Skip to content

Knoxville Chamber announces 2018 Pinnacle Award Winners




The Knoxville Chamber recently announced finalists and winners of its 14th Annual Pinnacle
Business Awards, presented by Regions Bank. The Impact Award, sponsored by Publix, honors a business that displays a commitment to making East Tennessee a better place to live and work through the development and support of community projects or programs. This year’s winner was Strata-G, LLC.

The Innovator Award, sponsored by Cirrus Insight, is 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. This year’s winner was GRIDSMART Technologies, Inc.

The Small Business Excellence Award is presented to a business with 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. This year’s recipient was Pipe Wrench Plumbing, Heating and Cooling.

The Minority-Owned Business Excellence Award, sponsored by Covenant Health, recognizes a minority-owned business that has produced outstanding business results and growth and overcome the obstacles of race or ethnicity. This year’s recipient was MBK Wellness of Knoxville.

The Woman-Owned Business Excellence Award, sponsored by Cannon & Cannon, is given to an outstanding woman-owned business that is independently owned, operated and controlled by a female. The winner was BGT Recruiting and Consulting.

Lloyd’s Electric Service, Inc. took home the Business Excellence Award for Mid- Sized Businesses. DeRoyal Industries was given the top award in the Large Business Excellence Award.

The Young Entrepreneur Award, presented by Rodefer Moss & Co, PLLC, is awarded to a young professional, 40 years of age or younger, who lives and works in East Tennessee and has achieved success, while overcoming obstacles, to become one of tomorrow’s top leaders. The 2018 recipient was Bradford Jones, CEO of Bradford Catered Events.

The James A. Haslam II Chairman’s Leadership Award, presented by Prestige Cleaners, is given to a longtime business leader that exhibits strength in character, resolve and a commitment to the community and has demonstrated exemplary success in the regional business community. This year’s honoree was Sharon Miller Pryse, CEO and founder of The Trust Company of Tennessee.

More Stories

  • Editor's Letter

    April is a magical time in East Tennessee, minus the allergens swirling in the air of course. As a mom to two active boys, I have welcomed the warm air and longer days with open arms. The bubbles and chalk have been restocked thanks to the Easter bunny, the patio furniture has been cleaned and we are embracing all of the adventures ahead of us in the coming months. Read More
  • Realty Executives and One Knox Announce Exclusive Partnership

    One Knoxville SC, Knoxville’s professional soccer club, proudly announces an official and exclusive partnership with Realty Executives for the 2024 season. The partnership, which kicks off this week as One Knox opens its home season, will be focused on highlighting Realty Executives’ greatest strength - their roster of talented and hard-working agents. Read More
  • Apex Vascular Expands, Welcomes Dr. Umashakar Ballehaninna to the Greater Knoxville Area

    Apex Vascular proudly announces the addition of Dr. Umashankar Ballehaninna, a distinguished board-certified vascular surgeon, to its esteemed team. Dr. Ballehaninna, renowned as “Dr. B,” will begin seeing patients at Apex’s Tennova North Knoxville location starting April 1st, 2024. Read More
  • Jim Slyman Awarded Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award by East Tennessee Realtors®

    James “Jim” Slyman, founder of Slyman Auction & Real Estate, posthumously received the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award from the East Tennessee REALTORS® association. The inaugural award was presented during the organization’s annual Installation and Awards meeting held February 1st at the Tennessee Theater. Read More