NOTE: This release was sent from the University of Tennessee.

Entrepreneurs who want to win federal grant money for new business projects should plan to attend two separate workshops on grant writing and cost proposals Sept. 10-11 in Chattanooga and Oak Ridge.

Both workshops are being offered by the Tennessee Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Proposal Assistance Center at the UT Center for Industrial Services. The workshops will be led by Jim and Gail Greenwood, nationally recognized consultants who have shared their expertise in SBIR and small business incubators for decades in 48 states and Puerto Rico.

The SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are federal initiatives that provide more than $2 billion in grants and contracts each year to small and start-up companies to develop new or enhanced products and services based on advanced technologies.

"Each year, about 40 percent of SBIR Phase I awards go to firms with no prior SBIR experience, so there are plenty of opportunities to win funding," Jim Greenwood said.

The Tennessee SBIR Proposal Assistance Center is designed to help increase the volume of applicants from Tennessee and to boost the success of proposals from Tennessee entrepreneurs and small businesses.

A grant writing workshop will be offered Sept. 10 in Chattanooga at the Tennessee Small Business Development Center, 100 Cherokee Blvd. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. The workshop is from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Geared toward individuals with small, technology-based businesses, this workshop emphasizes correct writing methods and proper responses to government agency requirements. Participants will learn the basics of preparing a competitive Phase I proposal and will get an overview of basic government accounting principles. Much is learned by critiquing an actual proposal with the Greenwoods during the workshop. Participants also get an appointment for a complimentary critique of their own proposal with the Greenwoods.

A cost proposal workshop will be offered Sept. 11 in Oak Ridge at UT's Glazer Building, 1201 Oak Ridge Turnpike. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. The workshop is from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Participants in the cost proposal workshop will learn to make sense of SBIR/STTR cost proposals; how to develop an Indirect/Facilities and Administrative/General and Administrative rate; how to fill record-keeping requirements; and what to expect from government audits.

Registration for each workshop is $150 and includes continental breakfast and a networking lunch. Online registration for either workshop is available at www.tnsbir.tennessee.edu. For more information, contact Kim Arms at kim.arms@tennessee.edu.

NOTE: This release was sent from Fulghum MacIndoe & Associates.

Inc. today ranked Fulghum MacIndoe & Associates, Inc (FMA) number 2,031 on its annual ranking of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the country. The list is the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy – America’s independent-minded entrepreneurs. Taken as a whole, these companies represent the backbone of the U.S. economy.

“Our second annual Inc. 5000 continues the most ambitious project in business journalism,” said Inc. 5000 Project Manager Jim Melloan. “The Inc. 5000 gives an unrivalled portrait of young, underreported companies across all industries doing fascinating things with cutting-edge business models, as well as older companies that are still showing impressive growth.”

FMA, a Knoxville based firm, was founded in 2003 by Billy Fulghum, P.E. and Mike MacIndoe, P.E. as they set out to create a civil and environmental engineering company that provided more than just the average services. Now over five years later, FMA has established valuable relationships with its clients by demonstrating accountability and responsibility for both deadlines and budgets, and have built an employee culture that shares the same commitments to unmatched customer service.

“I think it is our client-centered approach to business, multi-disciplinary experience, and our professional relationship with individuals, communities, and state agencies throughout the Southeast that has given our young company such rapid success,” says Billy Fulghum, FMA co-owner.

The 5000 companies that made the list reported aggregate revenue of $185 billion and median three-year growth of 147 percent. Most important, the 2008 Inc. 5000 companies were engines of job growth, having created more than 826,033 jobs since those companies were founded. Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and a list of the fastest-growing companies that can be sorted by industry and region can be found at http://www.inc5000.com/.

NOTE: This release was sent from Image Matters, a Knoxville Chamber member business.

Image Matters, Knoxville, TN has been named one of the country’s Elite Dealers by OfficeDEALER magazine. The award is presented annually by the magazine to the top office equipment, office products, and office furniture dealers in the U.S.

According to publisher Rich Kunkel, the 110 dealers presented with the prestigious 2008 Elite Dealer awards were selected from a record number of entries.

“It takes something special to stand out as an Elite independent dealer in 2008,” Kunkel said. “Among Elite Dealers, success is not about surviving; it’s about thriving – even in tough economic times.”

A profile of Image Matters is included in the August 2008 issue of OfficeDEALER magazine.

Image Matters was founded in 1999 by Bob Lovelace and JD Sullivan. As one of East Tennessee’s leading provider of state-of-the-art office solutions, the company has enjoyed tremendous growth over the past nine years. The dealership provides a wide range of copier, printer, and software solutions, and is a major supplier of digital office products in East Tennessee.

The Elite Dealer award is based on a company’s superior sales and marketing, dedication to customer service, community involvement and the ability to provide customers with unique and innovative solutions.

