NASHVILLE – Tennessee has once again ranked among the best states in economic development by Area Development, a leading publication focused on site selection and facility planning. Tennessee, along with Georgia, Nevada, South Carolina and Texas, were named recipients of the magazine’s 2015 Gold Shovel Awards in recognition of projects undertaken in 2014 which created a significant number of high-value-added new jobs as well as investment. The Volunteer State last received Gold Shovel awards in 2012 and 2009 and Silver Shovel awards in 2011 and 2010.
“This award demonstrates the intense focus our state places not only on supporting existing industry growth, but also the importance of recruiting new projects which ultimately create high quality jobs for Tennesseans,” TNECD Commissioner Randy Boyd said. “I am grateful to Area Development for recognizing Tennessee’s efforts in economic development and look forward to continuing our work to build a robust pipeline of projects in the future.”
Area Development’s annual shovel awards recognize state economic development agencies that drive significant job creation through innovative policies, infrastructure improvements, processes and promotions that attract new employers as well as investments in expanded facilities. The Gold Shovels are presented annually to the states that have achieved the most success in terms of new job creation and economic impact.
“The states and their communities receiving 2015 Shovel Awards have proven that they understand the makings of successful economic development strategies,” Geraldine Gambale, editor of Area Development, said. “They deserve special recognition for their efforts to grow their economies and provide well-paying jobs in a time of intense competition for new investment.”
A report on the 2015 Shovel Award winners is published in the Q2/2015 issue of Area Development and posted online atwww.areadevelopment.com/shovels.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
Tennessee was named 2014 and 2013 “State of the Year” for economic development by Business Facilities magazine. The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies which help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.
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