Tag: Chamber of Commerce

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Tennessee Department of Transportation Interim Commissioner Joe Galbato today released TDOT’s annual three-year transportation program, featuring just over $3.6 billion in infrastructure investments for 58 individual project phases in 34 counties across the state. The program supports Governor Lee’s first Executive Order by funding work on 22 highway and bridge projects in economically distressed and at-risk counties.

“Investing in infrastructure is an important part of driving economic opportunity throughout our state,” Governor Lee said. “In addition to core transportation program funding, we’ve added $519 million in General Fund dollars for new transportation investments supporting job creation in Tennessee.”

The program emphasizes the repair and replacement of bridges, with activities beginning on 34 structures in 17 counties. Nine of those bridges are on the state highway system, with the other 25 on local roads.

The comprehensive program also continues to build on the IMPROVE Act’s progress, which provides for infrastructure investments in all 95 counties. This year’s program budgets dollars for 92 of the 962 projects identified in the 2017 legislation. And through the General Fund allocation to the department, three programs supporting 22 additional projects are funded in the state budget.

Construction will begin in FY 2023 on several critical transportation projects across the state:

·       Knox – Blount Counties, Relocated Alcoa Highway (SR 115/US 129)

·       Hamilton County, I-75 Interchange Modification at Hamilton Place Mall

·       Davidson County, Nolensville Pike from Old Hickory Boulevard to Mill Creek (SR 11/US 31A)

·       Trousdale County, North of SR 10 to near Cedar Bluff Road Intersection (SR 141)

·       Benton County, Camden Bypass to Tennessee River (SR 1/US 70)

·       Haywood County, SR 194 (Blue Oval City)

Besides the 2023 budgeted program, partial plans for 2024 and 2025 are included for planning. The comprehensive multimodal program contains components for rail, waterway, and aviation projects, funds statewide initiatives to improve safety, and addresses congestion through our HELP & Incident Management Programs. It also provides funding for transit agencies in all 95 counties supporting both rural and urban transit services throughout Tennessee.

You can view a complete list of projects and programs funded through the 2023-2025 three-year multimodal program on the TDOT website.

Cirrus Aircraft today announced another strong year of new aircraft deliveries in 2021 with the SR Series maintaining its status as the best-selling, high-performance piston aircraft for the twentieth year in a row and the Vision Jet® as the best-selling jet in personal aviation for the third year in a row. In addition to delivering 442 SR Series aircraft and 86 Vision Jets in 2021, Cirrus Aircraft announced the G2+

Vision Jet, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and UK certification for Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland, expanded its Cirrus Services™ community and offerings, and delivered the first of five TRAC SR20s to Kansas State University Salina Aerospace and Technology Campus (K- State). Cirrus Aircraft also grew its national footprint for premium flight training, aircraft management, factory service and concierge customer experiences.

“Our team has accomplished incredible milestones this past year. Not only did we reach a 13- year high of new aircraft deliveries, but we also introduced new innovations within the SR Series and Vision Jet product lines and increased connectivity between pilot and aircraft by growing the Cirrus IQ ecosystem,” said Zean Nielsen, CEO of Cirrus Aircraft. “In 2022, we are continuing to invest in our people, products and services to constantly elevate the ownership experience.”

Cirrus Aircraft is dedicated to simplifying and innovating the personal aviation industry through its products and services. As the best-selling manufacturer within its respective categories, the 

company continues to introduce more people to aviation through its premium aircraft ownership and flight training experiences every year.

To date, Cirrus Aircraft has delivered over 8,500 SR Series aircraft. This last year marks the eight consecutive year the company delivered more than 300 SR Series aircraft. Additionally, the Vision Jet has surpassed 330 deliveries since 2016. Over 650 pilots have now earned their FAA type rating in the Vision Jet.

The SR Series Leads the Personal Aviation Market for Two Decades

In January 2022, the company announced the newest SR Series featuring enhanced conveniences, optimized aerodynamics for greater fuel efficiency and more aesthetics options. These aircraft refinements signify another milestone in creating world-class, personal aviation experiences.

Extending its growing university partner network, Cirrus Aircraft supplied K-State with a new fleet of five TRAC SR20s for advanced pilot training. K-State took its first delivery in December with plans to receive the four remaining aircraft this year. The TRAC Series offers a sophisticated flight deck, managed workload and extended training opportunities to prepare pilots for transport category aircraft.

