Creating Energizing Tennessee

December 14, 2022

By Abby Hassler, Director of Creative Strategy and Executive Producer of Energizing Tennessee

Launching a podcast for the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council began with a simple conversation.

In early 2021, Cortney Piper and I discussed the results of an internal survey where TAEBC members indicated that the organization was their number one source of advanced energy news in the state.

To build on this momentum, we wanted to find additional ways to champion the industry, but we were stumped. We were already educating lawmakers about the industry, drafting guest blogs and op-eds, sharing the latest industry news on social media and in newsletters and holding annual events for our members and stakeholders – what more could we be doing?

A new medium to champion advanced energy industry

Those who work in the energy sector might not be surprised at the amount of energy innovation coming out of our state.

During my few years at Piper Communications, I have seen the rise of the electric vehicle supply chain, the implementation of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s flexible generation program, the introduction of two cleantech accelerators, the installation of large-scale solar arrays and so much more. But large portions of the population aren’t familiar with Tennessee’s exciting advanced energy developments.

To reach this wider audience, I threw out the idea of starting a podcast, yet Cortney and I weren’t sure how to make it happen. I have been an avid fan of podcasts since the early “Serial” craze, but I had no clue how to start one myself, let alone for an organization. Who would host? Would people want to listen to such a niche podcast? How do you even get your episode on Apple or other streaming platforms?

As a professional communicator, translating compelling content into the audio space made sense. But I needed equipment, a detailed plan of attack, technical expertise, a promotion strategy and guests willing to talk to us for a yet-to-be-released podcast.

Even so, I knew a podcast would be an incredible tool for us to advance TAEBC’s work in the state. So I got to work.

Research, research and more research

Anytime I begin a new project – big or small – I start with preliminary research. I want to learn everything I can about a new subject or tactic before moving ahead.

Starting a podcast was no different. After my conversation with Cortney, I began learning about podcasting structure, the best microphones for an echoey office and virtual recording software – not to mention how to brand and promote it. I took classes, read countless articles and watched how-to videos until I felt comfortable enough to pitch the draft concept.

Thankfully, Cortney instantly bought into the vision (though I did have to convince her to host it – sorry about that) and presented the proposal to the TAEBC Board of Directors. Once approved, we began spreading around the idea to potential partners.

Later that year, we were lucky enough to meet with members of the FirstBank team who were both enthusiastic about the growing advanced energy sector and wanted to help us launch the podcast. Thus, Energizing Tennessee was born.

Producing Energizing Tennessee

Once we had buy-in and a basic vision, the planning process began in earnest. It’s one thing to say you want to have a podcast, but another thing entirely to make it happen – not to mention ensuring that it’s interesting.

Thankfully, TAEBC has an expansive network of members and partners who are doing incredible work in the state and beyond. We put together a list of topics based on feedback from our membership and got to work organizing interviews, finalizing branding and coming up with a launch date and promotional plan.

There were hiccups along the way – moments where recordings were thought to be lost or mics that cut out – but there were far more moments of excitement and possibility. I’m so grateful for a supportive team who brainstorms ideas and provides encouragement that we’re headed in the right direction.

In the first six episodes (and a bonus feature), we have been proud to welcome guests from some incredible organizations – Ameresco, TVA, Techstars, Ford Motor Company, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Pilot Company, Wärtsilä and FC Renew.

Our first episode defined advanced energy and emphasized why we care about the topic. The following few tackled the question “How can we electrify Tennessee?” With so many electric vehicle manufacturers and OEMs relocating or expanding operations in our state, it was a conversation we wanted to explore in greater depth. After all, to quote Tricia Martínez-Saab, Managing Director of Techstars Industries of the Future, in Episode Three: “The future is 100% electric. Full stop.”

For the final six episodes of our first season (coming January 2023 – stay tuned), we’ll continue to explore the ways energy leaders are transforming our state. From rural solar to green manufacturing, there is so much advanced energy news to share.

What’s next for Energizing Tennessee?

In just the first few months of existence, we have exceeded our expectations for the amount of interest and excitement from a podcast covering Tennessee’s advanced energy economy. According to industry standards, nearly all of our episodes have ranked in the top 50% for download figures in the first seven days. We’ve also seen a significant increase in website traffic and engagement on social media.

We’re still establishing ourselves in the podcasting world and don’t expect to become a viral sensation, but we believe our digital reach will continue to grow, filling an important void and providing a unique perspective on the future of energy.

I believe TAEBC – made up of our members and leadership – has the potential to dramatically transform Tennessee’s energy landscape. This podcast serves as one way to elevate and celebrate industry accomplishments, helping usher in new partnerships, growth and pride in our state.

Interested in Energizing Tennessee? Listen to our latest episodes or subscribe today on the TAEBC website or whenever you get podcasts. And don’t forget to rate the show or leave a review to help us reach even more listeners.

Learn more about Abby Hassler here! Want to work with us? Give us a call or send us a message.

Find Energy Experts with Piper Communications

Abby Hassler

October 11, 2022

Contact: Cortney Piper | Piper Communications | cortney@piper-communications.com

Knoxville, Tenn. – Tennessee is in the midst of an advanced energy evolution. The state will soon lead the country in electric vehicle production, with Ford investing $5.6 billion to build BlueOval City in West Tennessee for the next generation of electric F-Series trucks while Volkswagen is now building SUVs in Chattanooga and may build a second EV automotive plant in the state.

