For the second consecutive year, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. (NASDAQ: GMCR) has been ranked on Fortune’s annual list of the 100 Fastest-Growing Companies. GMCR ranked #2 overall on the list released today.

“We believe our strong performance is driven by our dedication to creating the ultimate coffee experience – with the fresh-brewed convenience and quality of the Keurig single-cup brewing system and our premium, branded specialty coffees including Green Mountain Coffee and Tully’s Coffee.”

GMCR was the highest-ranked consumer package goods company on the list, which includes profitable, publicly-held companies with at least $50 million in annual revenue. Companies are assessed by revenue growth rate, EPS growth rate, and three-year annualized total return to investors. Last month, GMCR reported its 11th consecutive quarter of better than 40 percent net sales growth. For the first nine months of fiscal 2010, the company has produced net sales growth of 70% over the prior year and excluding acquisition-related expenses, earnings per share growth of 89% over the same period for fiscal year 2009.

“We are pleased that our continued strong sales and earnings growth has once again placed us in such good company on Fortune’s Fastest-Growing Companies list,” said Lawrence J. Blanford, GMCR’s President and CEO. “We believe our strong performance is driven by our dedication to creating the ultimate coffee experience – with the fresh-brewed convenience and quality of the Keurig single-cup brewing system and our premium, branded specialty coffees including Green Mountain Coffee and Tully’s Coffee.”

On August 12 utility executives joined with business leaders, and federal, state and local officials to inaugurate a new one megawatt (1 MW) solar power system, the largest in Tennessee and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Region. Now online, the system is comprised of 4,608 Sharp® ND-224UC1 solar modules made in the company’s Memphis plant and was developed, designed and constructed by Natural Energy Group in conjunction with Efficient Energy of Tennessee, LLC (EETN), its integrator arm based in Powell, TN. EETN will also maintain the facility.

“This one megawatt solar project exemplifies Tennessee’s leadership in deploying solar power and developing clean energy technology solutions that will create good jobs and foster greater energy independence for our country,” said Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen. “I’m pleased to see continued investments like the one being celebrated in Knoxville today that are helping us create the clean energy economy of tomorrow.”

It is anticipated this solar power array will generate 1,198,920 kWh of clean, emissions free solar energy annually for the Knoxville Utility Board (KUB) grid. This represents the equivalent energy to power more than 120 average-sized American homes. The solar array will eliminate the CO2 / greenhouse gases that would otherwise be emitted by the consumption of 2,000 barrels of oil. In addition, the design, construction and maintenance of this system helped create dozens of new clean tech jobs in Knoxville, in addition the factory jobs that Sharp created at its Memphis plant.

“The City of Knoxville seeks to substantially increase the deployment of solar power in the area. Knoxville’s ‘Solar America Cities’ effort underscores our progress in working toward a sustainable solar infrastructure,” said Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam. “This initiative furthers our goal of bringing solar power into the mainstream.”

An existing building on the site will be converted to an education center that will include displays of real-time production data, design and installation information, mounting displays (helical piers, etc) and other educational items for public viewing. System construction began in May 2010, and was completed in July; it will be maintained by Efficient Energy of Tennessee, LLC.

“We are extremely proud to have completed and interconnected this signature Tennessee photovoltaic project, the largest in the TVA region, in less than six weeks with the support of the Knoxville Utility Board, TVA and Sharp,” noted Robbie Thomas, president of EETN. “Each organization went above and beyond to create a green energy solution that will set the standard for others across the country.”

During the dedication ceremony, a gold-plated Sharp ND-224UC1 panel was installed at the Knoxville site to commemorate a recent milestone—the two millionth solar module Sharp has manufactured at its Memphis facility. Brought online in 2003, the facility assembles a variety of solar panels for residential and commercial installations. Since coming online, the factory has increased production capacity, and its manufacturing staff has tripled. In total, the Memphis facility has produced enough solar modules to fully power more than 65,000 homes.

