The Innovator Award,
sponsored by Image Matters, Inc. - Given to a business that has developed
a new technology, innovative product or service or applied a business
system or service in an innovative way. Nucsafe Inc. - Using technology
developed in Oak Ridge, the company manufactures radiation measurement
systems for the homeland security market. Its detection products include
backpack models, mobile products used in land, air and sea applications
and stationary systems for pedestrian, vehicle and container monitors.
The Small Business
Award, sponsored by Bank of America - Honors a small business
having 50 or fewer employees that has consistently grown its workforce and
revenue and overcome obstacles including access to capital, operational
efficiency, control of expenses, customer loyalty and distribution.
Dayton's Pest Control Services, Inc. - In its twenty-two years of
existence, Dayton.s has grown from one employee to sixteen. The company is
an early adopter of new technology and regularly invests in its employees
and equipment to stay on the cutting edge of pest control services. It
uses advanced pesticides to limit reapplications and potential exposure to
clients and their pets.
The Impact Award,
sponsored by R.M. Moore Real Estate Company - Presented to a business that
displays a commitment to making East Tennessee a better place to live
through the development and support of a community or program. Knoxville
News Sentinel - The News Sentinel's community involvement is extensive. In
2006, the paper topped previous efforts of supporting the United Way by
raising $150,000 (an 18 percent increase over the previous year). In
addition, Bruce Hartmann, publisher of the News Sentinel chaired the
campaign and helped raise $12.5 million. This past year, Empty Stocking
Fund baskets included more than 70 pounds of food. The paper's Milk Fund
and Mercy Fund provided dietary supplements and funds for emergency
medical situations.
The Minority Business
Award, sponsored by Covenant Health - Presented to a minority
business that has produced outstanding business results and growth and
overcome the obstacles of race or sex. NetGain Corporation - The Company
has grown its annual revenues to more than $15 million by acquiring
Department of Energy contracts in Oak Ridge and Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The company also provides mobile drug and alcohol testing services, which
reduce employee downtime and show an annual cost savings to NetGain's
clients.
Business Excellence Award - Awarded to a company
headquartered in East Tennessee or a company with significant presence in
East Tennessee that has shown remarkable profitability, growth and
stability. Nominees must be recognized regionally, nationally and/or
internationally in their respective business sector and should have made
significant investments in facilities and employees. Two awards are
presented, one company with 51-150 employees company wide and one company
with 151+ employees. Mid-Sized - Molecular Pathology Laboratory Network,
Inc. - Since its inception, the company has been a leader in laboratory
medicine. It is continuously expanding testing services for oncology,
obstetrics, gynecology, genetics, infectious diseases, internal medicine
and gastroenterology. Large - Scripps Networks - The media company has
developed five brands in ten years and is credited with previously unheard
of growth in the cable television industry. In fact, two of its brands saw
growth of more than 12 percent in 2006. Its three newest brands have all
been recognized among the fastest growing in terms of viewership.
Currently, the company's programming is seen in 170 countries on seven
continents, and in 2006 the company's revenues topped $1.1 billion.
The Young Entrepreneur
Award, sponsored by Cariten Healthcare - Presented to a
professional forty or younger who is on track to be one of tomorrow's top
business and community leaders. Chuck Witkowski, President of Protein
Discovery - Witkowski is president of a cutting-edge scientific company
that develops advanced diagnostic tools that detect cancer before a tumor
begins to grow allowing for treatment at the earliest stages.
The James A.Haslam, II
Leadership Award, sponsored by Lexus of Knoxville - Awarded to a
longtime business leader who exhibits strength in character, resolve,
commitment to our community and exemplary success in business. Bill
Sansom, Chairman and CEO of H.T. Hackney Company and chairman of the board
of the Tennessee Valley Authority. Sansom is a civil engineer and was
president of American Limestone Company before becoming the Tennessee
Commissioner of Transportation. He has also served as past president of
the Knoxville Chamber, Tennessee Business Roundtable, Boy Scout.s Great
Smoky Mountain Council and chairman of the Knoxville Community Development
Corporation.
