U.S. Cellular announced last month that it is adding 60 new jobs at its customer call center in Knoxville. The call center, located off Pellissippi Parkway, currently employs more than 400 people and serves U.S. Cellular customers in Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland.

Vanderbilt Mortgage Finance Inc., a subsidiary of Clayton Homes Inc., announced last month that it has purchased Chase Home Finance’s $4 billion manufactured housing mortgage portfolio and will add 200 local jobs.

Last month, the Jobs Now! partners unveiled to its investors and stakeholders a comprehensive program plan that outlines a new brand statement, strategies and work plan for 2005. Jobs Now!, a five year economic development initiative, combines the efforts of the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership, Oak Ridge Economic Partnership and the East Tennessee Economic Development Agency.

The Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership was proud to host Scripps Networks 10th anniversary of Home and Garden Television (HGTV) on November 19 at the Knoxville Museum of Art. Mayor Bill Haslam and Knox County Chief of Staff Mike Arms gave proclamations and officially made November 19th HGTV Day in Knoxville and KnoxCounty.

In an effort to thank area businesses that have made a significant contribution to the community and economy by making Knoxville and Knox County their home, Mayors Mike Ragsdale and Bill Haslam, in partnership with business leaders, have launched a multimedia campaign.

The Brunswick Boat Group (BBG) announced last month that its Sea Ray operating unit will embark on an ambitious plan to expand and further modernize several Sea Ray operations in East Tennessee.

Gerdau Ameristeel announced last month a multi-million dollar modernization effort that will upgrade equipment and improve productivity and efficiency of its Knoxville steel mill.

For the second year, Knoxville has garnered a top spot on the “Best Places for Business and Careers” list published in Forbes magazine. Knoxville ranked 13th overall, up from 22nd in 2003.

Governor Phil Bredesen and Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale announced last month a $56 million expansion plan of Exedy America Corporation, formerly Daikin Drivetrain Components Corporation.

Knox County had the largest population increase over a three-year period, more than any other Tennessee county in a major city, according to a new U.S. Census study.