For additional information about Image Matters, call 865-212-3600 or visit www.imagemattersinc.com.

NOTE: The following release was sent from the Dogwood Arts Festival.

Lisa Duncan, executive director of the Dogwood Arts Festival, announces today the appointments of its officers and six new board members.

New DAF officers are: Pat Murphy, President; Justin Cazana, Vice President; Dino Cartwright, Secretary; and Jim Scothorn, Treasurer.

New DAF board members are: Vicki Baumgartner, Brandon Clarke, Karen Massey, Kathy Slocum, Amy Styles, and Patrick Wilson.

The following are former board members just completing their DAF commitments: Bill Gentry, Lisa Kelechava, Eddie Mannis, and Robert Paylor.

The mission of Dogwood Arts Festival is to help fund arts education in our schools, promote the visual and performing arts, and to preserve and enhance the beauty of our region. For more information on how you can support the Dogwood Arts Festival, please visit dogwoodarts.com or call 865-637-4561.

NOTE: This release was sent by Claris Networks, a Knoxville Chamber member business.

Claris Networks has been named to Inc Magazine’s 2008 Inc 5000 list for the second year in a row.

The list, which will be featured in a special edition of Inc. Magazine, rec­ognizes America’s fastest-growing and dynamic private companies and expands upon Inc. Magazine’s traditional Inc. 500 list.

Claris Networks ranked as the 3400th fastest-growing private company in the nation. Paul Sponcia, chief executive officer of Claris Networks, said the recognition continues to validate Claris Networks’ growth and dedication customer service.

“We are pleased to be named to Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 5000 list for the second year in a row,” he said. “The distinction continues to prove that Claris Networks leads the marketplace in East Tennessee with innovative and customer-oriented solutions and services.

“We continue to emphasize that customer service is the key to growth and we are pleased to provide the best service of any IT infrastructure solutions provider in the country.” Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 5000 list will be published in a special edition this fall.

Claris Networks is the largest information technology solutions provider in the Greater Knox­ville area and provides hosted and managed IT solutions for hundreds of clients throughout East Tennessee. Claris Networks can be found on the Web at www.clarisnetworks.com

NOTE: This release was sent from AESSEAL Inc., a Knoxville Chamber member business.

AESSEAL Inc. announced today that it has taken a majority equity interest in Mechanical Seal & Service, Inc. of Odessa, TX. AESSEAL Inc. is a member of the AES Engineering Ltd. Group of Companies, headquartered in Rotherham United Kingdom. AES Engineering is listed as a private equity holding of 3i Investments. With global operations serving 85 countries, the AESSEAL group is the 4th largest manufacturer of mechanical seals in the global market. Mechanical Seals are machined devices used in industrial pumps and rotating equipment to prevent liquids from leaking to the environment.

Tom Grove, AESSEAL Inc., President commented “we have essentially completed the rigid product development requirements outlined by the American Petroleum Institute under API-682; the investment provides a strategic footprint in the West Texas Oil & Gas market. Additionally, we will integrate Mechanical Seal & Service, Inc. into the seal repair services we currently provide our North American customers. Mechanical Seal & Service, Inc. has expertise repairing certain mechanical seals units that we are unable to repair at our local factory.”
AESSEAL Inc., North American Headquarters recently invested $ 5 million relocating from Knoxville to a new facility in the Stock Creek Industrial Park in Rockford, TN. The company has branch offices in Kingsport, TN., Fairfield, ME., Longview, WA and a subsidiary in Marion, IA.

Whether you are searching for cabinets for your new home or a remodeling project, your selection can either enhance or distract from the final visual appeal you achieve.

Every decision made, from design to installation, will materially impact the outcome of your finished project and the value of your home, making the selection of your cabinet supplier critical. Because many rooms in your home, such as your kitchen, are increasingly being integrated into today’s entertainment areas, your cabinet choices are more important than ever.

Many homeowners select cabinets that are produced in factories and resold by distributors. Others choose local custom cabinetmakers. Either selection can achieve the desired results depending on the complexity of design and the experience and creativity of the person with whom you work

Today, an increasing number of homeowners are selecting cabinets designed, manufactured and installed by the same company. This choice has the added advantages of placing the entire responsibility of a project with a single company, eliminating the potential of finger pointing, which can occur if a problem should develop along the way as they often do.

Located in the Powell community of Knoxville, Accent Cabinets Inc. is a family owned custom design woodworking and cabinet manufacturer creating high quality designs and products for homeowners, contractors and developers. The company provides quality material and workmanship in every price range, from melamine core products to plywood core products with solid wood exteriors. It combines timeless product design, quality materials, handcrafted manufacturing and personal service to bring you a customized, yet affordable interior. Accent Cabinets goes beyond affordable custom cabinetry by offering homeowners a fully integrated turnkey experience. The company and its employees give karma to your kitchen.

