DOWNTOWN KNOXVILLE - Knoxville Chamber of Commerce

The Place to Be
DOWNTOWN
KNOXVILLE
A CENTER FOR
THE ARTS
A P U B L I C A T I O N O F T H E K N O X V I L L E C H A M B E R

This publication is proudly produced by:
Contents
10 Business Portfolio
Diverse businesses drive area economy.
12 Hang Your Hat
Why its great to live in Knox County.
14 Vital Signs
Community healthcare at its finest.
18 Report Card
Our schools are at the top of the class.
22 Stage & Canvas
Discover our art scene and heritage.
26 Homefield Advantage
Where to go to get active and play.
28 Outdoor Adventure
The thrill of the great outdoors.
30 The 411
Important community information.
The Place to Be
Downtown Knoxville | Pg. 6
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Index Of Advertisers
AT&T 21
BB&T 13
Best Western - Cedar Bluff 8
Coldwell Banker Wallace &
Wallace - Vick Dyer 16
Coldwell Banker, Wallace &
Wallace - Sherry Wallace Barry 20
First Choice Community
Credit Union 11
Friedman’s Appliances 24
Hampton
Inn & Suites Inside Front Cover
Home Federal Bank 29
Innovation Valley 5
Knoxville
Convention Center Back Cover
Knoxville News Sentinel 11
Knoxville TVA Employees
Credit Union 15
Lincoln Memorial Univeristy 20
Marriott Hotels at Cedar Bluff 17
Nova Information Systems 24
ORNL Federal Credit Union 9
Pellissippi State Technical
Community College 19
Realty Executives - Judi Starliper 25
Saddlebrook Homebuilders, LLC 3
Smokey Mountain Mortgage 23
St. Mary’s Health System 15
Tennessee State Bank 16
Tennessee Valley Authority 27
Weichert Realtors Inside Back Cover
West Knox Realty 23
Keith Krayanek Bookkeeper
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Valerie Freeman Administrative Assistant
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Knoxville Chamber of Commerce by SouthComm
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Knoxville Chamber

Downtown
The Place to Be
Downtown Knox ville
Scences from
downtown Knoxville
display an array
of things to do
and see.

Downtown
The recent residential growth
of downtown Knoxville has
been tremendous as
developers turn a succession of
historic buildings into attractive
homes, condominiums and lofts.
The downtown area has drawn more than 1,800 residents and grown
by 40 percent over the past couple of years, according to Michele Hummel,
director of the Downtown Knoxville Central Business Improvement District.
“I am a downtown resident and love the lifestyle,” says Hummel. “It
is great to be able to take my daughter for a stroll, walk to the bank, the
YMCA and the dry cleaners.”
The city center is attracting an eclectic mix of residents, from students
(due to the proximity to the University of Tennessee campus virtually
nextdoor) to young professionals to empty nesters.
Hummel lives in the Gallery Lofts because of the unique architecture.
“It’s great to have exposed brick combined with high ceilings,” she says. “It’s
an old building with new conveniences. The ambiance is almost impossible
to recreate with modern construction.”
Hummel’s home is located above the new Mast General Store that
opened in August 2006 on Gay Street. The Knoxville location of the
popular Southern merchandiser has an interesting mix of unique, nostalgic
items — mercantile goods, outdoor gear and big barrels of candy.
A new cinema will open in downtown Knoxville during the summer
of 2007 and is expected to attract further attention to downtown. “Having
the ability on evenings — or weekends — to park in one of the downtown
garages for free, walk to dinner, have a coffee or a drink after a movie or
perhaps shop at the many great retailers is very appealing,” says Hummel.
In addition, the downtown area offers a free concert series, Sundown
in the City, throughout the warmer months. Sundown began as a single
show, but today’s schedule of free concerts is cited as a catalyst for
revitalizing the downtown area. “Sundown in the City has been a great
event that has grown tremendously through the years,” says Hummel. “It
is presently celebrating its 10th year.” Concerts are staged every Thursday
night April through July.
Downtown Knoxville is also home to gorgeous theaters. Most
prominent is the Tennessee Theatre, located in the heart of the area. The
theater is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been
honored as the Official State Theatre of Tennessee. It offers a little bit of
everything, including classical music, popular music by today’s well-known
performers, vintage films, theater and dance. The facility underwent a $22
million renovation between 2003 and 2004, and the five Czechoslovakian
chandeliers in the lobby, alone, are valued at around $750,000.
The newly renovated Bijou Theater is another major draw. It dates
back to 1909 and its stage has been graced by such performers as Groucho
Knoxville Chamber

