Category: Uncategorized

UT Federal Credit Union Earns Three Diamond Awards

Posted on April 17, 2026 by - Uncategorized

UT Federal Credit Union team

UT Federal Credit Union (UTFCU) was honored with three highly coveted Diamond Awards at the annual Marketing, PR & Development Council Conference held March 24, 2026, in Aurora, CO. Presented by America’s Credit Unions, the Diamond Awards represent the highest level of national recognition for excellence in credit union marketing and communications.

Selected from almost 1,500 entries across the United States, the awards celebrate innovation, creativity, and meaningful community impact, placing UTFCU among the top-performing credit unions in the country.

UT Federal Credit Union received the following honors:

  • Category’s Best Multifaceted Campaign Diamond Award
    Initiative: CEO Listening Tour
  • Complete Campaign Diamond Award
    Initiative: U Save Round Up Product Launch
  • Internal Marketing or Incentive Program Diamond Award
    Initiative: CEO Listening Tour

All awards were recognized within the $250 million–$1 billion asset size category.

“These awards reflect the heart of who we are as a credit union: member-obsessed, community-driven, and committed to innovation,” said Hanna Gomez, Chief Marketing Officer at UTFCU. “We’re honored to be recognized on a national stage, but what matters most is how these initiatives directly benefit our members and strengthen communities across Tennessee.”

The award-winning campaigns highlight UTFCU’s strategic focus on both member engagement and organizational alignment:

  • U Save Round Up Product Launch
    Introduced in June 2025, the U Save High-Yield Savings Round Up account empowers members to grow their savings effortlessly by rounding up everyday purchases. The campaign united staff organization-wide, combining digital integration, educational outreach, branded giveaways, and gamified member challenges, resulting in 514 new account opt-ins in just four weeks.
  • Konversation Listening Tour (CEO Listening Tour)
    Led by President & CEO Kenyon Warren, who joined the UTFCU team in March 2025, the internal initiative created a direct line of communication between leadership and staff. These open conversations led to a 40% increase* in Employee Trust in leadership and transparency. By engaging employees across all levels, the tour uncovered key insights that continue to shape the credit union’s member-first culture, strengthen internal alignment, and enhance service delivery.

While the Diamond Awards recognize excellence countrywide, UTFCU’s recognition shows the growing influence of local, not-for-profit financial institutions in driving meaningful change.

“These awards are proof that local organizations can have national impact,” Gomez added. “We’re proud to represent Tennessee on this stage and to show how community-focused financial institutions can lead with purpose and innovation.”

Learn more on the UTFCU blog.

*Source: Internal Pre-Tour Survey and Post-Tour Survey data.

The Dialogue with Eric Davis

Posted on April 16, 2026 by - Uncategorized

This feature is a question-and-answer session with a Blount County Chamber member. So, here we go with our 247th installment visiting with Eric Davis, owner of Traders Den which is a family-run resale shop in Maryville offering tools, home goods, and great liquidation deals.

Eric Davis

Describe more about your business. I’m in business to provide honest deals on quality goods for the people of Blount County. Traders Den exists to serve the community, build relationships, and offer value that families can trust. Traders Den is a faith‑based resale business focused on serving the people of Blount County with integrity. We offer home improvement items, tools, hardware, and everyday goods at fair prices, building relationships and helping families stretch their budgets without sacrificing quality.

How did you get started? I got started in this business after seeing the opportunity to provide affordable, quality goods to local families. Reselling also runs in my family — my brother operated a small shop with the same name years ago before he passed away. Continuing in this line of work feels like carrying forward something he started while building my own path in the community.

What is your background? I developed my skills through hard work, trial and error, and trusting God to guide each step. I learned how to source quality items, price them fairly, and serve customers with honesty. Much of what I know comes from real experience and from carrying on a family tradition of reselling.

Describe your customers. My customers are local families, homeowners, DIYers, and bargain‑shoppers looking for quality home improvement items and everyday goods at fair prices. They appreciate honest deals, clear communication, and a simple, trustworthy buying experience.