In addition, advanced energy is the fastest growing segment of the state’s economy, according to the 2021 Tennessee Advanced Energy Economic Impact Report, with more than 20,000 energy-focused businesses contributing $45.8 billion to the state’s economy. This means more opportunities for Tennessee businesses, more revenues for our state coffers, and more high-paying jobs for our residents.

We know you are working hard every day to keep your local community informed on these important and increasingly complicated topics. These issues and advances can be difficult to explain to people without a science or technology background, but they will eventually impact everyone’s daily lives.

We can help.

Piper Communications represents the advanced energy and technology sectors locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. We also manage the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council (TAEBC), which champions job creation and economic development strategy.

Do you have an energy topic or idea you want to explore but aren’t exactly sure who to contact? Piper Communications has compiled a list of industry experts, most of them based in Tennessee, on a variety of advanced energy topics. You can see that list below and on the Piper Communications website. If you aren’t sure how to get started, reach out to us and we will get you going in the right direction.

Topics & Experts

Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council (TAEBC), Cortney Piper, Executive Director

The Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council is the champion of Tennessee’s advanced energy economy. TAEBC works to educate public officials and business leaders about Tennessee’s advanced energy assets, establish strategic partnerships to connect assets with opportunities, and inform policy that expands and strengthens the industry.

If you have any questions about the impact and growth of the advanced energy business in the state, you can download the 2021 Tennessee Advanced Energy Economic Impact Report. Cortney Piper is available as an expert on the industry.

In addition, we offer the TAEBC Powerhouse, a group of leaders from all areas of Tennessee’s growing advanced energy sector. They are available to provide expert media commentary on subjects such as transportation electrification and electric vehicles, renewable energy, high performance energy efficient buildings, lightweight and advanced materials, corporate sustainability, local and state government sustainability, workforce development trends, economic trends, technology, entrepreneurship, energy efficiency, research and development, decarbonization of the utility grid, energy trends and more.

Piper Communications Clients and Partners

Three Roots – Investment/Financing

Smart Factory Institute – Workforce/training, advanced manufacturing

Wärtsilä – decarbonization, power plants, sustainable fuels, hydrogen, energy storage

UT Research Park – (includes the Spark Incubator and Cleantech Accelerator) entrepreneurs, makers, startups

University of Tennessee Research Foundation – technology transfer & licensing

Innov865 (Knoxville DMA) – entrepreneurs, makers, startups

Boston Government Services – Cybersecurity, Renewable Energy, Nuclear Technology & Operations, Environmental Management

PYA – management consulting, audit and assurance, tax, compliance; Inflation Reduction Act analysis

RegScale – compliance automation software, regulatory compliance

Trusted partner: Forging long-term client relationships

Abby Hassler

July 11, 2022

By Allie Eskew, Director of Operations and Events

Trusted partner: We work vigorously and tirelessly to exceed our client’s expectations. Consider us an extension of your closest, most trusted team.

I first started with Piper in 2013. It’s incredible to me that so many of the clients I began working with all those years ago are still with us to this day. That’s the thing about Piper Communications: We become trusted members of our clients’ teams.

We can attribute our long-lasting relationships with our clients to our commitment to generating results and forgoing a “one-size-fits-all” approach to strategic communications – it’s our “special sauce.” As our client, you are part of the Piper family. I love building meaningful relationships with our clients and really getting to know them and their goals for a project. Their trust in my ability to help them reach those goals is not something I take lightly.

Internally, we have taken the same approach. As the Piper team has grown, we have been intentional about each and every hire we made in order to maintain the culture and values that Cortney built. When you build relationships and trust internally and externally, it makes the work more meaningful and rewarding. We want each other to win and we want our clients to be successful.

Building strategies and exceeding expectations

Over the years, we have proven to our clients that we get results for them and won’t stop until we do. Sometimes that requires pivoting the plan of action or strategy, but we’ve garnered the reputation of a trusted partner because Piper Communications is committed to ensuring client satisfaction and executing our goals.

A well-planned strategy starts with attention to detail and trying to predict the future. We’re currently working on the Innov865 Alliance’s Innov865 Week. As I plan the weeklong celebration of Knoxville’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, I run through all of the worst-case scenarios early on so that we are prepared for anything. Defining clear goals and milestones is crucial and above all else, you need to know what your audience wants out of an event and who that target audience is in order to be successful.

One of my other focus areas is working with the team at the UT Research Park and Spark Innovation Center. I have partnered with them on the launch of their first cohort at the Cleantech Accelerator. We spent many months planning for the arrival of the cohort – from putting out applications to finalizing a program schedule.

At this point, I feel like an honorary CTA team member. I have worked with several of their team members on multiple projects and clients over the years, so I would like to think they keep coming back to Piper because they trust us to get results (and because they like working with our team).

Building and maintaining a trusted team

As the Director of Operations and Events, I also facilitate our employee relations. In order for our team to operate as a trusted partner with our clients, we have to build and maintain that culture internally.

