Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, State Leaders and Comcast address telehealth and digital equity for older adults

TENNESSEE – December 10, 2020 – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and dozens of community leaders joined Comcast for a statewide virtual summit today to spotlight the critical need to connect more older adults to the internet and telehealth resources, particularly during the COVID 19 pandemic.

As millions of people practice social distancing and shelter in place, they have turned to the internet to find news about the virus, continue school online, work remotely, access healthcare information, and more. The abrupt transition has brought more attention to the state’s digital divide, which Comcast has been focused on closing for nearly a decade through its Internet Essentials low-cost broadband adoption program.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and dozens of community leaders joined Comcast for a statewide virtual summit to spotlight the critical need to connect more older adults to the internet and telehealth resources, particularly during the COVID 19 pandemic. December 2020

The virtual summit included a tele-health showcase with Meharry Medical Group, Cohen Veterans’ Services, and Interfaith Dentistry, a policy interview with State Representative Robin Smith as well as discussions with community partners including the Knoxville-Knox County Office on Aging, Nashville Public Library, Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association, and Alpha Omega Veterans.

Through a series of donations, giveaways, technology utilization, and testimonials, Comcast, Governor Lee, and several state partners highlighted the growing need for seniors to have a sense of inclusion – with their caregivers, their families and the individuals who contribute to their wellbeing.

“Telehealth and telemedicine efforts across our state are opening new avenues to stay healthy, offer greater access to healthcare and mitigate costs,” Governor Lee said. “Providing Tennesseans with telehealth options and working to bridge the digital divide is important to the future of our state.”

“Whether someone is connecting with family or meeting with a doctor, reliance on technology has sky-rocketed this year. This unprecedented shift to virtual interactions is leaving some people behind,” Governor Lee said. “Equal access to technology for everyone is a top priority for me, and I thank Comcast and all of the organizations who are working to make digital equity a reality.”

“This year has reinforced how important internet access is for everyone,” said Comcast Regional Senior Vice President Jason Gumbs. “We are proud to have the support of Governor Bill Lee and our incredible community partners as we continue to do everything we can to raise awareness and help bridge the digital divide, particularly now at a time when the need for connection is so great.”

Since August 2011, Internet Essentials has connected more than eight-million low-income individuals, from two-million households, to the Internet at home, most for the very first time. This number includes more than 300,000 residents across Tennessee. To help provide additional support to students and families, Comcast has offered 60 days of complimentary Internet service to new, eligible Internet Essentials customers. Originally set to expire on December 31, the offer was extended through June 2021. In addition, Comcast will continue to waive, through the end of the year, the requirement that customers not have a past due balance with Comcast to qualify for the offer.

During today’s event, Comcast announced it will provide $50,000 in grants and more than 700 laptops in total to the following Tennessee community organizations:

Alpha Omega Veterans – Memphis

$20,000 grant for technology upgrades for veterans’ housing & programs
115 laptops for veterans

Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association – Memphis

$10,000 grant for senior companion program
130 laptops for senior companion program volunteers and participants (three featured in summit)

Nashville Public Library – Nashville

250 laptops for tele-health programs for older adults
McGruder Family Resource Center – Nashville
$10,000 grant for digital literacy training classes for older adults

Urban Housing Solutions – Nashville

A new Comcast “LiftZone” computer lab at the Charlotte Community Center

Office on Aging – Knoxville

$10,000 grant for digital literacy training classes
250 laptops for older adults in the programs

About Internet Essentials: Since August 2011, Internet Essentials has connected millions of low-income households to the Internet, most for the very first time. During that period, the program has grown from focusing on bridging the “homework gap” for school-age children to addressing digital equity issues for all Americans. The program offers low-cost, high-speed Internet service for $9.95 a month plus tax, provides access to free digital skills training in print, online, and in person, and includes the option to purchase a low-cost Internet-ready computer. For individuals and organizations interested in becoming a partner, please visit: https://partner.internetessentials.com to order free collateral materials.

To apply, go to: www.internetessentials.com using any web-connected device, including mobile phones. The accessible website also includes the option to video chat with customer service agents in American Sign Language. In addition, there are two dedicated phone numbers: 1-855-846-8376 for
English and 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.

About Comcast Corporation

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company with three primary businesses: Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, and Sky. Comcast Cable is one of the United States’ largest video, high-speed internet, and phone providers to residential customers under the Xfinity brand, and also provides these services to businesses. It also provides wireless and security and automation services to residential customers under the Xfinity brand. NBCUniversal is global and operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures, and Universal Parks and Resorts. Sky is one of Europe’s leading media and entertainment companies, connecting customers to a broad range of video content through its pay television services. It also provides communications services, including residential high-speed internet, phone, and wireless services. Sky operates the Sky News broadcast network and sports and entertainment networks, produces original content, and has exclusive content rights. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

UT Research Park welcomes two new tenants

KNOXVILLE— University Health Pharmacy and C2 Labs moved to the University of Tennessee Research Park at Cherokee Farm this month.