“We’re very proud of our collaboration with EETN in helping Tennessee further its sustainability and clean energy goals,” noted Ron Kenedi, vice president of Sharp Solar Energy Solutions Group. “Renewable energy projects such as this one, comprised of solar modules made in the U.S. at Sharp’s Memphis manufacturing plant, are not only healthy for our environment, they’re healthy for our economy as we help create new clean tech jobs in Tennessee and throughout the nation.”

“This is a historic moment for the state of Tennessee as we rapidly establish ourselves as a solar industry leader. In 2010 we have commissioned the first one million watt solar PV array, and Sharp produced two million solar panels in its Memphis Tennessee facility. We are very excited to have been involved in the achievement of these extraordinary milestones,” said Harvey Abouelata, vice president of sales & marketing for EETN.

About Natural Energy Group
Natural Energy Group was founded and funded by a group of local investors led by Mike Malicote with a mission of helping organizations like cities, airports and government organizations get into large-scale solar power. The initial project will help show the potential of the technology. Efficient Energy of Tennessee President, Robbie Thomas, is an investor in Natural Energy Group.

About EETN

Efficient Energy of Tennessee (EETN), located in Powell, TN was created to provide affordable, quality, sustainable solutions to rising energy demands in Tennessee and the surrounding areas. EETN currently specializes in energy grant writing, solar PV design and installation as well as power factor correction technology for both residential and commercial customers

Terry Nore of B&W Y-12’s Safeguards, Security and Emergency Services was awarded the Excellence in Emergency Management Award at the annual DOE Emergency Management Issues Special Interest Group (EMI SIG) meeting held in Las Vegas in May. The Excellence in Emergency Management Award is awarded to one DOE contractor employee at the meeting and recognizes individuals for outstanding service to the emergency management profession, including providing service to the EMI SIG, sharing useful emergency management information across the DOE Complex and presenting on emergency management topics at EMI SIG meetings. The award recipient is selected by the steering committee of the EMI SIG.

The EMI SIG, established in 1986, coordinates the exchange of expertise, ideas, and resources among DOE and contractor emergency management personnel. Members of the EMI SIG are emergency managers, coordinators, planners, and trainers from facilities across the DOE system. The EMI SIG membership meets formally every spring sharing presentations, panel discussions and workshops on emergency management.

When the K-8 Episcopal School of Knoxville opens its doors for class in the fall, two new leaders will meet the students.

Long time second grade teacher Nancy Laurence will step up as the school’s new Lower School director. The Rev. Kirk LaFon, a May graduate of The School of Theology at the University of the South at Sewanee, will be the school’s first full-time ordained chaplain.

The Lower School director will be a point person for Lower School parents and oversee curriculum and professional development, said Headmaster Jay Secor. (The school has had a Middle School director since 2002.) He said the Rev. LaFon will strengthen both the spiritual and community service aspects of the school.

Secor said these two positions will allow him to focus on strategic planning and other tasks related to an expanding population. This fall ESK will open the new 22,000 square foot Brewington Family Lower School Building now under construction. The student population will increase from 295 to 310. Projected capacity of the K-8 school is 372.

Ms. Laurence, a teacher at ESK since 2001, is well-known on campus for such initiatives as leading school wide recycling, having 2nd graders dissect cow eyeballs, and helping oversee the 2nd graders’ School Store, where the children buy inventory, sell products, and even tithe on the profits of their enterprise.

“I see myself helping teachers and parents connect,” she said.  In one innovation of her new job, Ms. Laurence will lead a parents’ book club focusing on child raising issues. She holds BS and MS degrees in Early Childhood Education from the University of Tennessee and recently earned a Reading Specialist’s degree at UTK.

The Rev. LaFon, who previously taught religion and led community service at The Webb School of Knoxville, will teach religion and ethics, conduct daily chapel services for all Lower and Middle School students, and oversee community service at ESK at all grade levels.