Downtown
Sundown in the city, offering free concerts on Thursday nights April through July, is presently in its 10th year.
Marx, Dizzy Gillespie, Mel Torme and Wynton Marsalis.
Housed in the fourth-oldest building in Knoxville, the
Bijou contains 700 seats and is operated by the Historic
Tennessee Theatre Foundation.
Knoxville’s Central Business Improvement District
(CBIC) was created in 1993 to make the downtown area a
better place to live, work and play. The CBIC covers more
than 400 city blocks within one square mile. It has four
areas of focus: economic development, marketing and
events, parking and transportation, and security.
The CBIC works with developers on renovation
projects in addition to promoting and sponsoring area
events. It also works to ensure that there’s plenty of parking
for the residents as well as employees of local businesses.
The Knoxville Chamber is located on Market Street,
right in the heart of the area. The Chamber selected the
location due to its convenient spot for member access. “The
chamber’s office is a one-stop shop for everyone, no matter
what they’re interested in,” says Hummel.
The Chamber’s office holds a Small Business Center,
the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and other services for
business, residents and tourists. The CBIC’s offices are even
housed with the Chamber.
“It’s great synergy having everything all together,”
Hummel asserts. “It’s a great asset because we’re all focused
on working on projects together for the good of Knoxville.”
ORNL Metals and Ceramics division staff member Laura Riester adjusts a specimen to
study its elastic properties using resonant ultrasound (RUS).
Knoxville Chamber

Downtown
Knoxville Chamber

B U S I N E S S
P O R T F O L I O
Image courtesy of SYSCO Corporation
A rendering of the SYSCO Corporation building. SYSCO will employ 300 people at their Knoxville location.
A New Site for SYSCO
F o o d - S e r v i c e G i a n t S t i r s T h i n g s U p W i t h a S t at e - o f - t h e - A r t D i s t r i b u t i o n C e n t e r
SYSCO Corporation, the largest food-service
marketer and distributor in North America,
announced plans in 2006 to build a 300,000-
square-foot facility in Knoxville. The Houstonbased
company will invest $34.2 million in
the project and expects to open its new location in 2008,
employing 300 people at an average pay and benefits
total of approximately $56,000 per year.
“Having a Fortune 100 company plant its flag in the
heart of a revitalizing corridor is huge for Knoxville,”
says Doug Lawyer, director of economic development
for the Knoxville Chamber.
This project is a result of the Knoxville-Oak Ridge
Innovation Valley economic development efforts,
which focuses on the recruitment of new companies
to the region while also addressing retention and
expansion of existing businesses and promoting the
startup of new companies.
“While recruitment of new companies often
gets the most buzz, all are equally important in a
comprehensive economic development strategy,”
says Lawyer.
To serve its 400,000 customers, SYSCO currently
owns and operates 170 facilities across the United
States and Canada. The new development will include
refrigerated, frozen and dry warehouse space to
accommodate business interests in east Tennessee, north
Georgia, western North Carolina and western Virginia.
“The company chose Knoxville for two reasons,”
says Lawyer. “First, we are close to many of its existing
customers that were served by distribution centers threeplus
hours away and, second, this region as growing
rapidly, which made it a natural fit for its next facility. ■
SYSCO anticipates opening in Knoxville in 2008.
Knoxville Chamber