Oftentimes, team building gets a bad rap because when people hear “team building,” they think trust falls and cheesy activities. But it is so much more than that. Spending time together outside of the office doing any sort of activity allows you to get to know your coworkers on a personal level. What are their likes and dislikes? What is their family like? The more you know about a person, the more you get to know their communication styles, how they like to receive feedback, criticism, etc.

No matter the type of relationship, if you don’t have trust, it is doomed to fail. It is no different with coworkers – trust is crucial to a professional team. Lets face it, you spend 40 hours a week with your coworkers, so they should be people you work well with. From the inside out, Piper Communications built a culture of trust in order to serve as an extension of our client’s team and effectively exceed their expectations.

Learn more about Allie Eskew here! Want to work with us? Give us a call or send us a message.

Learning the value of boldness

Abby Hassler

June 07, 2022

By Cortney Piper, President

Nothing big, bold or revolutionary happens in a vacuum.

I have been lucky enough to surround myself with people who have taught me many valuable lessons, but one person, Tom Rogers, president and chief executive officer of the University of Tennessee Research Park, has taught me the value of being bold.

Like so many others, I met Tom through Tom Ballard, chief alliance officer at PYA. Ballard introduced us when I began working with the Innov865 Alliance and attending East Tennessee Economic Council meetings. Later, when Piper Communications became a Protégé in the Department of Energy’s Mentor Protégé-Program, I asked Tom to be one of my program mentors. He looked confused and asked me, “Why? You already know what you’re doing.”

I appreciated Tom’s confidence in my abilities, but I also knew that I could learn a lot from him, not to mention the benefit of having him help me navigate the confusing nature of the federal procurement process. He eventually agreed, joining David Keim, director of communications at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, as one of my two program mentors.

The thing I appreciate most about Tom is that he has big, bold ideas that are changing East Tennessee. From identifying a need for the Innovation Crossroads program during his time at ORNL to launching the Spark Cleantech Accelerator at UT Research Park, he is playing a key role in building out our region’s cleantech entrepreneurial ecosystem. I believe these accelerators will have an enormous impact on future generations of innovators and fundamentally change our energy landscape.

As both a formal mentor and a friend, Tom has taught me how to be bold and visionary. I’m very comfortable and good at executing projects and getting things done. What I needed to learn early on was how to take a step back and see the bigger picture – what bold move could impact my work 10 steps down the line. Tom served as a phenomenal mentor by both demonstrating and actively teaching me how to be more deliberate and forward-thinking.

He has also been generous enough to bring me along as a partner in some of his bolder endeavors, such as the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council’s recent partnership with the Spark Cleantech Accelerator. That’s the thing about Tom – he’s not just bold, he’s strategic and knows that he can’t do everything on his own. To make generational change, you need skilled, invested partners.

After all, nothing big, bold or revolutionary happens in a vacuum. You can have an amazing idea or see how all the pieces fit together, but without partners, you may encounter obstacles or unforeseen challenges that limit your ability to execute your goals. Tom showed me how vital it is to bring in partners in order to constantly move forward and make a lasting impact on the community around you.

Being bold and understanding when to bring people together to create something extraordinary are now foundational principles of our work at Piper Communications. I’m grateful for colleagues like Tom who took the time to show me why being bold is essential and bring me along in his journey to make East Tennessee a home for cleantech innovation.

Learn more about Cortney Piper here! Want to work with us? Give us a call or send us a message.

Challenge, strategy, results: Problem-solving in a digital environment

Abby Hassler

May 11, 2022

By Abby Hassler, Content Creation Manager

Problem-Solving: At Piper Communications, we’re not afraid of a challenge. We’re diligent, action-oriented and committed to solving your problems by executing well-planned strategies that deliver results

Call it first-child syndrome or an innate desire to fix things, but I have never been one to back down from a professional challenge. Problem-solving is a major element of our work at Piper Communications, especially within my area of expertise: content creation and management.

Challenge: Translating ideas into action online

I don’t believe problem-solving always necessitates that there is a significant “problem” that must be “solved.” Instead, it can be a strategic process of finding solutions to particular challenges or presenting or conveying information in a different way.

Take, for example, my work with the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council (TAEBC) and Innov865 Alliance. I manage these two organization’s digital media presence – everything from social media to articles to email marketing.

Neither of these organizations had overt problems within their digital work that needed to be addressed. Rather, I saw potential in their existing digital presence and wanted to capitalize on the opportunity to create something even better than before. To be more specific, I wanted to take each of their promotional efforts geared toward spreading awareness and building engagement and turn it up a notch.

TAEBC’s mission centers around the economic and environmental benefits of the advanced energy industry. From getting more electric vehicles on the road to deploying more renewable solutions, advanced energy creates jobs, betters the world around us and offers opportunities for growth in our rapidly changing world. I believe more people should know about this.

Then with the Innov865, I think it’s essential for Knoxville to develop, support and promote the region’s entrepreneurial endeavors. Supporting local startups and coming together as a community to help advance innovative technologies are two key ways to do this. But we need more buy-in at a local and national level to make this a possibility.

Strategy: Thought leadership in a digital environment

At first glance, the term thought leadership might appear to be nothing more than an industry buzzword. But at its core, it is just putting a name to the action of expressing unique guidance or insight into a particular topic or industry.