Today, the SR Series serves personal, business and flight training needs in more than 60 countries with total flight time exceeding 13 million flight hours.

The Vision Jet Gains EASA and UK Certification

In partnership with Garmin® International, Inc., Cirrus Aircraft announced its Vision Jet Safe Return Emergency Autoland received type certificate approval from the EASA as well as UK certification. In July, the company released the G2+ Vision Jet with optimized engine performance for expanded mission capabilities, Gogo® InFlight WiFi for a connected cabin experience and new aesthetic options. Additional country certifications will be announced as more G2+ Vision Jet deliveries are scheduled.

First delivered in 2016, the Vision Jet is the world’s first single-engine Personal Jet™ that ushered in a new era of personal transportation where jet speed, luxury comfort and convenience were made accessible. Every Vision Jet incorporates the revolutionary Cirrus Airframe Parachute System® and Safe Return Emergency Autoland, both prestigiously awarded the Robert J. Collier trophy.

Introducing More People to Cirrus Services

Cirrus Aircraft expanded and invested in the tools to attract and invite new people to personal aviation and prepare them for a lasting Cirrus Life™ experience.

Through Cirrus Approach, the industry-recognized flight training program, the company provides a framework for pilots to continuously learn and engage. The company promoted its “Takeoffs and Landings” course to provide in-depth, digital instruction on procedures to learn safe, predictable and repeatable skills. In 2021, Cirrus Approach grew to 8,042 users, a 47% increase, comprising primarily of pilots from the United States, Australia and Germany.

Designed to help ensure a safe transition for new, pre-flown Cirrus aircraft owners, Cirrus Embark welcomed 892 new customers in 2021 to experience the complimentary Cirrus- branded transition training with a 21% increase in course completion.

Cirrus Aircraft continues to lead the way in the connected aircraft space with the Cirrus IQ mobile app that enables remote communication between the aircraft and pilot. In 2021, Cirrus IQ added the Tech Pubs and Find Us features for an enhanced ownership experience with over

750 aircraft and 2,000 users enrolled.

Aircraft Innovation and Demand Spur Footprint Growth

Cirrus Aircraft opened doors to its new Chandler and McKinney Innovation Centers ramping up engineering and technical services. The company added Cirrus-owned Flight Training and Service Centers in Greater Dallas and Greater Orlando, as well as a new third-party flight training and a service center in Greater Phoenix.

Duluth remains Cirrus Aircraft’s headquarters and largest operation with plans to expand its production facilities and Innovation Center into additional space on the Duluth Airport.

In Benton Harbor, Michigan, Cirrus Aircraft acquired the assets of Flying Colors Aviation, Inc. to increase paint production capabilities on a wide range of complex, custom graphics packages for its customers. The company plans to expand the current facility and is hiring experienced painters and detail personnel.

Cirrus Aircraft is hiring approximately 400 new positions across all locations this year. To learn more about the exciting career opportunities, please visit: cirrusaircraft.com/careers.

The respected national financial magazine Forbes released its list of America’s Best Large Employers earlier this month, and while a number of East Tennessee businesses made the cut, two in particular may have caught the eye of Blount County readers: Rockford-based Flex-N-Gate, and Maryville manufacturer DENSO.

According to Forbes, which leaned on market research firm Statista to compile the list, 60,000 Americans working for businesses with at least 1,000 employees were surveyed.

Read more from The Daily Times.

Pellissippi State Community College has received a second round of funding to enhance its College to Career Collaboratives in Knox and Blount counties. 

Gov. Bill Lee announced Nov. 18 the second round of the Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) program, which prioritizes learning opportunities in rural counties and enhances career and technical education statewide. The first round of GIVE funding in 2019 served an estimated 8,000 students, and this second round will serve an estimated 7,500 students. 

Among the 13 projects funded in East Tennessee are Pellissippi State’s Advanced Manufacturing and Information Technology College to Career Collaboratives. The $786,284 GIVE 2.0 grant will expand the Advanced Manufacturing program already underway in Blount County to Knox County, while the $994,164 GIVE 2.0 grant will expand the Information Technology program already underway in Knox County to Blount County. 

