2024-2025
Annual Report

Encouraged Intentional Growth Strategies

• Pushed for policy changes to allow a greater diversity of housing types in more neighborhoods with the goal of expanding housing options at all price points, promoting inclusive growth, and supporting a thriving, mixed-income community.

Increased Digital Literacy Training

• Secured $200,000 in grant funding to expand the eKnox digital literacy program, providing laptops and comprehensive digital literacy training to clients of local nonprofit organizations, and empowering underserved populations with the tools and skills needed to access education, employment, and essential services.

Supported Efforts to Address Roadway Infrastructure

• Advocated for long- and short-term improvements to I-40/I-75 corridor to ease traffic congestion, improve safety, and reduce travel times.

Advocated for Pro-Business Policy Alignment

• Collaborated with Knox County officials to expand zoning designations, allowing childcare centers to operate in more areas of the community, and led efforts to streamline local regulations by aligning them with state licensing requirements to reduce barriers for providers and accelerate the opening of new facilities.

Backed Innovative Solutions to Childcare Crisis

• Supported efforts to secure increased state funding aimed at expanding access to affordable, high-quality childcare for working families, while also advocating for enhanced financial support to strengthen staffing levels and improve compensation in childcare centers.

Connected Business Leaders to Elected Officials

• Provided forums for business leaders to communicate with elected officials through Capitol Connection Series, Shrimp Boil, Governor’s Breakfast, and Nashville trip to meet Speaker Sexton.

Advanced The 2030 Protocol Agenda

• Supported efforts to increase enrollment in engineering and computer science programs in secondary and post-secondary institutions.

Continued Support of 865 Academies

• Educated the business community on the benefits of providing work-based learning experiences in collaboration with Knox County Schools’ 865 Academies, to help students gain real-world skills, explore career pathways, and build connections with local employers.

Grew Home Sweet Career Talent Retention Program

• Positioned Knoxville as a vibrant career destination for local post-secondary students by highlighting the region’s job opportunities, quality of life, and strong support for young professionals, aimed at retaining top talent and strengthening the local workforce.

Hosted Inaugural Catalyst 865 Program

• Catalyst 865 attracted a dozen angel investors and venture capitalists from outside Knox County to engage directly with local startups to foster new relationships and showcase the region’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem as a destination for innovation and investment.

Increased Access to Capital Opportunities

• Facilitated strategic connections between startups and critical human and financial resources to accelerate growth and long-term success.

Launched Morning Momentum Series

• Morning Momentum is designed to help small businesses and entrepreneurs troubleshoot issues that are hindering their growth using real-time audience feedback from seasoned business professionals.

Launched Prosperity Through Innovation

• Prosperity Through Innovation, a five-year strategic vision for the Knoxville Chamber, leverages innovation to foster a cutting-edge economy that prepares the entire Knoxville region for the future and moves toward true economic opportunity for all.

Published 2025 Knoxville Innovation Report

• The purpose of this bi-annual report is to assess the innovation economy of the Knoxville region by identifying industry sectors and occupations that are best aligned with future trends as well as the opportunities and challenges the region faces in becoming a leading hub in innovation, technology, and research and development.