Knoxville Chamber

H A N G Y O U R H AT
Fountain City
H i s t o r i c A r e a N o w P o p u l a r S u b u r b a n N e i g h b o r h o o d
Visit the heart-shaped Fountain City Lake, also known as the Duck Pond.
Fountain City, one of Knoxville’s many
charming communities, is just inside the
northern city limits of Knoxville, nestled
between Black Oak Ridge to the north
and Sharps Ridge to the south. Until 1962,
Fountain City was said to be the largest unincorporated
city in the United States with a population of around
30,000. The region was then annexed into the city of
Knoxville, but the suburb maintained its own identity
Beautiful homes characterize Fountain City.
and remains a desirable place to live and work.
Between 1890 and 1905, The Fountain Head
Railway Company provided transportation between
Knoxville and Fountain City. It was during this
time that residents began moving to the area from
Knoxville, and though development was slow, it was
considered a boom for local real estate.
The Fountain Head Springs was a popular
destination for campers and also for religious
meetings. Heart-shaped Fountain
City Lake, also known as the Duck
Pond, was formed by the damming
of the spring in 1890. This region,
and nearby Fountain City Park,
are considered the center of the
Fountain City community.
“A lot of Fountain City families
have lived here for generations,”
says Bill Routh, an attorney in
Knoxville since 1983 and president
of the Fountain City Business and
Professional Association.
Perhaps that’s because of all of
the churches and beauty in the area.
Families can chose from numerous
places to congregate and on spring

days, they enjoy the blooming of the many dogwood
trees across the city.
Until 1962, fountain city was said
to be the largest unincorporated city
in the united states.
Though construction and development continue
today, green space is being preserved for future
generations. “A recent addition to the parks in
Fountain City is Adair Park, located approximately
4 miles away from Fountain City Park on West Adair
Drive,” Routh says. “A walking trail has been extended
from Adair Park to reach the base of McAnnally Ridge
and plans are to connect this trail with several other
important greenways being developed by Knoxville
and Knox County.” ■
Children play on a tire swing in Fountain City Park, the only park located in Fountain
City. Adair Park is located apporoximately 4 miles away.

V I TA L S I G N S
Tending to Tots
Area Hospitals Focus on Services for Children
Photos courtesy of East Tennessee Children’s Hospital
and the UT Medical Center
The entrance of the University of Tennessee Medical Center NICU.
The Knoxville region is known for its
excellent healthcare system, particularly
with respect to premature babies. At the
University of Tennessee Medical Center,
the 37-year-old Tom and Katherine Black
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) was renovated and
reopened in early 2007 as the only NICU in the region
with 24 individual private rooms and five twin rooms.
“As the only state-designated regional perinatal
center in east Tennessee, our NICU now features a
58-bed unit with both private rooms and the more
traditional open bay-care coves. The research has shown
that private rooms are medically advantageous for
premature infant care,” says Kim Massey, nurse manager
of the NICU.
The renovation cost $4.8 million and the facility,
which employs seven board-certified neonatologists and
111 nurses, admits and treats more than 700 patients
per year.
“In the new private rooms there is rubber flooring
and sound-dampening ceiling tiles to keep the noise
A Children’s Hospital pediatric emergency medicine specialist examines a patient in the
emergency department while a nurse stands by to assist.
level down,” says Massey. Lighting is specially
designed for adjustability and control by both parents
and staff. The hospital has taken these measures
because it believes that minimizing noise and lighting
has a very positive effect on premature babies’ growth
and development.
East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, located in
Knoxville, houses the Haslam Family Neonatal Intensive
Care Unit, with seven board-certified neonatologists and
Knoxville Chamber