“We have experienced great satisfaction as we have helped to inform students to see all the career possibilities in manufacturing and construction,” said Jon Gilbert, work-based learning director for Pellissippi State’s Business and Community Services. “Building relationships with the schools and industry partners and helping to connect all relevant parties strengthens the entire community and the developing workforce.” 

GIVE 1.0 focused on advanced manufacturing and construction career pathways for Blount County. To date, the grant enabled Pellissippi State to 

• Purchase needed equipment for Blount County, Alcoa City and Maryville City schools, including electrical trainers and precision measurement equipment; 
• Provide hands-on learning experiences for more than 100 students through camps and workshops in welding, electrical, machining, electrical engineering, robotics and construction; 
• Facilitate tours of local manufacturing plants, providing a first-hand look at what careers in these fields would involve; and 
• Provide resources for Pellissippi State students to receive National Institute for Metalworking Skills certifications and for Pellissippi State instructors to enhance their skills through externships with Denso. 

GIVE 2.0 will expand the advanced manufacturing career pathway into Knox County. Some of the key elements will be:  

• Providing Advanced Manufacturing interactive career awareness and exploration activities in up to six middle schools; 
• Providing Certified Production Technician training and camps to support the needs of local employers for skilled employees; 
• Working with industry partners to develop and facilitate work-based learning opportunities for Knox County students; and 
• Partnering with high schools to develop manufacturing dual enrollment course opportunities.

In Knox County, GIVE 1.0 focused on increasing the number of students who enroll in and complete Information Technology-related degrees and certifications in Pellissippi State’s Computer Information Technology programs, which include concentrations in Cybersecurity, Networking, Programming and Systems Administration and Management. A key component included embedding industry recognized credentials into Pellissippi State’s IT associate degrees. 

GIVE 1.0 also engaged high school students with industry partners and faculty in a systematic and significant way. Examples include 

• Saturday Clubs for middle and high school students, taught by Pellissippi State faculty, on topics such as Introduction to Programming, Internet of Things and Principals of Cybersecurity; 
• Summer camps including two programming camps (one in coordination with Centro Hispano), an IT Fundamentals and Coding class in partnership with Project GRAD and a two-week Raspberry Pi camp in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley; 
• A series of virtual “Day in the Life” events with industry partners, highlighting careers within each of Pellissippi State’s Computer Information Technology concentrations; and 
• Placing 10 high school students in IT-related summer internships with local businesses. 

GIVE 2.0 will expand the information technology pathway into Knox County. Some of the key elements will be: 

• Expanding IT career pathway programs, including the development of IT 4+1 plans with partner high schools that allow students to work toward their associate degrees over the course of their high school years, finishing with just one additional year of college after high school;  
• Implementing a collaborative, meaningful and structured work-based learning continuum that begins in middle school and continues through completion of postsecondary credentials; and  
• Expanding access to in-demand industry recognized certification testing. 

“We are thrilled to expand our services into Blount County and continue our work making IT career pathways accessible to students from underrepresented populations,” said Rebecca McDonough, work-based learning director for Business and Computer Technology. “We are thankful to our IT industry partners who have invested in the next generation of local IT workforce through this type of community outreach and look forward to building new relationships in Blount County.” 

The GIVE grants are administered by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), and the award process began in July 2021 with the release of a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP). Each proposal was required to show local data that clearly identified both workforce needs and a sustainable plan utilizing equipment, work-based learning experiences, or recognized industry certifications to increase the state’s competitiveness and postsecondary attainment goals. 

For more information about Pellissippi State, visit www.pstcc.edu or call 865.694.6400.

After more than a decade of planning and construction, Runway 5L-23R is now open for air traffic, making McGhee Tyson Airport a two-runway airport once again.

“The opening of this new runway is a significant accomplishment for our airport system and allows us to build upon our $2.1 billion economic impact to the community as well,” said Patrick Wilson, A.A.E., President of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority. “The length of the new runway allows aircraft the opportunity to carry more fuel and passengers for longer distances, which is critical for future development. Our airline and airport partners have continued to invest in our region by offering new flights and services, so we are honored to provide them with this new infrastructure, which will support their future missions and capabilities from McGhee Tyson Airport.”

