businessbriefs
• Jake Blevins, head trainer with Athletic Republic Knoxville, recently was chosen as Trainer of the Year Award recipient. This annual award honors an exceptional trainer who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation and dedication to improving both athlete performance and the overall Athletic Republic experience.
• Ayers Foundation Trust has announced the loss of James W. “Jim” Ayers, who passed away April 1 in Nashville after battling a variety of health issues in recent years. The founder, former executive chair and CEO of FirstBank, Mr. Ayers will be missed by all who knew him
• Doug Lawyer recently joined The Christman Company as manager of business development in the construction management and real estate development firm’s office in Knoxville.
Lawyer served for 24 years with the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, where was vice president of economic development and oversaw the organization’s strategies and team in business attraction and expansion.
