Latest news with #Knoxville-based
Malaysian Reserve
6 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Inc. 5000 Recognizes Avèro Advisors for Fifth Consecutive Year
Five Years Running: Sustained Growth Through Client-Focused Public-Sector Transformation KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Avèro Advisors Earns Spot on the 2025 Inc. 5000 List for Fifth Consecutive Year Avèro Advisors, a leading technology and ERP consulting firm serving state and local governments, has again been named to the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing, privately held companies. This marks the fifth straight year the Knoxville-based firm has earned the distinction, placing it among a select group of organizations to sustain rapid growth over half a decade. 'Securing a place on the Inc. 5000 for five consecutive years is more than a milestone — it's a testament to our team's relentless commitment to client outcomes and our ability to stay ahead of a constantly evolving technology landscape,' said Abhijit Verekar, Founder and CEO. 'We're honored by the recognition and remain laser-focused on helping public-sector agencies modernize critical systems, improve service delivery, and drive tangible results for the communities they serve.' Avèro's momentum reflects a blend of strategic expansion and unwavering client focus: Client-centric partnerships grounded in deep discovery sessions that align technology initiatives with each agency's mission, regulatory requirements, and budget constraints. Seasoned, forward-thinking consultants who apply emerging cloud, integration, and process-mining technologies to modernize ERP, finance, HR/payroll, permitting, and grants-management platforms. Market diversification that has broadened the firm's footprint across North America, adding specializations in AI readiness assessments, ERP data-migration planning, and change-management training. A culture of reliability and integrity that fosters long-term relationships, leading to repeat engagements and referral-based growth. Since its founding in 2016, Avèro Advisors has helped more than 120 public-sector entities navigate complex procurements, craft modernization roadmaps, and implement cloud-based solutions that streamline operations and increase transparency. The firm's five-year streak on the Inc. 5000 underscores its ability to scale while maintaining the high-touch service government clients require. For more information on Avèro Advisors' service offerings, success stories, and career opportunities, visit . Media Contact: Abhijit Verekar Founder & CEO, av@ 865-415-3848 About Avèro AdvisorsFounded in 2016, Avèro Advisors is a Knoxville-based, independent consulting firm that guides state and local governments through complex digital transformations. The firm provides vendor-neutral expertise in ERP strategy, procurement, and implementation—spanning finance, HR/payroll, procurement, asset management, permitting, and more—so agencies can confidently adopt modern, cloud-based platforms. Avèro's collaborative, outcome-focused approach has earned it a place on the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies for five consecutive years. (Who We Are – Avero Advisors, Avero Advisors Partners with Santa Fe County to Lead ERP Transformation)
Int'l Business Times
07-08-2025
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
Todd Jewell's Insights On Why Moving to Knoxville is a Smart Step to Unlock a Better Quality of Life
Knoxville isn't the kind of city that overwhelms you the moment you arrive. It draws you in more subtly, with tree-lined neighborhoods, the Appalachian mountain views peeking through the skyline, and a vibrant culture that blends small-city charm with big-city amenities. It's no surprise, then, that Knoxville has become one of the most sought-after relocation destinations in the country. What's interesting is why people are moving here now, and how those reasons have shifted over the years. "Fifteen years ago, most people relocated because they couldn't afford to stay where they were," says Todd Jewell, a Knoxville-based real estate professional with two decades of experience helping people move to East Tennessee. "Now, people are putting their quality of life ahead of the dollar. Affordability is still a benefit, but it's not the main driver. They want to live somewhere that aligns with their values and gives them room to build a life." That shift is clear in Knoxville's current state of migrations. It isn't just retirees looking for a comfortable place to settle down, though many do. It's young families seeking safety and space to raise kids, professionals who can now work remotely and choose lifestyle over proximity, and parents making moves that allow their children to stay near home after college. "I hear this from a lot of families," Jewell explains. "They realize their kids can't afford to stay where they are, so they're moving somewhere where multiple generations can thrive. That's new in the last few years." Knoxville offers plenty of reasons why it fits that vision. Tennessee's lack of state income tax and low property taxes make the cost of living significantly more affordable compared to many other cities. Yet Knoxville isn't just about savings; it's rich in culture, with the presence of revered universities that drive multicultural students. That influence brings diversity in food, music, art, and theater, along with the energy and innovation of a college town. "You don't have to sacrifice culture for affordability," Jewell notes. "You can have both here." The geography of the city adds to its appeal. The lakes and mountains make outdoor recreation part of daily life for many residents. The interstate system that converges around Knoxville also places a lot of the US population within a day's drive, something Jewell says is invaluable for families with connections across the country. "If your kids move to Chicago or New York, you can be there in less than ten hours," he says. "It keeps you close without sacrificing the lifestyle you want." But beyond Knoxville's amenities and accessibility lies another reason why people find relocating here easier than they expect: the right guidance. For Jewell, relocation is more than helping clients