WCTE PBS will premiere another episode of, It’s Your Business with Michael Aikens, in Partnership with TN Tech Center for Rural Innovation Director, Michael Aikens on Thursday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m. The show will feature April & Nick Patterson who have diversified business portfolios which include Acres of Grace and Honest Abe Log Homes; Simone McKelvy who owns City Girl Soaps; Brie Flora who is a contemporary jeweler, artist, and educator; and Tiffany Anton, known as the Director of “everything” at The Biz Foundry. The episode will also be streamed simultaneously live on WCTE PBS’s YouTube TV channel and Facebook.
The series tells the stories of the changemakers in our communities in their own voices, stories that will inspire our rural communities and workforce to prepare, survive, and thrive throughout the pandemic, and beyond. Michael visits local business owners on location to discuss their motivations and perspectives, and to learn from their successes and mistakes. He also visits with local community leaders and regional celebrities to garner their perspectives and seek advice to help our communities achieve new heights together.
“Running a business, small or large, is not for the faint of heart especially in these challenging times related to COVID-19! WCTE is excited to partner with Michael Aikens and the TTU Center for Rural Innovation to share inspiration, information and resources for our regional business community," said Becky Magura, President & CEO of WCTE PBS.
Michael, a serial entrepreneur and TN Tech employee for 15 years, has used his background in entrepreneurship, technology, and leadership to foster economic development in the Upper Cumberland. He holds an undergraduate degree in marketing from Appalachian State University and a Master’s degree in Strategic Leadership from TN Tech, and oversees economic development initiatives at TN Tech including the Rural Reimagined Grand Challenge, Center for Rural Innovation (TCRI), Eagle Works Innovation & Entrepreneurship program.