The combined square footage leased by the two new tenants is more than 6,100 square feet in the Innovation North building.

University Health Pharmacy, a specialty pharmacy owned by UT Medical Center, focuses on specialty care and care of patients with rare diseases. Through UH Pharmacy, UT Medical Center participates in phase II and phase III clinical trials, which enables a more straightforward process for FDA approval of developed medications.

“We’re delighted to establish our specialty pharmacy operation at UT Research Park and believe it will foster additional collaboration between pharmacists and other researchers with an interest in cancer, multiple sclerosis, hepatitis C, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions for which specialty medications are necessary,” said Kim Mason, executive director of pharmacy and research at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. “These interdisciplinary connections through the research park will strengthen the ability for both the university and medical center to better meet their missions for research.”

C2 Labs, an enterprise-wide compliance and security software company, has decades of experience in national security and highly regulated industries and moved to the UT Research Park for the numerous collaboration and growth opportunities. C2 Labs specializes in automation to solve complex digital transformation challenges, lower operating costs and increase digital security and has already begun collaborations with the Haslam College of Business and Tickle College of Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

“As a local entrepreneur, I was elated to open an office in East Tennessee and create high paying jobs in our community. We also made a business decision to locate in a place with top talent, at affordable prices, and where we could have access to other innovators at UT and Oak Ridge National Lab who could help us build an innovation ecosystem and accelerate our growth,” said Travis Howerton, C2 Labs chief technical officer and co-founder.

Both companies will contribute to the UT Research Park’s mission of forging new collaborations, according to Tom Rogers, UT Research Park president and CEO.

“C2 Labs and UH Pharmacy are really great examples of the type of partners and tenants we hope to attract to the Park,” said Rogers. “They are both working with the university and other partners to explore new innovations in their respective fields, and the opportunities for even more collaboration in the future are very bright.”

Cumberland House Knoxville partners with East Tennessee Children’s Hospital to give back this holiday season

The Cumberland House Knoxville is proud to partner with the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital (ETCH). The Cumberland House is celebrating the holiday season with a Christmas Tree in the lobby, decorated with more than 100 hand-made ornaments made by the children from ETCH. Locals, visitors and guests of the hotel will be invited to donate to ETCH by purchasing hand-crafted ornaments(decorated by the children of ETCH) all week.

With a minimum donation of $5 per ornament (with no max donation), all proceeds from ornament sales will go directly to support the mission of the hospital. The fundraising goal is $1,000.

You can also donate to ETCH via their website at https://www.etch.com/ways-to-give/make-a-donation/. ETCH will use each donation to improve the health of children through exceptional, comprehensive family-centered care, wellness and education.

Priority Ambulance provides lifesaving technology for cardiac arrest to Loudon County first responders, frontline ambulances

Priority Ambulance delivered lifesaving automated chest compression devices to each of the fire departments providing first response in Loudon County during a presentation Dec. 9 at The Venue at Lenoir City.

The LUCAS 3 devices will be placed on fire department units for each of the first response areas in the county, as well as an additional four devices on Priority Ambulance’s frontline ambulances.

Lenoir City Mayor Tony Aikens, City of Loudon Mayor Jeff Harris and Loudon County Commission Chairman Henry Cullen joined the fire chiefs of Lenoir City Fire Department, City of Loudon Fire Department, Greenback Volunteer Fire Department and Tellico Village Volunteer Fire Department to view a demo and accept the LUCAS devices for their c
ommunities.

“We truly appreciate the relationships that we have with our first responders,” Priority Ambulance Vice President of Operations Rob Webb said. “The interaction between our agencies that go out of the way to help each other is what makes this system work. Our Lucas devices are going to be placed in every one of our first responder agencies in the county, and we’ll have them on all of our on-duty ambulances. This is a major investment in emergency medical services that we truly believe will assist all of our partners in saving lives.”

The automated chest compression devices represent a significant equipment upgrade in the Loudon County EMS system. The LUCAS device optimizes the pressure and speed of chest compression while freeing the hands of the EMT and paramedic for other medical care or moving the patient even in tight, constrained spaces. Consistent, uninterrupted chest compressions are proven to improve patient outcomes in patients experiencing cardiac arrest.

The system also eliminates the risk of human error and fatigue in compressions – a particularly important factor in rural communities like Loudon County where patients often must travel a longer distance to the nearest hospital.

“This device doesn’t get tired like people do,” Priority Ambulance Loudon County EMS Director Travis Estes said. “The LUCAS device will uninterruptedly and consistently move oxygen and medications through the blood as we lift and move the patient. This also will remove the necessity of an ambulance crew member or first responder having to stand up in the back of the ambulance to administer compressions. Crews can now render care from a seated and belted position, which will significantly improve safety.”

Priority Ambulance is providing a total of eight LUCAS 3 devices to the community, including the four for the first responders as they often are first on the scene to initiate care and an additional four on Priority’s frontline 911 ambulances. The upgrade represents a more than $120,000 investment in specialized equipment for the county’s EMS system.

