The Impact Award honors a company that displays leadership in giving back to the community and whose outreach efforts fill a special need and make a far-reaching, long term impact on the lives of others. According to the partnership, "Pilot's commitment to the community takes many forms and includes the United Way Celebrity Pumpers campaign that raises nearly $50,000 annually, volunteering for Junior Achievement, supporting fundraising at the Boys and Girls Clubs, sponsorship of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra's free Independence Day concert which draws 10,000 attendees, and many, many others. In addition, Pilot employees logged nearly 1,200 volunteer hours in 2004."

Additionally, Pilot's founder, James A. Haslam II, was presented with the Chairman's Leadership Award, for being "a longtime business leader who exhibits strength in character, resolve and commitment to the community by providing his or her time and talent to community projects and inspiring others through his/her leadership." The partnership also added, "Haslam has been involved in the arts and music - he's endowed dance and symphony companies; social services - he's chaired fundraising campaigns and events; education - he's supported the University and its growth and the improvement of primary and secondary education for students from all walks of life; economic development - he's led the effort to recruit businesses and support existing companies. Through his contributions to social, cultural, and economic development initiatives he has touched the lives of every Knoxville area citizen."

The Pinnacle Business Awards, which bills itself as "the only comprehensive business awards gala in East Tennessee", recognizes outstanding businesses and business professionals who play a role in the Knoxville community's successes. According to the partnership, the awards are "a great way to celebrate the successes of individual businesses and leaders and also engage the overall community in celebrating these incredible achievements". The red carpet affair was sold out due to a crowd of nearly 600 at the Knoxville Convention Center.

To learn more about the Pinnacle Business Awards Winners, please visit the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership website.

To learn more about Pilot Travel Centers LLC, please visit www.PilotTravelCenters.com