Despite the nonstop rain, there was still a 'Chamber Day' outside Knoxville, as Morning Pointe broke ground on its newest assisted living community in Powell, drawing over 75 people.
"Many folks have chosen to stay here in their golden years, and to provide assisted living and Alzheimer's care next to this medical campus are an important part of the long-term viability of this community," said Greg A. Vital, Morning Pointe president.
Speakers for the program included Tim Burchett, Knox County Mayor, Rob Followell, CEO of the North Knoxville Medical Center, and Mike Edwards, president of the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce.
"When you are talking about a $10 million dollar investment in Knox County, 75 permanent healthcare jobs and another 200 construction jobs over the course of the next year, plus an economic impact of more than $15 million dollars annually for Powell and Knox County, it is a 'Chamber Day,'" said Mr. Edwards during the program.
The heavy rain prompted the 'groundbreaking photo opportunity' to be moved inside with gravel instead. The second graders from First Baptist Academy that provided the closing songs joined in the action.
Also on hand for the groundbreaking included Dr. Cindy McClain Pearman with the Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tn., Knoxville, Linda Johnson with Alzheimer's Tennessee, Chaplain Jim Waddell with First Baptist Church of Powell and the JROTC of Gibbs High School.
Morning Pointe of Powell will feature 53 assisted living apartments and 20 additional apartments will comprise The Lantern with a focus on meeting the needs of those with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. Morning Pointe of Powell is set to open in the fall.