“As chairman of the commission, I want to tell you have much as a county we appreciate Priority Ambulance,” Cullen said. “The investment you have made in the county fire departments is greatly appreciated. It will sure beat bouncing around in the back of the ambulance trying to do CPR in progress.”

“Bringing lifesaving equipment to the folks at Loudon County is very much appreciated,” Aikens said. “I can’t say enough about Priority Ambulance and their community involvement. They’ve promised they would do it, they have done it and they’ll continue to do that.”

“I think the job that Priority does here has been shown especially during the COVID situation,” Harris said. “Getting the right care to the patients is needed. I can speak for the City of Loudon that we are very thankful to have Priority here.”

Priority Ambulance provides nonemergency medical transportation serving medical facility partners in Knox and Blount counties and is the 9-1-1 ambulance partner to Loudon County. Priority Ambulance has served East Tennessee since 2014 and is the only national ambulance company headquartered in Tennessee.

New Xfinity retail store opens in Oak Ridge

Oak Ridge, Tenn. – December 9, 2020 – Comcast announced the opening of a new Xfinity customer retail store in Oak Ridge, Tenn. The 2,200 square-foot facility, located at 349 S. Illinois Ave, provides customers an immersive destination to discover and interact directly with the latest Xfinity products and services. This space opens tomorrow, December 10.

The store features interactive displays and lounge-like seating areas where visitors can explore all XFINITY products, from internet, video and connected home solutions to Xfinity Mobile. In addition to the latest mobile devices and top-of-the-line accessories, retail offerings at the store will include Xfinity Home accessories and other merchandise that complement the services.

“We’re proud to bring this interactive environment to the growing number of customers in Oak Ridge,” said Jason Gumbs, Regional SVP at Comcast. “This latest Xfinity store opening is another milestone in our larger campaign to offer a simpler and more convenient retail experience.”

The store will be open for business Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Xfinity stores are designed strategically by product area —Xfinity Mobile, Xfinity X1, Xfinity Home and Xfinity Internet – so customers can see the company’s industry-leading products in action.

Xfinity Mobile is a key part of Xfinity stores – customers can purchase new mobile phones, or bring their own Apple devices and choose a flexible data plan based on their individual needs – electing to pay by the gig or choose unlimited service.
Discover xFi, the Xfinity personalized home Wi-Fi experience, and learn how to view and control network devices through the app, site or voice remote in the Xfinity Internet zone.
X1, the next generation video platform, is featured in a living room environment, so customers can try the voice remote and see how X1 works firsthand.
The Connected Home Zone section showcases how Xfinity Home combines the best of home security and automation into one simple experience – customers can learn how they can control an increasing number of IoT devices from their phone, tablet or Xfinity Home touchscreen.

Due to COVID-19, Comcast has implemented several new policies in its stores, including:

Requiring face coverings for all employees and customers
Practicing social distancing measures such as limiting the number of customers in the store to maintain a six-foot distance between persons
Installing plexiglass dividers between interaction areas, kiosks, and on workstations
Cleaning stores professionally twice every day

The opening of new Xfinity stores is part of Comcast’s multi-year strategy to transform the customer experience; the stores provide new and existing customers a place to learn how to optimize their Xfinity services and to address any
service needs.

Ole Smoky Distillery presents free holiday live stream concert

On December 15, 2020, Ole Smoky Distillery will present a free holiday live stream concert featuring Emily Ann Roberts, Meghan Patrick, JT Hodges, Jenna LaMaster and Kasey Tyndall. The live stream starts at 7pm EST at can be seen at https://olesmoky.com/pages/livestream.

Ole Smoky Distillery encourages friends and families to join them as they celebrate the holidays, Tennessee style!

Knoxville Center for Behavioral Medicine set to break ground

KNOXVILLE, TN (December 8, 2020) – Construction plans are set to begin in December, weather permitting, on the Knoxville Center for Behavioral Medicine. The 64-bed center is a result of a partnership among National HealthCare Corporation (NHC), Tennova Healthcare, The University of Tennessee Medical Center, and Reliant Healthcare Corporation.

“We are proud to partner with the region’s leading healthcare providers to serve a critical need for the community,” said Steve Flatt, chief executive officer of NHC. “This partnership exemplifies the power of healthcare organizations working together to improve the quality of life for our patients.”

The center will provide a comprehensive continuum of care for adults and geriatric patients with psychiatric, emotional, and addictive disorders. Partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs will be offered with individualized treatment plans based on clinical need.

The 55,000-square-foot facility will be located at the Tennova Health Park near the corner of Middlebrook Pike and Old Weisgarber Road on a 9-acre site. The center will provide more than 100 jobs for Knox County. It is projected to open in the second quarter of 2022.

“The Knoxville Center for Behavioral Medicine will provide compassionate, quality patient care through this collaborative partnership,” said Tony Benton, president and chief executive officer of Tennova Healthcare’s East Tennessee Market. “We are pleased to provide the same quality standards as found in each organization’s existing operations.”

