BusinessVUE: News & Notes from Around Town

Allegiant Announces New Service from BNA to Key West

Allegiant Air announced this week that it would initiate nonstop service between Nashville and Key West, beginning June 2. The route aligns with Allegiant’s focus on providing jet service to smaller markets that serve as gateways to popular tourist and recreation areas. It also expands its reach from Nashville where it currently provides nonstop service to 28 destinations in 17 states.

One-way Introductory fares starting at $59 are available now at AllegiantAir.com.

Also in June, Allegiant will begin service to Greensboro. The route was announced previously but postponed due to COVID-19. Greensboro fares begin at $39.

Allegiant nonstop flights from Nashville to Key West and Greensboro will operate twice weekly on the carrier’s all-Airbus fleet. PHOTO: Allegiant Air.

“Key West is an attractive new air service destination, and we appreciate Allegiant’s commitment to bringing more travel options to our region,” said Doug Kreulen, president and CEO of Nashville International Airport.

Southwest and Jet Blue are adding new destinations as well. Southwest will begin service to Chicago O’Hare in February, Savannah/Hilton Head in March and Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport in April. Flights may be booked online at Southwest.com.

JetBlue will begin offering nonstop service to Cancun from Nashville in March. It’s the first international route for the airline from Nashville International. The new service will run three times a week.

“JetBlue’s new international service is terrific news, and we appreciate their commitment to providing more options for travelers,” says Kreulen.

For flight information, visit JetBlue.com.

Ascend Federal Credit Union Donates $50,000 to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital

Ascend Federal Credit Union recently announced a donation of $50,000 to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. The donation continues Ascend’s longstanding support for the hospital and its mission of improving the healthcare of children and communities regionally, nationally and internationally.

“On behalf of the patients and staff at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, we are so thankful to our longtime friends, Ascend Federal Credit Union, for their continued support of our hospital and its programs,” said Meg Rush, MD, MMHC, president of Children’s Hospital. “During this time of unknowns, it is so gratifying to know that the commitment from our community partners like Ascend remains steadfast”

Ascend Federal Credit Union representatives present a checkfor $50,000 to Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. From left: Erin Spence, assistant vice president of business development; Leslie Copeland, chief strategy officer; Caren Gabriel, president and CEO; Matt Jernigan, executive vice president; Leah Bowen, marketing project lead. PHOTO: Ascend Federal Credit Union.

“Ascend is committed to supporting organizations that are making a difference in the lives of people in our community and the state of Tennessee,” said Caren Gabriel, Ascend president and CEO. “Because of the work being done by the hospital, children receive the care they need regardless of their families’ ability to pay. We are honored to help fund their team’s pioneering research into finding innovative ways to cure and prevent disease.”

Ascend’s donation is part of a longstanding relationship the credit union has had with Children’s Hospital. Over several years, Ascend donated $100,000 toward the construction of the Pediatric Heart Institute, a 38-bed, 40,000-square-foot space on the 10th floor of the hospital.

With more than 223,500 members and more than $3 billion in assets, Tullahoma-based Ascend Federal Credit Union is the largest credit union in Middle Tennessee and one of the largest federally chartered credit unions in the United States. Ascend has eight branches in Davidson and Williamson counties including locations at 1915 Glen Echo Rd. in Green Hills and 782 Old Hickory Blvd. in Brentwood.