buy a home; it's about creating a seamless process from research to move-in. "Most real estate agents only step in when you're ready to buy," he says. "But moving across the country is a long journey. There's research, discovery, and then the actual purchase, and each phase needs support." Jewell and his team often begin working with clients 12 to 18 months before they buy, sometimes even longer. Their approach combines on-the-ground knowledge with innovative tools to make remote homebuying stress-free. For clients who can't visit every property, Jewell's team creates detailed video walkthroughs, complete with drone footage, neighborhood drive-throughs, and honest commentary on every detail, good or bad. These videos are stored in organized client folders for easy access, allowing buyers to make confident decisions even from thousands of miles away. The support doesn't end at closing, either. Jewell's group frequently assists with everything from meeting contractors to setting up security systems and Wi-Fi, ensuring that clients can transition smoothly into their new homes. "If you're paying a commission, you deserve value far beyond someone opening a door for you," Jewell says. "That's where we focus, making sure clients truly feel taken care of." This commitment to service is what Jewell hopes to make standard across the industry. Having spent years coaching and training agents, he's now building a brokerage model designed to give agents the tools, branding resources, video production, and marketing strategies they need to serve clients at a higher level. "I want to create an environment where going above and beyond is normal," he says. For those considering a move, Knoxville offers a compelling mix of opportunity, beauty, and balance. It's affordable but not lacking, cultural but not congested, connected but still laid-back. And with resources like Jewell's YouTube channel, Living in Knoxville , which offers detailed insights into neighborhoods, housing trends, and the relocation process, future residents can start exploring the city long before they arrive. "People are choosing Knoxville not just because they can live here," Jewell reflects, "but because they want to live here. They're choosing a lifestyle, a community, and a place that feels like home."
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dominion Energy Announces Election of Jeff Lyash as New Independent Director As Part of Continuing Board Refreshment
RICHMOND, Va., June 25, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dominion Energy, Inc. (NYSE: D), announced that the company's board of directors has elected a new independent director, Jeffrey J. "Jeff" Lyash, effective today, June 25. The election is part of Dominion Energy's ongoing commitment to strong corporate governance and regular refreshment of its board of directors. The company has added seven new directors since 2019, with an average tenure for the entire board of 7.4 years. Lyash, 63, will serve on the board's Safety, Technology, Nuclear, and Operations Committee. The recently retired president and chief executive officer of Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Lyash brings more than four decades of experience in utility operations, power operations and generation construction, and public policy and regulatory matters (particularly in nuclear energy) to the board of directors. His skills, qualifications, attributes, and experience also include leadership, corporate governance, financial and risk management, environmental, talent management, technology transformation, customer experience, and community engagement. Robert M. Blue, chair, president and chief executive officer, said: "Jeff is well-respected by the industry and by the civic and elected leaders in his community because of his leadership in and reputation for reliable service, affordability, and innovation. During his tenure at TVA, the power provider launched one of the largest energy efficiency initiatives in the nation and was a pioneer in the nuclear industry. His experience leading utility operations in Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida aligns with Dominion Energy's strategy to operate exceptional utilities in the Southeast. We welcome Jeff to our board and look forward to working with him in fulfilling our critical mission to provide the reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy that powers our customers every day." Lyash served as president and CEO of Knoxville-based TVA, the nation's largest public utility, from April 2019 until his retirement in April 2025. Prior to joining TVA, he served as president and CEO of Ontario Power Generation, president of CB&I Power, executive vice president of Energy Supply for Duke Energy and its predecessor Progress Energy, and president and CEO of Progress Energy Florida, among other leadership roles. Lyash began his energy sector career at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), where he served in senior technical and management positions. Lyash is immediate past chair of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations and of the Nuclear Energy Institute. He has also served on the board of Granite Construction Incorporated, a civil construction company and aggregate producer based in Watsonville, California. A native of Shamokin, Pennsylvania, Lyash earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Drexel University, where he serves as a member of the board of trustees. He has held a senior reactor operating license from the NRC. "I've seen the support Dominion Energy offers to the communities it serves, to state and regional economic development efforts, and to its neighboring utilities in need – a mission of service," said Lyash. "I'm excited to join the board of directors and work collaboratively to help achieve Dominion Energy's strategic aims and unlock value for shareholders." About Dominion Energy Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), headquartered in Richmond, Va., provides regulated electricity service to 3.6 million homes and businesses in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and regulated natural gas service to 500,000 customers in South Carolina. The company is one of the nation's leading developers and operators of regulated offshore wind and solar power and the largest producer of carbon-free electricity in New England. The company's mission is to provide the reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy that powers its customers every day. Please visit to learn more. News category: Corporate & Financial View source version on Contacts Media: Ryan Frazier, (804) 836-2083, Financial analysts: David McFarland, (804) 819-2438,