For TAEBC and Innov865, I knew that in order to translate their expertise into results online, they needed to be thought leaders in a digital environment. After all, so much of what people respond to is storytelling and vivid imagery. For instance, in my own experience, I don’t remain on websites long if they are difficult to navigate, nor will I follow an organization on social media if they don’t post regularly or share interesting content.

For both clients, I advocated for redesigned websites, updated branding, revamped content strategies, streamlined digital communications, strategic social media approaches and other digital improvements.

Some examples included inviting key partners of TAEBC to pen compelling guest articles on an array of topics relevant in the advanced energy space and launching an Innov865 Instagram account. There is so much more still to come – stay tuned for the TAEBC podcast launching this fall along with various guest posts from Innov865 members and advanced energy stakeholders throughout the year!

Results: Increased brand awareness and engagement

It’s truly amazing what small, intentional changes can do for an organization online. Within a few short months, both TAEBC and Innov865 saw increased engagement, more member buy-in and greater awareness of each organization’s missions.

From gaining hundreds of new followers in a short period of time to getting more people interested in attending events, I’m proud of what we were able to accomplish with a few action-oriented changes.

At Piper Communications, it’s essential that our problem-solving strategies are not only well executed but that they provide our clients with meaningful results. Whether we’re solving complicated client messaging challenges or working to create new or compelling Instagram graphics, we always keep our clients’ end goals in mind.

Learn more about Abby Hassler, Content Creation Manager at Piper Communications, or read one of her other articles.

Breadth and depth of expertise in the clean energy and technology sectors

Abby Hassler

April 05, 2022

By Elena Brennan, Media and Stakeholder Relations Manager

Expertise: The Piper Communications team constantly tracks the latest energy and technology trends. Our credibility among media outlets, business leaders, and government officials gives your company the connections you need to succeed.

I’ve held many different roles during my career in both the public and private sectors, but my interest in the energy and technology sectors has remained constant.

An early fascination

In high school, I interned for my local Michigan Congressman, who happened to be the Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce (E&C) Committee – one of the largest and most powerful Committees in Congress. I worked on several of his re-election campaigns, and upon graduation from college, accepted a job with the E&C Committee in Washington, DC. During my three years as a staff assistant and legislative clerk, I tried my hand in several policy areas: healthcare, oversight and investigations, energy, environment, consumer protection, commerce, and tech/telecom. None of them fascinated me more than energy policy.

After about three years at E&C, I had the opportunity to work for a Tennessee Member of Congress who served as the Vice Chair of the E&C Committee. She made me her Legislative Assistant for energy and tech policy, further ingraining my focus areas. After, I had the opportunity to work for her in the U.S. Senate, representing her policy interests on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee.

More opportunities came along when I joined a global law firm as a registered lobbyist, representing large energy and telecom firms before the federal government for about a year before returning to the House to work on energy and tech issues for another Michigan Congressman on the E&C Committee.

When the time came to transition out of DC and make a move to East Tennessee, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine there would be a female-founded public relations firm focused specifically on energy and tech. I lucked out!

Industry connections

As I continue to acclimate myself to my role, my ability to understand and see our clients’ markets and industries from different angles has been extremely valuable when promoting or pitching their developments.

With years of experience studying energy and tech policy, drafting and editing legislation and working with DOE, the FCC and FTC, I can clearly communicate the value our clients are bringing to their customers, industries and communities to the media or other stakeholders.

Maintaining relationships

Aside from being somewhat addicted to reading news and headlines in the major energy and tech trade publications, the most valuable way I stay up to date is through the networks I built in Washington and Tennessee.

Relationships matter and information is a commodity – that’s as true in the political world as it is in the business world, and I learned that one of the most valuable ways to be successful is by connecting and engaging with people who know more than you do. I make it a point to stay in touch with my contacts in the energy and tech worlds no matter where I go or what job title I currently hold.

I also learn through hands-on experiences with others. There is nothing more educational than visiting a facility like Watts Bar Nuclear Plant in person and hearing from employees and experts what technologies power providers like the Tennessee Valley Authority are using to increase energy efficiency or reduce cyber threats to the grid. I’ve had the opportunity to visit dozens of energy and technology facilities throughout the U.S. – from coal mines and wind farms in Wyoming to oil and gas fields in Texas to the 5G towers in Montana to the research labs at Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

Lending Expertise

My hands-on experience has allowed me to participate in energy and technology policies that are still relevant in the Senate today. I helped draft and introduce bipartisan legislation, H.R. 3538, Coordinated Action to Capture Harmful (CATCH) Emissions Act, which would boost carbon capture tax credits for industrial facilities and power plants, resulting in less greenhouse gasses and spurring additional innovation in clean energy technologies. The legislation has not yet passed, but significant portions have been enacted as part of the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure package.

Additionally, I helped draft and introduce bipartisan legislation, H.R. 3119, Energy Emergency Leadership Act, to help protect critical energy infrastructure from cyberattacks following the Colonial pipeline attack and shutdown.

My experience in the private and public sectors allows me to provide valuable insight to our clients. Both my depth of experience and personal interest in the clean energy and technology industry serve to provide credibility among media outlets, business leaders and government officials to give clients the connections they need to succeed.