107 nurses. The unit treats more than 600 newborns
each year, and 97 percent of those babies eventually go
home. The hospital has operated the NICU since 1980.
The most recent expansion and renovation
endeavor was completed in 2005, resulting in a 44-bed,
Level 3 NICU. “This project was part of a comprehensive
expansion and renovation project that took three years
at the hospital,” says Rudy McKinley, the hospital’s vice
president for operations.
Children’s Hospital, a private, not-for-profit, fullservice
facility, has been serving eastern Tennessee
for 70 years. It is certified by the state of Tennessee as
the region’s only comprehensive pediatric center. As
the only hospital in east Tennessee devoted solely to
children, it operates under one critically important
guideline—children are not small adults. Their needs
are unique and diverse.
The hospital offers a comprehensive list of
pediatric subspecialty services including critical care,
surgery, emergency medicine, urology, otolaryngology
(“ENT”), dentistry, hematology/oncology, neurosurgery,
orthopedics, radiology, endocrinology, cardiology,
neurology and adolescent gynecology.
St. Marys Health System has maternity services
and offers care for women with high-risk pregnancies.
It has delivered more than 10,000 babies since it began
operations in 1930. ■
A doctor and nurse walk an incubator down the hall at The University of Tennessee
Medical Center NICU. The unit just underwent a renovation that includes rubber
flooring and sound dampening ceiling tiles alongside 24 private rooms.
Knoxville Chamber

Knoxville Chamber

R E P O R T C A R D
Paving the Way for Pre-K
P r o g r a m G i v e s At - R i s k K i d s t h e O p p o r t u n i t y t o L e a r n
Photos courtesy of Knox County Schools
Children attending a lottery-funded Voluntary Pre-K Program.
For decades, the Knox County School
system has provided preschool programs
for students who live in areas with Title I
schools (which are allocated Federal funds
because of their high percentage
of underpriveledged children) and for those who
required special education services. In 2005, however,
Gov. Phil Bredesen initiated the lottery-funded
Voluntary Pre-K Program.
Today, the program is available across the state
for families who want the best for their children but
cannot afford to pay for preschool. It is particularly
Knoxville Chamber

Tennessee’s Voluntary Pre-K Program curriculum is age appropriate and the classes
are small—at about two adults per 15 students.
designed for those earning too much money to
qualify for Head Start, Tennessee’s education
initiative aimed specifically at low-income families.
Bredesen seeks to make the program available to
all 4-year-olds in the state, regardless of income or
at-risk factors, by 2011. “This is called universal pre-K
and is available in very few states at this time,” says
Carol Idol, a pre-K specialist.
“In Knox County, we currently have 13
classrooms in 10 locations,” Idol says. “Each
classroom enrolls 15-17 students. Ten of the classes
are funded by the state Department of Education and
three are funded locally through the Great Schools
Partnership and the United Way. Currently, the
Department of Education requires us to prioritize
enrollment of those children who would qualify to
receive free or reduced-price meals.”
T h e V o l u n ta r y P r e - K P r o g r a m i s
pa r t i c u l a r ly d e s i g n e d f o r t h o s e e a r n i n g
t o o m u c h m o n e y t o q ua l i f y f o r H e a d
S ta r t, T e n n e s s e e ’ s e d u c at i o n i n i t i at i v e
a i m e d s p e c i fi c a l ly at l o w - i n c o m e
fa m i l i e s .
The program has been extremely popular
because of the quality of its services. The teachers
are all certified in Early Childhood Education and
have bachelor’s degrees; six have advanced degrees,
including one doctorate. All teaching assistants