Business Wire
25-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Dominion Energy Announces Election of Jeff Lyash as New Independent Director As Part of Continuing Board Refreshment
RICHMOND, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dominion Energy, Inc. (NYSE: D), announced that the company's board of directors has elected a new independent director, Jeffrey J. 'Jeff' Lyash, effective today, June 25. The election is part of Dominion Energy's ongoing commitment to strong corporate governance and regular refreshment of its board of directors. The company has added seven new directors since 2019, with an average tenure for the entire board of 7.4 years. Lyash, 63, will serve on the board's Safety, Technology, Nuclear, and Operations Committee. The recently retired president and chief executive officer of Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Lyash brings more than four decades of experience in utility operations, power operations and generation construction, and public policy and regulatory matters (particularly in nuclear energy) to the board of directors. His skills, qualifications, attributes, and experience also include leadership, corporate governance, financial and risk management, environmental, talent management, technology transformation, customer experience, and community engagement. Robert M. Blue, chair, president and chief executive officer, said: 'Jeff is well-respected by the industry and by the civic and elected leaders in his community because of his leadership in and reputation for reliable service, affordability, and innovation. During his tenure at TVA, the power provider launched one of the largest energy efficiency initiatives in the nation and was a pioneer in the nuclear industry. His experience leading utility operations in Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida aligns with Dominion Energy's strategy to operate exceptional utilities in the Southeast. We welcome Jeff to our board and look forward to working with him in fulfilling our critical mission to provide the reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy that powers our customers every day.' Lyash served as president and CEO of Knoxville-based TVA, the nation's largest public utility, from April 2019 until his retirement in April 2025. Prior to joining TVA, he served as president and CEO of Ontario Power Generation, president of CB&I Power, executive vice president of Energy Supply for Duke Energy and its predecessor Progress Energy, and president and CEO of Progress Energy Florida, among other leadership roles. Lyash began his energy sector career at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), where he served in senior technical and management positions. Lyash is immediate past chair of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations and of the Nuclear Energy Institute. He has also served on the board of Granite Construction Incorporated, a civil construction company and aggregate producer based in Watsonville, California. A native of Shamokin, Pennsylvania, Lyash earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Drexel University, where he serves as a member of the board of trustees. He has held a senior reactor operating license from the NRC. 'I've seen the support Dominion Energy offers to the communities it serves, to state and regional economic development efforts, and to its neighboring utilities in need – a mission of service,' said Lyash. 'I'm excited to join the board of directors and work collaboratively to help achieve Dominion Energy's strategic aims and unlock value for shareholders.' About Dominion Energy Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), headquartered in Richmond, Va., provides regulated electricity service to 3.6 million homes and businesses in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and regulated natural gas service to 500,000 customers in South Carolina. The company is one of the nation's leading developers and operators of regulated offshore wind and solar power and the largest producer of carbon-free electricity in New England. The company's mission is to provide the reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy that powers its customers every day. Please visit to learn more. News category: Corporate & Financial
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Nationally-acclaimed Knoxville beer festival moving to Covenant Health Park
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — A Knoxville beer festival that has garnered national acclaim since its launch in 2022 is moving to a new, larger venue for 2025. The Knoxville-based Xul Beer Company said that this year's edition of their popular Kill The Lights Beer Fest will take place at Covenant Health Park, the $114-million multiuse stadium that opened in April. Brewery celebrates Knoxville's Negro League baseball history with new beer for new Smokies stadium Kill The Lights Beer Fest will take place on Saturday, October 25. Tickets will go on sale on June 7 at noon at An event announcement touted more vendors and lower prices than previous years. Prior editions of the festival took place at the Xul Beer Company taproom along E. 5th Avenue and featured over 70 different breweries. It was voted the country's third-best Best Beer Festival in the 2025 USA Today 10BEST Reader's Choice Awards. Take a peek behind the scenes of Covenant Health Park's kitchens The event will be among the first non-sporting events to take place at the Covenant Health Park, which hosts Knoxville Smokies baseball games and One Knoxville SC soccer matches. During the stadium's approval and development process, local leaders touted the venue's ability to host a variety events like festivals and concerts throughout the year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
