Townsend, Tenn. – Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont (Tremont) has added six new members to its board of directors and has announced its officers.

New members include Esther Bell, CEO, Global Intellectual Property Asset Management, PLLC; Henry (Hank) Dye, recently retired vice president for public and government relations, University of Tennessee; Randy Gibson, chief operating officer & general counsel, Lawler-Wood; George Hashbarger, Jr., president, Quintium Advisors, LLC; L. W. (Bill) Varner, CEO, United Subcontractors, Inc.; and Chad Youngblood, all of Knoxville.

With the addition of these new members, Tremont’s board now includes seventeen members. Current officers of the board are Cathy Ackermann, board chair, and president & CEO of Ackermann PR; Billy Carroll, vice president of the board and CEO of SmartBank; Elizabeth Estill, treasurer.

Every year, thousands of students come to Tremont to live and learn, using Great Smoky Mountains National Park as their classroom.  They come for an educational experience that is vastly different from that available to them in the classroom.

Through exploration and investigation, they learn firsthand about the park’s rich cultural history and its remarkable biological diversity.  They leave Tremont with a greater sense of wonder, depth of knowledge, and appreciation for the natural world and the national park.

Tremont also provides a variety of programs for adults and families, including photography workshops, a naturalist certification program, and family camps.

“We are proud to have such a strong and active board to provide direction and represent us in the community,” said Ken Voorhis, Tremont’s executive director.  “They are all very busy people, but they spend a great deal of time working with us here at Tremont to move our programs forward. They truly believe in and support our mission and work hard to help us build our base of support,” he continued.

Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont is a private 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization within Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Since 1969, Tremont has provided in-depth experiences to over half a million people of all ages through residential educational programs that celebrate diversity, foster stewardship and nurture appreciation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For more information, visit www.gsmit.org or call 865-448-6709.

Knoxville

WHAT: Knoxville Force vs. Mississippi Storm

WHEN: Saturday, May 11 – 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Regal Soccer Stadium – University of Tennessee Campus

“Nothing is more exciting than the beginning of the season and we have high expectations for a great summer of soccer in Knoxville,” said Derek Broadley, Knoxville Force Head Coach.  “Soccer is one of the fastest growing sports in the area and we have experienced a tremendous amount of support from the community over the past two seasons.  We’d love to have even larger crowds this season and really create one of the most fun and exciting atmospheres in our league.”

Saturday will mark the first of five scheduled home games for the Force with the remaining games scheduled for June.  Following the conclusion of the regular season, the post-season conference tournament will take place in mid-July.

For more information, including ticket prices, roster information and the full schedule, please visit www.knoxvilleforce.com.

About Knoxville Soccer LLC

The Knoxville Force and Knoxville Lady Force are owned and operated by Knoxville Soccer LLC, a Knoxville-based sports business. The mission of Knoxville Soccer LLC is to serve as a focal point for social change by offering soccer programs and projects that enhance the health and well-being of a broad and diverse population of the Knoxville community. Through the formation and fielding of professional men’s and women’s soccer teams in the Knoxville area, Knoxville Soccer LLC offers soccer programs and projects that enhance the health and well-being of a broad and diverse population of our community, including the underprivileged youth living in high-risk areas and under-represented social and ethnic groups.

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Maryville, Tenn. –

Event speakers included Tami Vater, Blount Partnership’s Director of Tourism, and Dave Jones, East Tennessee Regional Manager for the State of Tennessee’s Department of Tourist Development, who both delivered the latest statistics outlining the economic benefits of tourism on both the local level in Blount County and throughout Tennessee.

“Tourism is a clear economic driver for Blount County,” said Vater.  “Each household in Blount County pays less in state and local taxes as a result of taxes generated by tourism economic activity.”

“The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development is one of the leaders among state organizations in the United States tourism industry,” said Jones.  “In 2011, Tennessee’s tourism generated a $15.36 billion economic impact to the state’s economy, the largest single increase we have seen year over year.  More than 177,800 Tennesseans are now employed in the state’s tourism industry.”

The presentation also included a video message from State Tourism Commissioner Susan Whitaker.

“National Travel and Tourism Week is a perfect time to raise awareness about the significant economic development role our industry plays on the national, state and local level,” said Whitaker.  “Tennessee is now ranked ninth among all states in total travel.”

