Author:

Ryan Willis

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.

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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.” 

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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.

Local Boys & Girls Clubs Members to visit with Jeff Gordon

Posted by Ryan Willis – May 26, 2011

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tomorrow, May 27, 2011, three members of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley and one member from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dumplin Valley will have the opportunity to spend some time with NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon.

This experience is made possible by Dean Winegardner of American Book Company, who purchases the opportunity each year at an auction.

Winegardner is a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley Corporate Board and personally flies the club members to Charlotte, North Carolina in his private plane. The group will tour the Hendrick Motorsports complex, eat lunch and talk to Jeff Gordon in a private setting for about an hour and a half.

“This is something I really enjoy doing, and Jeff Gordon enjoys it as much as the children. I hope this is an experience these children will cherish for a long time,” said Winegardner.

This is a once in a lifetime experience for Riley Gibbs, member of the Halls/Powell Boys & Girls Club, Madeline Flinn, member of the Laura Cansler Club, Trenton Johnson of the Lake City Club and Izak Griggs, member of the Dumplin Valley Club.  They were selected as the winners from among 20 club members who entered an essay contest with the theme “Why NASCAR is important to me.”

“For these children to be flown to Charlotte on a private plane and have lunch with Jeff Gordon is a very special experience. We are so appreciative of Dean Winegardner for making this experience possible,” said John D. Lee, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley.

UPDATE (5-27-11): 4-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon sent out this picture of his lunch with the children via his Twitter account (@jeffgordonweb):

4-time NASCAR champion driver Jeff Gordon enjoying lunch with members of the Tennessee Valley Boys and Girls Clubs.

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About Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley
Boys & Girls Clubs currently serves 5,825 members, ages 5 to 17 years old throughout the Tennessee Valley region. The organization also provides 414,970 USDA hot meals and snacks annually for members free of charge. The Clubs see as many as 1,200 youth walk through the doors on any given day. There are 15 Club locations in 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.

*The best media opportunity is upon the group’s return, between 4:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. tomorrow, at McGhee Tyson at Tac Air.  Call Jacqui Wolfenbarger at (865) 966-7454 or (865) 919-5640 to confirm the return time or learn more about the visit.

Media Contact:
Shane Rhyne
srhyne@ackermannpr.com
(865) 584-0550

Cellular Sales collecting cell phones for tornado victims

Posted by Ryan Willis – May 25, 2011

JOPLIN, Mo. – Cellular Sales, the nation’s largest Verizon premium wireless retailer, announced today it will accept used cell phones to donate to Joplin’s tornado victims whose phones were lost or destroyed.

Cell phones may be dropped off at one of the following Cellular Sales locations:

  • 2301 N. Broadway
    Pittsburg, KS 66762
    Phone: (620) 308-6744
  • 400 S. Johnson Drive
    Nevada, MO 64772
    Phone: (417) 667-3001
  • 920 Springfield Ave.
    Bolivar, MO 65613-2460
    Phone: (417) 326-1001
  • 621 North State St.
    Iola, KS 66749
    Phone: (620) 365-0116
  • 7201 West 75th St.
    Overland Park, KS 66204
    Phone: (913) 383-8975
  • 300 Brickton Rd.
    Columbia, MO 65201
    Phone: (573) 474-0790
  • 2300 Bernadette Dr. Ste. 606
    Columbia, MO 65203
    Phone: (573) 234-1380
  • 1724 E. Ohio
    Clinton, MO 64735
    Phone: (660) 383-1330
  • 116 S. Main St.
    Clinton, MO 64735
    Phone: (660) 885-5600
  • 1138 NE Douglas St.
    Lee’s Summit, MO 64086
    Phone: (816) 524-5300
  • 1500 Bluff Street
    Fulton, MO 65251
    Phone: (573) 642-7365
  • 2560 South 291 Highway
    Independence, MO 64057
    Phone: (816) 478-0597
  • 2015 Missouri Blvd.
    Jefferson City, MO 65109
    Phone: (573) 566-5632
  • 6700 North Oak Trafficway
    Gladstone, MO 64118
    Phone: (816) 420-8274
  • Stone Crest Mall
    3825 Highway 54
    Osage Beach, MO 65065
    Phone: (573) 302-7492
  • 1518 Main St.
    Ottawa, KS 66067
    Phone: (785) 242-4596
  • 9000 E. 350 Highway
    Raytown, MO 64133
    Phone: (816) 313-6030
  • 904 N. Belt Highway
    St. Joseph, MO 64506
    Phone: (816) 232-3598
  • 907 Main Street
    Winfield, KS 97156
    Phone: (620) 221-1551
  • 1006 Woorley Drive
    West Plains, MO 65775
    Phone: (417) 257-0800

When donated, cell phones will be programmed for use with a customer’s existing phone number, or may be used for new service.

Cellular Sales is an 18-year-old privately held company founded and headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn.  For the past three years, Inc. Magazine has named Cellular Sales one of the nation’s fastest growing retail companies in the country. For more information on the company, visit www.CellularSales.com.

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

Clayton Hits the Jackpot in Vegas

Posted by Ryan Willis – April 25, 2011

Knoxville, Tenn. – Millions of people travel to Las Vegas each year in hopes of hitting a hot streak and winning big.  Recently, Clayton Building Solutions did just that.  The company received not one, but three prestigious Awards of Distinction at the Modular Building Institute’s (MBI) “World of Modular” annual meeting in Las Vegas. 

“This is quite an honor for our company, and we are thrilled to receive such high praise,” said Kevin Clayton, CEO of Clayton Homes.  “Our industry is producing a number of truly amazing structures, and for us to be selected from the number of outstanding entries this year is a great accomplishment.”

