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ADFAC: Celebrate a year of ‘Dine and Donate’ by eating out Monday

Posted at 11:52 pm September 7, 2014
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Gallo Loco

Submitted

Nearly a year ago, Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties, or ADFAC, launched the “Dine and Donate” fundraiser. A successor of the agency’s longtime “Feed the Need” campaign, Dine and Donate allows the entire community to eat out at participating restaurants on the second Monday of each month. The restaurants, in turn, provide a portion of their sales to support ADFAC’s many charitable programs.

The first year of Dine and Donate wraps up Monday, September 8, with the following participating restaurants: Burchfield’s in Oak Ridge, Gallo Loco in Oak Ridge, Hoskins in Clinton, Mediterranean Delight in Oak Ridge, and Razzleberry’s in Oak Ridge.

“It’s hard to believe a year has already passed!” said Cande Seay, ADFAC board member and Dine and Donate chair. “Dine and Donate has been a success beyond our expectations, with thousands of dollar already raised to bring hope and stability to our less fortunate neighbors.” [Read more…]

Filed Under: Business, Clinton, Community, Front Page News, Nonprofits, Oak Ridge Tagged With: ADFAC, Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties, Burchfield's, Cande Seay, Dine and Donate, Feed the Need, fundraiser, Gallo Loco, Hoskins, Mediterranean Delight, Razzleberry’s

Free government contracting seminars on Sept. 16

Posted at 9:55 pm September 2, 2014
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

The Tennessee Small Business Development Center will have two free government contracting seminars on September 16.

The first is scheduled from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Tuesday, September 16, at the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce. During that seminar, the TSBDC at Roane State Community College, in partnership with the  University of Tennessee, CIS-PTAC, will offer a free workshop for small businesses on the basics of government contracting.

The second seminar is scheduled from 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, September 16, also at the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce. During that seminar, the TSBDC, in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, will offer a free workshop for small businesses on government contracting
programs such as HUBZone, 8a, and WOSB. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Business, Front Page News Tagged With: 8a, CIS-PTAC, entrepreneurs, government contracting, HUBZone, Jutta Bangs, Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce, Roane State Community College, seminar, small businesses, Tennessee Small Business Development Center, TSBDC, U.S. Small Business Administration, workshop, WOSB

Tech 2020 president resigns

Posted at 9:46 am August 29, 2014
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

John Morris

John Morris

Technology 2020 President and Chief Executive Officer John Morris has announced his resignation effective September 30. He has worked at Tech 2020 since December 2008, and has served as president since 2011.

“I value the time I have spent around Tech 2020, first as an entrepreneurial client company, then as the director of the Center for Entrepreneurial Growth director and later as CEO,” Morris said in a press release Thursday. “This was not an easy decision, but I am an entrepreneur at heart, and I want to return to direct involvement with startups.”

Tech 2020 is the region’s venture development organization, working to help new technology-based companies start up and flourish. The organization supports the technology commercialization efforts at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the University of Tennessee, and is currently working with more than 30 client businesses at various stages of growth. Tech 2020 also manages a large federally-funded advanced manufacturing project, serves as the headquarters for Meritus Ventures and the newly established Lighthouse Angel Fund, and leads the state’s FIRST Robotics Program and the Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnership. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Business, College, Education, Oak Ridge, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Top Stories, U.S. Department of Energy Tagged With: advanced manufacturing, Center for Entrepreneurial Growth, FIRST Robotics Program, John Morris, Lighthouse Angel Fund, Meritus Ventures, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnership, Tech 20/20, Technology 2020, technology commercialization, technology-based companies, Tom Rogers, University of Tennessee, venture development

Beer Board revokes Lincoln’s beer permit

Posted at 7:27 pm August 28, 2014
By John Huotari 2 Comments

Lincoln's Sports Grille

Lincoln’s Sports Grille on South Illinois Avenue is pictured above. (File photo)

Note: This story was last updated at 9:30 a.m. August 29.

The Oak Ridge Beer Permit Board has revoked the beer permit of Lincoln’s Sports Grille.

The revocation was approved in a 4-2 vote during a special meeting on Thursday, the fifth show cause hearing for Lincoln’s.