In addition to presenting key tourism effects, Vater also unveiled the Blount Partnership’s first-ever “Peaceful Side of the Smokies” tourism app.  According to Vater, the mobile app, which can be utilized by tourists and local citizens alike, “puts the information in the palm of your hand to enjoy your trip to Blount County and the Smokies.”  The app has a full listing of Blount County’s lodging, dining, attractions and outdoor activities options as well as an events calendar and GPS-enabled map with filtered waypoints by category.  The app is available for use on iPhone, iPad and Android phones in their respective app stores.

“This mobile app will allow users to connect with our area through social media platforms enabling engagement between our local tourism authority and those using the app,” explained Vater.

For more information on tourism in Blount County, visit www.smokymountains.org.

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Media Contact
Erin Freeman
(865) 584-0550
efreeman@ackermannpr.com

Knoxville

The Case for Christ will be held at Wallace Memorial Baptist Church at 701 Merchants Drive on Friday, May 10 at 8 p.m. and will feature Strobel’s compelling investigation of the evidence that Jesus Christ is really the Son of God.

“I’ve cross-examined dozens of experts in multiple fields and disciplines searching for answers to questions that curious Christians have been asking for years,” said Strobel. “How reliable is the New Testament? Does evidence for Jesus exist outside of the Bible? And, is there any reason to believe the resurrection was an actual event? All I can tell you is that I’m now a believer.”

After a nearly two-year investigation of the evidence for Jesus Christ, Strobel became a Christian in 1981. He is a New York Times best-selling author of more than 20 books and has been interviewed on numerous national TV programs, including ABC, Fox, PBS, and CNN. Lee shared the Christian Book of the Year award in 2005 for a curriculum he co-authored with Garry Poole about the movie The Passion of the Christ. He also won Gold Medallions for his books The Case for Christ, The Case for Faith, and The Case for a Creator, all of which have been made into documentaries distributed by Lionsgate.

As a featured speaker, Strobel has a unique way of naturally and effectively speaking with others about Jesus. Strobel’s testimony retraces his journey from the newsroom to the pulpit as he learned to make Christ a way of life. His unique experiences and relative approach captivates audiences of all ages and walks of life.

The Case for Christ is a one-night show only. Tickets range from $20 to $35 each and are available as reserved seats or general admission for singles, couples and groups of 10 or more. Doors will open at 7 p.m. and the event begins starts at 8 p.m. According to conference organizers, tickets are still available, but if past Feed Your Faith shows are any indication, this could prove to be a sellout.

Additionally, prior to the event, attendees are invited to meet Strobel beginning at 6:30 p.m. during a meet and greet VIP dinner also at Wallace Memorial Baptist Church.  This exclusive VIP dinner will benefit the Maryville Christian School Scholarship Fund.

Established on May 29, 1993, in Maryville, Tenn., Maryville Christian School (MCS) seeks to produce young men and women trained in the ways of God and who will subsequently devote themselves to lives of service to Him.  Because of growing economic challenges, more and more MCS families need tuition assistance and therefore, in 2011 MCS created an annual “Bella Sera” fundraising event in which proceeds benefit the scholarship fund.  The Strobel VIP dinner will serve as a 2013 Bella Sera event.  The 2013 financial goal for the scholarship fund is $75,000.

VIP tickets are $250 per person and include a full-course meal prepared by Chef Tony of First Fruits Catering, the opportunity to meet Strobel and receive a signed copy of one of his books and reserved premium seating for The Case for Christ event.  To purchase VIP tickets, call 865-268-9146.

For more information about Feed Your Faith, or to order your tickets for The Case for Christ, visit www.feedyourfaith.org.

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

Knoxville

“There are more than 25,000 youth and adults in the Knoxville area who play in organized soccer leagues and teams,” said Jason Goss, General Manager of Knoxville Soccer LLC. “Soccer is the largest and fastest growing field team sport in the United States, and Knoxville is a testament. We have received nothing but positive support from soccer fans and enthusiasts.”

The Knoxville Force is starting its 3^rd season in the NPSL’s Southeast Conference. The formal NPSL season starts in early May and concludes with playoffs and regional and national championship matches at the end of July. The team is made up of the region’s top collegiate players as well as national non-collegiate and international players with tryouts being held in February each year.

