business briefs

• Tennessee Small Business Development Center honored Knoxville’s Advent Electric Inc., Wednesday, March 16, with its 2021 Rising Star Award, the highest honor TSBDC has to recognize growing small businesses in the Knoxville area. It honors business owners who have achieved stainability and success and who contribute to the growth and development of Tennessee’s economy. 

• Michael Stewart, associate professor of music education with University of Tennessee, Knoxville, School of Music and associate director of bands, recently was named director of the Pride of the Southland Marching and Athletic Bands, associate director of wind studies and W.J. Julian Endowed Professor. He will begin his new roles on July 1.

• American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges recently named Dr. Barry T. Rouse, a veterinarian and an immunologist in the Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Services at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, as the recipient of the 2022 AAVMC Excellence in Research Award. Presented annually, this national award recognizes an individual who, over the course of his or her career, has demonstrated excellence in original research, leadership in the scientific community and mentoring of trainees and colleagues in any discipline of veterinary medicine.