Skip to content

Knoxville Area Urban League Holds Matchmaking Event



More than 100 people attended the Knoxville Area Urban League’s networking session for disadvantaged, minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses to explore construction opportunities connected to the proposed multi-use stadium development near downtown. The “matchmaking” event, held in partnership with GEM Community Development Group, was open to pre-registered people who own or work for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises.

Contractors, subcontractors and related businesses learned about the project and discussed bid opportunities. Participants also met Steve Davis, president of GEM Community Development Group, and Frank Rothermel, president of Denark Construction, the selected construction management firm. The proposed $80.5 million publicly funded stadium, situated on the edge of the Old City, will be surrounded by more than $100 million in private development led by GEM Community Development Group.

“Connecting contractors in the community with this project is the opportunity of a lifetime for many of the people we serve,” said Phyllis Nichols, Knoxville Area Urban League CEO. “I am appreciative of GEM Community Development Group’s investment and its commitment to helping the underserved secure economic self-reliance. This project has the potential to transform East Knoxville. We want Disadvantaged Business Enterprises to be able to take full advantage of the opportunities to get involved. I urge anyone who is interested but couldn’t attend to contact us.”

More Stories

  • Latest Issue 3 24

    Read More
  • Editor's Letter

    As we embrace the arrival of March, a noticeable sense of excitement is in the air. Events once again fill the pages from elegant galas to Mardi Gras-themed parties. The BaseVols are back on the mound and the the days are gradually becoming longer; the promise of spring is just around the corner.  Read More
  • Hundreds of Children Race to Finish Line At Covenant Kids Run Kickoff

    The 20th Annual Covenant Kids Run has officially started with a kickoff marked by a 1-mile run outside West Town Mall, starting and finishing at DICK’S House of Sport and attended byhundreds of East Tennessee students racing to raise money for their schools. Read More
  • Local Start-Up To National Brand: Family-Owned Sugarland turns 10

    Distilleries are one of Tennessee’s biggest drivers of economic growth, accounting for $3.5 billion in impact and 30,000 jobs across the state, according to a study by Tourism Economics.

    One local distillery that’s helping fuel that growth is celebrating its 10th anniversary in a few weeks and I was hoping we could work together on this story that runs the gamut of entrepreneurship, food/bev, tourism, entertainment, and more.

    Read More