The Force’s head coach is Derek Broadley who has achieved the highest level of coaching licensure in the United States and Europe. Broadley holds a Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) “A” license, is a graduate of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) “Master Coach” program, and has served as Technical Director of the Bermuda Football Association. He has worked successfully to improve player, team, and coaches’ performance in Knoxville, Bermuda, the United Kingdom, and North America.

The Knoxville Lady Force is starting its 2^nd season in the WPSL’s Southeast Conference. The formal WPSL season starts in early May and concludes with playoffs and regional and national championship matches by early August. The highly competitive team includes U.S. National Team, university, amateur, international, and former professional soccer players looking to play the sport at an advanced level. Tryouts are held in January each year.

The Lady Force’s head coach is Fields Brown who was recently the assistant head coach for the Georgia Revolution of the NPSL and assistant director of coaching at Rockdale Youth Soccer Association in Conyers, Georgia.  Brown was also the women’s soccer assistant coach at Georgia State University from 2009 to 2011 and Wofford College from 2005 to 2009.

The 2013 schedules for the Knoxville Force and Knoxville Lady Force will be released soon. For more information, to purchase tickets or shop for merchandise, visit www.knoxvilleforce.com.

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About Knoxville Soccer LLC

The Knoxville Force and Knoxville Lady Force are owned and operated by Knoxville Soccer LLC, a Knoxville-based sports business. The mission of Knoxville Soccer LLC is to serve as a focal point for social change by offering soccer programs and projects that enhance the health and well-being of a broad and diverse population of the Knoxville community. Through the formation and fielding of professional men’s and women’s soccer teams in the Knoxville area, Knoxville Soccer LLC offers soccer programs and projects that enhance the health and well-being of a broad and diverse population of our community, including the underprivileged youth living in high-risk areas and under-represented social and ethnic groups.

Maryville, Tenn. – On Friday, May 10 at 9 a.m., Blount Partnership and the Smoky Mountain Tourism Development Authority will host “Tourism Day,” a celebration highlighting the unique platforms that make Blount County, the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, an ideal tourist destination. The event is in conjunction with the 2013 National Travel and Tourism Week (May 4-12).

WHAT: Blount County “Tourism Day”
WHEN: Friday, May 10 at 9 a.m.
WHERE: Blount Partnership – 201 S. Washington St. Maryville, TN 37804

“Tourism is a clear economic driver for Blount County,” said Tami Vater, Blount Partnership’s Director of Tourism. “Each household in Blount County pays less in state and local taxes as a result of taxes generated by tourism economic activity. We plan to explain and tout the importance of tourism in Blount County and its positive effects on the economy, both locally and at the state level, during our ‘Tourism Day’ festivities.”

“National Travel and Tourism Week is a perfect time to raise awareness about the significant economic development role our industry plays on the national, state and local level,” said State Tourism Commissioner Susan Whitaker. “Last year, the U.S. Travel Association reported that tourism had a $15.36 billion direct economic impact in Tennessee generating more than $1 billion in state and local sales taxes for the sixth consecutive year.”

According to officials with the Blount Partnership, “Tourism Day” event speakers will include Bryan Daniels, Blount Partnership’s President and CEO; Vater, Blount Partnership’s Director of Tourism; and Dave Jones, the State of Tennessee Department of Tourist Development’s East Tennessee Regional Manager.
The public, Blount Partnership members, special guests, and area media, are invited to attend.

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Media Contact:
Erin Freeman, Ackermann PR
Phone: (865) 584-0550
efreeman@ackermannpr.com

Knoxville, Tenn. –

ORNL Federal Credit Union, East Tennessee’s largest credit union with 32 branches and more than 157,000 members in 16 counties, has shown as much support as anyone for the Knoxville Force since the team’s inception – this marking their 3^rd consecutive year as the title sponsor.

“Soccer and the Knoxville Force appeal to a broad and diverse population of the Knoxville community,” said Melodie Godfrey, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, ORNL Federal Credit Union. “We are proud to be the preferred credit union in East Tennessee by delivering financial services to more than 157,000 members from all walks of life – many of whom enjoy soccer.”

“The Knoxville Force is a newer franchise, but the team continues to have a positive impact on the community through its exciting play and commitment to promoting character and values. Like the Knoxville Force, we believe in delivering quality services and building lasting relationships with the members of this community, and we see great potential to enhance ORNL Federal Credit Union’s presence and visibility through this sponsorship.”