The scope of this runway reconstruction project is unlike any other that has been performed at McGhee Tyson Airport, making it the largest construction project in the airport’s 84-year history. The project involved relocating a city roadway; moving more than 1 million cubic yards of earth; completely replacing the storm drain system; relocating a gas main; installing new, LED lighting circuits for more than 5,000 airfield lights; lengthening the new runway to 10,000ft; and installing an ILS system on the outboard runway. All of that was successfully completed while also being able to recycle 100% of the concrete in the previous runway to use as filler in the new runway, which helped to reduce the project’s environmental output.

This multi-phased runway reconstruction project totaled approximately $134 million and was funded by multiple partners, including the Federal Aviation Administration, the Tennessee Department of Transportation, the Air National Guard Bureau, and the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority. 

“This runway reconstruction is the largest of several projects included in the Airfield Modernization Plan, which is aimed at improving the capabilities and convenience of McGhee Tyson Airport for decades to come,” said Brian Simmons, Chairman of the MKAA Board of Commissioners. “Each project plays a significant role in our ability to remain competitive for air service, bring new jobs to our region through tenant recruitment, and provide passengers with a quality experience when flying into and out of the airport.”

The MKAA would like to thank CHA Consulting; Michael Baker International; Cannon & Cannon, Inc.; S&ME; Holt Consulting; McGuiness Unlimited; Eutaw Construction Company; and The Harper Company; plus several experienced subcontractor, all who have been instrumental in the success of this project.

Smith & Wesson officially broke ground on its new East Tennessee home located in Partnership Park North in Maryville.

Joined by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bob Rolfe and local elected officials, Smith & Wesson President/CEO Mark Smith announced that the 240-acre campus, located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee, is the new home for the U.S.-based leader in firearms manufacturing and design. Smith & Wesson is locating its headquarters and other major operations on the site.

“I have no doubt whatsoever that our culture and our company will continue to thrive here,” said Smith. “Not just because our culture will be welcomed, but because it will be strengthened by being here.”

“Great American companies like Smith & Wesson, who had the option to relocate anywhere in the nation, chose the best state in America and that’s Tennessee,” said Lee.

Founded in 1852, Smith & Wesson is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and designers of firearms. They manufacture a wide array of handguns (including revolvers and pistols), long guns (including modern sporting rifles, bolt action rifles, and shotguns), handcuffs, suppressors, and other firearm-related products for sale to a wide variety of customers, including firearm enthusiasts, collectors, hunters, sportsmen, competitive shooters, individuals desiring home and personal protection, law enforcement and security agencies and officers, and military agencies in the United States and throughout the world.

 Smith & Wesson joins more than 20 small arms and ammunition manufacturers located in Tennessee. Tennessee ranks No. 1 in the nation for employment in the small arms and ammunition sector, with employment increasing by 54% over the last five years.

The Nominating Committee of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) has elected Bryan Daniels, CEcD, CCE, IOM, President & CEO of The Blount Partnership, to serve as Chair of the Planning and Business Development Committee of the IEDC Board of Directors. The process took place during the annual board meeting on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, at IEDC’s 2021 Annual Conference in Nashville, TN. The upcoming term begins on January 1, 2022.

“We look forward to Daniels’ leadership as Chair of the Planning and Business Development Committee,” said 2021 IEDC Board Chair and President and CEO of Invest Buffalo Niagara, Tom Kucharski. “Their new leadership role will ensure great accomplishments in 2022 and beyond.”  

“We are very pleased with the credentials and commitment to economic development of our new board. They will help lead the International Economic Development Council to the future of this profession.” added IEDC President and CEO Jeff Finkle.

“I’m very honored to be selected for this position,” said Daniels. “It’s been a privilege to serve on the IEDC Board of Directors and I’m looking forward to leading this committee as we put forth a plan that will enable IEDC to address strategic issues in today’s rapidly changing world.”

In 2010, Daniels was named President and CEO of the Blount Partnership.  The Partnership is comprised of The Blount County Chamber of Commerce, Blount County Economic Development Board, the Smoky Mountain Tourism Development Authority, and the Blount Chamber Foundation.  The 24-person staff is responsible for all economic development activities within the jurisdictional boarders of Blount County and the cities of Alcoa, Maryville, Townsend, Rockford, Friendsville, and Louisville.