have early childhood experience, some with child
development associate degrees or associate degrees
in early childhood education; four have bachelor’s
degrees.
The program is research-based and addresses the
Tennessee Early Learning and Development Standards.
Activities throughout the day are age appropriate
and the classes are small, averaging two adults for
every 15 students. The staff receives ongoing quality
professional training by attending local, state and
national conferences sponsored by the National
Association for the Education of Young Children.
According to Idol, the rigors of kindergarten
are not what many adults remember as children.
Today, students come to kindergarten under many
preconditions or circumstances that may put them
at risk for a tough time throughout their learning
experience. These factors include family income,
language barriers, foster-care situations, abuse,
neglect and parents who are incarcerated or otherwise
absent. This program will help those kids to learn
social skills and build the basis for a strong academic
career that they might not otherwise have the
opportunity to develop.
“We will continue to support Gov. Bredesen in
his goal to establish universal pre-K,” says Idol. “Most
school districts partner with existing community
preschools and collaborate on services. We do not
want to undermine or cause private programs to lose
business but rather offer more choices to families in
need of quality pre-K.” ■
The Voluntary Pre-K Program provides early schooling for children who might not
otherwise have the opportunity to attend classes.
Knoxville Chamber

STAGE & CANVAS
David Butler is the new executive director of the Knoxville Museum of Art.
Museum Makeover
N e w D i r e c t o r E x pa n d s G a l l e r y H o r i z o n s
T
he Knoxville Museum of Art (KMA) has
a new executive director, David Butler, and
new, comprehensive plans for cultivating and
developing a variety of new exhibits.
“Already the place feels very different when you
walk in the door, and we will continue to make changes
and improvements,” says Butler, who previously served
as the director of the Ulrich Museum of Art at Wichita
State University from 2000 to 2006.
“I want to cement connections with and engage
this community by including significant local and
regional artists as well as incorporating more of the rich
craft tradition of this part of the world,” says Butler.
“To continue be successful in the Knoxville and East
Tennessee market, we have to expand our offerings. The
KMA has gotten considerable attention in the national
press for innovative programs and exhibitions, but that
doesn’t always translate into an increase in visitors.
“We will be working hard to make every visitor feel
well informed, as well as to provide them with a larger
menu of interpretive strategies, ranging from more
informative labels to iPod tours and more activities that
parents can do with children,” Butler continues.
In May, the museum reopened the children’s
Exploratory Gallery sponsored by the Knoxville
Junior League. Located on the building’s third floor,
renovations to the area provide a larger, brighter, more
inviting space for children to engage in interactive
activities and create their own art for display. ■
A portion of an exhibit at the Knoxville Museum of Art.
Knoxville Chamber

STAGE & CANVAS
A Center for the Arts
A l l i a n c e C r e at e s a n E m p o r i u m f o r A r e a A r t i s t s
The Emporium Center is a multi-use art
center housing 10 nonprofit arts and
culture organizations and 11 artists’
studios. It includes two galleries: the
Townsend Gallery, spanning more than
3,000 square feet, focusing on displays of visual art,
performance art, installation art, music and poetry; and
the Three Flights Up Gallery, which encompasses 1,600
square feet of space, specializing in exhibiting work in
2-D and 3-D media, as well as video.
The Emporium Center is a creation of the Arts and
Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville and is located at
the corner of Gay Street and Jackson Avenue, known
as the “100 Block” of Gay Street. The mission of the
alliance is to provide leadership, advocacy and promote
financial, creative and operational wellness for artists,
The Emporium Center in the “100 Block” of Gay Street in downtown Knoxville includes
galleries, artists’ studios, and the offices of several nonprofit organizations.
Knoxville Chamber

arts organizations and cultural institutions. The
center was in large part also designed to attract more
visitors downtown.
“We have a great amount of demand for all of
the spaces in the Emporium Center,” says Executive
Director Liza Zenni. “Most artists both create and
display their work in their studios. The Emporium
Center welcomes between 1,000 and 2,000 people
every month for First Friday celebrations and gallery
walks that originate at the Emporium Center and
radiate out about three blocks in each direction.”
The members of the Arts and Culture Alliance
of Greater Knoxville include artists, cultural
organizations, educators, public officials, business
people, civic leaders and regular citizens. “Although
our offices are located in the Arts and Culture Alliance’s
Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville, the positive
effects of the alliance’s programs extend to all parts of
the region,” says Zenni. “We help make life better for
people throughout our area by supporting and calling
attention to the many treasures in our local arts and
culture community.” ■
An artist painting at the Emporium Center. At the center, artists are able to create,
store and show their work.
Knoxville Chamber

