ConnectTheKnox

In this episode of Connect the Knox, host Julia Hurley is joined by Dana Hart, Executive Director of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. Dana shares her compelling journey from Missouri to Knoxville and her deep involvement in the Hall of Fame. They discuss the Hall's rich history, its impact on women's sports, and its various educational programs and international recognition. Dana highlights the importance of the Hall of Fame to the Knoxville community and the future of women's basketball. Tune in for an insightful conversation celebrating the achievements and contributions of women in sports. Show Highlights: (00:00) - Intro (00:47) - Dana Hart's background (03:13) - The importance of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (05:53) - Location and cost of the Hall of Fame (08:33) - Hall of Fame induction ceremonies (11:31) - Ad - Just Homes Group (12:01) - Impact of the Hall of Fame (15:08) - Women's Basketball Hall of Fame summer camps (16:17) - Growing women's basketball (19:23) - Women's basketball and Knoxville (22:19) - Where to find out more about the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (23:06) - Rapid Fire Round Links Referenced: Dana's email: [email protected] Connect with ConnectTheKnox - Follow the Podcast -

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In this episode of Connect the Knox, host Julia Hurley interviews TenHats CEO Brian Strong. They explore his career journey from various sales roles to his current position in IT and data center services. Brian explains the role of TenHats in providing essential IT infrastructure and support for businesses in Knoxville, highlighting the city's growth as a tech and energy hub. They discuss the increasing demand for power, potential solutions like nuclear energy, and Knoxville's future prospects. The episode concludes with a rapid-fire round about Brian's favorite local spots, emphasizing the city's community and business appeal. Show Highlights: (00:00) - Intro (00:43) - Brian's Business Background (02:03) - Knoxville's Railroad Industry (04:06) - Julia's Fate Encounter with Brian (04:48) - Brian's Path to TenHats (06:47) - Learning From Prior Small Business Experiences (10:40) - Explaining TenHat and Its Services (11:09) - Plans for Future Expansion (12:41) - Ad - Just Homes Group (13:11) - The Energy Industry and Knoxville's Growth (16:22) - The Local Future of Nuclear Energy (18:23) - Knoxville as a Tech Hub (21:17) - Rapid Fire Round (23:36) - Where You Can Find Brian's Business Links Referenced: TenHat's Website: https://tenhats.com/ Brian's email: [email protected] Connect with ConnectTheKnox - Follow the Podcast -

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- Buy or Sell a home in Knoxville -

• Just Homes Realty Group: www.justhomesgroup.com
• Find my Home Buyers & Home Sellers Guide here: https://linktr.ee/thejuliahurley

From cheese making to fermentation, Kristin Webber has the knowledge to help you get back to the basics. Julia sits down with Kristin to find out what homesteading is, how Kristin developed her love for it, and why Knoxville has embraced her business with open arms. Plus, we find out where Kristin's pseudonym "Chicken Librarian" comes from and what her plans are for scaling her business over the next 5-10 years. Links Referenced: Kristin's Website: https://chickenlibrarian.com/ Events Page: https://chickenlibrarian.com/classes-and-events/2024-events/ Facebook: ChickenLibrarian Instagram: @chickenlibrarian Connect with ConnectTheKnox - Follow the Podcast -

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Sam Elliott, the Vice President of Development for the Young Professionals of Knoxville (YPK), shares his journey from a pilot to a pivotal community leader, detailing the impact of YPK in fostering a vibrant network for young professionals in Knoxville. Discover how YPK's connections, development, and service initiatives are crafting a promising future for the city's young talent and how young professionals can get involved, grow their skills, and contribute to their community.

Show Highlights:

(00:00) Introduction.

(01:07) Sam's background in aviation and community leadership.

(02:17) Exploring volunteer opportunities and community involvement in Knoxville.

(03:23) How the city supports a community-driven mindset.

(03:51) Overview of Young Professionals of Knoxville and their activities.

(05:22) Professional development events hosted by YPK.

(06:27) Leadership experiences within YPK.

(07:34) YPK's affinity groups and personal connection opportunities.

(08:10) Discussion on Knoxville's transformation into a tech and educational hub.

(09:28) Retaining young talent in Knoxville with strategic initiatives.

(10:33) YPK's expansion into surrounding areas.

(14:05) Community service projects and their impacts.

(16:32) Regional expansion plans into Oak Ridge.

(17:11) Future partnerships and growth for YPK.

(18:44) Importance of community and professional development.

(25:13) Closing remarks and appreciation for Sam Elliott.

Links Referenced:

Young Professionals of Knoxville website: https://www.ypknox.com/

Reach Sam via Email: [email protected]

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- Buy or Sell a home in Knoxville -

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Find my Home Buyers & Home Sellers Guide here: https://linktr.ee/thejuliahurley

In this episode, we meet John Ewart, the dynamic leader of the Knoxville Chapter of the Associated General Contractors. John shares his inspiring journey from his early days in the Navy to playing football at the University of Tennessee and how these experiences led him to a significant role in shaping Knoxville's construction scene. He discusses the importance of skilled trades like electric work and carpentry, the impact of the Women in Construction initiative, and how he is helping to grow the next generation of leaders in the construction industry. Tune in to discover how John's leadership is building a stronger community in Knoxville.

