-kilowatt (kW) Evergreen Solar Farm is owned and operated by FLS Energy and built on Evergreen Packaging’s now-closed landfill in Haywood County. Progress Energy Carolinas is purchasing the array’s entire output for distribution to the company’s customers. 

“The solar age has dawned,” said FLS Energy’s Chief Executive Officer Michael Shore. “FLS Energy converted an old landfill to an electricity generation facility, creating jobs and clean energy along way.” 

This solar PV array project created five new construction jobs for a five month period and is expected to generate approximately 730,000 kilowatt-hours every year. This is roughly equivalent to the annual electricity demand from 51 average North Carolina homes. This will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 525 tons per year, which is the equivalent of removing 100 vehicles from the roads in Western North Carolina. 

“Sustainability and economic development can go hand-in-hand to provide solutions to climate change and the financial crisis,” said Congressman Heath Shuler (D-Waynesville).  “I am proud to welcome the area’s first solar farm, and look forward to the impact it will have on creating jobs and sustaining our planet.  This project, along with Asheville’s National Climactic Data Center, and dozens of growing clean energy businesses across the region, position Western North Carolina to become the national hub for green energy and green jobs.”  

This is the Progress Energy’s fourth large-scale solar PV array to begin operating in North Carolina. Another four are under contract. Including small-scale projects, Progress Energy has contracts for a total of more than 11,000 kilowatts of solar power. 

“We believe that solar power, along with energy efficiency and state-of-the-art power plants, will play an important part of a balanced approach to meeting the challenges of growing energy demand and global climate change,” said John Smith, vice president of Progress Energy Carolinas’ Western Region. “We are proud to partner with FLS Energy and the community on this innovative project and excited to see it come online.” 

The Evergreen Solar Farm has a unique design that makes it one of the first solar arrays in the country to be installed on a landfill. FLS Energy constructed concrete pads on top of the landfill to provide a base for the 2,340 Sunniva solar panels, because the installation could not penetrate the two-foot soil cap. The pads provide counterweight against high winds and support on the ground.  

“This is yet one more way our company can show our commitment to the environment,” said Derric Brown, Evergreen’s Director of Sustainability. “This is a great use of our closed landfill and we are happy to participate. Combined with our support of sustainable forests in the region for wood chips and our participation in expanding recycling for our products like milk cartons we hope to be a leader in smart environmental practices.” 

FLS Energy proposed this solar PV project in response to Progress Energy Carolinas’ 2007 request for renewable energy proposals, which is part of the company’s plan to meet the requirements of North Carolina’s Renewable Energy and Efficiency Portfolio Standard. The law requires utilities to provide a portion of their energy sales using renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. 

About FLS Energy
FLS Energy’s mission is to establish solar as a mainstream technology through the development, design and installation of quality, clean energy systems for both businesses and homeowners. For more information about FLS Energy, please visit www.flsenergy.com 

About Evergreen Packaging
Evergreen Packaging, Inc., formerly Blue Ridge Paper Products, Inc., is a world leader in beverage packing solutions, publication and converting papers. It has operated in Western North Carolina for 100 years. For more information about Evergreen Packaging, Inc., please visit www.evergreenpackaging.com. 

About Progress Energy:
Progress Energy (NYSE: PGN), headquartered in Raleigh, N.C., is a Fortune 500 energy company with more than 22,000 megawatts of generation capacity and $9 billion in annual revenues. Progress Energy includes two major electric utilities that serve approximately 3.1 million customers in the Carolinas and Florida. The company has earned the Edison Electric Institute’s Edison Award, the industry’s highest honor, in recognition of its operational excellence, and was the first utility to receive the prestigious J.D. Power and Associates Founder’s Award for customer service. The company is pursuing a balanced strategy for a secure energy future, which includes aggressive energy-efficiency programs, investments in renewable energy technologies and a state-of-the-art electricity system. Visit the company’s Web site at www.progress-energy.com.  

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Media Contact
Mike Cohen
(865) 584-0550
mcohen@ackermannpr.com

 

Knoxville Restaurant to Give Away Nearly 8,000 Cupcakes Celebrating Tennessee’s New Head Football Coach

Posted by Ryan Willis – February 1, 2010

Knoxville, Tenn. – In celebration of the arrival of Tennessee’s new head football coach, Pimento’s Café and Market will be giving away nearly 8,000 beautifully decorated and delicious orange and white, football-themed cupcakes for the next six days, February 1 – February 7, 2010. This exciting and fun social media-driven giveaway will take place on Twitter and Facebook.

Winners will take home one dozen and in some cases, 3-dozen of these tasty cupcakes at a time from the Pimento’s store on Bearden Hill in Knoxville, located at 6638 Kingston Pike.

Below are instructions on how fans can win and take home these bakery treats celebrating Tennessee’s great football tradition:

Monday: Retweet that morning’s @PimentosCafe Twitter message welcoming Tennessee’s new coach to Knoxville.  The first 100 RT’s before 6pm on each of these days will win one dozen FREE football cupcakes.

Tuesday, Friday: The first 100 people to become fans of Pimento’s brand new Facebook page before 6pm on each of these days will win one dozen FREE football cupcakes.

Wednesday, Saturday: The first 133 tweets posted before 6pm on each of these days in which a Twitterer mentions a favorite menu item on the @PimentosCafe menu will win one dozen cupcakes.  Making the chance to win even sweeter, 33 of the qualifying Twitterers on these days will be randomly chosen to upsize their prize to 48 (4-dozen) cupcakes. (Please be sure to include @PimentosCafe in your tweets to win)

Thursday: Retweet that morning’s @PimentosCafe Twitter message about your Super Bowl party.  The first 100 RT’s before 6pm on each of these days will win one dozen FREE football cupcakes.

Winners will be notified via Twitter Direct Message (DM) or Facebook mail and will be given a specific code to use when they redeem their free cupcakes.  Winners must come to the Pimento’s Bearden Hill location before the end of business on Tuesday, February 9 to claim their free cupcakes. There is no limit on the number of entries per person, but each entrant is only qualified to win one time during each day’s giveaway.

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Media Contact:
Jeff Hooper
(865) 584-0550
jhooper@ackermannpr.com

Sevier County Bank’s Latest Staff Addition Features Local Flavor

Posted by Ryan Willis – January 29, 2010

sevierbanklogoSevierville, Tenn. – Sevierville native, Claude N. Huff Jr. recently joined the Sevier County Bank staff, a bank where members of his family have been stockholders and customers since 1909.  A graduate of Sevier County High School, Huff brings more than 33 years of experience in the banking and financial industry to his new position as senior vice president with the bank. 

Shortly after receiving a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Tennessee Technology University in Cookeville, Huff spent two years in the mid 1970s with Sevier County Bank in a management training program.  He then went on to the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions where he would spend the majority of his career as a Regional Supervising Examiner for the East Tennessee area. 

Claude HuffWhile with the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions, Huff earned the designation of Certified Financial Examiner from the Society of Financial Examiners and served on its Board of Governors for a number of years. 

“We believe Claude will be a great addition to our staff.  He brings an outstanding financial background and familiarity with the community that will prove to be invaluable,” said R. B. Summitt, Sevier County Bank President.  “He will only help to enhance the banking services we provide to the people of Sevier County.” 

Huff is an active member of Sevierville’s American Legion Post 104 Honor Guard and a trustee of the Shiloh Cemetery Association.  He and his wife Linda have two children, C. N. “Bo” Huff, III and Emily Danielle “Dani” Huff.  

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For more information about Sevier County Bank, please visit our website at www.SevierCountyBank.com

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