Community service is a priority at The Episcopal School, where each grade level performs service each year, such as food and toy collections for needy families and working at Volunteer Ministries and Second Harvest. This spring, the fourth grade conducted a Walk-a-thon to raise money for Nashville flood assistance, which they then delivered in person to St. Luke’s Community House <http://www.stlukescommunityhouse.org/>  in Nashville.

The Rev. LaFon holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and a master’s from Virginia Theological Seminary.

Expanding on the Carpetbag Theatre’s 40^th Homecoming Celebration at the Knoxville Botanical Gardens and Arboretum, the Carpetbag Theater is presenting the 2010 Home Grown at the Garden Series. The Presentations Starting on August 12^, 2010 will consist of touring works, local artists, and original works of the Carpetbag Theatre.

On August 12 and 15, 2010 the Carpetbag theater will present Swopera, SWOPERA is a spoken-word opera that addresses familial history, internal epiphany, and collective responsibility through a fusion of music that ranges from Be-Bop to Hip-Hop.

On August 19 and 22 the Carpetbag theater will present Between a Ballad and A Blues. Between a Ballad and a Blues chronicles the life and work of African-American-Appalachian renaissance man Howard “Louie Bluie” Armstrong and his musical partners, Carl Martin and Ted Bogan. Together they formed one of the most famous string-band groups in the history of American music. As a group and solo artists, Martin Bogan and Armstrong toured the globe sharing string band music with the world, planting the seed for other American music forms including Country and Blues. The play centers around the character of Howard Armstrong who narrates the tale which is highlighted with stories and songs from both Bogan and Martin. The play spans Howard’s lengthy seven decade musical career.

On August 26, 2010, the Carpetbag theater will present Loup Garou. Loup Garou is deeply routed in the realities of southeast Louisiana, responding to one of the most urgent environmental threats in the world. It is a new environmental performance that uses rigorous physicality, poetry, Cajun music, and visual installation to investigate the deep interconnectedness between land and culture in Louisiana. Part performance, part ritual, part howl to the world about southeast Louisiana’s plight, Loup Garou sings a song of love and hope for our precarious homeland.

On August 29, 2010, the Carpetbag theater will present Kelle Jolly and The Will Boyd Project. While primarily known for their respective jazz performances and songwriting, newlywed musicians, Kelle Jolly and Will Boyd, can work their magic in a variety of music styles. She is an accomplished professional vocalist, songwriter, and music educator. While her style is sometimes evocative of Sarah Vaughan or Olitta Adams, Ms. Jolly’s infectious stage presence and unique style demonstrates a hybrid of sensitive song styling with conservative bursts of courageous musical creativity. She can surprise with anything from passionate ethno-rhythmic scat singing to whistle tones to comedy. She manages to execute a variety of styles with great aplomb without ever being precious. Boyd, an erudite multi-wind instrumentalist, is also an in-demand performer. A regular member of the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra, Will has also performed with the Streamliners, the Temptations and the Spinners. He is also a frequent accompanist with Grammy nominee, Donald Brown. When Jolly and Boyd perform together, his cool style nicely balances Ms. Jolly effervescence. The guy is a Zen master of woodwinds, and, together with Jolly, they encompass a wide array of musical knowledge ranging from traditional jazz standards, old school rhythm and blues, spirituals, acoustic Christmas carols, and pop music.

The Carpetbag Theatre, Inc. (CBT), founded in 1969 and chartered in 1970, is a professional, multigenerational ensemble company dedicated to the production of new works. Our mission is to give artistic voice to the issues and dreams of people who have been silenced by racism, classism, sexism, ageism, homophobia and other forms of oppression. CBT serves communities by returning their stories to them with honesty, dignity, and concern for the aesthetic of that particular community, helping culturally specific communities to re-define how they organize.

The company works in partnership with other community artists, activists, cultural workers, storytellers, leaders and people who are simply concerned, creating original works through collaboration in a style based in storytelling and song.

