Volunteer Tennessee has once again spotlighted the critical role businesses play in bolstering community service and volunteer efforts across the state with the announcement of the 2023 Governor’s Volunteer Stars Awards (GVSA) business honorees. The awards, which celebrated their winners on February 18, 2024, aim to encourage and recognize volunteerism within the state’s business sector.
This year’s GVSA recognized a business from each of Tennessee’s Grand Divisions – East, Middle, and West – highlighting their unique contributions to their communities. Nominations were open to the public through December 8, 2023, with the winners chosen by independent reviewers based on the scope of needs addressed, actions undertaken, and the impact of their efforts.
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In the East Division, Borderland Tees was celebrated for its extensive partnership with South Knoxville Elementary School. The business has been actively involved in various school and community activities, including gardening clubs, trash pickup, and sponsoring school events, demonstrating a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and community support.
Middle Division’s honoree, UBS Financial Services, was recognized for its significant volunteer project with the Native American Indian Association (NAIA) in Middle Tennessee. UBS volunteers dedicated 276 hours to assist NAIA in building and clearing trails, repairing benches, and creating outdoor spaces, supporting NAIA’s goal of establishing a cultural center.
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (BCBST) represented the West Division, honored for its decade-long TeamBlue employee volunteer program. The program has seen a remarkable level of employee engagement, with over 1,400 volunteers contributing nearly 11,500 hours to various projects, including significant efforts at local food banks.
The GVSA serves as a reminder of the powerful impact businesses can have in their communities through volunteerism. Volunteer Tennessee Commissioner Jason Scott expressed admiration for the nominees, noting the difficulty in selecting the honorees due to the impressive range of volunteer activities presented.
As Volunteer Tennessee prepares for the 2024 Governor’s Volunteer Stars Awards Celebration, the organization encourages the nomination of businesses and nonprofits that exemplify outstanding community service. For more information on the 2023 honorees and upcoming nomination processes, please visit www.volunteertennessee.net.
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