Learn more about Elena Brennan, the Media and Stakeholder Relations Manager at Piper Communications, here.

Women’s History Month: My approach to running Piper Communications

Abby Hassler

March 15, 2022

By Cortney Piper, President

It’s Women’s History Month. As the founder of an SBA certified Woman-Owned Small Business, I want to use this time to pause and reflect on my career and approach to running my strategic communications firm.

Times like these put a spotlight on the countless accomplishments of women throughout history and the sacrifices they made to get us to where we are today. We fought for the right to vote, more equality in the workplace and up until the 1970s, even the right to have a credit card in our own name. The more we celebrate the achievements of women and the progress we have made, the easier it will be for future generations.

Like other women in leadership positions, I have faced some degree of adversity. But I have been lucky to have mostly worked for women and been surrounded by strong examples of female leadership. Being in a female-dominated field of public relations, I also have not had to face many of the daily difficulties some women face in more male-dominated industries.

I believe seeing so many women in positions of power has unconsciously shaped the way I view myself and my business. Even more, I think my experience as a young professional woman in the workforce had a major impact on the way I run this company – I learned what I wanted and didn’t want for my business. From the beginning of Piper Communications, I was determined to run this company the way I wanted to be treated – as a professional, woman and mother.

When I was looking for jobs before founding Piper Communications, I grew discouraged that so many employers – even the progressive ones – didn’t seem to trust their employees, as was reflected in their benefits and policies. Little paid time off, hardly any sick leave and rigorous attention schedules seemed to be the norm. You can’t make someone good at their job by enacting strict parameters. If people aren’t passionate about what they do, inflexible rules won’t help them stick around. I didn’t want that for Piper Communications.

At Piper Communications, we offer unlimited paid time off (PTO), paid maternity leave, flexible work-from-home arrangements and other opportunities that reflect the everyday realities of a modern office. I believe these policies make it easier for everyone to work hard and still feel supported in their personal lives.

I experienced this personal-professional struggle firsthand when I was pregnant. Interestingly, during this time, I felt that as a professional woman, I was perceived as both stronger and weaker for being pregnant. Stronger in the sense that I was carrying triplets and worked up until the day I delivered, but weaker due to the prevailing belief that once women have children, they don’t remain in the workforce.

This experience made me realize that we still have a long way to go in terms of normalizing maternity leave. It’s a part of life and something else that needs to be managed in a working environment, just like vacation time, sick leave and schedules. After all, sometimes you just need to roll up your sleeves and work a bit harder to get to where you need to be.

Whether it’s unlimited PTO or maternity leave, ensuring true equity in the workplace begins with empathy, a recognition that we still have a lot to learn and a drive to make the workplace more accessible to all.

Learn more about Cortney Piper here! Want to work with us? Give us a call or send us a message.

International Women’s Day: Voices from a woman-owned and operated business

Abby Hassler

March 08, 2022

Cortney Piper founded Piper Communications in 2008 at the height of the recession – setting the company’s tone as a tenacious, result-driven firm. Fourteen years later, Piper Communications continues to serve the clean energy and technology industry as an SBA certified Woman-Owned Small Business. The internal culture at Piper stems from a team with diverse backgrounds and expertise in all facets of public relations to offer a dynamic skill set that drives results for our clients.

For International Women’s Day, the Piper team responded to the question, “What does International Women’s Day mean to you?”

Cortney Piper, President

For most of history, women’s ambition and accomplishments were hidden or overlooked. Days like International Women’s Day and months like Women’s History Month are intentional moments for us to pause and celebrate the contributions women have made in the past and continue to make today. The more we recognize and value women and their victories, especially in the workplace, the more we break down barriers and biases that keep other women from achieving their goals and dreams.

Abby Hassler, Content Creation Manager

International Women’s Day is so important because it is a dedicated time each year to not only drawing attention to the amazing contributions women have made around the world – and often when facing insurmountable odds – but also to indicating how much farther we need to go as a society to ensure true equality across the board. The theme for this year’s campaign, #BreakTheBias, is a great message for pushing for a truly gender-equal world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination.

As a woman, there have certainly been times that I have been made to feel less-than or unsafe because of my gender. But thankfully, I have been lucky enough to work in offices and surround myself with individuals who value and love women and all that we can do. I see this holiday as a chance to reflect on the women who have made it possible for me to pursue a career, vote and live my life freely. Additionally, it serves as a reminder that there is still more work to be done to bring equality for all.

Allie Mobley, Project Coordinator

International Women’s Day is important to me because every year I am blown away by the support women have for each other. We understand the career field for women is different for us than it is for men, so always having that support from each other is so important. It means we are being recognized for our importance in the world and we bring just as much to the table professionally as men do.

Tonja Burk, Strategic Communications Director

I’m not one that sits around and dwells on the fact that men, historically, have gotten more opportunities, respect, and bigger paychecks. But I do notice a changing world where more women are in great positions of leadership in both government and industry and aren’t afraid of speaking up for themselves and others. It makes me proud every time another glass ceiling is shattered and I know that there are no more limits – my nieces can do anything or be anything they want!