It wasn’t immediately clear what effect the revocation, which took effect immediately, would have.

But during the hearing, a Lincoln’s consultant testified that a beer permit suspension coupled with a possible temporary state suspension of the restaurant’s liquor license for its second sale of beer to a minor could effectively shut down the business.

“The economic impact would be great,” consultant Roy McKinnon said. “It would finish Lincoln’s.” [Read more…]

Filed Under: Business, Business, Government, Oak Ridge, Oak Ridge, Slider, Top Stories Tagged With: alcohol, Barton Bailey, beer board, beer permit, Beer Permit Board, Carl Smith, civil penalty, Colin Colverson, compliance check, Darren Osborne, Debra Solmonson, Lincoln's Sports Grille, Lincoln’s, Moose Lodge, Oak Ridge Beer Permit Board, Oak Ridge Moose Lodge #1316, Randy Tedford, Randy Wishinsky, revocation, Roy McKinnon, show cause hearing, TABC, Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Theresa Scott, Victoria Renee Ballard, Wendy Williams

Beer Board has show cause hearings for Lincoln’s, Moose Lodge

Posted at 10:09 am August 26, 2014
By John Huotari Leave a Comment

Lincoln's Sports Grille

Lincoln’s Sports Grille on South Illinois Avenue is pictured above. (File photo)

A city board on Thursday could consider revoking or suspending beer permits, or levying fines, on a restaurant and local organization that have previously had their permits suspended and sold beer or alcohol to a minor during a state sting in June, officials said.

The two businesses, Lincoln’s Sports Grille and Oak Ridge Moose Lodge #1316, are among five that sold beer or alcohol to a minor during a compliance check by the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission in June, officials said. The Oak Ridge Beer Permit Board plans to have show cause hearings for all five.

Thursday’s special meeting will be the fifth show cause hearing for Lincoln’s and the second for Moose Lodge, according to the Beer Board agenda.

Lincoln’s sold beer, a 16-ounce Bud Light, to a 19-year-old on June 9 after checking the person’s identification, according to the TABC records. It’s the second violation at Lincoln’s for sale to a minor by the TABC, the Beer Board agenda said, and the case is still pending.

Meanwhile, the Moose Lodge sold alcohol, a mixed drink vodka cranberry, to a 19-year-old on June 26 after checking ID, the state records said. It’s also the second violation at Moose Lodge for sale to a minor by the TABC, the Beer Board agenda said. Moose Lodge paid a $2,000 civil penalty for the violation and agreed to a 15-day suspension of their liquor-by-the-drink license. That suspension was in effect from July 13-27.

The Beer Board can revoke or suspend a beer permit during a show cause hearing. The board can also accept a civil penalty in lieu of a suspension. The maximum civil penalty is $2,500 per violation for selling beer to a minor, and $1,000 for all other offenses. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Business, Community, Government, Government, Oak Ridge, Oak Ridge, Oak Ridge, Police and Fire, Slider, Top Stories Tagged With: alcohol, beer, beer board, beer permit, beer permit suspension, civil penalty, compliance check, Derrick Dalton, fight, Lincoln's Sports Grille, Lincoln’s, liquor by the drink, Moose Lodge, Oak Ridge, Oak Ridge Beer Permit Board, Oak Ridge Moose Lodge #1316, public intoxication, sale to a minor, show cause hearing, TABC, Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission

Expanded Safety Fest set for September

Posted at 9:11 am August 25, 2014
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Safety Fest TN

Making Tennesseans safer at work

Submitted

Virtually any company will tell you that worker safety is job one.

In Oak Ridge, there’s an event every year to help make sure the words get turned into action. For the third consecutive year, the Oak Ridge Business Safety Partnership, partnering with a number of organizations, will host Safety Fest TN, a week of safety classes, safety seminars, a Safety Expo, and a community Safety Forum—all free of charge to anyone who registers. The event is scheduled for September 8-12 and is based at the New Hope Center at the Y-12 National Security Complex.

“We appreciate Consolidated Nuclear Security working with us to accommodate Safety Fest TN and for sponsoring the community brunch on September 8,” said Jenny Freeman, chair of the ORBSP planning committee, which is responsible for organizing the event.

