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May 27, 2024 | Tom Ballard

News & Notes | Tickets on sale for “Maker City Summit 2024”

The SoundCorps Board of Directors has appointed Jonathan Susman as the new Executive Director for the local nonprofit music organization.

From Knoxville:

Tickets for the “Maker City Summit 2024,” which starts September 27, are now on sale. They are $75 until June 20 when they increase to $95. They can be purchased at this link.

As described on the website, attendees are invited to join “for a weekend filled with practical insights, actionable strategies, and inspiring stories from fellow makers who have successfully navigated the journey of business growth. Whether you’re a part-time hobbyist or a full-time entrepreneur, this summit is your opportunity to gain the tools and knowledge you need to succeed.”

Four keynote speakers have been announced:

  • Elizabeth Hudy, Peach Fuzz;
  • Cymone Wilder, Simon & Moose;
  • Jeremy Cowart, Jeremy Cowart Photography; and
  • Austin Church, Author and Consultant.

From Chattanooga:

The SoundCorps Board of Directors has appointed Jonathan Susman as the new Executive Director for the local nonprofit music organization.

With a wealth of experience in event management, programming, and community engagement, he has been a driving force behind the vibrant cultural scene in Chattanooga.

“We are excited to see Jonathan thrive in his new role as SoundCorps Executive Director as he leverages his passion for music and his proven track record of leadership to further our mission of supporting, promoting, and cultivating Chattanooga’s music economy,” says SoundCorps Board Chair Sammy Lowdermilk.

During his time with the City of Chattanooga, Susman spearheaded numerous initiatives, elevating the city’s profile as a dynamic hub for arts and entertainment.

Under his leadership, SoundCorps aims to expand its programming, forge strategic partnerships, and amplify the impact of Chattanooga’s music scene on a regional and national scale. His vision, combined with SoundCorps’ dedication to empowering musicians and enriching the cultural landscape, promises an exciting future for the organization and the broader Chattanooga community.

From Nashville:

The latest issue of Launch Tennessee‘s The Pitch weekly newsletter provides some additional information about the company with the unique name of Daily Crunch.

As reported in this recent teknovation.biz article that celebration about the first three investments by Market Square Ventures, the Nashville-based start-up has had a lot of good news recently, including the announcement of the nationwide launch of its savory flavors in 453 Target stores.

“Target has been a retailer that we’ve been dreaming of securing since our 2020 launch, and we are thrilled for Target consumers to discover us on the shelves across the country,” Co-Founder Laurel Orley said. Target selected the Dill Pickle Sprouted Almonds and Pepitas Sprouted Nut Medley, as well as the Nashville Hot Sprouted Almonds, to be part of its snack lineup.

From Albuquerque but with ties to Oak Ridge:

Through its Job Training Incentive Program, the New Mexico Economic Development Department has approved $1.3 Million to assist 11 companies train employees. One of those is Kairos Power which was awarded $301,228 for an effort to train 13 people who will then earn an average hourly wage of $47.10.

Kairos Power’s New Mexico facility is primarily an R&D operation focused on the engineering, development, and non-nuclear testing of technology to utilize low-pressure molten fluoride salt as a coolant in a novel advanced nuclear reactor with an inherently safe design. In Oak Ridge, the company is building two Hermes reactors. While the initial Hermes plant would not produce electricity, the plan for Hermes 2 is two reactors that would each produce 14 megawatts of electricity that would go on the grid.

More from Nashville:

Wayspring, a value-based care company focused on substance use disorder populations, has announced a capital raise led by CVS Health Ventures. The amount was not disclosed. The company intends to use the funds to expand the reach of the SUD Home program within current states and into select new markets.

Yet another from Nashville but with Statewide Implications:

Speaking of Launch Tennessee, the organization has announced that the Mayors of the four largest cities in Tennessee will headline a panel during the upcoming “3686” conference in September in Nashville. Mayors Tim Kelly (Chattanooga), Indya Kincannon (Knoxville), Freddie O’Connell (Metro Nashville/Davidson County), and Paul Young (Memphis) will discuss the innovation that is currently taking place in their cities and what they hope to see for the future.

The conference will be held September 9-11, and tickets are on sale at this link.



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