East Tennessee Children’s Hospital Recognized as Large Business Excellence Recipient at Pinnacle Business Awards

The Knoxville Chamber is pleased to announce East Tennessee Children’s Hospital (ETCH) as the recipient of the Pinnacle Business Award in the Large Business Excellence category. East Tennessee Children’s Hospital is a comprehensive regional medical center and healthcare system serving the pediatric population of 17 counties in East Tennessee. The Large Business Excellence award, sponsored by 21st Mortgage Corporation, is presented to a non-franchisee company with over 200 employees that has shown remarkable profitability, growth, and stability.

“We’d love to get to a place where no one needs care that is scary and hard,” said Matt Schaefer, ETCH President and CEO. “Our commitment is to push the boundaries of not what is but what could be, offer help where it can be provided, and bring healing where it can be produced. It’s not only our responsibility, it’s our privilege.”

ETCH’s strategic plan is to transform from a hospital-mindset to a regional health system mindset. With over two thousand employees, ETCH is reaching to the far corners of the region through primary care practices, urgent care locations, telehealth, and more. They boast a newly renovated pediatric emergency department and several pediatric urgent care centers, which together serve more than 123,000 patients annually.

“Some people automatically equate business success with profitability,” said Mike Odom, Knoxville Chamber president and CEO. “As a not-for-profit, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital epitomizes business success through their patient experience, community impact, and commitment to returning children home safely.”

The annual Pinnacle Business Awards, presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners, celebrate regional business excellence, honoring outstanding professionals in nine categories for their contributions to the greater Knoxville economy. Winners are selected by the Knoxville Chamber Board of Directors. Nearly 200 companies were nominated for 2024 recognition.

“Congratulations to all Pinnacle Business Award winners. Local businesses are essential to the communities they help grow,” said Mike DiStefano, Pinnacle’s Knoxville president. “Pinnacle Financial Partners is a founder led firm that was built as a small business bank, so we know how difficult it can be to run a successful business. More than two decades of growth have allowed us to serve clients of increasing size, but small businesses remain essential both to Pinnacle and the Knoxville communities they help grow. It’s an honor to be part of this program and help recognize the home-grown players in Knoxville’s economy.”  

For in-depth video interviews and more information on the 2024 Pinnacle Business Award recipients, visit www.knoxvillechamber.com/pinnacle.