Knoxville Chamber

H O M E F I E L D
A D VA N TA G E
Sweet Victory
A r e a ’ s S p o r t s O r g a n i z at i o n s H a v e a W i n n i n g R e p u t at i o n
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Oliver/UTSports.com
The University of Tennessee “Vols” football team is a strong SEC competitor.
If you’re a sports fan in Knoxville, switch off ESPN
and head out to see some great live action at games
regularly held around the area.
Knoxville is known for its orange and white. The
University of Tennessee (UT) football team is a national
powerhouse, often in the running for SEC and national
championships and attracting more than 105,000 fans
to their home games. Myriad elements have converged
to make this program a success, including great coaches
like Gen. Robert Neyland, Johnny Majors and now Head
Coach Phillip Fulmer.
In addition, the UT men’s basketball program has
begun a new era under the leadership of head basketball
coach Bruce Pearl. During his first season from 2005-
2006, the Volunteers won 22 games and the SEC Eastern
Division title with a 12-4 league record. Fans have taken
notice. UT’s average game attendance in 2006 was
17,954 — the fifth-highest average in the nation—and in
SEC games Tennessee averaged 20,796 fans per event.
Knoxville’s baseball team, the Tennessee Smokies,
also has a long and exciting history. Through various
stages, names and affiliations, the team has been
playing ball in Knoxville since 1896. Now the double-A
minor league affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks,
the team clinched the Southern League Eastern Division
Championship Series in 2004 by defeating Chattanooga
three games to one.
Knoxville boasts some relatively new teams as well.
Tennessee’s hockey team, the Knoxville Ice Bears, was
established in 2002 as a member of the Atlantic Coast
Hockey League. During the following season, the Ice
Bears moved into the new South Eastern Hockey
League and joined the Southern Professional Hockey
League (SPHL).
“The SPHL is a strong league, and any team can
beat any other team on any given day,” says Michael
Schiltz, director of fan relations/account executive for
the Knoxville Ice Bears. “With that in mind, the Ice
Bears players strive for nothing less than perfection. The
players on the team know it is an honor and privilege to
put on an Ice Bears sweater.”
The Knoxville Women’s Rugby Club, The Minx,
was founded even more recently — in January 2005.
The team has 20 members and plays 12 to 16 games
annually. “I think the strength of Knoxville Women’s
Rugby is found in its members’ dedication to the sport
and desire to play,” says Team Captain Sarah Deane.
“Rugby is a commitment.” ■
Knoxville Chamber

