Facebook Innovation Saves Jobs

Social networks saves jobs in the Tennessee Valley:

When Knoxville-based sign maker Image Point in Knoxville abruptly went out of business in January, 270 laid off workers took matters into their own hands.

First, they created a Facebook account to share tips on navigating through the unemployment benefits system, fighting depression, and, of course, finding another job. Eventually the site morphed into a human resources tool viewed by potential employers.

Working together -- and communicating actively -- paid dividends in other practical ways.

For instance, several managers began sharing lists of contacts throughout the industry with local economic developers involved in the regional Knoxville-Oak Ridge Innovation Valley economic and workforce development initiative.

What emerged surprised regional economic developers.

"We realized that the Innovation Valley had become the sign industry capital of the country," said Bryan Daniels of the Blount Partnership, which participates in the five-county Innovation Valley effort. "Jobs in, literally, dozens of supply companies in the area would be affected if we did nothing."

With the industry contacts in hand, Daniels and his colleague Kyle Touchstone of Knoxville Chamber started working the phone lines to get other sign companies to take tours, find office space, and recruit the talent they need.

So far, five companies have come to the Innovation Valley, another five have committed, and about half of the former Image Point employees have found jobs locally. Some companies came on their own and responded only days after the Image Point announcement by establishing a new presence here. The others have been recruited.

"I give the former employees all the credit for sticking together as a community and for coming to us with valuable contacts," said Daniels.