(c)2008 NPT PHOTOS BY RICK HOOPER
Bush Brothers CEO Jim Ethier addresses the crowd during Saturday 100th birthday celebration at the Knoxville Convention Center. An estimated 1,300 people attended the event.

KNOXVILLE-An estimated 1,300 employees, family membersand friends joined Bush Brothers and Co. in celebrating its 100th anniversarySaturday at the Knoxville Convention Center.

 

With corporate offices is Knoxville, Bush Brothersoperates two facilities-one in Chestnut Hill and one in Augusta, Wis. The ChestnutHill operation is where the original plant was started by A.J. Bush in 1908.The facility now employees approximately 360 people, according to Bush BrothersVice President Steve Harrison. Overall, Bush Brothers employees 670 people.

 

"This is a celebration of our past andfuture," Harrison told those in attendance. "I think the thing thatwould make A.J. Bush proud is the character that has been passed down. And, outof the corner of our eye, we are looking to the future."

 

"We have an incredible mix of people," addedBush Brothers COO Tom Ferriter. "We have people with years of experienceand younger people with lots of energy. That chemistry will make our future.Thank you for what you've done in the past and what you will do in the future."

 

Bush Brothers CEO Jim Ethier provided the finalcomments of the night.

 

"We are a community of companions," saidEthier. "That's where the word company came from. To our friends andcommunity, on behalf of the Bush family, thanks for your help.

 

"We started as a tomato cannery and went throughsome tough times including the depression and World Wars. Through the years,we've changed what we do but we've stayed who we are.

 

"This is a celebration and we're honored you arehere."

 

Ethier most appreciated comment of the night was whenhe announced every employee will now receive an extra week of paid time off.The announcement was met with a standing ovation.

 

Everyone in attendance was treated to a steak andlobster meal, topped with a birthday cake at each table. The event alsofeatured videos of employees and congratulatory comments from local, state andfederal officials along with leaders of other companies who do business withBush Brothers.

 

Following the celebration dinner, everyone was treatedto a nearly two-hour concert by country music star Martina McBride at theTennessee Theatre in downtown Knoxville.