Talking to the Knoxville News-Sentinel, Pinnacle CEO Terry Turner calls the bank a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" and talks about Memphis and the competition – singling out Regions Bank's Williamson County chief, Marty Martin.

In its annual report to the SEC, Genesco says it will open just 69 stores in 2008 – versus an average of 186 in the past three years – and that financial and legal work related to the failed merger with Finish Line cost it almost $34 million, a number that includes $865,000 worth of late invoices.

The American Electronics Association has compiled a ranking of states according to tech-oriented venture capital investment and other metrics. One sobering note: Tennessee ranks 48th in private-sector tech jobs as a percentage of the market.

Hendersonville-based Smith Travel Research has teamed up with two other firms to launch a global hotel data tracking venture.

Gaylord Entertainment director and former Saks CEO Brad Martin has joined the board of Ruby Tuesday.

Nashville-based Hunt Brothers Pizza is taking a spin on the track with a short-term NASCAR sponsorship.