Classes will also be held at five other locations, including Centro Hispano in Knoxville, where courses will be offered in Spanish. The addition of Spanish language classes is a new and important outreach. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Business, Top Stories, U.S. Department of Energy, Y-12 National Security Complex Tagged With: Bruce Wilkinson, Centro Hispano, community brunch, Hannah Short, J.J. Rochelle, Jenny Freeman, New Hope Center, Oak Ridge, Oak Ridge Business Safety Partnership, ORBSP, OSHA, safety, safety classes, Safety Expo, Safety Fest TN, safety forum, safety seminars, seminars, worker safety, World Class Safety, Y-12 National Security Complex

Snappy Tomato Pizza closing Friday

Posted at 10:25 am August 21, 2014
By John Huotari 2 Comments

Snappy Tomato Pizza

After almost four years in Oak Ridge, Snappy Tomato Pizza in central Oak Ridge is closing Friday.

 

After almost four years in Oak Ridge, Snappy Tomato Pizza will close Friday, the owners said Thursday.

“We have really tried to hang on; however, things appear to continue to go downhill for us both financially and personally,” franchise owners Frances Gross and her daughters Misty Gross Robbins and Cindi Robbins said in a message to supporters and the Oak Ridge community. “Unfortunately, the sales have not been what we need to keep the business going while the new and upcoming retail centers continue to draw business toward the other end of town.”

The family said they have struggled during the past two years grieving the loss of their son and brother Robert Gross Jr., who was also a co-owner but died in August 2012, and battling with cancer surgery and extensive radiation treatments for husband and father Robert Gross Sr.

Now, they’re facing cancer again, only with a more radical surgery, the family said. In a telephone interview Thursday morning, Frances Gross said the last year has taken a toll on the family, and they’ve struggled to stay busy as new restaurants have opened across town, drawing customers away. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Business, Business, Oak Ridge, Slider, Top Stories Tagged With: business, Cindi Robbins, Frances Gross, Jackson Square, Misty Gross Robbins, Oak Ridge, Oak Ridge Turnpike, restaurant, Robert Gross Jr., Robert Gross Sr., Snappy Tomato Pizza

Habitat for Humanity selling building, plans to relocate

Posted at 11:04 pm August 19, 2014
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County ReStore

The Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County ReStore is located in Grove Center.

 

Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County is selling its building in Grove Center, and officials said they want to move into a more economical facility.

“We have a 70-year-old building, and the cost to maintain the property hinders us in fulfilling the Habitat mission,” the nonprofit organization’s board of directors said in a statement. “Habitat for Humanity International recommends not owning real estate, with the exception of properties on which to build houses.”

The board said many customers have been concerned because they have seen the “For Sale” sign on the Habitat ReStore and office in Grove Center.

“We are not going out of business!” the board said. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Anderson County, Business, Community, Community, Nonprofits, Slider, Top Stories Tagged With: building, for sale, Grove Center, habitat, Habitat for Humanity International, Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County, Habitat ReStore, HFHAC

Oak Ridge Chamber to host customer service workshop Oct. 9

Posted at 9:14 pm August 18, 2014
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce

The Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce is pictured above.

The Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce will host a customer service seminar led by Bill Drury on October 9 from 8:30 a.m.-noon at the chamber.

Entitled “A Passion For Service,” the seminar will focus on how to win customers and reduce lost sales, a press release said. A discount is available for chamber members.

From 1985 until 1990, Drury was the national training consultant for the Zig Ziglar Corporation. He speaks, trains, and travels extensively, and he has proven to be one of the most effective and entertaining speakers in the industry, the release said.

Subjects that Drury will cover include the following: [Read more…]

Filed Under: Business, Front Page News, Oak Ridge Tagged With: Bill Drury, customer service, Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce, seminar, Zig Ziglar Corporation

Honors: PCUD wins distinguished SOAR Award

Posted at 10:54 am August 17, 2014
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Matt Ballard and Rob Neil

Matt Ballard, chairman of APGA’s board of directors, presenting the APGA SOAR award to PCUD President Rob Neil. (Submitted photo)

 

Submitted

At its 2014 Annual Meeting, the American Public Gas Association presented Powell-Clinch Utility District with the prestigious APGA System Operational Achievement Recognition, or SOAR, distinction, which recognizes excellence in operating natural gas utilities.