Knoxville Chamber

O U T D O O R
A D V E N T U R E
Take a Hike!
J o i n a C l u b a n d E x p l o r e O u r S p e c t a c u l a r A r e a o n F o o t
Wildlife along Little River Trail, a moderate path just about an hour outside of Knoxville.
Photo courtesy of SMHC member Lucinda Turbeville
There are miles upon miles of hiking trails
within a two- to three-hour driving radius
of Knoxville and approximately 800 miles
of trails within the Smoky Mountains.
It is the availability of these trails and the
gorgeous scenery that characterizes the region that
makes hiking a popular sport in Knoxville. The trails
typically include breathtaking views, wildflowers,
waterfalls, unpolluted streams, wildlife, huge trees and
skies devoid of light pollution.
“I think [the sport is popular] because there are
so many trails close to Knoxville — and many within
the metro area. These provide users with a means of
getting a workout while seeing something beautiful or
unusual,” says Mark Shipley, president of the Smoky
Mountains Hiking Club (SMHC). “Organized hikes and
trail work outings are also a great way to meet people
and develop lifelong friendships. Hiking is something
that a fairly wide range of people can do.”
SMHC offers a program of scheduled hikes and
work trips for trail maintenance. At least one hike is
planned for each weekend, as well as one on Wednesday.
“We have what would be referred to as ‘easy’ hikes and
we have some really tough hikes that will challenge
the most capable individuals. Our day-hike distances
can range from two to close to 20 miles,” says Shipley.
Members of the hiking club represent a wide range of
ages, many of whom are older than 50 and have been
with the club for many years. The minimum age is 16.
Work trips to the Appalachian Trail (AT), which
runs through the Smoky Mountains in nearby
Gatlinburg, are usually conducted on the first Saturday
of each month during the more temperate seasons of
the year. “Without trail maintenance there would clearly
be far less hiking and, I dare say, no SMHC. This is how
critical trail maintenance is to hiking and to our club,”
says Shipley. “The folks that do trail work are essential
and their efforts are much appreciated and cannot be
understated. Our trail work generally involves items
such as water bar cleaning, weed removal, removal
of blow downs, re-blazing along the AT, shelter and
privy maintenance.” ■
Knoxville Chamber

O U T D O O R
A D V E N T U R E
Park Life
N at u r a l A r e a s at t r a c t V i s i t o r s
Knox County Parks and Recreation
department manages 43 parks spread
across more than 2,500 acres, all
of which welcome an estimated two
million-plus visitors annually.
“I think people stay or move to Knoxville
because of our moderate climate and the natural
beauty of the area,” says Doug Bataille, senior director
of the department. “The foothills and mountains
are stunning every season. We are also a very fastgrowing
area and there is increasing concern about
keeping our natural beauty intact, which makes our
park system all the more important.”
“The vision for the park system is to create a
common ground of the community, a place where
everyone is welcome,” according to Bataille. “To
this end we try to provide a wide array of recreation
opportunities. Of course, we have the typical
complement of sports and picnic areas. Recently, we
have seen expansion into natural areas, dog parks
and skate parks. Our greenway system of trails is one
of the most popular facilities we provide.”
The greenways are especially well liked because
visitors can walk, run, bicycle, inline skate and
skateboard along paved paths that meander through
breathtaking scenery.
The department also hosts approximately 800
teams in 50 programs throughout its 15 athletic
facilities. Adult and youth leagues are available for
softball, baseball, basketball, football and soccer.
For a little less regimented fun, residents can enjoy
everything from boating, rugby, disc golf and sailing
to golf, tennis, volleyball and mountain biking in
every sector of Knox County. ■
Knoxville Chamber