“There is a critical need to provide high quality care to adults and seniors who may be experiencing psychological or emotional difficulties in our 16-county region,” said Joe Landsman, president and chief executive officer of The University of Tennessee Medical Center. “The collaborative effort between these reputable healthcare organizations will bring experienced care to the community and address the need and access issues we see on a regular basis.”

“Now more than ever, we need to provide accessible, high quality care for behavioral health patients,” said Jim Harper, president of Reliant Healthcare Corporation. “The Knoxville Center for Behavioral Medicine will offer help and hope to patients in a safe and supportive environment.”

To view a message from the center partners, click here.

For more information, visit www.knoxvillebehavioralmedicine.com.

About National Healthcare Corporation

NHC affiliates operate for themselves and third parties 76 skilled nursing facilities with 9,633 beds. NHC affiliates also operate 24 assisted living communities, five independent living communities, one behavioral health hospital, and 35 homecare programs. NHC’s other services include Alzheimer’s and memory care units, hospice services, pharmacy services, a rehabilitation services company, and providing management and accounting services to third party post-acute operators. For more information, visit www.nhccare.com.

About Tennova Healthcare

The Tennova Healthcare network of hospitals in East Tennessee includes Jefferson Memorial Hospital, LaFollette Medical Center, Newport Medical Center, North Knoxville Medical Center and Turkey Creek Medical Center with nearly 16,000 admissions, 410,000 outpatient visits and 125,000 emergency department visits each year. Learn more at www.Tennova.com. 

About The University of Tennessee Medical Center

The mission of The University of Tennessee Medical Center, a Magnet® recognized hospital also certified by The Joint Commission as a Comprehensive Stroke Center and Comprehensive Cardiac Center, is to serve through healing, education and discovery. UT Medical Center is a 685-bed, not-for-profit academic medical center, with a regional network of primary care and specialty care physicians and practices as well as outpatient regional health centers and urgent care locations throughout its 21-county primary service area. The medical center, the region’s ACS-verified Level I Trauma Center and state designated regional perinatal referral center with a Level III private room NICU, is one of the largest employers in Knoxville. UT Medical Center features seven Centers of Excellence, including the Brain & Spine Institute, Cancer Institute, Emergency & Trauma Center, Heart Lung Vascular Institute, Advanced Orthopaedic Center, Primary Care Collaborative and Center for Women & Infants. Visit UTMedicalCenter.org for more information about The University of Tennessee Medical Center.

About Reliant Healthcare Corporation

Reliant Healthcare (“RHC”) is a behavioral healthcare management firm. RHC has been in operation for 17 years partnering with strategically located hospitals and nursing home providers across the country to help design, build, and operate behavioral health hospitals. The mission of RHC is to develop and operate “state of the science” behavioral treatment facilities. RHC has developed inpatient facilities as small as 14 beds and as large as 114 beds. For more information, visit www.relianthc.com.

The Joint Chiropractic opens third location in Knoxville

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (December 8, 2020) – Since the onset of COVID-19, spine health has become concerning due to lack of inactivity and poor work from home settings. Did you know that chiropractic can help with pain relief and move patients toward a healthier lifestyle? Locally, The Joint Chiropractic – North Knoxville is now open, offering accessible and convenient chiropractic services. The new office is located at 2443 Callahan Drive in the Crown Point Shopping Center.

Americans are now spending more time seated than ever before, wreaking havoc on their spines. The body is made to move and as the nation’s largest provider of chiropractic care, The Joint is celebrating with a month-long grand opening from now until Jan. 4, 2021, that includes:

A free consultation, exam and adjustment for new patients by texting “NORTH KNOXVILLE” to 56468
Door prizes, games and refreshments

After the grand opening month, new patients receive their initial visit for $29.00, which includes the consultation, exam and adjustment.

“Physical inactivity has been a rapidly growing public health concern during the pandemic,” said Dr. Stuart Humberg, D.C. at The Joint Chiropractic – North Knoxville. “As Chiropractors, we recognize this as being a major health problem and seek to keep patients functioning at their best through proper adjusting and appropriate exercise recommendations.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, only about 25 percent of Americans were getting their recommended daily exercise even before the pandemic. The less people move, the higher the risk to thei
r health and wellness and the weaker their muscles get. As back muscles weaken, they cannot support the spine as they should. A sedentary lifestyle has been linked to weight gain, weaker bones, increased risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, and increased inflammation.

Millions of Americans have found relief from pain due to the benefits of chiropractic’s natural, drug-free approach to healthcare. The Joint Chiropractic is known for its conducive retail setting and concierge-style services. For patients, that means no-appointments, no-insurance hassles, affordable chiropractic care and accommodating hours of operations, including evenings and weekends.

For information on The Joint Chiropractic and its services, or to find one of our chiropractors near you, visit thejoint.com. To learn more about your first visit at The Joint, go to thejoint.com/what-to-expect.