Mallory Jenkins, Project Specialist

A common stereotype for women is that we are far too quick to compare ourselves. Yet for me, International Women’s Day signifies an opportunity to take that label and utilize the holiday as a chance to reflect on the women who have come before me, alongside me, and one day – after me. What contributions have women made before me that inspire me to continue to sharpen my own character and skill set – and what goals can I actively challenge myself towards in order to leave a similar legacy?

Hannah Whitson, Media Relations Manager

International Women’s Day serves as a wonderful reminder of the massive strides women before me took to reach even greater heights socially, economically, politically and culturally than I could have imagined. Likewise, it signifies a day of celebration for the achievements of dreams and aspirations women have thanks to the generational cohesion of men and women around the globe.

Elena Brennan, Media and Stakeholder Relations Manager

International Women’s Day, to me, is a unique moment where we can celebrate and unite women from all over the world who have made the world a better place because of their legacy and work. Whether it’s a suffragist from the 1920’s who fought for the 19th amendment, a scientist who is helping come up with breakthrough innovations, or a mom hustling day and night to give her children more opportunities in life than she had. There is no one prototype for a successful woman, and International Women’s Day is about celebrating all of the different ways in which women contribute to making their families, workplaces, communities, and the world better, more equitable, just, and peaceful places.

Allie Eskew, Director of Operations and Events

In my opinion we should be recognized all year long!

Learn more about the Piper Communications team here! Want to work with us? Give us a call or send us a message.

Sharing space and expertise: Lessons learned from my attorney

Abby Hassler

February 14, 2022

By Cortney Piper, President

I would imagine it’s quite rare for a small business owner to share office space with her attorney. But for Tammy Kaousias and me, it works.

In 2008, I met Tammy, the owner of Kaousias Law Firm and Inner Space Yoga & Meditation Supplies, when I was running for the Knox County Commission. We lived in the same neighborhood and got to know each other through my campaign and our local neighborhood association. A short time later, I wanted to grow my business and hire someone, but I needed my own office space. Thankfully, Tammy had room available, and we have been sharing an office and working together ever since.

Our relationship has been instrumental to my professional and personal development. It is also incredibly unique – I see her both as a close friend and trusted advisor. Not every small business owner is privileged with easy access and a baseline of trust with their business lawyer.

As my lawyer, Tammy has been a strategic asset in advancing Piper Communications. I firmly believe that for a small business, legal professionals can help you understand your business, start a business, grow your business and advocate for your business.

But Tammy has also taught me so much more that isn’t just focused on the nitty-gritty of contract negotiations. Over the years, she has taught me several lessons and “soft skills” that may be beneficial for other small business owners.

Effective communication is key

One of the best parts of my relationship with Tammy is our direct communication style. We’re not afraid to get straight to the point. We don’t worry about hurting each other’s feelings or tiptoeing around sensitive subjects – I find this incredibly refreshing.

Put simply, in any professional relationship, effective communication is key. If you cannot get your point across to your lawyer, accountant or your own team, how do you expect to thrive? Or, if the advisors you surround yourself with aren’t listening to you or focusing on your best interests, how can they help you? Good communication is essential. Don’t overlook it.

Surround yourself with experts you can trust

One lesson I learned early on was the importance of understanding my working style. I am someone who gets in, gets the job done and gets out. Yet, I realize that not everyone operates this way. As a result, I surround myself with experts like Tammy who help me see things differently and explore new possibilities.

Don’t be afraid to bring in experts when you need them – I know Tammy’s advice has helped me evolve as a business owner and appreciate new ways of thinking or operating. However, with any professional situation, it’s equally important to make sure these experts are people who you can build a firm foundation of trust and respect with.

Everything is negotiable: Advocate for yourself

Like I mentioned, I’m very much a “roll your sleeves up and get the job done” kind of person. This determination has served me well as an athlete, small-business business owner and mother. But at times, it has tempted me to move through a contract negotiation process too quickly, so I am thankful for Tammy who will step in and remind me to slow down, identify potential risks and advocate for myself.

Put simply: Tammy taught me that everything is negotiable. Though it depends on how you frame any request or change, I know it’s essential for small business owners to push back and position themselves for success, not merely get to work and sign a contract that could hinder you down the line.

So many new businesses and startups don’t feel like they have the agency to push back, especially when interacting with major corporations or agencies. But in a business context, embracing that discomfort is critical to growing your company. Tammy taught me to advocate for myself and Piper Communications – a lesson that I could not be more grateful for.

Find out more about Cortney Piper, Piper Communications’ President, here.

The value in results: Championing the client’s mission

Abby Hassler

January 24, 2022

By Hannah Whitson: Media Relations Manager

Results: We get you the results you want. Period. We embrace your business’ mission as our own. Your company goals and objectives are our top priority.

I previously envisioned results as a figure – a number that I had to hit, a top outlet or an exceptionally high metric of media coverage. As my career in media relations has evolved, I’ve started appreciating the seemingly small wins that contribute to my primary goal of illuminating our client’s developments and achievements.

Effective results do not solely take form in numerically impressive metrics or my personal perception of a top-tier outlet. I measure my successes by my ability to effectively highlight my client’s advancements in their specific industry – capitalizing on the strategic leads and platforms for results that serve the client’s values.