Owned and operated by Knoxville Soccer LLC, the Knoxville Force is starting its 3^rd season in the National Premier Soccer League’s (NPSL) Southeast Conference. The team and league showcases some of the region’s top collegiate players as well as national and international collegiate players, and former professional soccer players, including select University of Tennessee Volunteers. The Knoxville Force plays all of its home games at the University of Tennessee’s Regal Stadium.

“We’re looking forward to sharing another successful season with ORNL Federal Credit Union, an organization that has an impressive reputation in the Knoxville community,” said Jason Goss, General Manager of Knoxville Soccer LLC.

The regular season for the Knoxville Force starts on Saturday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Regal Stadium and will include anywhere from 10 to 16 games – concluding with playoffs and regional and national championship matches at the end of July. The full 2013 schedule will be released soon.

For more information, to purchase tickets or shop for merchandise, fans can visit www.knoxvilleforce.com.

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About Knoxville Soccer LLC

The Knoxville Force and Knoxville Lady Force are owned and operated by Knoxville Soccer LLC, a Knoxville-based sports business. The mission of Knoxville Soccer LLC is to serve as a focal point for social change by offering soccer programs and projects that enhance the health and well-being of a broad and diverse population of the Knoxville community. Through the formation and fielding of professional men’s and women’s soccer teams in the Knoxville area, Knoxville Soccer LLC offers soccer programs and projects that enhance the health and well-being of a broad and diverse population of our community, including the underprivileged youth living in high-risk areas and under-represented social and ethnic groups.

About ORNL Federal Credit Union

ORNL Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative locally owned and operated by its members for the benefit of all who belong.  Established in 1948 with 10 founding members, ORNL Federal Credit Union’s assets have grown to over $1.43 billion and membership has grown to over 157,000.  Open to all businesses and anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in the 16 counties of Central East Tennessee, ORNL Federal Credit Union currently serves members in 32 branches located throughout Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Hamblen, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Roane, Sevier and Union counties. For more information on ORNL FCU, visit www.ORNLFCU.com.

KNOXVILLE

Research shows that when homeowners consider termite treatment options, they indicate a high level of concern about the use of chemicals in and
around their homes and the environmental implications.¹ This, coupled with the fact that, right now, in many parts of the United States including Knoxville, subterranean termites are “swarming,” leaving their colonies to form new ones, is putting a great deal of pressure on local termite protection businesses like Russell’s Pest Control.

“It is a priority for us to bring revolutionary technology that is both environmentally safe and effective to our customers,” said Mark Nadolski, owner of Russell’s Pest Control. “We offer the Sentricon® Termite Colony Elimination System, because it is the best protection from termites and is an alternative to liquid chemical treatments. The Sentricon System offers the full package – it eliminates the colony, is limited in the environment and is less intrusive to homeowners.”

In part to encourage and recognize the development of pesticides with lower environmental impact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently created the Reduced Risk Pesticide Initiative, a program that expedites the review and regulatory decision-making process of pesticides that pose fewer risks to human health and the environment than existing conventional alternatives.

As a result, many homeowners are now “going green” by selecting an alternative to liquid chemical treatments — the Sentricon^® Termite Colony Elimination System is the first termite baiting technology that has been made available to homeowners.  The premier bait used in the Sentricon System was the first termite treatment active ingredient accepted for registration by the EPA’s Reduced Risk Pesticide Initiative. The Sentricon System is environmentally responsible because it uses just grams of termite bait to eliminate entire termite colonies, not just individual termites. It is also the only termite control product ever to receive the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award, one of the U.S. government’s top environmental honors.  The award, presented by the EPA on behalf of the President, recognizes technical innovation that incorporates the principles of green chemistry into design, manufacture and use.

Homeowners can visit www.sentricon.com to determine if their homes are at risk for termite infestations and learn more about environmentally responsible termite control, or contact Russell’s Pest Control for expert advice and information at 865-584-8549 or www.russellspest.com.

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1 Jefferson Davis Associates

About Russell’s Pest Control

Russell’s Pest Control is a Knoxville-based company that provides high-quality pest control services for homes and businesses.  The company has built its reputation by delivering outstanding customer service and employee excellence.  For more information regarding Russell’s Pest Control, visit www.russellspest.com.

Knoxville

“We are happy to welcome two of the most trusted financial service providers in all of East Tennessee,” said Mike McGuffin, a partner with CHM, LLC. “It’s no secret why they have chosen to expand their presence here…the vision of the center is coming to fruition. We are experiencing continued momentum and increased interest from many restaurants and retailers across the area, not to mention the positive feedback that we’re receiving from our current tenants.”

