The East Tennessee Family Business of the Year Awards recognizes and celebrates the valuable contributions of family businesses, large and small, that make a positive impact on the greater Knoxville business community and the East Tennessee region as a whole for over 100 years and for generations to come.

Whereas East Tennessee has enjoyed a rich legacy of family business for many generations, The Legacy Centre wishes to recognize and celebrate family businesses in the greater Knoxville business community. Family-owned businesses are an important part of the culture, progress, growth, and prosperity of East Tennessee by providing jobs and economic development, making community improvements, and exemplifying good business practices.

Inaugural Celebration - It is official. We have started a tradition!

In the fall of 2011, The Legacy Centre held its first Celebration of Family Business. Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett joined The Legacy Centre in this celebration by proclaiming October 2011 as Family Business Month in Knox County. In commemoration of this honor, The Legacy Centre hosted several events, including an outstanding presentation by Wes Stowers of Stowers Machinery Corporation at the monthly Speaker Series, all intentionally designed to help further the family business enterprise and our mission to "Connect. Grow. Serve. Knoxville" family businesses in the region.

Presenting the East Tennessee Family Business of the Year Awards

Keeping alive the spirit of our inaugural celebration, The Legacy Centre plans to host an annual Celebration of Family Business with an Awards Gala beginning in the fall of 2014. The East Tennessee Family Business of the Year Awards has been created to recognize and celebrate the valuable contributions of family businesses, large and small, that make a positive impact on the greater Knoxville business community and the East Tennessee region as a whole for over 100 years and for generations to come.

This is a highly selective process whereby family-owned businesses apply for consideration and provide an extensive packet of information that is reviewed in-depth by a panel of judges, including business leaders from East Tennessee and around the country. Nominations will be accepted beginning in the spring of 2014.

The East Tennessee Family Business of the Year Awards will be given in the following categories:

Small - Under 50 employees
Medium - 50-99 employees
Large - 100 or more employees
Live Your Legacy Award - awarded by The Legacy Centre

Special awards may also be given for family firms that demonstrate excellence in a particular area.

The Family Business Celebration & Awards Gala will take place in Knoxville, TN, for the nominees, their employees, nominators, family, friends, and the greater Knoxville business community.

Invitation for Awards Sponsorships

Professionals and companies in the community who share The Legacy Centre's passion for family business may partner with us in sponsorship of this special event. If interested, please send us a note or contact Ed Seaver at (865) 386-6248.

For More Information

More information will be available in the upcoming months. If you have questions about this event or the awards process, please send your inquiries and comments to us.