Driving results internally

In order to help our clients achieve their goals, I start by developing my relationships within the Piper Communication’s team. I build up my team by celebrating their individual results and accomplishments inside and outside of work. That way, when we are tasked with delivering results for our client, our team is ready to perform to the best of our abilities as a supportive, strategic unit.

The collaborative nature and our internal support structure at Piper has served to boost our results. When I celebrate each of our client’s wins internally, the recognition of each team member’s contribution helps the team remain motivated to achieve future exceptional outcomes. An additional element that has benefited Piper is our balanced team. Cortney has always recruited people who contribute to the cohesion of our team, and deepen the skillset of our roster. When new projects come my way, I have every confidence in my team’s ability to drive results. This network of trust our team shares has been a crucial element in driving results for our clients.

Prioritizing the client’s goals

With every pitch I craft, I aim high. I do everything in my power to exceed my client’s expectations of a project’s media coverage, and I gauge the success of my results around what ultimately serves the client’s objectives. I am invested in each of my client’s missions, and as I work alongside the Piper team to drive media traction, I’m naturally motivated by every lead and opportunity to illuminate each company’s story.

Recently, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside SkyNano, a Knoxville startup that developed an innovative manufacturing technique to make carbon-based nanomaterials from carbon dioxide and electricity. Most recently, they completed the first-ever production of carbon nanotubes from flue gas at a Tennessee Valley Authority plant. Naturally, this advanced manufacturing innovation presents a massive opportunity to drive awareness to their innovation and highlight the client’s technology on a national scale. My strategy to drive results for their team stems from a desire to bring their advancements to the forefront of both industry and national news.

By utilizing all of the components of SkyNano’s organization and technology, my team has been able to maximize media placements that address mass audiences as well as target SkyNano’s potential customers, investors and partners. Through this strategy, I’ve brought layered results that go beyond a generic media approach and contribute to SkyNano’s long-term vision. In any media campaign, results can be measured in number of placements, but with Piper’s media campaigns, we create action-oriented exposure that identifies key stakeholders to illuminate each development.

Results are a crucial element to the service we provide at Piper Communications, and I fully embrace the value of celebrating each win: both internally and externally to drive effective results. Our results-based approach enables us to deliver more efficient, effective and strategic solutions to our clients. No longer do I equate results with an exceptional figure, but rather, the depth and breadth to which I help champion my client’s mission.

This blog is the first in an ongoing series about each of our six Values at Piper Communications. Learn more about our Values here.

A knock on the door: Reflecting on Piper Communications in 2021

Abby Hassler

December 21, 2021

By Cortney Piper, President

I’m so glad to be back in the office again.

The Piper Communications team returned to the office this summer, and I could not be happier. We still work from home and enjoy flexible work schedules, but overall, it’s so easy to foster an engaging atmosphere and collaborate when we’re all in the same space.

The pandemic has taught me that the future of work will look quite different and that hybrid environments and approaches should be welcome. But I also learned a new appreciation for a simple knock on the door.

Some of the best ideas and innovative ways of thinking don’t result from scheduled meetings or lengthy discussions – they can happen when you allow yourself to be open or spontaneous. Sometimes, they start with a knock at the door from someone with a comment or question that turns into something truly wonderful.

From reimagining the way our team approaches content development to solving intricate client puzzles, Piper Communications has thrived this year not only because of our subject-matter expertise, results-driven work ethic and problem-solving skills, but because we allow for adaptability so we can take those comments, questions and ideas – big or small – and transform them into something truly meaningful for our clients.

From a client perspective, there have been so many exciting developments and wins over that past year that I cannot possibly cover them all. But we are thankful for each client and every chance to help them succeed. For instance, it has been so gratifying to watch the Innov865 Alliance welcome the Techstars Industries of the Future Accelerator and come together to address the gaps identified by Techstars that were keeping Knoxville’s entrepreneurial ecosystem from accelerating forward at a more rapid pace. As a small business owner, I believe that Knoxville IS a wonderful place to start and grow a business and enjoy watching the Innov865 Alliance advance this mission.

Three Roots Capital celebrated five years of providing access to capital and business coaching for underserved and underrepresented communities, helping them grow and flourish. They continue to prove that while access to capital is vital, it’s the support, guidance and coaching that helps organizations maximize those funds and make the biggest impact.

Meanwhile, as the global pandemic prompted society to rethink the way we work, live and play, the University of Tennessee Research Foundation and its inventors were recognized for outstanding contributions in the continued fight against COVID-19 by AUTM. As a UT graduate, it’s an honor to witness University of Tennessee innovators across the state develop and deploy technology that solves problems and makes our lives better.

With Wärtsilä and the Path to 100% initiative, it has been a privilege to watch a company that began in a traditional industry become so innovative and forward-thinking about how to adapt business practices in a new-energy marketplace. The Path to 100% community is working hard to find a practical, affordable and fast way to get to 100% renewable energy – it’s a privilege to support them in this endeavor.

Then we have our newer clients, Atom Power and SkyNano Technologies, who have technologies and products that will accelerate the transition into a new energy economy. We are not only helping them show potential consumers how radical their technology or product may be, but we are helping them find the best way to tell their audience how the market is shifting dramatically and how their innovations will make that shift easier or better. I love working with clients who have or will have a lasting impact on their community, whether that be on a local, state, national or global scale.

