Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development

Earlier today, our own Nathan Buttrey and Braden Stover joined the #ETECcommunity to share how TNECD’s new Office of Innovation is advancing research, development and industry partnerships across Tennessee. 🙌

We’re thrilled about the signing of an energy generation agreement between Tennessee Valley Authority and Type One Energy. With deep roots in the Manhattan Project and a booming nuclear sector, Tennessee is fast becoming America’s new energy capital, and we stand ready to continue supporting our partners in their efforts to build out our nuclear ecosystem. https://lnkd.in/e8dVErw6

Read what our Site Development Director, Kirby Lewis-Gill, has to say about site readiness here👇

We’re proud to share that TNECD’s 2024 Annual Report was named a Bronze Winner in the International Economic Development Council’s 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Awards. 🎉 Our Public Information Officer, Chris O'Brien, accepted the award this week in Detroit, Michigan, on behalf of the department. 👏 This recognition highlights the incredible work happening across Tennessee to foster growth, attract investment and create opportunity. #IEDCDetroit Check out the annual report here: https://lnkd.in/eUa5-XAv

Today, Gov. Bill Lee announced TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter will be appointed to serve as Deputy Governor following the departure of current Deputy Governor Butch Eley. We’re so excited for Commissioner McWhorter to continue making a positive impact statewide in his new role, which will be in addition to his current role as TNECD commissioner. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ekpVZdMD

We were honored to join local leaders and our partners in Covington, Tennessee, today to celebrate the groundbreaking of Charms’ more than 200,000-square-foot expansion. This $186 million investment will ensure the retention of 93 high-quality jobs and create 86 new opportunities for Tennesseans. Since opening in 1971, the Covington facility has been a cornerstone of Tennessee’s manufacturing community, producing favorites like Blow Pops, Tootsie Pops Minis and Cotton Candy. 🍭 Today’s expansion marks an exciting new chapter for this iconic brand and for Tipton County. 🙌

Yesterday, TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and our team visited a 100+-year-old limestone mine, operated by Lhoist, in Crab Orchard, Tennessee. This underground mine produces high-purity, chemical-grade limestone for industrial use. The site even runs its own rail line, the Lhoist North America Railroad, to move materials directly from the mine. We appreciate the company for sharing how their innovative operations strengthen Tennessee’s economy. 💪

The final two projects funded through the Transportation Network Growth Opportunity (TNGO) initiative were announced this morning. The two collaborative teams, each awarded $500,000 in grant funding, are East Tennessee State University/Bell Flight and Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)/BELL Construction. https://ow.ly/JJOq50WXBp9

Tennessee continues to prove why it’s one of the best places in the nation to do business. In Area Development’s “Top States for Doing Business 2024” rankings, Tennessee earned national recognition as the #1 state for Site Readiness Programs and #2 in the U.S. for Availability of Sites. 💪 These rankings reflect Tennessee’s commitment to preparing sites that are shovel-ready with the infrastructure, permitting and groundwork in place, while also ensuring that companies have access to a strong pipeline of available options for growth and expansion. 🙌 #TNTuesday

📣 Shout out to our incredible #GovCon25 partners! We’re proud to team up with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development and Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) to help drive Tennessee’s growth, innovation and workforce success. 👏 T-minus 49 days until we get to see y'all in Murfreesboro for the best event of the year. 🎉