If your project requires the services of a licensed General Contractor, Accent Cabinets has one on staff to attend to the removal or extension of a wall, electrical, plumbing, tiling, dry walling, painting and any remodeling needs, or just about anything. Accent Cabinets’ own craftsmen will perform the required work for you. One project. One company. One great outcome.

Accent Cabinets also manufactures wall units, offices, libraries, yacht interiors, conference rooms and store fixtures for retail stores.

If your desire is to achieve the ultimate in both function and beauty with your next project requiring custom cabinets without all the ‘hassle,’ you’re encouraged to visit the professionals at Accent Cabinets. For "top shelf" service at competitive pricing, the company combining “Old World Craftsmanship with New World Flair!“ is all you need. Any color or design you can think of – don’t see what you want, just ask! The only limit to what can be produced is your imagination!

For more information about Accent Cabinets Inc. call 865-945-4126 or make an appointment to visit the Showroom at 2629 Clinton Highway, Suite 201 in Powell, Tennessee.

Accent Cabinets Inc. Showroom
2629 Clinton Hwy, Suite 201
Powell, TN 37849
865.945.4126

NOTE: This release was sent by representatives for Asset Planning Corporation, a Knoxville Chamber member business.

Asset Planning Corporation, a wealth management company, has been listed in two prestigious national publications Wealth Manager Magazine’s “2008 Top Dogs” list and Financial Advisors magazine’s Registered Investment Advisors (RIA) best list. Both include top advisory firms across the U.S.

Wealth Manager Magazine’s 8th annual “Top Dog” rankings, printed in the July/August issue, recognized Asset Planning Corporation (one of 478 national firms) for the sixth year in a row. To be eligible for the Top Wealth Manager ranking, companies must be registered investment advisors, report more than $50 million in assets under advisement, have predominantly individual clients and offer financial‐planning services. Wealth Manager ranks each firm by the size of their average client relationship, not by the firm’s size or billings. Survey respondents did not include banks, broker/dealers or trust companies.

Additionally, Financial Advisors’ July issue listed Asset Planning Corporation in its Third Annual rankings. Surveying 384 firms, Financial Advisors ranked financial advisor firms according to “top‐quality people, a client‐centric culture, professionalism, a strong brand and an attractive market. Increasingly, there’s another factor that needs to go at or near the top of that list: an effective growth strategy.” Eligibility for Financial Advisors survey included firms with $75 million in assets or more and rated firms based on firm characteristics, client assets and relationships, revenue sources, investment vehicles, strategic initiatives and service menus.

Based in Knoxville, Tenn., Asset Planning Corporation has been providing financial planning and total wealth management in the areas of personal finance or more than three decades. Its president, Paul K. Fain, III, CFP®, is a weekly financial commentator for NBC television’s Knoxville’s affiliate, WBIR. He also contributes a monthly column in the business section of the Knoxville News‐Sentinel. Paul frequently conducts corporate workshops on the fundamentals of cash management, planning for retirement, and investment strategies. He is also a popular keynote speaker for local and national conferences and corporate retreats.

Scenic Helicopter Tours is offering free 15-minute flights to Knox and Sevier County residents on Sep. 6 from 11 am to 5 pm.

Rides will leave from Eagle's Landing Heliport on Highway 66. The address is 113 Helicopter Ride Blvd. in Sevierville.

For more information, read the flyer.

NOTE: This release was sent from Personal Computer Systems, Inc., a Knoxville Chamber member business.

Personal Computer Systems, Inc. (PCS) announced today that they have invested in a new division dedicated to providing Apple Authorized Repair Services.

“A great many customers have approached us looking for warranty and non-warranty repair services on their Apple products,” stated Trace Thompson, Repair Supervisor for PCS. “We have partnered with several Tier I manufacturers to provide these services, and Apple was a logical addition to address our customers’ needs. This definitely fills a void in the East Tennessee market”

PCS provides repair services on many IT related products, including Apple, Fujitsu, HP, Lenovo, Lexmark, Okidata, Toshiba, and many others. As well, the company offers several other types of service including network planning and troubleshooting services, telephone support, and many others.
Customers who wish to schedule service with PCS may email service@pcsknox.com, visit the company’s web site at www.pcsknox.com, or call 865-273-1960.

Founded in 1996, Personal Computer Systems, Inc. is one of the largest technology providers and computer systems builders in the Southeast, providing products to a wide array of corporations, educational and governmental agencies, and resellers. PCS was recognized in 2007 by Computer Reseller News as the 20th-largest computer systems builder in the United States, and is a Microsoft Platinum OEM Partner and a Premier Member of the Intel Channel Partner Program. PCS is committed to operating in a highly ethical manner and providing superior quality and service to its customers while maintaining competitiveness and creating a secure, satisfying environment for each of its employees. For more information, call 865.273.1960 or visit www.pcsknox.com.