AMS Engineering Manager received international award and more Knoxville business news
(EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a roundup of business news from throughout the Knoxville region. If you have some business news that you would like to be included in Teknovation Weekend, please email us at news@teknovation.biz.)
AMS Engineering Manager receives 2021 “International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Award”
Dr. Chad Kiger, Manager of the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Engineering group at Analysis and Measurement Services (AMS), was announced as a 2021 recipient of the “International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Award.” Also known as the “IEC 1906 Award,” it is presented annually to honor experts around the world for exceptional achievements to advance IEC activities, according to a news release from AMS. Kiger has worked at AMS for 16 years and has performed EMC qualifications testing in nearly 100 nuclear facilities. He also works with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) on EMC issues in the nuclear industry worldwide.
University Orthopaedic Surgery Center hosting job fair today
The University Orthopaedic Surgery Center is seeking job applicants in a variety of health care and support roles as it prepares for its grand opening this spring, according to a news release. The job fair today runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Institute for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing (IAMM) Building at 2641 Osprey Vista Way at the University of Tennessee Research Park at Cherokee Farm. The Research Park is also the future home of the center.
“The opening of the University Orthopaedic Surgery Center represents a focused, highly specialized health care partnership formed to provide patients with the most ideal site of service for outpatient orthopaedic care,” said Dr. Chip McDowell, Medical Director of University Orthopaedic Surgery Center. “We aim to provide the highest quality of care while also offering accessible and cost-effective services. We’re looking for job candidates who want to support these efforts, who are ready for a rewarding career in health care, and who fit our culture of providing exceptional patient-centered care.”
Executive Director of Mission of Hope retiring after 23 years
Tom King writes in the online edition of KnoxTNToday that the longtime leader of a local non-profit is retiring after 23 years. Emmette Thompson, whom King says is “the heart and soul and inspirational leader of the Mission of Hope,” is stepping down as Executive Director of the organization whose motto is “delivering hope to the families of rural Appalachia.”
Mortgage rates continue to rise and more housing news
Mortgage rates are expected to continue to rise, according to “Market Pulse,” the Knoxville Area Association of Realtors monthly newsletter. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 3.11 percent at the end of 2021. The rate has jumped since the start of the new year, sitting at 3.89 percent as of February 24. “Market Pulse” also had information on the rental market, which had an occupancy rate in January of around 99 percent. Rent growth also once again exceeded Knoxville’s five-year average, as well as the national average of nearly 15 percent.
Tennessee ranks #30 on WalletHub list of opportunities for women
To determine how women are faring and where they can find the best opportunities relative to where they live, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 25 key indicators of living standards for women. The data set ranges from median earnings for female workers to women’s preventive health care to the female homicide rate.
How does Tennessee rank? The Volunteer State placed #30 overall, just ahead of North Carolina (#31), Ohio (#32), and Georgia (#43). But, at the same time, there were 29 other states that offered more opportunities for women. Massachusetts topped the list followed by Minnesota (#2), New York (#3), Hawaii (#4), and the District of Columbia (#5).
Tennessee’s lowest-ranked category was #47 in women’s life expectancy at birth.
Click here to learn more.
Business Openings and Updates
The Bark, an indoor/outdoor dog park, daycare, and beer garden, is set to open in the Fourth and Gill area. The business is operated by Hanna Harris, a local dog trainer. Dogs are given a behavioral screen before they are allowed in the park, and behavioral records will be kept. The Bark will also have health records for dogs, including vaccinations. Learn more in this Inside of Knoxville article.
Scruffy City Hall on Market Square is planning to double its rooftop space and add a cover. The cover is designed to look like a whiskey barrel and will protect the area. An article from Inside of Knoxville estimates that construction will start early this summer and will take around nine months.