About The Joint Chiropractic

The Joint Corp. revolutionized access to chiropractic care when it introduced its retail healthcare business model in 2010. Today, the company is making quality care convenient and affordable, while eliminating the need for insurance, for millions of patients seeking pain relief and ongoing wellness. With more than 550 locations nationwide and over seven million patient visits annually, The Joint Chiropractic is a key leader in the chiropractic industry. Named one of the Top 200+ Franchises by Franchise Times and ranked on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® list, The Joint Chiropractic is an innovative force, where healthcare meets retail. For more information, visit www.thejoint.com. To learn about franchise opportunities, visit www.thejointfranchise.com.

The Joint Corp. is a franchisor of clinics and an operator of clinics in certain states. In Arkansas, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming, The Joint Corp. and its franchisees provide management services to affiliated professional chiropractic practices. This clinic is owned and operated by Smokey Mountain Chiropractic PC and managed by Tennessee Wellness, LLC.

South College launches nine new technology programs

South College is launching two new certificate level and seven new master’s level technology programs. Enrollment is open for qualified students, and classes start Jan. 20, 2021.

The new technology programs are delivered in a fully online format with the certificate level programs designed for completion in 30 weeks for full-time students and the master’s level programs designed for completion in 40 weeks for full-time students.

“We strive to provide programs in fields with growing demand, so expanding our technology offerings through our excellent online platform is a logical way to grow to meet those needs,” South College Chancellor Steve South said. “These programs expand the roster of the School of Computer Science and Engineering by providing a pathway from entry-level certificate programs that build through the associate and bachelor’s levels and provide for career enhancement for current professionals to advance with the master’s level options. These new programs are excellent additions for technology students.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 11 percent from 2019 to 2029. The median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $88,240 in 2019.

The new programs intentionally are short in duration. The certificate programs require no prior experience and are designed for students who wish to pursue a career in the computing field. The master’s degrees offer paths to completion in as few as 40 weeks. The programs are headed by Dr. Theodor Richardson, the Dean of Academics for South College Online.

The new programs include:

Software Developer Certificate
Data Science Certificate
Master of Science in Computer Science
Master of Science in Computer Science with concentration in Artificial Intelligence
Master of Science in Software Engineering
Master of Science in Cybersecurity
Master of Science in Data Science
Master of Science in Information Technology
Master of Science in IT Management

“There currently is a significant job gap between the need for computer science practitioners and enrolled students,” Richardson said. “The certificate programs provide quick entry into the field and include the opportunity to gain the essential currency of industry certifications for students to gain employment without an associate or bachelor’s degree. The graduate programs offer courses aligned with skills needed for an advanced career path and preparation for lifelong learning.”

For more information South College, including the new technology programs, visit https://www.south.edu/.

About South College

South College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award degrees at the doctorate, educational specialist, master’s, baccalaureate, and associate levels, as well as certificates. Questions about the accreditation of South College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (https://www.sacscoc.org). For more information, visit https://www.south.edu/.

Clayton’s New Home Innovation Lab showcases commitment to design, collaboration, quality, and affordability

MARYVILLE, TN.– Dec. 1, 2020 — Clayton Home Building Group®, a leading builder of off-site and sitebuilt homes, delivers on its continuous commitment to designing quality, high end homes attainable for all home buyers, at any price point with the creation and establishment of The Home Innovation Lab, or The Lab.

The new space is a dedicated home-base for architects, engineers, 3D rendering and interior design teams. It provides a unique and versatile place where Clayton teams can collaborate using innovative technology to create and design Clayton Built® homes that keep the buyers needs and lifestyle at the forefront of the building process.

“The use of innovative technology has added a seamless element to the home building design process,” shared
Megan Foster, Interior Design Manager of Clayton’s design team. “We can tweak options within floor plans and design elements to see what the home would look like, all in virtual reality, cutting the expense of building a physical prototype. We have the capability to view different finishes and virtually build features we’ve learned our customers are looking for, such as flexible spaces for home offices or multi-functional storage nooks.”

The Lab provides a workspace and acts as a think tank for all Clayton team members involved in the design process, from engineers and architects to material management and production team members. It also houses the sample materials workroom with various building materials from brand partners, displayed for optimized decision making when choosing finishes and upgrades. The presentation and virtual reality space showcase the end result of home designs and floor plan options that are practical, beautiful and thoughtfully designed for any lifestyle.

This progressive approach and commitment to forward-thinking design is what helps keep Clayton ahead of the curve. Clayton interior design team members attend and present at design and home conferences throughout the country each year, and continuously study how homeowners live in their homes to ensure homes are functional as well as beautiful. Additionally, The Clayton Insights team specializes in discovering and dissecting housing trends, how today’s individuals and families live and who home buyers are.

“Clayton is invested in constantly improving its home designs and providing innovative features to our homes,” said Keith Holdbrooks, President of Clayton Home Building Group. “We have invested in assembling these world-class teams, who together have a wide array of backgrounds in architecture and interior design, to deliver beautiful homes that meet our customers’ evolving needs.”

Clayton strives to offer the latest in home technology, design trends and floor plan layouts to home buyers across the country and incorporating these interactive elements helps make the design process more collaborative and efficient.

