NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) announced today it will recognize companies that have been in operation for 100 years or more in the Volunteer State.
From banks and dining establishments to major manufacturers, these companies represent the state’s thriving industries and have provided countless opportunities to Tennesseans in communities across the state.
TNECD will host a series of events to pay tribute to many of these centennial companies, beginning with those located in counties that were designated by the Appalachian Regional Commission as distressed in FY 2019, the first year of the Lee administration. The counties include Lake, Lauderdale, Hardeman, McNairy, Perry, Grundy, Bledsoe, Van Buren, Jackson, Clay, Fentress, Morgan, Scott, Cocke and Hancock.
Today, seven of those 15 counties have advanced out of the distressed designation, and the number of distressed counties in the state has been reduced to eight, the fewest in Tennessee history.
“In 2019 we began an administration-wide mission to expand opportunity for Tennesseans in rural areas, and our strategic workforce and infrastructure investments have resulted in an historic reduction of our state’s distressed counties,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “Tennessee is leading the nation as one of the best places to do business and raise a family, and I thank these companies for their commitment to creating greater opportunity in our state.”
Since taking office in 2019, Gov. Lee has prioritized significant workforce, education and infrastructure investments to ensure economic growth, job creation and a greater quality of life across rural Tennessee. Under the Lee administration, TNECD has landed more than 240 economic development projects in rural counties that represent 37,800 new job commitments and roughly $17.9 billion in capital investment.
“To say that we are proud of these businesses is an understatement,” said TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter. “These legacy companies have seen great success, overcome obstacles, survived the pandemic and remain pillars in their communities. I am honored to recognize each of them for contributing to our state’s history and spurring economic growth in Tennessee.”
The companies being recognized include:
RM Brooks Store – Rugby, TN
The First National Bank of Oneida – Oneida, TN
Whitehead Insurance Group – Oneida, TN
Lay Family Furniture – Oneida, TN
Forbus General Store – Pall Mall, TN
Anderson & Haile Drug Company – Gainesboro, TN
J.P. Shelly & Sons – Middleton, TN
Hockaday Handmade Brooms – Selmer, TN
Boyette’s Dining Room – Tiptonville, TN
Lake County Banner – Tiptonville, TN
Bank of Halls – Halls, TN
The Lauderdale County Enterprise – Ripley, TN
The Bledsonian Banner – Pikeville, TN
First Farmers & Commercial Bank – Pikeville, TN
Bank of Perry County – Lobelville, TN
Henry Flury and Sons Grocery – Tracy City, TN
Dutch Maid Bakery and Café – Tracy City, TN
The Marugg Company – Tracy City, TN
Putnam-Reed Funeral Home – Pikeville, TN
To see photos from upcoming events, follow TNECD on our social media channels.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Like us on Facebook. Subscribe to our YouTubechannel.
Media Contact:
Jennifer McEachern
TNECD Director of Communications and Marketing
[email protected]
(615) 336-2689
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