News from South College and UT lead this week’s Knoxville business roundup
(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.)
South College earns Military Spouse Friendly® School designation
South College, a longtime advocate for veterans and the U.S. Military, has been recognized as a 2022-2023 Military Spouse Friendly® School. The school offers the South College Military Grant to both veterans and their spouses. It also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which covers tuition for eligible participants that is not covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
“Since 2016, we’ve been recognized for our support of members of the military, and this new recognition of spouse support is quite an honor,” South College Chancellor Steve South said. “We will continue our commitment to offering programs and support for our military-connected students, veterans, and their families who have sacrificed so much in service to our country.”
UTK and CNS sign $9.5 million agreement
A new agreement between the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) and Consolidated Nuclear Security (CNS) will allow the latter’s two sites access to the breadth and depth of the university’s faculty, students, and research facilities, according to a news release. The two facilities operated by CNS include Y-12 National Security Complex, located in Oak Ridge, and Pantex Plant in Amarillo, TX. The agreement will run through September 2026 and will enable Y-12 to augment technology development and innovate business processes through UTK.
“We have long recognized the importance of academia as a key resource in supplying creative and dedicated talent,” said Gene Sievers, Y-12 Site Manager. “UT, specifically because of their pool of talent, facilities, and proximity, is well positioned to be a primary partner in advancing applied science and engineering and developing innovative business approaches.”
Read more here.
UT CIS awarded grant to help local manufacturers implement cyber hygiene practices
The UT Center for Industrial Services (UT CIS) has been awarded an Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation grant to assist small to medium-sized manufacturers in assessing and implementing cyber hygiene practices that enable compliance with DFARS 252.204-7012/NIST 800-171 security control requirements. Eligible companies are based in Tennessee, considered as a defense contractor or tier supplier to the defense industry, and have a management team dedicated to improving and growing their business. Available assistance includes: (1) a complementary awareness training workshop focused on specifics of DFARS 252.204-7012/NIST 800-171; (2) a cybersecurity gap assessment that compares a company’s existing processes, policies, and procedures to the DFARS 252.204-7012/NIST 800-171 security control requirements and develops documentation and roadmaps to close compliance gaps; and (3) remediation technical assistance for up to 20 days. The company cost share on the gap assessment component is $400, while there is a cost share on the remediation assistance of 15 percent. Those interested in more information should contact UT CIS directly (CIS@tennessee.edu) or their Regional Solutions Consultant (click here for geographic map).
Knoxville Chamber announces dates for “Endeavor Summit”
The Knoxville Chamber will host the “2022 Endeavor Young Professional Summit” in-person once again this year on October 6. The agenda and keynote speakers will be announced later this summer. For more information, and to be notified of ticket sales, click here.
Business Changes
A few weeks ago, Inside of Knoxville wrote about Knox Mason’s closure in the Embassy Suites. The blog wrote a follow up announcing that Kopita will move into the space with plans to open in mid-July. Kopita owners Avi Zenatti and Ilna Brodt had originally looked at expanding Kopita in its current downtown location, but the estimates were high. Moving into a larger space with a larger kitchen, the restaurant will expand its dinner menu to offer more Mediterranean meals. Read more here.