UTHSC College of Medicine launches 3-year accelerated curriculum program for primary care fields

Memphis, Tenn. (December 8, 2020) – The College of Medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center is pleased to launch an accelerated curriculum program to allow students committed to practicing in primary care fields to complete their medical education and training in three years, instead of the customary four years.

The Accelerated 3-Year MD Program was approved in late October by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, which accredits educational programs at schools of medicine in the United States. The UTHSC College of Medicine is currently recruiting its first cohort of up to 10 students to begin in the fall of 2021.

The program is available to students who know they want to enter the fields of Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Medicine-Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, or Psychiatry. Accepted students will be conditionally accepted to one of these residency programs in the UTHSC system upon graduation from medical school.

The new curriculum allows the College of Medicine to help relieve the critical shortage of primary care physicians in the state, particularly in rural areas. It is hoped the program encourages graduates to remain in Tennessee to practice. The program may also make a medical degree accessible to more students by decreasing tuition costs.

“The 3-year program will hopefully attract high-caliber applicants,” said Tina Mullick Borschel, MD, MS, associate professor and clerkship director in Internal Medicine in the College of Medicine. “We are recruiting students who are committed to these primary care specialties and who desire to complete their training faster to decrease tuition costs and start their practice a year earlier.”

The 3-Year program working group includes physicians from across specialties and UTHSC campuses. In addition to Dr. Mullick Borschel, the group includes: Mukta Panda, MD, professor and assistant dean for Well-Being and Medical Student Education in the UTHSC College of Medicine in Chattanooga; Kristen Bettin, MD, MEd, FAAP, assistant professor and clerkship director of Pediatrics and assistant dean of Clinical Curriculum in the UTHSC College of Medicine; Sarah Tiggelaar, MD, FAAFP, assistant professor and associate residency program director for the Memphis Department of Family Medicine in the UTHSC College of Medicine; and Govinda Paudel, MD, assistant professor of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology in the UTHSC College of Medicine.

“From the medical school standpoint, it is advantageous, because this allows us to have a pipeline of excellent applicants who become students and then residents,” Dr. Mullick Borschel said. “We’re not mandating that they continue to work in Tennessee or the surrounding states after they graduate, but we know that people who complete residency here tend to stay as practicing physicians. Really, it is a win-win at all levels, for the students, the medical school, and the state.”

In the accelerated curriculum, the preclinical phase of classroom instruction in the first two years of medical school will be similar to the standard curriculum. Students will complete all the core clinical rotations, but fewer electives, since they will have already chosen their field of practice. This allows students to complete medical school in a shorter time, while receiving similar training to their 4-year peers.

“We are happy to welcome these outstanding applicants as students and residents and look forward to the success and growth of this program,” said Dr. Mullick Borschel. While the 3-year curriculum is starting at the Memphis campus and is limited to certain residencies, the program intends to eventually expand to other specialties and to campuses across the state.

“We are incredibly excited about this program, as it will increase the already outstanding quality of our applicant pool, reduce the burden of student debt, and grow the pool of talented primary care physicians to serve the health care needs of Tennesseans,” said Scott Strome, MD, executive dean of the UTHSC College of Medicine.

Centriworks selected as a 2020 ENX Magazine elite dealer

Toluca Lake, CA: ENX Magazine announced that Centriworks was selected as a 2020 Elite Dealer. Each year, ENX Magazine judges Elite Dealer applicants on many criteria, from technical service excellence to marketing proficiency, growth initiatives, technology leadership, industry accolades, and philanthropy. Those dealers chosen are profiled in the December issue of ENX Magazine. Centriworks is a multi-year winner. Read the article at https://www.centriworks.com/enx-elite-dealer-2020/.

“We were ecstatic to be selected as a 2020 Elite Dealer by ENX Magazine,” said J. Mark DeNicola, chief strategy officer and chief financial officer of Centriworks. “We work very hard at being the best we can be and creating a great experience for our clients and team members. It is nice to be recognized by experts in our industry.”

“In a year of substantial challenges brought on by the pandemic, we have come to measure an Elite Dealer by its ability to pivot to the changing needs of its customer base,” said Susan Neimes, managing editor of ENX Magazine and ENX The Week In Imaging. “Many of the honorees share a corporate culture that embraces a family atmosphere and stresses serving both clients and employees. Products and technology will always drive business, but customers respond favorably to ve
ndors that can serve their every need. I think this year’s list exemplifies that spirit.”

About ENX Magazine

ENX Magazine is a monthly publication dedicated to the office technology and document imaging industry since 1994. In its 27th year, ENX Magazine continues to deliver exclusive editorial coverage on market opportunities and issues, news and trends, company profiles, new products, and industry insights.

About Centriworks

Centriworks is East Tennessee’s largest business technology company offering Managed IT Services, Cybersecurity, IT Consulting & Software, VOIP Phones, and Hardware to enable clients to focus on their core business. Now in its 56th year, the company has more than 60 employees at offices in Knoxville and Johnson City. For Centriworks’ complete range of products and services, visit www.centriworks.com.