Show Highlights:

(00:00) Introduction.

(01:00) John recounts his early experiences.

(02:31) Explanation of what AGC stands for and its significance in the construction industry.

(03:24) Details on the membership composition of AGC and its community impact.

(05:33) The role of AGC in workforce development, focusing on the Apprenticeship Program.

(06:04) Explanation of what a journeyman is and the value of the apprenticeship.

(07:09) Strategies to combat the workforce shortage in skilled trades.

(09:18) Insights into the Women in Construction initiative and its goals.

(11:00) Discussion on large-scale projects and the importance of blueprint skills in construction.

(13:36) The pivotal role of mentorship and networking in professional growth.

(16:00) The importance of community involvement and service in John's career.

(18:45) How AGC connects with legislation and the broader construction industry at the national level.

(20:43) The impact of social media and networking on professional relationships.

(22:35) Closing thoughts on leadership, community impact, and the future of Knoxville's growth.

Links Referenced:

Connect with John on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.ewart.92/

Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-ewart-79645578/

The Associated General Contractors Of Tennessee: https://www.tnagc.org/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1tYTy1NQthNQ4nuE9ZdoJ9Gx5wYMK66xFKV5f2DHMR6jsdLmG1pBXSEqM_aem_AasVxJi0pfAijcboVz04oicdRqrQ2YjpNRhnK1Ni6J0d2U4s8D9xvbaFrQqBtocM2yUk3KDdvGQcb-M-_uZqzpnv

Connect with ConnectTheKnox

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- Follow the Podcast -

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- Buy or Sell a home in Knoxville -

• Just Homes Realty Group: www.justhomesgroup.com

• Find my Home Buyers & Home Sellers Guide here: https://linktr.ee/thejuliahurley

In this heartwarming episode of Connect the Knox, Julia sits down with George Bove, a cherished children's book author who brings the spirit of Knoxville, Tennessee, to life through his stories. George gives us a peek into how he crafts his engaging tales, shares his passion for community service, and introduces his latest book, 'The Little Orange Tea's Great Tennessee Adventure. Show Highlights: (00:00) - Introduction to the episode and guest, George Bove (00:37) - George introduces himself and the concept behind 'The Little Orange Tea' (01:48) - A surprise visit from a character and its role in George's stories (03:04) - Discussion on George's broader range of books and his writing process (04:21) - George's deep ties to Knoxville and his extensive community service (06:56) - George promotes Knoxville to potential newcomers and highlights local attractions (10:16) - George's new book, 'The Little Orange Tea's Great Tennessee Adventure' (12:03) - Where to find George's books, including local and online stores (17:04) - Details on upcoming book projects and the creative challenges involved (20:21) - Future plans for book signings and special events in Knoxville (24:05) - Closing thoughts on the importance of community and family in George's life (28:40) - How to connect with George and final remarks Links Referenced: The Little Orange Tea on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Little-Orange-T-George-Bove/dp/1631775367 The Little Orange Tea's Great Tennessee Adventure on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/little-orange-Great-Tennessee-Adventure/dp/195497874X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3K6HKXSTZEIP5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.LDAj3g9Cs71gPpODHcD-Pw.SyiMNNHyVhi98wzSOw4a_IMx1xB8aBgYWRtb3LdwSlw&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Little+Orange+Tea%27s+Great+Tennessee+Adventure&qid=1714966741&s=books&sprefix=the+little+orange+tea%27s+great+tennessee+adventure%2Cstripbooks%2C97&sr=1-1 Hound Dogs: https://hdknoxville.com/product/the-little-orange-t/ Connect with ConnectTheKnox - Follow the Podcast -

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In this exciting episode of Connect the Knox, host Julia Hurley speaks with Justin Cazana, one of Knoxville's leading commercial real estate brokers and developers. With over 20 years of experience, Justin shares stories about his experiences in real estate, his family's history in the business, and some projects he's proud of, like improving old buildings and developing new ones. Justin also discusses how Knoxville's commercial spaces have evolved and what he sees for the city's future. The episode highlights how important local knowledge and connections are in the real estate industry.

Show Highlights:

(00:00) - Introduction to the episode and guest, Justin Cazana

(00:43) - Justin describes his role and history in Knoxville's commercial real estate

(04:30) - Justin's reflection on his early experiences and the evolution of his career

(07:00) - Discussing favorite projects and their impact on Knoxville

(09:59) - Key transformations in downtown Knoxville and future projections

(14:09) - Insights into Justin's family legacy in Knoxville's real estate

(17:13) - The process and vision behind turning The Tennessean into a luxury hotel

(23:09) - Upcoming projects and the current state of office spaces in Knoxville

(28:21) - Personal recommendations for first-time Knoxville visitors

(30:24) - How to find Justin and closing remarks

Links Referenced:

Justins LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincazana/

Justin's Twitter: https://twitter.com/jcazana?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Avison Young: https://www.avisonyoung.com/professionals/-/ayp/view/justin-cazana/in/knoxville

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- Buy or Sell a home in Knoxville -

• Just Homes Realty Group: www.justhomesgroup.com

Find my Home Buyers & Home Sellers Guide here: https://linktr.ee/thejuliahurley

In this episode of Connect the Knox, Julia Hurley engages with grants expert Lisa Shiveler. From her journey to Knoxville to her pivotal role in transforming local educational and community initiatives through grant writing, Lisa offers an insider's perspective on navigating the competitive world of grants. Learn about the opportunities that grants unveil for nonprofit organizations and community projects within the Knoxville area, extending from Crossville to Cocke County. Lisa's insights provide a roadmap for harnessing the power of grants to foster growth and development across East Tennessee.

Show Highlights:

(00:00) - Introduction to the Episode

(00:27) - Lisa Shiver Introduces Grants and Their Impact on Knoxville

(01:21) - Lisa's Move to Knoxville and Why She Loves It

(02:51) - An In-depth Look at Grant Writing and Its Challenges

(10:12) - Explaining the Difference Between a Grant and a Foundation

(13:44) - Tips on Grant Research and Utilizing Resources

(16:24) - How Walter State Community College Benefits from Grants

(23:53) - Encouraging Community Engagement and Utilizing Local Resources

(27:22) - Lisa's Favorite Knoxville and Morristown Spots

(31:05) - Closing Remarks and Encouragement for Grant Seekers

Links Referenced:

• Visit Knoxville Website: https://www.visitknoxville.com/

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- Buy or Sell a home in Knoxville -

• Just Homes Realty Group: www.justhomesgroup.com

• Find my Home Buyers & Home Sellers Guide here: https://linktr.ee/thejuliahurley

Julia is joined by Kim Bumpas, the president of Visit Knoxville, to discuss the transformation of Knoxville into a must-visit destination. They explore Kim's journey in the tourism industry, the revitalization of iconic landmarks like the Sunsphere, and the initiatives that have put Knoxville on the map. Their conversation also touches on future projects, the impact of tourism on the local economy, and how to attract and retain young talent in the city. Tune in for the vision and passion driving Knoxville's growth as a vibrant, welcoming community! (00:00) - Introduction to the Episode (01:14) - Kim Bumpas shares her journey and introduction to tourism (05:58) - Sunsphere's revitalization and its importance to Knoxville (09:55) - How Visit Knoxville put the city on the map as a premier destination (14:00) - Starter pack recommendations for families visiting Knoxville (18:25) - Changes in Knoxville's tourism over the last 20 years (23:22) - Upcoming events and initiatives from Visit Knoxville (26:15) - Strategies to retain young talent in Knoxville and the role of Visit Knoxville (29:40) - Where to find internships, volunteer opportunities, and Visit Knoxville resources (30:23) - The best place to start planning your Knoxville vacation (31:10) - Closing remarks Links Referenced:

• Visit Knoxville Website: https://www.visitknoxville.com/

Connect with ConnectTheKnox - Follow the Podcast -

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• Podcast Created With Riverside.fm

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- Buy or Sell a home in Knoxville -

• Just Homes Realty Group: www.justhomesgroup.com
• Find my Home Buyers & Home Sellers Guide here: https://linktr.ee/thejuliahurley

This episode of ConnectTheKnox features a conversation with Stephanie Vozar, Director of Corporate Philanthropy at the University of Tennessee, focusing on her role in forging connections between the university and corporate partners to prepare students for the future workforce. Julia Hurley and Stephanie discuss the impact of these partnerships on retaining young talent in Knoxville, Stephanie's vision for the growth of corporate philanthropy at UT, and her personal journey from Flint, Michigan, to her beloved Knoxville. The discussion offers insights into how education and philanthropy are pivotal in shaping a vibrant, economically robust community.

Show Notes

(00:00) - Introduction to the episode and welcoming Stephanie Vozar

(00:55) - Stephanie's journey from Flint, Michigan to Knoxville, Tennessee

(01:31) - Stephanie's Transition from Young Williams Animal Center to the University of Tennessee

(02:48) - Overview of Stephanie's role in corporate philanthropy at UT

(05:10 ) - Addressing workforce needs through innovative educational programs

(10:47) - Efforts to retain young talent in Knoxville and the importance of internships

(14:10) - The evolving demands in key industries

(16:33 ) - Future directions for corporate philanthropy at UT and potential team growth

(21:26) - Connecting students with industry opportunities

(24:06) - Stephanie's personal connection to Knoxville and her favorite aspects of the city

(27:57) - Closing remarks

Links Referenced:

• Visit Knoxville Website: https://www.visitknoxville.com/

• University of Tennessee Foundation: https://www.utfi.org/

• Young Williams Animal Center: https://www.young-williams.org/

Connect with ConnectTheKnox

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- Buy or Sell a home in Knoxville -

• Just Homes Realty Group: www.justhomesgroup.com

• Find my Home Buyers & Home Sellers Guide here: https://linktr.ee/thejuliahurley