KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (PRWEB) January 14, 2021
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Knoxville Technology Council (KTech) has continued its mission to connect and support the technology community in the Greater Knoxville region. This rapidly growing organization recently celebrated its one-year anniversary and plans to expand its efforts in 2021.
KTech publicly launched on August 15, 2019 with a technology showcase attended by over 300 technology leaders, entrepreneurs, and developers. Since then, KTech has hosted more than thirty events and advanced initiatives in the areas of education, workforce development, and healthcare.
“I’m extremely proud of our first year successes at KTech. The KTech board and its members have navigated through what has been a year of constant challenges,” said Tom Lakins, KTech Chairman and AVP for Elavon / US Bank. “From planning and conducting sold-out in-person events late in 2019 and early 2020, to providing informative virtual events once the pandemic occurred, we’ve strived to meet the needs of our growing technology community.”
KTech made its 2020 virtual events free to all attendees to better connect and support the technology community during a challenging time. Expert panelists provided valuable information to help businesses respond to the pandemic and highlighted the regional response in specific industries, such as healthcare, non-profits, managed IT, marketing, human resources, sales, and telecommunications.
In its first year, KTech launched a Jobs Board with openings across member companies, a Volunteer Board in partnership with Volunteer East Tennessee, and KTech Women in Tech, which is revolutionizing the experience of women in technology.
“We recognize that Knoxville women in technology are looking for like-minded individuals who are dealing with the same challenges, craving the same opportunities, and seeking new ways to grow,” explained Stephanie Flood, KTech Women in Tech Chair and CIO of Clayton Homes. “We are excited to provide opportunities to connect members of the community that believe in and advocate for women in technology.”
KTech also partnered with organizations at the K-12, university, and professional level to support training and educational challenges with events like Google Cloud Hero and PolitiCode. For the PolitiCode event, KTech was a finalist for the Public Policy Advocacy Innovation Award by the Technology Councils of North America (TECNA).
In response to COVID-19, KTech worked with the Knox Education Foundation and the Knox County School Board to develop a virtual learning plan for K-12 students and participated in the Comcast Digital Equity Summit on telehealth.
KTech has big plans for 2021, including KTech Peer Groups for members and technology and career certifications for talent development. Businesses in all industries are welcome to join. More information about becoming a KTech member and upcoming events can be found at: https://www.knoxtech.org
About the Knoxville Technology Council
The Knoxville Technology Council (KTech) connects, develops, promotes, and advocates for the technology industry in the Greater Knoxville region. KTech unites the region’s technology leaders through networks, events, and resources in order to advance Knoxville as a technology hub.