Nonprofit news and business changes make up 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 klamb@pyapc.com.)
Shults Pediatrics announces partnership with Mother’s Milk Bank of Tennessee
Yesterday, Shults Pediatrics of Summit Medical Group announced its partnership with the nonprofit to become a milk drop depot. The partnership was announced at an event at Shults and Dr. Susan Campbell, Executive Director of Mother’s Milk Bank of Tennessee, honored donor mothers for their contributions. It is the 13th milk drop location in the state.
Shults offered tours of its newly developed Lactation Suite at the event. The location also offers lactation consulting to new mothers.
Furrow Automotive Group presents animal shelters with $20,000
On July 21, Furrow Automotive Group’s Mercedes-Benz of Knoxville presented Young-Williams Animal Center and the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley with more than $20,000 in donations for the organization’s lifesaving efforts.
Business Changes
Two Bikes, which opened in April 2021, expanded its outreach program this month, according to an article from Inside of Knoxville. The bike shop’s mission is to give away approximately half its bikes for free through community donation programs. So far, the business has donated more than 400 bikes. This month Two Bikes launched a partnership with The Boys and Girls Club called the Two Bikes School. The program works with teens from 14-18, giving them paid internships through the Boys and Girls Club YouthForce Program. Two Bikes will train and certify the teens as bike mechanics or sales associates. The shop added two staff members to run the program. Read the full article here.
Freedom Boat Club, a worldwide business which first started in Sarasota, Florida, is opening a Volunteer Landing location. It will have a fleet of four boats. According to an article from Inside of Knoxville, the business plans to open three East Tennessee locations this year. Most locations are franchised, including the Knoxville one. Freedom Boat Club offers two different memberships where people can reserve boats. The type of boat they can rent depends on their level of membership. Members can rent from any location around the world. Read the full article here.
Inside of Knoxville also reported that three downtown business are moving locations. C.J.’s Closet, a women’s clothing store, will be moving to West Town Mall. The business owners will instead open a new yoga space in the location (after C.J.’s moves) called Yoga Central. Fai Thai Kitchen on Gay Street also closed this month. Although the Inside of Knoxville article said the business is moving to a new space with a different model, it did not have details. Finally, Oja’s Beauty will be moving to Maryville. The location will continue to operate on Union Avenue until the end of August. Read the full article here.