I enjoy serving the people of Blount County and helping families find quality items at prices they can actually afford. Building relationships with customers and seeing repeat faces is one of the best parts of running this business. I’m thankful for the chance to build a business rooted in faith, integrity, and service. Everything I do at Traders Den is guided by a desire to honor God, help families, and contribute positively to our community,

First Horizon Bank names Greg Wilson community bank executive for East Tennessee

Posted on March 18, 2026 by - Uncategorized

Greg Wilson

First Horizon Bank announced that Greg Wilson, executive vice president and Maryville market president, has been promoted to community bank executive overseeing the bank’s community banks across East Tennessee. In this expanded role, Wilson will lead teams serving clients in Maryville, Cookeville, Cleveland, Sevierville, Morristown and Greeneville.

Greg Wilson

“Greg is a proven leader, and I’m proud to have him on our team. Under his leadership, Maryville has delivered consistently strong results. In his expanded role, he will be outstanding in partnering with our Community Bank Group and will continue advancing our commitment to community, responsible growth, and an outstanding experience for our associates and clients,” said Richard Shaffer, First Horizon Bank East Region President.

With 36 years of experience in banking, Wilson joined First Horizon in 1999 and has held leadership roles focused on client experience, growth and community engagement. He is a graduate of Murray State University and holds a professional degree from the Graduate School of Banking at Louisiana State University.

“I am honored to work alongside our community banks across East Tennessee. Our associates are exceptional, and together we will serve our communities, support our associates and deepen relationships with our clients,” Wilson said.

A longtime Blount County advocate, Wilson has demonstrated a deep commitment to serving his community. He currently serves as chair of the Blount County Economic Development Board and is a member of the Blount Partnership Joint Operating Committee, the Maryville City Foundation board of directors and the Pellissippi State Foundation board of directors.

His previous service includes chairing the Blount Memorial Foundation in 2019, 2020 and 2024; serving on the Blount County Chamber board of directors (2011 chair); the Blount County United Way board of directors (2010 campaign chair); the Blount Partnership Foundation board of directors (2013 chair); the Maryville City School Foundation board of directors; the Blount County chapter of the American Red Cross board of directors; the East Tennessee Development District loan committee (SBA 504 loans); and Leadership Blount, Class of 2000.

Wilson and his wife, Jennifer, live in Maryville and have two daughters, Morgan and Claire.

UT Federal Credit Union Marks Leadership Transition

Posted on March 13, 2026 by - Uncategorized

UTFCU annual meeting

UT Federal Credit Union (UTFCU) highlighted organizational growth, a successful leadership transition, and new community partnerships during its 57th Annual Meeting held Friday, March 6, at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum Ballroom.

Nearly 150 members, employees, and leadership gathered for the annual business meeting and celebration, which included governance updates, board elections, and recognition of the credit union’s continued focus on member experience and community engagement across Tennessee.

Board Chair Mike McNeil presided over the meeting, presenting highlights from the organization’s 2025 Annual Report, reflecting on the credit union’s $560 million in assets milestone, and overseeing board elections. Members voted to renew the terms of McNeil, Michael Carter, and Trudy Hughes to the UTFCU Board of Directors.

Reflecting on the past year, McNeil noted the organization’s smooth leadership transition and continued commitment to its members and communities.

“We had a seamless CEO transition this year, and it positioned us well for the future,” McNeil said. “Community is central to who we are as a credit union, and members will see even more of that in the years ahead.”

President and CEO Kenyon Warren also addressed attendees, marking the completion of his first year leading the credit union.

“To our members, thank you. Your trust is our greatest asset,” Warren said. “The credit union exists because of you and for you. Every product we design, every branch we open, and every technology investment we make begins and ends with the member experience.”

During the event, UTFCU also highlighted its new multi-year partnership with the Knoxville Ice Bears, established in October 2025 and running through the team’s 2029–2030 season. The collaboration will include community initiatives such as financial education programs for fans, players, and staff, along with exclusive experiences and benefits for UTFCU members.

Before the formal meeting, members attended a reception featuring appearances by Knoxville Ice Bears players and the team’s mascot, Chilly Bear. Following the meeting, attendees received tickets to the Ice Bears game at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum, where McNeil delivered the ceremonial puck drop as the Ice Bears defeated the Evansville Thunderbolts 3–0.

“Moments like this reflect what makes credit unions unique,” Warren said. “Our members aren’t customers; they’re owners. Opportunities to come together, celebrate, and connect beyond everyday transactions are part of what makes this community so strong.”

Founded more than 50 years ago, UT Federal Credit Union serves individuals, families, and businesses across Tennessee and remains committed to helping members achieve financial well-being while strengthening the communities it serves.