Squisito Too NY Pizza & Pasta continues expansion with first-ever Tennessee location debuting in Sevierville

Sevierville, TN (December 2020) – Squisito Too, one of the country’s fastest-growing fast casual pizza and pasta franchises, is expanding to Tennessee with the official opening of its first location in Sevierville. Slated to officially open to the public on Monday, December 7th, Squisito Too is located in the bustling Tanger Outlets shopping center. It marks the first of three locations from new franchisees Joey and Missy Messick that are slated to open in the coming year, including a second outpost in Knoxville, across from the University of Tennessee campus.

Joey Messick is a second-generation Krispy Kreme franchisee with two stores currently open in the Sevierville-Knoxville area. Searching for the perfect fast-casual concept to bring to the area, Joey and Missy felt aligned with Squisito Too and its build-your-own menu model. With an array of authentic recipes, the husband-and-wife team knew it would be the perfect fit in the Knoxville/Pigeon Forge area, confident that guests will appreciate the high-quality menu and create-your-own vibe.

“It’s such a privilege to be able to bring Squisito Too here and introduce this delicious yet affordable concept to our hometown,” said Missy and Joey Messick. “We feel so passionate about the product that we are on track to open four locations across the area, being able to spread the word and reintroduce what fast casual should be.”

Squisito Franchise Enterprises, Inc. is based in Annapolis, Maryland and oversees the franchising efforts of both Squisito Pizza & Pasta and Squisito Too. With over 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry and managing restaurants ranging from fine dining to fast-casual, the Messicks have tremendous support and are backed by the incredible track record of the Squisito brand. Squisito currently boasts 10 locations throughout the Northeast with seven additional openings, including those in Tennessee, planned for the immediate future. The Sevierville store will become the second Squisito Too location following Jessup, Maryland which opened its doors earlier this year in 2020.

“Joey and Missy have great knowledge in the franchising industry, and we know that Squisito Too will be a success in this high-traffic area, appealing to both locals and tourists alike,” said Michele DiMeo, President of Squisito Franchise Enterprises, Inc. “We look forward to our ongoing partnership and are so fortunate for those in Eastern Tennessee to now have access to our award-winning Italian recipes.”

Each Squisito Too location embodies the same set of core values – delicious, fresh, traditional Italian food, incredible customer service and a dedication to give back to the communities in which they do business. Squisito Too is currently franchising and aggressively expanding throughout the Eastern Seaboard. Squisito Franchise Enterprises, Inc. is the principle franchisor for both Squisito Too and its sister concept, Squisito Pizza & Pasta.

About Squisito® Franchise Enterprises, Inc.

Squisito® Franchise Enterprises, Inc., based in Maryland, is the principle franchisor of both Squisito Pizza & Pasta and Squisito Too franchise opportunities. The Italian word “Squisito,” translated into English as “exquisite,” is a guiding principle applied to all facets of the Squisito franchise dining experience. Squisito Franchise Enterprises, Inc. combines delicious cuisine, fresh ingredients, fast casual ordering systems and an open-style kitchen in order to allow guests to experience the Italian traditions firsthand.

Squisito Franchise Enterprises, Inc.’s latest franchise concept, Squisito Too, is a create-your-own dining experience in a fast-casual restaurant. Guests have the opportunity to be their own chef by customizing their entrées. Learn more about the fast-casual Italian opportunities with Squisito Franchise Enterprises at www.squisitofranchise.com.

The Knoxville Museum of Art presents the 2020 East Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition

December 3, 2020 (Knoxville, TN) – The Knoxville Museum of Art and the Tennessee Art Education Association present the East Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition now through Sunday, January 10, 2021. Now in its 15th year, the exhibition offers middle and high school students from around East Tennessee the opportunity to participate in a juried exhibition and to display their talents and be honored for their accomplishments in a professional art museum environment. This event is made possible by the generosity of presenting sponsor Regal Entertainment Group with additional sponsorship from The KMA Guild, Pharma Packaging Solutions, Home Federal Bank, Ann and Steve Bailey, Sarah Stowers, Sandi Burdick & Tom Boyd, and the Rotary Club of Knoxville.

The East Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition is open to students in grades 6-12 attending public, private, or home schools in 32 counties across East Tennessee. Approximately 311 works of the more than 530 entries in this highly competitive show made it through a rigorous jury process. The best-in-show winner will receive a purchase award of $500, and the artwork will become a permanent part of the collection of Mr. James Dodson, on loan to the Knoxville Museum of Art’s Education Collection.

Since 2005, the East Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition has presented the work of nearly 4,000 students who have competed for a total of $7 million in scholarships made available to eligible juniors and seniors by colleges and universities from around the nation.

