Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation Recognized as Impact Award Recipient at Pinnacle Business Awards

The Knoxville Chamber is pleased to announce Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC) as the recipient of the Pinnacle Business Award in the Impact category. KCDC is the public housing authority for Knoxville and Knox County and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as a high-performing public housing authority.

The Impact Award, sponsored by Segra, is presented to a non-charitable business that displays a commitment to making East Tennessee a better place to live through the development and support of a community project or program.

For Ben Bentley, Executive Director and CEO of KCDC, the recognition reflects both mission and accountability. “It’s about the work that we do, but recognition means you’re doing it well in the eyes of the community,” Bentley said. “It’s a really big deal.”
 
KCDC defines success by listening first. Through resident needs assessments, the organization gathers data directly from neighborhoods to determine which partnerships and services will make the greatest difference. From workforce development and education to transportation access, KCDC works alongside community organizations to provide resources that extend beyond housing alone.
 
“KCDC’s selection as the Impact Award recipient reflects the meaningful difference they are making in neighborhoods across Knoxville,” said Mike Odom, president and CEO of the Knoxville Chamber. “By listening to residents and building partnerships that respond directly to community needs, KCDC is strengthening opportunity and expanding access in ways that truly matter.”
 
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. Approximately 200 companies are nominated annually for recognition.

“Congratulations to this year’s Pinnacle Business Award winners,” said Mike DiStefano, Pinnacle’s Knoxville president. “At Pinnacle Financial Partners, we are guided by strong values, and those same principles are clearly reflected in this year’s honorees. Building a successful business takes vision and resilience, along with steady leadership. We are proud to celebrate these Knoxville-area companies and individuals for their excellence and look forward to supporting their continued growth as we work together to strengthen the Knoxville region’s economy.”

For in-depth video interviews and more information on the Pinnacle 2026 Business Awards, presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners, visit www.knoxvillechamber.com/pinnacle.