The new branch of First Tennessee, a part of the First Horizon National Corporation family of companies, will be the community-focused regional bank’s 35^th location in Knoxville and surrounding areas. “We have been serving customers in the Northshore area for more than 15 years, and we are excited about the opportunity to continue our service to them in the new location in the Northshore Town Center,” said Pam Fansler, East Region President, First Tennessee Bank.

Meanwhile, ORNL Federal Credit Union, another large financial services provider, will also open a new branch location in Northshore Town Center, marking its 33^rd office in the greater Knoxville area. ORNL FCU provides financial services to businesses and individuals, who live, work, worship, or attend school in the 16 counties of Central East Tennessee. “ORNL Federal Credit Union’s planned branch in Northshore Town Center is part of our continued focus on delivering enhanced value to our members and the communities we serve, “ said Chris Johnson, CEO and President, ORNL Federal Credit Union . “We are excited to be part of this dynamic center and look forward to delivering our product and services with greater convenience to better meet the financial needs of our more than 157,000 members.”

These two financial institutions will join, Uncle Maddio’s, the fastest-growing fast casual pizza restaurant in the Southeast, who is scheduled to open its first Tennessee location at Northshore Town Center later this spring. Uncle Maddio’s offers made-to-order pizzas, toasted paninis, and gourmet salads prepared with fresh ingredients and dressings that are made daily.

Retailers already featured in Northshore Town Center include Barre3, The Nail Spa, Froyoz, Fusion Tanning Studios, Five Guys and Great Clips in addition to Target and Publix.

Northshore Town Center is a 134-acre site located at Pellissippi Parkway and Northshore Drive. The development’s master plan anticipates retailers, restaurants, entertainment, office space, plus single-family homes, multi-family homes, apartments, condos and townhomes, all complemented by a five-acre lake. In addition, Northshore Elementary will open this fall and accommodate nearly 1,000 students.

Northshore Town Center is being developed by Northshore Market Investors, led by CHM, LLC, a Knoxville-based development team.  Members of the team include Budd Cullom, Jim Harrison and Mike McGuffin.

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

Knoxville, Tenn. –

“During these Love Worth Fighting For events we focus on all areas of personal and spiritual relationships and truly seek to help people in all stages of life – from teenagers, and single adults to newly married couples and longtime spouses,” said Cameron.

As the featured speaker for the Love Worth Fighting For conference, Cameron has proven to draw large crowds, with a number of the early stops in 2013 selling out and more than 65,000 people attending last year’s tour.  According to conference organizers, tickets are currently still available for the Knoxville event, but if recent shows are any indication, this stop could quickly sell out.

“We are excited to share this event with the people of Knoxville,” added Cameron. “Those attending will be a part of something very special, as we will turn the movie into a LIVE experience.”

The tour will be making more than 30 stops across the country including events in Alabama, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Missouri, Texas and Georgia.  Tickets range from $20 to $35 each and are available as reserved seats or general admission for singles, couples and groups of 10 or more.

For more information about Feed Your Faith’s Love Worth Fighting For tour featuring Cameron and Barfield, or to order your tickets, visit www.feedyourfaith.org.

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About Kirk Cameron
Kirk Cameron is a television and film actor and producer noted most recently for his work in the inspiring documentary film Monumental: In Search of America’s National Treasure.  He is also known for his memorable performance in the film, Fireproof (the highest grossing independent film of 2008), his roles on ABC’s Growing Pains, the Left Behind movies, and as co-host of The Way of the Master.

His passion is to help people live in freedom and grace, fully devoted to faith in Jesus Christ.  Kirk and his bride, Chelsea, are the founders of Camp Firefly, an all expenses paid retreat for seriously ill children and their families. Together, they live in California with their six children, three dogs, and two dozen chickens.

About Warren Barfield
North Carolina-born singer/songwriter Warren Barfield is on a mission to make the truly important things important again in his life. Things like faith, love, marriage, children, truth and with his songs, he challenges us all to do the same. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “If a man hasn’t discovered something that he will die for, he isn’t fit to live.” Warren has found those things in his faith, his wife, and his belief in love. “These are the things I would die for; things I will wake up every morning and spend my day fighting for.”

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