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 5 25

    Read More
  • Editors Letter

    Just last week, my oldest son casually mentioned that he only has 19 days of school left. Nineteen days! Part of me immediately felt a small jolt of anxiety, realizing that very soon, both of my children will be home full-time for the summer. Entertaining two energetic kids for weeks on end is no small feat, and as any parent knows, summer break requires almost as much planning and coordination as the school year itself. Read More
  • HOLSTON HILLS AND MORNINGSIDE NAMED FEATURED TRAILS FOR DOGWOOD ARTS FESTIVAL

    Dogwood Arts proudly announced Holston Hills and Morningside as the 2025 Featured Trails for this year’s Dogwood Arts Festival. The celebration kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held Tuesday, April 1, at Holston Hills Community Park. Read More
  • BANK OF AMERICA KNOXVILLE RECEIVES AWARD FROM MUSE KNOXVILLE

    In April, Muse Knoxville presented Bank of America Knoxville with theLifelong Learner Award for its Student Leaders® program. This national initiative by the bank invests in young local change makers, providing high school students with meaningful, paid summer internships at nonprofits equipping them with critical leadership skills and fostering commitment to civic engagement. Read More