For more information please contact Executive/Artistic Director Linda Parris Bailey at 865-544-0447, lindapb1@aol.com

A day-long event hosted by the Y-12 National Security Complex will help veteran-owned companies learn how to do business with federal, state and local governments, agencies and other companies, from small businesses to prime federal contractors. The 4th Annual East Tennessee Veterans Business Conference will be held Aug. 3 at Y-12’s New Hope Center in Oak Ridge.

“The procurement process can be confusing for a new business or one that’s just entering the government world,” said Gloria Mencer, Y-12’s socioeconomic program manager. “At the Veterans’ conference, we hope to simplify the process and answer any questions, and let folks know about upcoming procurements and what they need to do to work with us at Y-12 and with our other federal, state and local entities in the region.”

More than 400 attendees from veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, other small businesses, federal agencies and prime contractors are expected to come together at the conference to share best business practices and explore teaming opportunities.

The East Tennessee Veterans Business Conference will be held at Y-12’s New Hope Center, 602 Scarboro Road in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Registration begins at 7.30 am and the conference ends at 4 pm. Registration is free, but required. Businesses interested in exhibiting are encouraged to sign up early because space is limited.

To sponsor the conference, please contact Gloria Mencer at 865-576-2090 or Paul Middlebrooks at 423-425-5319 by June 30. For more information and to register, please visit http://www.y12.doe.gov/vetcon2010/ <http://www.y12.doe.gov/vetcon2010/> .

The conference is presented by Y-12 in partnership with the UT Center for Industrial Services, the National Nuclear Security Administration, the Department of Energy, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Wackenhut Security Inc. Oak Ridge, the Small Business Administration (Nashville Office), Tennessee Small Business Development Center, the Tennessee Business Enterprise Resource Office, Knox County, City of Knoxville, the Smoky Mountain Resource Conservation & Development Council, Roane State Community College, Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce, Knoxville Chamber of Commerce and the East Tennessee Military Affairs Council <http://www.etmac.org/> . Joining these partnering organizations as sponsors are Energy Solutions and Merrick Construction.

The Y-12 National Security Complex serves a critical role in strengthening our national security and reducing the global threat from weapons of mass destruction. To address our nation’s evolving security challenges, Y-12 is proud to partner and do business with some the best and brightest veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned and other small business and private industry leaders, colleges and universities. Y-12 is managed and operated by B&W Technical Services Y-12, LLC for the National Nuclear Security Administration.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (June 20) – United Way of Greater Knoxville <http://www.unitedwayknox.org/>  (UWGK) is pleased to announce Mike Hamilton, Men’s Director of Athletics at the University of Tennessee <http://www.utk.edu/> , as the 2010 campaign chair.

In one of Mike’s first activities as campaign chair, members of the Hamilton family recently toured two partner agencies supported by UWGK – the Wesley House Community Center <http://www.wesleyhouse.com/>  and Volunteer Ministry Center <http://www.vmcknox.org/> .

The Wesley House is a program that works with elementary school children as an after-school program, providing a safe and enriching environment for tutoring and mentoring by staff and volunteers.

Volunteer Ministry Center provides services for homeless people such as necessary amenities like showers and warms meals, but also employment and mental health counseling, referrals and support groups, to help individuals find stability and a permanent place to call home.
Hamilton has already begun playing an active role as campaign chair by visiting local companies and organizations to discuss the impact that United Way has on the Knoxville community.  “I am honored to play such a valuable role in this year’s campaign.  This community has always been filled with the Volunteer spirit, and I’m certain we will have a very successful 2010 campaign,” Hamilton said

About United Way of Greater Knoxville:

United Way of Greater Knoxville is a local, independent organization dedicated to building a stronger community by helping people become self-sufficient. In partnership with nonprofit agencies, local business, community leaders and ordinary citizens, United Way works to advance the common good by focusing on education, income, health and basic needs. By working together, we provide a network of services addressing Knoxville’s most basic needs while working toward lasting change.  For more information, please call (865) 523-9131 or visit www.unitedwayknox.org <http://www.unitedwayknox.org> .

