Kudos to our Special Events, Civil Service and Human Resources departments for hosting an outstanding Employee Appreciation Luncheon on June 4, 2021. 

The luncheon, which honors and recognizes City employees celebrating significant work anniversaries (20 years, 25 years, 30 years, etc.) was cancelled by organizers in 2020 due to COVID-19. 

Kyndra Brewer, Director of the Office of Special Events, explains that the desire to provide a safe setting for employees and their guests led to a reimagining of the luncheon locale.

The annual event has long been held in the upstairs banquet room at Calhoun's on the River. 

"We wanted something more casual that would allow colleagues more space to mingle and to talk to each other," Brewer says. 

The site -- the floor of the Knoxville Civic Coliseum -- was a unique and spacious change of pace. Photos of employees being recognized at the event flashed on the big screen above. 

Two of the area's popular food trucks pulled up to the back loading door to serve guests. 

Mayor Kincannon welcomed everyone and thanked them for their roles in making our city a great place to live and work, do business and raise families.

She took the opportunity to recognize the four longest serving employees: 

• Debbie Beeler, 45 years, Parks and Recreation
• Kim Hawkins, 40 years, Finance
• Steve King, 40 years, Deputy Director of Engineering
• Jeffrey McCarter, 40 years, Urban Forestry


Congratulations to all City employees honored for their service! 
(and thanks to Nicole Sauls and other KPD Crime Scene Technicians who shared their photos so we can share with you.)