Qore Performance Recognized as Minority-Owned Business Excellence Recipient at Pinnacle Business Awards

The Knoxville Chamber is pleased to announce Qore Performance as the recipient of the Pinnacle Business Award in the Minority-Owned Business Excellence category. The company specializes in creating innovative cooling solutions that help professionals in law enforcement, military, and industrial safety combat extreme heat while enhancing performance, safety, efficiency, and work capacity. The Minority-Owned Business Excellence Award, sponsored by Accenture, is presented to an outstanding East Tennessee minority-owned business.

“Our ICEPLATE® combines cooling with energy storage, allowing first responders and industrial workers to stay safe and perform at their best,” founder Justin Li said. “It’s a solution that combines my experience in law enforcement with my passion for technology and innovation. By addressing heat stress proactively, we’re giving our customers an edge in the field, during a time where macroeconomic and geopolitical forces need our workforces to be more efficient and productive than ever before.”

Founded in 2015, Qore Performance grew from Li’s personal experience as a law enforcement officer in San Diego, where he navigated extreme terrain and high-heat environments. Recognizing the need for a portable cooling system to aid first responders, Justin developed the ICEPLATE®, which helps users regulate body temperature while staying hydrated in demanding conditions.

“Knowing the other options he considered, we’re grateful that Justin chose Knoxville as the place to locate and grow Qore Performance,” said Mike Odom, Knoxville Chamber president and CEO. “With their innovative approach, dedicated team, and commitment to excellence, Qore is poised to reach new heights in the workplace efficiency industry.”

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 the 2025 Pinnacle Business Award winners,” said Mike DiStefano, Pinnacle’s Knoxville president. “Pinnacle Financial Partners is a values-driven organization. So many of the values we focus on – integrity, results, discipline – are also evident in this year’s winners. We know it takes an unwavering focus and commitment of leadership to make any business work, and we are proud to recognize these Knoxville-area companies and individuals for their business excellence. Pinnacle looks forward to supporting and seeing these organizations flourish as we all work together toward the same goal: a prosperous Knoxville economy.”

For in-depth video interviews and more information on the 2025 Pinnacle Business Award recipients, visit www.knoxvillechamber.com/pinnacle.