With this orientation toward impact in mind, I must mention the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council and its 2021 Tennessee Advanced Energy Economic Impact Report, which validates the very reason Piper Communications exists. I launched Piper Communications because I was passionate about clean energy and technology communication and wanted to help these industries succeed in our state.

Like our work with TAEBC’s report, Piper Communications was also proud to support the release of the Department of Energy’s FY2020 economic impact report. The report emphasized how DOE missions in Oak Ridge directly benefit Tennessee’s economy and drive innovations in the global advanced energy economy, resulting in over $7 billion in economic benefits and nearly 43,000 full-time jobs.

Nearly everything we have done at Piper Communications – from the clients we serve to our unique approach to communications – has been to increase the profile of clean energy and advanced technologies and demonstrate how they can positively impact our lives and futures. Both TAEBC and DOE’s reports indicate that Tennessee’s advanced energy economy is growing dramatically, and I’m proud to say we are helping play a role in this expansion.

Like the advanced energy economy, Piper Communications has also been growing and scaling up. We have added several new team members this year and have expanded our client portfolio. But as we have grown, I have challenged myself to create and maintain a work environment where people want to come to work. One thing the past two years has made immensely clear is that people don’t want to just be an employee. They want to work toward something bigger than themselves and still have time for passions, pursuits and everyday life outside of the office.

As an NCAA Division I athlete, I am results-driven and have high expectations of myself and those around me – this will never change. But I believe it’s essential to marry excellence with a flexible and supportive work environment. People will be their best if they are part of a culture and in an atmosphere where they can thrive.

Looking ahead into 2022, I am excited about continuing the great work we have been doing this year. I am also ready for whatever new ideas and strategies may come from future knocks at my door.

Find out more about Cortney Piper, Piper Communications’ President, here.

A new era of event planning: Reflecting on the evolution of Startup Day

Abby Hassler

November 29, 2021

By Allie Eskew, Project and Events Director

It might seem obvious, but event planning has taken on an entirely new dimension within the last two years as the pandemic has shifted how, when and where we can connect. I’ve been planning and managing events at Piper Communications for several years, but like so many other event planners around the world, I had to rethink my process and find innovative new ways to help people connect. One of the most challenging and rewarding experiences during this time has been helping the Innov865 Alliance reimagine the way it approaches events through a mix of in-person and virtual options.

The Innov865 Alliance exists to develop, support and promote the Knoxville region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. This collaborative effort celebrates how Knoxville is a great place for entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses. Since its launch in 2013, the collaboration has grown and evolved and now puts on a week-long event series called Innov865 Week, with Startup Day serving as the week’s signature event. It has been my pleasure to plan and execute this annual event each year. In 2020, we held Startup Day virtually, while this year, we were able to merge in-person and virtual offerings for our guests. Virtual and in-person formats have their obvious differences, yet I was surprised to find there was some familiar common ground between them.

With in-person events, the biggest challenge is usually prepping and planning for any technical issues that may arise. Over the years we have found that doing a dress rehearsal the day prior to the event is the best way to work through any of those issues so we are prepared the day of – I have also found it also helps companies and presenters feel more comfortable and confident on stage.

Coincidentally, for virtual events, the most pressing concern is also tech issues. Managing a presenter’s internet connections and visual aids during a pitch competition is daunting for parties on both sides. However, as many of us have experienced, a new problem brought up with virtual events is keeping the audience engaged – the pandemic caused a major influx of online events, so we found that adjusting our event lengths and formats kept them engaging for our audience.

When comparing the two, you just can’t beat the tangible experience of an in-person event. The excitement generated from face-to-face interaction allows for engaging, lasting partnerships. I love the networking aspect of in-person events that you just don’t experience with the virtual ones. But I found that virtual options also offer a new level of accessibility, allowing even more attendees to benefit from topics discussed at the Innov865 Alliance’s events.

This year, I was happy to see that people really showed up – and showed up big – for Startup Day 2021, which was held in-person with masks and a virtual streaming option. You could feel the excitement in the room and the energy was incredibly contagious. Collectively, we were able to share and savor the pride that the Knoxville community shares of our entrepreneurs and the companies and technologies that are coming out of our city. Being able to celebrate that with one another in the heart of the city makes the event planning process so worth it. We also benefited from guests tuning in for our live stream from the comfort of their homes and offices, broadening our reach to many who may have never been able to attend before.

The event planning process has drastically evolved since my first event for the Innov865 Alliance. Today, we are able to merge in-person and virtual options to continue the celebration of Knoxville’s rich tradition of innovation. In my opinion, this dynamic event option is here to stay – it gives event managers a broader reach for their audiences as there are no geographical limitations and it allows for more connectivity across the state, regional and nation.

Right now, I am looking forward to Startup Day 2022. The past two years have taught me the value in flexibility when managing any event, recognizing I can’t control the conditions in which this event is held. But whether we gather together in person or virtually (or a mix of both), what I can always count on, year after year, is many of the city’s brightest innovators gathering together to illuminate and celebrate our thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Find out more about Allie Eskew, Piper Communications’ Project and Events Director, here.

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