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Weekend edition April 22, 2022 | Kailyn Lamb

Radio Systems Corp finds a new CEO and other Knoxville business news

New Hires

Radio Systems Corporation has hired Rob Candelino as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Candelino will replace Willie Wallace, who retired after 27 years with the company. Candelino will assume the role on May 16. Prior to joining Radio Systems, he was the CEO of Unilever in Thailand and the Regional Head of Inland ASEAN.

“After a thorough process, my fellow Board members and I are pleased to have found a leader of Rob’s high caliber to lead this strong and energetic company into its next phase of growth and expansion,” said John Compton, Chair of the Board of Directors of Radio Systems. “Rob brings a passion and energy to his work that inspire the people around him, along with an established expertise in growing consumer products and businesses on an international scale. He understands Radio Systems’ fun, highly engaged and collaborative culture, and he has the right temperament and leadership style to nurture and lead high performing teams that will help Radio Systems provide pet health and safety products to even more customers worldwide.”

Learn more in this news release.

Business Changes

A new bookstore has opened near the Parkridge area. Lowercase books offers used books. In addition to book sales, the store has also offered events, according to an article from Inside of Knoxville. The store posts event updates on its website.

Java Racer, a shop on Gay Street that sold Wolf brand mopeds, has closed, according to an article from Inside of Knoxville. Nearby Wicked Chicken as also shuttered according to the article. Instead of being a brick-and-mortar restaurant, the business is now focused on catering. Wicked Chicken is owned by Nama Hospitality, which also operates Nama, Koyo, and Harvest. The restaurant group is planning to open a downtown location of Harvest in the former Wicked Chicken location. Harvest offers meals built around seasonally available ingredients in the region. Read more about Harvest and Java Racer here.

Knoxville Chamber opens registration for “Explore,” a summer program for interns

The program schedule is tentatively set to start with a kick-off on June 6 with the closing reception on August 8. The “Explore” program offers live, virtual, and on-demand sessions covering personal finance, workplace communications, leadership skills, and more. The program is free. Companies interested in registering their interns can learn more here.


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