Five Local Legends Inducted into the 2024 Entrepreneurs’ Hall of Fame

Middle Tennessee Community Invited to Celebrate at NEXT Awards on October 21st

Nashville, TN (August 6) – Nashville Entrepreneur Center (EC) is proud to announce the induction of five esteemed business leaders into the 2024 Nashville Entrepreneurs’ Hall of Fame. This year’s honorees have made significant contributions to the growth, innovation, and prosperity of the Nashville business community. The community is invited to join the NEXT Awards celebration on Monday, October 21, at Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

2024 Honorees:

Pat Emery: A Legacy of Transformative Development in Nashville

Pat Emery, a distinguished real estate developer and community leader, is celebrated for his profound impact on Nashville’s growth and development over his four-decade-long career. His visionary approach and commitment to enhancing life experiences through innovative spaces have left an indelible mark on the city. Emery’s notable achievements include the development of the Fifth + Broadway complex and the transformation of the Cool Springs area into a corporate headquarters hub. Emery’s contributions extend beyond professional endeavors, deeply involving community initiatives and philanthropy. His posthumous induction is a fitting tribute to his remarkable career.

Dr. Turner Nashe: Celebrating a Remarkable Career in Technology and Education

A distinguished entrepreneur, inventor, and leader, Dr. Turner Nashe’s contributions have significantly advanced technology in security-sensitive industries. His pioneering work in building technology which facilitates the delivery of data and educational content, has set new standards in these sectors. Dr. Nashe’s career includes influential roles at Sonata Bank, Maxx Content, DevDigital, and the co-founding of ReCOVer-Health during the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership and innovation in correctional facilities, hospitals, and educational institutions have had a lasting impact, making him a deserving inductee.

Pam and Phil Pfeffer: Dynamic Entrepreneurial Duo

Pam and Phil Pfeffer have significantly impacted multiple industries through innovation and strategic investments. Phil Pfeffer led the creation of several successful companies, including Ingram Micro Inc., and, together with Pam, founded Treemont Capital Inc. Their entrepreneurial ventures, mentorship, and investments through the Nashville Entrepreneur Center have fostered the growth of numerous companies. Their commitment to education and real estate development, as well as their extensive contributions to Nashville’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, make them deserving inductees.

Michael Burcham: Pioneering Healthcare Innovation

With a career spanning three decades, Michael Burcham has established himself as a formidable leader, executive coach, entrepreneur, investor, and strategist. His journey in healthcare innovation began as the founder and CEO of Theraphysics and continued with his role as the founding President and CEO of Nashville Entrepreneur Center. Michael’s contributions to business growth, mentorship, and innovation have earned national recognition, including being honored as a National Champion of Change by President Obama, Nashvillian of the Year and Tennessean of the Year. His continued influence in healthcare and entrepreneurship makes him a fitting inductee.

Join Us at the NEXT Awards

Nashville Entrepreneur Center invites the Middle Tennessee community to celebrate these remarkable individuals, plus outstanding Startup and Growth level entrepreneurs at the NEXT Awards on Monday, October 21, at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. This event will honor their contributions and inspire future generations of entrepreneurs.

“Nashville’s entrepreneurial landscape is defined by visionary leaders whose relentless dedication has created thriving businesses and opportunities both locally and globally,” said Sam Davidson, CEO of Nashville EC. “Their journeys inspire us to dream boldly and strive tirelessly. We invite you to join us at the NEXT Awards to celebrate these extraordinary achievements and honor the next generation of innovative entrepreneurs who will shape the future of Nashville.”

Amazon is Presenting Sponsor of the NEXT Awards and Entrepreneurs’ Hall of Fame evening. The co-chairs of this year’s event are: Janet Miller, Colliers Nashville CEO; Wanda Lyle, UBS (retired); Mignon Francois, The Cupcake Collection Founder & CEO; Sam Davidson, Nashville Entrepreneur Center CEO. 

For more information on how to join the celebration, please visit NEXT Awards at ec.co.

About Nashville Entrepreneurs’ Hall of Fame 

Nashville Entrepreneurs’ Hall of Fame honors individuals who have built long-standing and meaningful careers in Nashville. Previous inductees include: Dolly Parton, Darrell Freeman, Trisha Yearwood, Cordia Harrington, Leatrice McKissack, Phil Bredesen, Jon Yabrough, Andre Prince, Mike Shmerling, Steve Turner, Amy Kurland, among other influential individuals.

About Nashville Entrepreneur Center

Nashville Entrepreneur Center (NEC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) founded in 2010 to help make Nashville the best place to start and grow a business by increasing the likelihood of success for entrepreneurs. Since 2010, the NEC has helped more than 14,000 entrepreneurs, including 1,000 alumni, who have raised over $319M in capital, generated $417M in revenue and experienced over $100+M in exits. Learn more about the NEC by following @entrecenter on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and at www.EC.co.

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