Mayors Bill Haslam and Mike Ragsdale announced today a new multimedia campaign to recognize area companies that have made Knoxville and Knox County their home.

The campaign, dubbed "Knoxville Says: Thanks For Being Here," will recognize a company for its contribution to the community and economy through newspaper, radio and television public service announcements, as well as billboards and posters. The first business will be recognized in January.

"Knoxville's job growth has outpaced other Tennessee metro areas and the state as a whole and that envious record is largely because of our existing businesses," Haslam said. "It's important that we show our appreciation to these businesses for all they do to improve the quality of life in our community."

"Knox County has led the state's major metropolitan areas in unemployment for the past 12 months and the main reason is our strong, diverse business base," said Ragsdale. "I appreciate each and every business in Knox County and know that we, as a community, have not told them often enough how much we appreciate them."

Large and small businesses are eligible. The selection committee is comprised of the Leadership Knoxville project team that developed the idea, sponsoring media organizations - Knoxville News-Sentinel, WBIR-TV, WIVK Radio, Lamar Outdoor Advertising and PR Concepts - and the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership.