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industry: General

Tennessee’s Next Frontier

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By: Braden Stover, Senior Advisor to the Commissioner, Nuclear & Quantum Strategy, Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development (TNECD) A Defining Moment Tennessee’s story has never been written by people who waited for the future to arrive. It has been written by people who stepped forward to build it. The technologies that will define […]

Tennessee’s Road to 100: Expanding Broadband Access Across the State

A worker in a bucket lift repairs power lines on a tall wooden utility pole against a blue sky with thin clouds and tree branches visible in the background.

By Taylre Beaty, Broadband Program Director, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Featured photo credit: BTC Fiber In 2019, more than one in five Tennesseans lacked access to reliable, high-speed internet. Today, that number is less than 2%. That’s not just a broadband story. It’s a story about opportunity. It’s about students being […]

Communities Know What to Do. Now They Need the Capacity to Do It.

Two people in blue shirts and khaki pants stand in a green crop field, talking. Lush trees and a bright blue sky with clouds are in the background.

By Kirby Lewis-Gill, Site Development Director, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development For years, economic developers have spent a lot of time talking about site readiness. We encouraged communities to think ahead. Control land before a project appears. Complete due diligence early. Plan for infrastructure. Know what companies need before they start looking. In […]

Simple Strategies for Rural Readiness

A sunlit downtown street with historic buildings, cars parked along the sides, and various colorful flags hanging from lampposts. The sunlight filters through trees, and an American flag is visible on the right.

By Brooxie Carlton, Assistant Commissioner of Community and Rural Development, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Not long ago, many rural Tennessee communities were focused on preventing decline. Today, many are planning for growth. Across the state, rural communities are attracting new residents, supporting local businesses, preparing industrial sites, revitalizing downtowns and creating […]

McMinnville, Tennessee: Where Growth Takes Root

Rows of small evergreen trees grow in a field under a blue sky with scattered clouds. A dirt path runs alongside the field, with hills and larger trees in the background.

In McMinnville, Tennessee, growth isn’t just a seasonal event, it’s a way of life. Known as the Nursery Capital of the World, this thriving community in Warren County is home to over 400 growers who ship their products to every corner of North America. But beyond its deep agricultural roots, McMinnville offers something equally compelling […]

Tennessee Launches “Experience High Volume” Brand to Amplify a Booming State

A scenic view of a river winding through lush green hills at sunset, with the words "Tennessee" and "Experience High Volume" overlaid, along with a stylized soundwave graphic above the text.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) today unveiled “Tennessee: Experience High Volume,” a new statewide brand designed to more effectively showcase the scale, speed and strength of Tennessee’s economy.  From record investment and job growth to rapid expansion across key industries, Tennessee has emerged as one of the most […]

State Leadership Announce Tennessee as Host of 48th SEUS/Japan Annual Joint Meeting

A man in a suit speaks at a podium during a formal event, with several people seated nearby. Multiple national and state flags are displayed in the background on a stage.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter announced today that Tennessee will be the host state for the 48th Annual Joint Meeting between the Southeast U.S./Japan Association (SEUS/Japan) and its Japanese counterpart, the Japan-U.S. Southeast Association (Japan-USSE). Taking place in […]

TNECD Announces Industry Recovery Grantees Following Hurricane Helene

Aerial view of a small town with streets and buildings submerged in muddy floodwater. Cars and trees are partially underwater, and the flood affects the downtown area, including several businesses and a church.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter announced today the two companies in Cocke County that will each receive a retainment and retraining grant following the devastation and destruction of Hurricane Helene in September 2024.

Community Spotlight – Erwin, Tennessee

A small-town main street with brick buildings, storefronts, parked cars, an American flag, and a "ROLLER PHARMACY" sign; a sunny day with trees and a sidewalk lining the road.

Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, the town of Erwin, Tennessee, stands as a testament to resilience, renewal and community pride. Located in Unicoi County, just south of Johnson City, Erwin is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich history and hardworking people who define what it means to be “Tennessee strong.” More […]

TNECD Announces Industry Recovery Grantees Following Hurricane Helene

Aerial view of a large industrial complex with several damaged buildings, surrounded by muddy ground and debris near a river. Railroad tracks and various roads are visible nearby, with residential and commercial areas in the foreground.

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter announced today the three companies in Unicoi County that will each receive a retainment and retraining grant following the devastation and destruction of Hurricane Helene last September 2024.

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