Category Archives: Politics

Convention Center turns its annual Christmas reception into a fun marketing opportunity

I apologize for being such a poor blogger the past few weeks. Work has been just crazy busy. Besides, I still get a bunch of hits just by leaving the photo of Allison Burchett in that dress on the blog’s … Continue reading

Filed under: Business, Downtown, Events, Food, Knoxville, Politics | 5 Comments

Knoxvillians hear fun history and check in with former mayor during visit to Governor’s Residence

One of the hardest things to get used to after being elected Tennessee governor, according to Gov. Bill Haslam, is not being able to ride in a car alone with his wife, Crissy. “Just think about it,” Haslam commented over … Continue reading

Filed under: Business, Events, Knoxville, Media, Politics | 6 Comments

Pilot Celebrity Pumpers raise funds — and spirits

The annual Pilot Pumpers fundraiser for the United Way last month raised a record $63,478. Here’s the deal: during the three-day promotion at all area Pilot convenience stores, Pilot donates to United Way five cents for every gallon of gas … Continue reading

Filed under: Business, Events, Journalism, Knoxville, Media, Politics, UT sports | 1 Comment

Knoxville’s bachelor mayor finally takes the plunge

2011 has been quite the year for Dan Brown. First, the freshman City Council member was elected by his peers to fill the unexpired term of former Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam when Haslam was elected governor. Seven months later, Brown, … Continue reading

Filed under: Knoxville, Politics | 7 Comments

Turkey Creek Public Market: Wow!

Turkey Creek Public Market opened at 10 this morning and I’m still recovering! What a whirlwind of commerce that place is! It’s a combination of Southern Market, First Friday and Tennessee Valley Fair all rolled into one, if you can … Continue reading

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Political year gives Follies plenty of material

Election years always provide the best material for the good folks from the Society of Professional Journalists who are writing and producing the annual Front Page Follies shows. The shows, performed largely by local journalists and PR people, are designed … Continue reading

Filed under: Events, Journalism, Knoxville, Media, Music, Politics, Public Relations | 7 Comments

300 of our closest friends step back to 1947 with us at our client party in the historic Miller’s Building

To celebrate the great time we are having in our new offices in the historic Miller’s Department Store building at 445 S. Gay Street, we made “coming back to Miller’s” the theme of our annual mid-winter client party this year. … Continue reading

Filed under: Business, Downtown, Events, Historic preservation, Journalism, Knoxville, Media, Music, Politics, Public Relations, Theater | 11 Comments

Jim Haslam on business, politics, and keys to success

When Jim Haslam was just getting started in the gas station business more than 50 years ago, his average station sold about $12,000 worth of gasoline, cigarettes, motor oil, soft drinks and food per month. Today, the average Pilot Flying … Continue reading

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Taking a short break from business to be inspired

If you want an annual opportunity to be inspired, let me strongly recommend to you the Leadership Awards Luncheon put on by the Martin Luther King, Jr., Commemorative Commission. Extremely well-attended (more than 500 people this year), the event features … Continue reading

Filed under: Downtown, Events, Knoxville, Media, Politics | 5 Comments

Inauguration night: 3 great parties, the prettiest dress ever and champagne in a paper cup

Although media reports generally have characterized the Bill Haslam inaugural festivities as low-key and frugal (click here and here for those stories), the night definitely provided ample opportunity for fun. Haslam had toured the state during the prior week meeting … Continue reading

Filed under: Events, Knoxville, Music, Politics | 6 Comments