deadline for THE 2026 AWARD NOMINATIONS IS October 1st, 2026.
Click on an award category above (right-hand side) to submit a nomination.
The 5th annual Tennessee River Ripple Effect Awards presented by Yamaha RightWaters ™ will recognize the many individuals, groups, companies and organizations that work hard to improve and protect the Tennessee River watershed and its tributaries.
This work often goes unsung, and we want to help celebrate the good stewards of our ‘singing river!’ (If you’re not familiar with this reference, visit The Shoals, Alabama). It’s our hope that sharing these success stories will motivate more Tennessee River Valley community members to take action for the Tennessee River, creating a ripple effect through our river communities!
The Tennessee River Ripple Effect Awards are presented in coordination with ‘Keep the Tennessee River Watershed Beautiful Month’ in October.
2025 award recipients
BEACON AWARD
1st- Steve Lewis, H.E. Bittle, and Peg Beute
2nd- Anthony Laurino and Brenna Miletich
3rd- Julie Graham
ADOPT A RIVER MILE/ADOPT A STORM DRAIN
1st- Olin Charleston Plant
2nd- Whispering River Trash Panda Task Force
3rd- Jennifer Roberson
BUSINESS
1st- Clayton Home Building Group
2nd- Volkswagen
3rd- iSustain
CONSERVATION
1st- Brandon and Sarah Jones
2nd- Dr. Michael McKinney and Dana Mills
3rd-Ripley’s Aquarium
ELECTED OFFICIALS
1st- Missy Marshall
2nd- Governor Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee
3rd- Carson Dailey
GOVERNMENT
1st- Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
2nd- Knox County Solid Waste
3rd-Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT)
KEEP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL AFFLIATE
1st- Keep Knoxville Beautiful
2nd- Keep Blount Beautiful
3rd- Keep Wayne County Beautiful
MARINAS
1st- Duncan Boat Dock
2nd- Fontana Village Resort and Marina
3rd- Island Cove Marina
STANDOUT YOUTH
1st- Bass Nation Youth/HS
2nd- NAIWA Daughters
3rd- Knoxville Montessori