Public natural gas systems are entrusted by their customers to deliver clean and affordable natural gas through a safe and reliable distribution pipeline system. To accomplish this mission, a forward-thinking natural gas utility constantly strives to improve its operating capabilities, overcome challenges, and adapt to its changing environment.

Out of over 700 APGA members nationally, PCUD was the only gas system selected in East Tennessee and was one of 21 selected for SOAR distinction by its peers on the APGA Operations and Safety Committee. The SOAR award is based on demonstrated excellence in the four areas of system integrity, system improvement, employee safety, and workforce development. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Business, Honors and Spotlight Tagged With: American Public Gas Association, APGA, APGA Operations and Safety Committee, Bert Kalisch, natural gas, natural gas systems, natural gas utilities, PCUD, Powell-Clinch Utility District, SOAR, System Operational Achievement Recognition

ThreeStar status awarded to 85 counties, including Anderson, Roane

Posted at 9:20 am August 17, 2014
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Bill Hagerty

Bill Hagerty

Submitted

93 out of 95 counties meet audit committee requirement

NASHVILLE—The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development on Thursday announced that 85 out of 95 counties, including Anderson and Roane, have been awarded ThreeStar status. In addition, since the ThreeStar community development program began requiring eligible communities to create and maintain a County Audit Committee in January 2013, the number of counties with Audit Committees has increased substantially. As of March 2013, there were 32 audit committees around the state; as of July 2014, there are 93.

“The ThreeStar program is a vital component to our state’s overall level of success, providing counties with a proven roadmap for continued economic and community strength, which in turn helps Tennessee win new investment and jobs,” Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty said. “Tennessee has been recognized as the number one state in the nation for economic development, and these audit committees support Governor Haslam’s overarching goal of making Tennessee the most efficiently run state on every level. I congratulate all of our ThreeStar counties and those communities who are taking the initiative to create Audit Committees and work toward achieving fiscal strength and efficient government.”

The Audit Committees are designed to help each county improve their financial management and reporting practices, and help ensure the implementation of good internal controls to prevent or detect fraud, a step towards achieving fiscal strength and efficient government. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Anderson County, Business, Front Page News, Government, Roane County, State, Tennessee Tagged With: Audit Committee, Bill Hagerty, Bill Haslam, community development, Comptroller of the Treasury, economic development, Five Pillars, governor, Justin P. Wilson, Tennessee, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, ThreeStar, ThreeStar status, TNECD

Roane Alliance expands Chamber program, hires two, adds member benefits

Posted at 12:17 pm August 16, 2014
By Oak Ridge Today Staff Leave a Comment

Paulette Ray

Paulette Ray

The Roane County Chamber of Commerce now has two full-time employees, bringing more attention to members and adding member benefits through additional products and programs, a press release said.

Paulette Ray, director of Chamber operations, has returned to the Alliance to work “hand-in-hand with businesses to help them grow and succeed,” the press release said. Ray previously worked as the Chamber membership coordinator from 2007 to 2009 and has continued to work with the Alliance as a volunteer while running her own business, South Eastern Clogging Company, a dance and exercise studio in Kingston, which she owned for 28 years. A graduate of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce Executives, she has also completed her first year of Institute for Organizational Management, and is a 2009 graduate of Leadership Roane County.

Ray is a longtime resident of Roane County, a 1990 graduate of Roane County High School, and she attended Roane State Community College. In her spare time, she continues to teach, judge, and choreograph clogging and is also a ZUMBA fitness instructor in the county. She resides in Kingston with her husband, Daniel, along with four of their five children. Ray also has a married daughter living in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, with her husband who is currently serving in the Army. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Business, Roane County, Top Stories Tagged With: Chambermaster, Lindsey Stevens, member benefits, member services, operations, Paulette Ray, Roane Alliance, Roane County Chamber of Commerce, South Eastern Clogging Company

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