The Knoxville Chamber recently announced the first group of businesses to receive recognition through its green business program. The Green Business Recognition Program honors businesses that have implemented strategies to reduce waste, save energy, and become more environmentally conscious.

On Monday, Sept. 8, from 7:30 to 9 a.m., Innovation Valley Inc. will host a kick-off breakfast featuring a pep talk from University of Tennessee men’s head basketball coach, Bruce Pearl.

WATERBURY, VERMONT (August 1, 2008) – Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, Inc. (NASDAQ: GMCR), today announced it has chosen Knox County, Tennessee as the future home of a new manufacturing and distribution facility for the Green Mountain Coffee segment. The Company has closed on the purchase of a 334,000 square foot building on a 31 acre parcel of land in Knox County for approximately $10.4 million. The new site will support the brand’s national expansion and continued growth in the single-cup business.

The Office of Career Services will host its 8th Annual Part-Time Student Employment Job Fair on August 27, 2008 from 10 AM - 3PM at the University Center. If your business would like to participate, please register by Monday, August 18, 2008. Space is limited so register as soon as possible by visiting http://utk-csm.symplicity.com/events/2008pjf

Do you or professionals in your company need to learn the art of business relationship building on the golf course? If so, Bogey Free Business Golf is your ace in the hole. This daylong event and training session will put you on the right plane for business and course success.

The Knoxville Chamber ambassador appreciation luncheon was held in June at the Knoxville Convention Center. Ambassadors selected Jana Davison, Cariten Healthcare Account Executive, as Ambassador of The Year.

After careful deliberation, the management of the Knoxville Chamber has determined it is in the best interest of the organization, exhibitors, and attendees to postpone the annual business-to-business tradeshow. The Chamber’s show draws hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of attendees, and will be rescheduled for the fall of 2009.

The Knoxville Chamber recently announced the development of the Green Business Recognition Program to celebrate members that have implemented efforts to conserve energy and reduce waste. By recognizing businesses efforts to go green, the Chamber hopes to encourage and inspire other businesses to implement these simple, cost effective, green steps.

To apply for the Green Business Recognition Program visit: http://www.knoxvillechamber.com/greenapp.html.

Today’s announcement that Volkswagen Group of America will build its first United States assembly plant in Chattanooga, TN is welcome news to the Innovation Valley. The region, which includes the counties and communities in the Knoxville metropolitan area, is well positioned to support the VW facility and to support automotive parts manufactures.