News Releases

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., June 17, 2009 -- Thirty-eight East Tennessee farmers will be growing switchgrass for conversion to cellulosic ethanol as the University of Tennessee begins the second season of its switchgrass farmer incentive program.

Of the 38 farmers, 26 are new to the program; the rest also took part in 2008 and have added extra acreage for the 2009 growing season. A total of 1,901 acres in nine East Tennessee counties will be used to grow switchgrass this season. More than 2,600 acres have been enrolled in the program over the last two years.

Knoxville, Tenn. — Area educators have an opportunity to get a little schooling themselves this summer.

Partners in the regional economic development initiative Innovation Valley Inc. are launching “Educators in the Workplace Lunch & Learn” series this summer for teachers and guidance counselors in Blount, Knox, Loudon and Roane counties and Oak Ridge. The Lunch & Learn series is an opportunity for educators to meet with business people in a workplace setting.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Slamdot, Inc. (http://www.slamdot.com), announced this week that its founder, Sean Christman, was awarded the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the Knoxville Chamber Pinnacle Business Awards, held at the Knoxville Convention Center. The Young Entrepreneur Award honors a young professional age 40 or younger who is on track to be a top business and community leader.

LOUDON, Tenn., -- The economic downturn seems to have only strengthened after market exhaust manufacturer Maremont, located in Loudon, Tennessee. The facility has just ended a hiring cycle that has added 50 new workers and a second shift.

"Our aftermarket equipment allows individuals to drive their vehicles longer," said company owner Ken Banks. "That's especially important in times like these."

The recent hires bring Maremont's workforce here to about 350 employees.

"Spring is traditionally good for us," Banks said. "But these are permanent, not seasonal, hires."