Chip Bailey has been named dean of the South College School of Business.

A former resident of Halls Crossroads, Bailey returns to Knoxville from East Tennessee State University (ETSU) in Johnson City, Tenn., where he ran the Holston Business Development Center, a nonprofit small business incubator for community outreach for ETSU.

“In addition to a broad experience in higher education, Chip brings to our school a lifelong interest in entrepreneurship, effective marketing and small business success,” said South College President Steve South. “He will be an asset to the college as well as the students we serve.”

Throughout its history, South College has a long and outstanding reputation in the field of business education. Currently the college of business has 163 students seeking degrees in both accounting and business administration.

Bailey plans to strategically expand the programs to target particularly fast growing fields. He has assembled an advisory board of school affiliates, community members and local businesspeople to help define areas of growth. One of Bailey’s first priorities is to develop an internship program within the School of Business.

Bailey earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in management from Tusculum College and is currently pursuing his doctorate in management. He began his career in education as an administrator and has held both administrative and teaching positions at several colleges and universities. Bailey is a certified small business counselor with the Tennessee Small Business Development Centers and a certified incubator manager.

Bailey and his wife of 38 years, Diane, have two sons and three grandchildren. A native of Chattanooga, Bailey currently resides in Norris.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee is celebrating 40 years of service to the greater Knoxville area. As part of the year-long commemoration, the organization hopes to reconnect with supporters who have been involved with the agency during the past four decades.

All former and current Bigs, Littles, volunteers, staff, board members, and donors are encouraged to contact the Big Brothers Big Sisters for East Tennessee office by phone at (865)-523-2179 or by email at Events@bbbsetn.org for more details on all 40th anniversary events.

Big Brothers Big Sisters supporters are also invited to attend the organization’s 40th Birthday Celebration at Lakeshore Park in Knoxville from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 10. Festivities will include a cookout with live music, games, and awards.

“This is a special time of remembering the past and looking forward to the future,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee CEO Myra Yeatman. “We are excited to recognize and reconnect with all of the individuals who have been a part of our agency’s success and continued impact on the community.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee is changing the community by providing mentors to hundreds of at-risk children in the area. Independent national research shows children with a Big Brother or Big Sister are less likely to skip school, be violent and abuse drugs and alcohol. The organization depends on donations to help recruit volunteers and reach more children.

Oak Ridge Associated Universities <http://www.orau.org/>  has appointed Tony Lester as vice president and director of its program focused on peer review services <http://www.orau.org/scientific-peer-review/default.aspx> . Lester has been serving in this role in an acting capacity since September 2009.

In his role, Lester manages a research peer review capability that coordinates the use of independent, expert reviewers to determine the scientific technical feasibility of proposals submitted in response to government agency research needs. His team works closely with the federal government to provide liaison, consultation and operations support during the planning and execution of customers’ grant management cycles. The group assists federal managers in assessing proposals, research program and outcomes, and scientific and technical information.

The scientific and technical review program works with more than 2,000 faculty members and researchers from about 300 institutions annually.

“Tony’s proven leadership and strategic oversight for this program is helping build upon its national reputation as a leader in scientific peer review and related services,” said ORAU president and CEO Andy Page. “I am confident Tony’s vast experience both here at ORAU and outside the company will help this program further develop its reputation, services and capabilities in the long-term.”

Lester has worked more than 20 years with ORAU in various assignments and served as vice president of strategic development for three years prior to his current assignment. From 1998 to 2006, he was the director of business development for ORAU. Prior to joining ORAU, Lester worked for more than 20 years in construction project management, nuclear skills training and quality management.

Lester has a B. S. in education from the University of Tennessee, with a concentration in industrial training and supervision and an M.S. in management from Regis University in Denver, Colo. Additionally, he has completed all coursework required by UT for a Ph.D. in social psychology. He was selected following a national search.