UTC adds graduate management program

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is adding a new Master of Science in Management online degree program.

The new program, which will launch in the spring of 2024, will be housed within the Gary W. Rollins College of Business and was formally approved by UT Board of Trustees on June 30.

UTC officials said the graduate online program addresses workforce needs in Tennessee. Approximately 70,000 unique job postings for managerial positions in the state were listed in 2022 and managerial jobs are projected to grow another 11.4% by 2027.

“From the research we were able to do, there is a lot of demand from students and employers for a more specialized business degree in management,” sJerold L. Hale, UTC provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, said in a statement Thursday. “This degree is unique because it places a strong focus on helping people develop interpersonal and leadership skills.”

The MS Management online degree program is designed to help graduates become skilled managers of people within any industry through personal career coaching and instruction on organizational planning, leadership dynamics, decision-making, business ethics, communication and other essential management skills.

Robert Dooley, dean of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business, said the new program “was designed at the request of prospective students and employers who saw a need for leadership skills to drive positive change” across Tennessee.

Water heater maker expands in Tennessee

A manufacturer of water heaters, pumps and boilers is expanding its plant in Lebanon, Tennessee, bringing its staff in Tennessee to nearly 4,000 workers at its operations in Cheatham, Washington, Wilson, Davidson, Putnam and Williamson counties.

Lochinvar, LLC officials announced Thursday the company will invest another $35 million to expand its manufacturing operations at its headquarters in Lebanon and add 141 jobs. The company said the expansion will allow Lochinvar to house its state-of-the-art engineering, product management and support, platform electronics and development laboratories under one roof.

“We are excited to construct a center where innovation and technology thrive, as well as provide a state-of-the-art environment in which our employees can grow their careers while creating and innovating,” Stephen O’Brien, a senior vice president and general manager for Lochinvar, LLC, said in a statement Thursday.

Lochinvar, LLC was founded in 1939 and is a subsidiary of A.O. Smith Corp. The company specializes in high-efficiency water heating and manufactures residential and commercial boilers, commercial water heaters, heat pumps, pool and spa heaters, and storage tanks.

Dehumidifiers recalled after two dozen fires

More than 1.5 million dehumidifiers are under recall following reports of nearly two dozen fires, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The recall impacts 42 models of dehumidifiers sold under five brand names: Kenmore, GE, SoleusAir, Norpole and Seabreeze. These products, all manufactured by the Zhuhai, China-based Gree Electric Appliances, were sold from January 2011 to February 2014 at major retailers nationwide — including Walmart, Home Depot and Sam’s Club, among others.

According to the CPSC, the now-recalled dehumidifiers can overheat, smoke and catch fire. Gree has received reports of at least 23 fires, 688 overheating incidents and $168,000 in property damage from the recalled products.

Consumers are instructed to unplug and immediately stop using the dehumidifiers — and contact Gree for a refund.

The recalled dehumidifiers can be identified by their brand, model number and capacity, which is all listed on the CPSC’s notice. The products are white, beige, gray or black plastic — sold in various sizes for between $110 and $400.

China wants US talks on investment limits

China says it would welcome a visit by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo following the imposition of foreign investment controls by her agency that have stung numerous Chinese companies.

Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson Shu Jueting did not offer a date, but said the countries are in “close communication on arrangements.” Earlier reports said a visit could come as early as later this month. Shu says China is conducting a comprehensive assessment of the impact of the investment controls and would respond on the basis of the results.

U.S. President Joe Biden signed an executive order earlier this month to block and regulate U.S. high-tech investment in China, reflecting the intensifying competition between the world’s two biggest economies.

— Compiled by Dave Flessner