Clayton Building Solutions is the commercial building arm of Clayton Homes and engages in a myriad of projects throughout the U.S. including military, multi-family, student housing, and light commercial construction. 

This is not the first time Clayton has been honored by the MBI, having received a total of seven Awards of Distinction between 2001 and 2011. 

Clayton received this year’s Judges’ Choice Award for its Fort Sam Houston project.  This premier award is given each year to the highest scoring entry.  Additionally, the company received first place in the Education category for the Fort Sam Houston project, while their Fort Hood project in Texas received honorable mention in the Institutional category.

“The entries in the MBI contest represent the best our industry has to offer each year,” said Doug Henriquez, Director of Clayton Building Solutions. “Modular construction is becoming widely recognized as the better way to build.”

According to Henriquez, modular construction offers several advantages over more traditional methods.  Projects are completed in less time and modular construction is typically more efficient, safer, “greener,” and offers higher energy efficiency and quality because components are constructed in a controlled environment.

The MBI Awards of Distinction is the commercial modular industry’s premier awards program, offering competition for MBI members, including building manufacturers, dealers, and product and service providers. Entries are temporary, permanent, and renovated modular buildings as well as industry marketing pieces.

Each entry is reviewed by an impartial panel of industry and non-industry volunteers including construction and code experts, architects and engineers, and marketing professionals. Building entries are judged on architectural excellence, technical innovation, cost effectiveness, energy efficiency, and calendar days to complete. Marketing pieces are judged on stated objectives, creativity, methodology, and results.

Other team members involved in these projects included Hensel Phelps, Jacobs-Carter-Burgess and the Warrior Group.

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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.

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

Space Still Available for Gadget Girls Event at University of Tennessee

Posted by Ryan Willis – March 16, 2011

Knoxville, Tenn. – The United States is falling behind its foreign competitors in STEM subjects, which include Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.  According to one study, American 15-year-olds ranked 21st in science and 25th in math compared to other countries.  And for girls, the statistics are even more staggering.

The American Association of University Women found that active recruiting and positive messaging can go a long way toward shrinking the gender gap in many science and engineering fields. In a 2010 report, the association identified eight major factors that helped depress the numbers of girls and women in STEM: beliefs about intelligence, stereotypes, self-assessment, spatial skills, the college student experience, university and college faculty, implicit bias, and workplace bias.

In an attempt to address a few of these factors, the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians is partnering with the University of Tennessee for a one-day event, open to all girls in grades 6 – 8 called Gadget Girls.  Registration for the April 9 event is now open.

As many as 300 middle-school aged girls will learn from female professors who are world-renowned scientists and mathematicians.  The girls will work side-by-side with the professors in their laboratories, making necklaces using their own DNA, testing dollar bills to see if they are real or counterfeit, and learning to grow their own crystals from household items.  Student volunteers from Kappa Delta sorority will serve as tour guides and walk the girls through campus.

Gadget Girls will be held Saturday, April 9, 2011 from 9am – 4pm.  Snacks, lunch and parking will be provided.  The cost is only $15 for Girl Scouts and $27 for all other girls.  Tickets for accompanying adults are $10.  Participants can register online at www.girlscoutcsa.org; the registration deadline is March 18, 2011.  Any questions can be directed to event organizers Sherry Harris, Ext. 105 and Becky Lunsford, ext. 520 by calling (800) 474-1912.

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About Us
The Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians has 21,000 girl and adult members stretching from North Georgia to Southwest Virginia. Service centers are located in Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Johnson City. Our mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. The council offers financial assistance to ensure that every girl who wants to be a Girl Scout has the opportunity to join this vibrant organization.

Media Contact:
Amelia Daniels
Ackermann PR
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All Girl Scout Cookie Varieties Still Available

Posted by Ryan Willis – February 3, 2011

Knoxville, Tenn. - Despite a widely syndicated article in the Wall Street Journal that claimed the Girl Scouts were dropping unpopular cookie flavors, the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians is selling all eight cookie varieties. 

Of 112 Girl Scout councils in the country, only 12 councils are participating in a pilot program that focuses on the six top-selling cookie varieties. These councils are seeking new ways to increase efficiency, ease and simplicity for everyone involved in the cookie program. 

The pilot project will be evaluated at the end of cookie season to see whether a more streamlined product line achieves these objectives. No decision has been made in any council regarding which cookie varieties will be offered in the future. 

“While we look forward to the results of this pilot program, we want our community to know that they can still enjoy a wide variety of cookies from the Girl Scouts in our council,” says Booth Kammann, CEO, Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians. 

The varieties of Girl Scout Cookies include: Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs, Do-si-dos, Trefoils, Lemon Chalet Cremes, Thank U Berry Munch, and Dulce de Leche. 

Members of the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians will be selling cookies January 12 through March 20. The price per box remains $3.50.

Visit www.girlscoutcsa.org for more information. Booth sales outside local stores begin February 25, and the website will have a cookie locator map showing neighborhood booth times and locations.

“We wouldn’t want any of the misinformation about the variety of Girl Scout Cookies being offered this year to negatively affect our girls’ ability to reach their goals,” adds Kammann. 

All girls benefit equally from the troop’s sales, because proceeds go to the troop treasuries—not to individual girls. Girls have fun reaching a goal, customers get a great product, and all profits stay in the region to be used by local troops and the council to fund services for more than 20,000 girls and volunteers.

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About Us
The Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians has more than 20,000 girl and adult members stretching from North Georgia to Southwest Virginia. Service centers are located in Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Johnson City. Our mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. The council offers financial assistance to ensure that every girl who wants to be a Girl Scout has the opportunity to join this vibrant organization.