Tennessee unemployment rate nears pre-pandemic level
Tennessee’s unemployment rate for February reached near pre-pandemic levels, according to data released by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.
February’s statewide, seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 4.9%, which is one percentage point higher than in February 2020, one month before the COVID-19 health crisis created an economic slowdown across Tennessee.
Overall, unemployment in Tennessee is down 0.2 of a percentage point from January’s revised rate of 5.1%. When compared to February’s nationwide seasonally adjusted rate of 6.2%, unemployment in Tennessee is 1.3 percentage points lower than the national average.
Total nonfarm employment in the state increased by 6,300 jobs between January and February. The professional/business services sector saw the most growth, followed by the leisure/hospitality and education/health services sectors, according to the department.
Reliance Partners named a 2021 best workplace
Great Place to Work and Fortune have named Chattanooga-based Reliance Partners as one of the Best Workplaces in Financial Services & Insurance.
This marks Reliance Partners’ fourth time on the list. The award is based on analysis of survey responses from more than 840,000 current employees across the U.S.
“We are on a singular mission to revolutionize transportation insurance,” said Chad Eichelberger, president of Reliance. “In order to achieve that mission, we’ve built our foundation on people and we’ve formulated our culture around trust, purpose, and drive.”
Laura Ann Howell, COO of Reliance, said the company has “placed considerable effort into building a workplace that is both challenging and supportive where people grow personally and professionally each day.”
Southeastern Trust adds Nashville office
Nearly three years after Atlantic Capital Bank spun off the Southeastern Trust Co. in Chattanooga, the growing Tennessee-chartered trust company is opening a second office in Nashville.
Britt Messer, chief investment officer of Southeastern Trust, will lead the new 2-person office in Nashville.
“This is an opportunity for us to serve our clients in a more hands-on manner as well as invest in the growing, unique community that is Nashville,” said Messer, who has served as an investment manager in Nashville for the past 12 years. “We value proximity to our clients in order to provide the best service possible. Our commitment to our clients is evident in all that we do, and I believe our new office offers an even greater client experience.”
Southeastern Trust Co. currently manages more than $500 million of assets, or double the amount the trust had when it split off as a separate company in 2018 from Atlantic Capital Bank. The company offers family office services such as trust and estate administration, investment management, real estate management, and bill pay.
Bart Rolen, CEO of Southeastern Trust, said the employees of the boutique private wealth management firm “continue to prove themselves to be an invaluable partner to each of our clients. As we join the Nashville community, we will expand on the vision of serving our clients with great care, vast expertise, and tailored solutions,” he said.
Walden Security names new key leadership
Walden Security recently named new leadership to support the ongoing growth and expansion of its services.
Walden Security President Michael S. Walden said 2020 was a year of positive growth for its Commercial Services Division and it’s supporting that growth with additional critical leadership.
Jon Mitchell was promoted to executive vice president of the Commercial Services Division, overseeing all accounts in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas. He continues to manage the company’s GeoCheck Mobile Workforce Reporting solution.
Zach Winchester was promoted to executive vice president of the Commercial Services Division, overseeing all accounts in Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky and Mississippi. Also, he will direct the corporate-based Command Technology Center and RemoteCheck technology services.
Dana McCormick joined Walden as vice president of human resources for the corporate office. For more than 15 years, McCormick has worked in various human resources and management positions with companies.
Pat Silberman was promoted to director of compliance for corporate. Silberman will be working closely with branch operations teams.
Drew Burrows was recently promoted to general manager, overseeing all operational aspects in Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi. Since starting with Walden Security 12 years ago, Burrows has worked in various positions in the company.
Tony Fore was promoted to general manager with leadership over all operations in Georgia and Florida. For nearly 10 years, Fore has served as a leader for the Atlanta branch.