T H E 4 1 1
Unless otherwise noted, all area codes
are 865.
Climate &
Geographical Facts
Average annual rainfall............. 47.14”
Average annual snowfall.............. 9.9”
Average summer temperature....75º F
Average winter temperature.......39º F
Knoxville metro area...... 2,225 sq. mi.
Emergency/Medical
In case of emergency, dial 911.
Baptist Health System*........632-5011
www.baptistoneword.org
Covenant Health*.................374-1000
www.covenanthealth.com
East Tennessee
Children’s Hospital*............. 541-8000
www.etch.com
Fire Department..................595-4480
www.cityofknoxville.org
Police Department................215-7229
www.cityofknoxville.org
St. Mary’s Health System*...545-8000
www.stmaryshealth.com
University of Tennessee
Medical Center*..................544-9000
www.utmedicalcenter.org
Newcomer
Information
Government
Local Government
Bill Haslam, Mayor of the
City of Knoxville....................215-2040
www.cityofknoxville.org
Mike Ragsdale,
Mayor of Knox County...........215-2005
www.knoxcounty.org
City Council...........................215-2075
City Help Line................................. 311
County Commission..............215-2534
County Help Line...... 215-HELP (4357)
Courthouse...........................215-2000
State Government
State Senators
www.legislature.state.tn.us
Tim Burchett.........................693-1902
Jamie Woodson................... 539-8683
Randy McNally..................... 483-5544
State Representatives
www.legislature.state.tn.us
Joseph Armstrong................532-6374
Harry Brooks................(615) 741-6879
Stacey Campfield.........(615) 741-2287
Bill Dunn.............................. 687-4904
Frank Niceley...............(615) 741-4419
Parker Strader..............(615) 741-2264
Harry Tindell........................ 524-7200
Federal Government
U.S. Senators
Lamar Alexander................. 545-4253
www.alexander.senate.gov
Photo courtesy of Lucinda Turbeville
Bob Corker.................. (423) 756-1994
www.corker.senate.gov
U.S. Representatives
Lincoln Davis (District 4)...... 354-3323
www.house.gov/lincolndavis
John J. Duncan, Jr.
(District 2)............................ 523-3772
www.house.gov/duncan
William L. Jenkin
(District 1)....................(423) 247-8161
www.house.gov/jenkins
Zach Wamp (District 3).........576-1976
www.house.gov/wamp
Registrations
Automobile
Drivers License ....................922-5216
New residents of Tennessee must acquire a
driver’s license within 30 days. Only a vision
test is required with a valid drivers license
from another state.
License Plates and
Registration.........................215-2385
New residents are required to register and
obtain Tennessee license plates for their
motor vehicles within 30 days at Knox
County Court’s Clerk’s office.
300 W. Main St., Suite 219
Voter Registration ........... 215-4239
All new residents may register to vote via the
internet at www.state.tn.us/sos/election/
outlines or in person at any driver’s license
examining station the Knox County Election
Commission office at the Old County
Courthouse Building.
300 W. Main St., Room 218
Education
Knox County
Board of Education.............. 594-1800
912 S. Gay St.
www.kcs.k12tn.net
University of Tennessee*......974-1000
www.utk.edu
Knoxville College*................524-6511
www.knoxvillecollege.edu
Pellissippi State Technical
Community College*...........694-6400
www.pstcc.edu
Utilities
Cable & Satellite Providers
Comcast*..............................637-5411
www.comcast.com
Knology of Knoxville*..........357-1000
www.knology.com
Gas & Electric
First Utility District of
Knox County*...................... 966-9741
Hallsdale Powell
Utility District*........................ 922-7547
Knox Chapman
Utility District*.................... 577-4497
Knoxville Utilities Board*.....524-2911
www.kub.org
Lenoir City Utilities Board*... 986-6591
www.lcub.com
Northeast Knox
Utility District*....................688-4070
Utilities Management
Federation, Inc.*.................. 690-2521
West Knox Utility District*... 690-2521
www.wkud.com
Telephone
AT&T*................................... 824-9900
www.att.com
Brooks Cabling and Telcom..671-2100
www.tntelcom.com
TDS Telecom*.......................671-2100
www.tdstelecom.com
Knology of Knoxville*..........357-1000
www.knology.com
US LEC of Tennessee, Inc.*....251-1000
www.uslec.com
Waste Management
City of Knoxville Dept.
of Solid Waste.......................215-2060
www.cityofknoxville.org
Recycling
City of Knoxville Dept.
of Solid Waste...................... 215-4688
www.cityofknoxville.org
Water & Sewage
First Utilities District*.......... 966-9741
Hallsdale-Powell
Utility District*............................922-7547
Knox Chapman
Utility District*........................577-4497
Knoxville Utilities Board*.....524-2911
www.kub.org
LeniorCity Utilities Board*.... 986-6591
www.lcub.com
Northeast Knox
Utilities District*...................... 689-7641
West Knox Utility District*......690-2521
www.wkud.com
*Proud members of the Knoxville Chamber.
17 Market Square, #201
Knoxville, TN 37902
(865) 637-4550 • (865) 523-2071 •
www.knoxvillechamber.com
Knoxville Chamber