The “best of” winners for 2020:

Best in Show, Lily Asbury, 11th Grade, The Days We’ll Look Back On and Smile, acrylic paint, Cocke County High School, Myra Amason, Art Teacher

Best in Ceramic, Avery Flatford, 11th Grade, Mr. Tentacles, clay raku fired, Farragut High School, Wendie Love, Art Teacher

Best in Computer Graphics, Kendall Livingston, 10th Grade, Under rated, print, Maryville High School, Dr. Jeanie Parker, Art Teacher

Best in Drawing, Imelia Markus-Brock, 9th Grade, Eye Spy, charcoal, Oak Ridge High School, Gisela Schrock, Art Teacher

Best in Mixed Media, Rainee Mitchell, 10th Grade, Beautiful Mind, cardboard, glue, ink, magazine, paint, Oak Ridge High School, Joseph Moseley, Art Teacher

Best In Painting, Aurora Baez, 8th Grade, Orchids, acrylic paint, Bearden Middle School, Kimberly Bishop, Art Teacher

Best Photography, Kayleigh Brownlee, 8th Grade, My Creat
ion in the Leaves, chromebook and origami, Bearden Middle School, Kimberly Bishop, Art Teacher

Best in Printmaking, Tristan Howard, 7th Grade, Atlantic Puffin, linoleum block print, The McCallie School, Suzanne Mortimer, Art Teacher

Best in Sculpture, Brian Barbo, 12th Grade, Ingrain, wood, metal and found objects, Hardin Valley Academy, Benjamin Eng, Art Teacher

Best in Show-Middle School, Bella Zigrossi, 8th Grade, Carnival, wool roving picks on styrofoam form, Saint Joseph School, Gae Sharp, Art Teacher

Best in Video Production, Lewis Walton, 12th Grade, LOVE, video production, West High School, Kat Furnari, Art Teacher

The Knoxville Museum of Art

The Knoxville Museum of Art celebrates the art and artists of East Tennessee, presents new art and new ideas, serves and educates diverse audiences, and enhances Knoxville’s quality of life. The museum is located in downtown Knoxville at 1050 World’s Fair Park and is open to the public on a limited schedule Wednesday through Sunday 1–5pm. Admission and parking are free. Reservations are recommended by going to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/knoxville-museum-of-art-timed-entry-visitor-registration-registration-109053985406.

Call Center Sales Pro bringing new employment opportunity to Seymour during statewide pandemic job loss

SEYMOUR, TN, December 1, 2020—Seymour-based Call Center Sales Pro announces today, as part of its strategic expansion, the hiring of an additional thirty full time roles as it adds a new major medical client to its service.

At a time when workforce numbers affirm job loss is increasing statewide – 93 Tennessee counties reported increasing unemployment benefit claims in October 2020 – the state is currently exceeding national unemployment figures.

“Our company is working hard to continue to offer new employment opportunities in our region,” said Call Center Sales Pro CEO Janet Livingston. “We’ve seen our client’s suffer through COVID-19 economic catastrophe. Being part of the solution in Sevier county — only one of two counties that has decreased unemployment across the state — is a huge win for us,” Livingston said.

Qualified candidates will be hired as dedicated-account agents and trained in a COVID-compliant facility to help connect Americans around the country to primary care from a leading telehealth provider.

“The scope of work for our new client underscores the surging demand for new models of accessible healthcare as Americans are asked to limit outings as much as possible,” Livingston said.

Call Center Sales Pro works with a variety of business verticals, and as its primary work, delivers an essential service to support outsourced call care and answering service solutions to the medical industry. The company is increasing its footprint as an East Tennessee employer, and has seamlessly transitioned to a COVID-compliant working infrastructure.

Call Center Sales Pro is among the top quarter of Inc. 5000’s 2020 fastest growing companies in America and is the 2020 winner of Women’s Business Excellence Pinnacle Award from the the Knoxville Area Chamber of Commerce. The company relocated to Seymour five years ago, opening a call center campus and bringing jobs to support its national family of answering service brands to the East Tennessee region.

Call Center Sales Pro promises new hires will receive excellent benefits, a fixed full time schedule, monthly employee contests, and educational opportunities to advance as a call center industry professional.

“We want to give people who have become a statistic of this pandemic hope that there are new opportunities rising from the disaster. While we’ve adjusted our environment to keep employees well, our clients are promoting new products that also support community health and safety. To give a second chance to those who’ve been left behind is our privilege. We look forward to bringing a new group into our company,” Livingston said.

For more information, please visit our employment listing at: https://indeedhi.re/3lxhD8l

Call Center Sales Pro (CCSP) is the headquarters of a suite of US-based business solutions including telephone answering service, healthcare call centers, outsource call centers, business process outsourcing (BPO), nurse triage, appointment scheduling, and call center consulting. With locations in Redding, CA; San Francisco, CA; Toledo, OH; New York, NY; Chicago, IL; and Seymour, TN, CCSP recognizes that what sets them above is their focus on people – both the people on their team as well as the people they serve. CCSP also operates a sister company, ONE Service Pros that offers electrical, plumbing, HVAC, security, building maintenance, and more to the Knoxville area. More information about the CCSP’s family of brands can be found at www.callcenter-salespro.com.