Yoakum Hall of Fame
Wednesday, August 23rd, 2017
Claiborne County’s Eleanor Yoakum has been named to the East Tennessee Business Hall of Fame.
She received the honor during the 29th Annual Award Dinner at the Downtown Marriott in Knoxville. The Junior Achievement East Tennessee Business Hall of Fame is a “who’s who” of local business leadership and honors the professional accomplishments of visionary business men and women who have shaped the region’s economic landscape. According to a news release from the Junior Achievement, Laureate induction into the East Tennessee Business Hall of Fame is a lifetime achievement award for individuals who have made a significant and positive impact on the East Tennessee Region.
Yoakum currently serves as chairman of the board of First Century Bank and has served the public in many capacities during her lifetime. She was notably the first woman in the eight burley tobacco growing states to run a tobacco auction and warehouse. She has especially contributed to Claiborne County, serving as a strong advocate for education, the arts and getting upgrades to U.S. Hwy. 25E, which was named Eleanor Yoakum Highway. She has served as chairman of the board of First Century Bank since 1991.