Rocketown, Founded by Michael W. Smith, Honored at Fourth Annual Business with a Purpose Awards Luncheon
Nashville, Tenn. (June 10, 2014) – Rocketown was honored at the Fourth Annual Business with a Purpose Awards Luncheon and Integrity Forum on Wednesday, June 4 at Lipscomb University. The event was presented by the Lipscomb University College of Business Hilton and Sallie Dean Institute for Corporate Governance and Integrity in partnership with the Center for Public Trust. Founded by acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician, Michael W. Smith, Rocketown was awarded in the not-for-profit organization category.
“Business with a Purpose is an event that celebrates the best of business,” said Turney Stevens, College of Business dean emeritus and director of the Dean Institute. “The annual Business with a Purpose Awards recognize those individuals and companies who have demonstrated their unusual commitments to outstanding service to the community, to encouraging their employees to achieve a higher social mission, and to achieving the highest level of profitability and financial success as well.”
About Rocketown:
Rocketown was founded in 1994 by musician Michael W. Smith. The first of its kind in the Southeast, Rocketown has grown into a regional outreach as well as a model for Christian-based relational outreach across the country. Following the tragedy of Columbine in 1999, Rocketown’s board was inspired to grow the scope of programming and move to a central location in downtown Nashville. The current facility features three stages for live entertainment, Middle Tennessee’s only indoor skatepark, The Hub snack bar, a recording studio, and photography, art and dance studios. More than 800 teens from across the Middle Tennessee region participate in programs each week and at an after-school program at Nashville’s McGavock High School. For more information, visit http://rocketown.com/.
About Michael W. Smith:
Michael W. Smith is an acclaimed singer, songwriter, and musician who has sold more than 15 million albums, achieved 28 No. 1 songs, earned three GRAMMY® Awards, one American Music Award, and more than 40 Dove Awards. Most recently, in honor of ASCAP’s 100th Anniversary, Smith, along with Amy Grant, was honored as “a cornerstone of Christian music,” for his groundbreaking career and significant influence on the genre. Throughout his career, the Contemporary Christian Music artist has had the opportunity to sing for several Presidents and national leaders. He actively supports the teen club Rocketown, Compassion International, and Samaritan’s Purse, the ministry headed by Franklin Graham. Michael and his wife Debbie live in Middle Tennessee, where they raised their five children. His first studio worship album since 2008, Sovereign, is available now. For more information, visit www.michaelwsmith.com.
