Bristol Motor Speedway was recognized Wednesday during the Emergency Management Association of Tennessee’s (EMAT) Industry Awards in Murfreesboro, Tenn., as the recipient of the Business and Industry Recognition Award, honoring Excellence in Community.
A plaque with the inscription, ‘For Outstanding Service and Dedication to Supporting the Emergency Management Community and State of Tennessee,’ was accepted by Bristol Motor Speedway President and General Manager Jerry Caldwell during the awards ceremony. Several other BMS team members who played significant roles in the operation of the Northeast Tennessee Disaster Relief Center joined Caldwell in accepting the honor, including Anthony Golden, Trey Hatcher and Josiah Carrier.
“On behalf of myself, Jim, Kate, Patrick, and all of the Tennessee Emergency Management Administration team, we are excited to get to shine the light on Mr. Jerry Caldwell and the Bristol Motor Speedway team for everything you and the team gave to our state, and other states impacted by Hurricane Helene,” said Brandon Smith, EMT-P Director, Putnam County Emergency Management Agency.
The North East Tennessee Disaster Relief Center was established on the campus of Bristol Motor Speedway to serve as a major donation and collection site, a few days after intense flooding from Hurricane Helene swept through the region, which included Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia and Western North Carolina. The center, which was housed in the 80,000-square foot BMS South Building, played a vital role in receiving, processing and distributing necessary supplies, such as water, food, medical supplies, cleaning supplies and other necessities during the flood recovery operation. Bristol Motor Speedway’s team jumped into action after Hurricane Helene impacted the region by opening its campgrounds for mobile RVs and rescue crews, providing immediate donation of water for first responders and countless employee hours assisting in standing-up the donation center and continued operational support through March of this year.
“We are extremely grateful and humbled to accept this award,” Caldwell said. “Everyone at Bristol Motor Speedway who lent a hand to assist with the Northeast Tennessee Disaster Relief Center was honored to be able to help, and we are so blessed to work for Marcus Smith and the Smith family who empowered us to support relief efforts on both sides of the mountain. We are also appreciative of the thousands of volunteers who made such as impact. It was gratifying to respond to the needs of the community and provide support and assistance during such a devastating time. Thank you to TEMA and the State of Tennessee for recognizing our efforts through this honor.”
