Weigel’s chairman has been recognized for his contributions to both the industry and the country.

Bill Weigel, chairman of Weigel’s convenience store chain, was awarded the Younger Entrepreneur Award at the annual Tennessee Veterans Business Association (TVBA) dinner on Jan. 25.

The Younger Entrepreneur Award is a prestigious accolade presented to three long-standing business-holding veterans who have shown endless energy, passion and vision to create positive contributions to the local community, including veterans and their families.

Ken McMullen, president of Weigel’s and Army veteran, introduced Bill Weigel to the 360 attendees. Kurt Weigel, son of Bill Weigel, was present to accept the award in Bill Weigel’s absence. “It’s a special honor to accept this award on behalf of my dad this evening,” Kurt Weigel shared while accepting the award. “The Younger Entrepreneur Award represents my dad’s passion, spirit and vision to create opportunities, especially for those who gave unselfishly for our freedoms.”

The Weigels have partnered with the Tennessee Veterans Business Association for the past four years by networking with other local businesses that support veterans and recruiting veterans to become a part of Weigel’s stores.

The TVBA, a Knoxville based organization, provides entrepreneurial training, business development assistance and networking opportunities to military veterans and their families. Additionally, the organization assists in finding rewarding employment opportunities through business and networking events. The mission of the TVBA is to educate the public and government officials on the values of supporting veterans and veteran-owned businesses to our economy.

“It is a great honor to be associated with the Tennessee Veterans Business Association, and it’s a great honor to be accepting this award for my dad,” expressed Kurt Weigel.