TNECD

This Memorial Day, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. 🤝 Their courage and commitment helped preserve the freedoms we enjoy today. As Tennesseans gather with family and friends this weekend, we pause to reflect with gratitude on those who gave everything for our nation. From all of us at TNECD, thank you to our fallen heroes and the military families who carry their legacy forward. 🇺🇸

From strategic investments to continued economic momentum, this year’s legislative session reinforced why Tennessee continues to Experience High Volume. 🔊 Thank you to Gov. Bill Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly for championing initiatives that support businesses, strengthen communities and expand opportunity across our state. Take a look at the budget and legislative highlights helping shape Tennessee’s economic future. 🙌

Old South Wood Preserving is expanding in Summertown, Tennessee, with the creation of 20 new jobs and an investment of $1.3 million. This project marks the lumber wholesaler's first expansion since opening in 2021 and will bring its total headcount in Lawrence County to 60 people following today's announcement. tnecd.com/news/old-south…

@SiteSelection's 2026 U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone rankings are out, and Tennessee ranked #4 in the nation for Top U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones, with Nashville earning recognition among the country’s leading FTZs. 👏 Tennessee also ranked: ▪️ #5 for merchandise received ▪️ #5 for FTZ impact ▪️ #6 for warehouse/distribution activity Foreign Trade Zones help fuel economic growth by supporting global trade, strengthening supply chains, creating jobs and helping companies move goods more efficiently. 🔗 Learn more: siteselection.com/u-s-foreign-tr…

Strong infrastructure creates stronger communities. 💪 During @GovBillLee’s administration, TNECD's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program has funded 186 miles of water and sewer lines across the state, a distance longer than the 181 miles between the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville and Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. These investments are supporting economic opportunity, improving quality of life and strengthening infrastructure for Tennesseans across the state. 👏 #SoundsLikeTN

Tennessee’s momentum in the energy sector continues to grow. Yesterday, we joined @ShoalsTech in Portland for a ribbon cutting celebrating the company’s latest expansion. 🎉 This project will create 500+ new jobs, bringing the company’s total headcount in the region to roughly 1,400. As part of its long-term commitment to the Portland community, Shoals also donated $20,000 to Hands of Hope Food Pantry to support local families in need. We’re proud to celebrate companies like this that are creating greater opportunity for Tennesseans while investing in the communities they call home. 🤝

Tennessee is thrilled to welcome the Super Bowl to Nashville in 2030. 🏈 This is more than a major sporting event — it’s a transformational opportunity for our city and state that will drive tourism, hospitality, entertainment and job creation while showcasing Tennessee on a global stage. Today’s announcement also reinforces why we invested in a world-class new stadium: to attract globally significant events like the Super Bowl and position Nashville and Tennessee as premier destinations for sports, entertainment and tourism. 👏 And this is just the beginning.

Today in Nashville, TN, Under Secretary William Kimmitt met with @TNECD’s Stuart McWhorter, Deputy Governor and Commissioner for the Department of Economic and Community Development, and Allen Borden, Deputy Commissioner of Business, Community, and Rural Development to discuss TNECD and @ExportGov’s continued collaboration on international business initiatives, including foreign direct investment and the @SelectUSA Investment Summit, visiting trade delegations, trade events, and more.

Deputy Governor/@CommishTNECD Stuart C. McWhorter joined @ShoalsTech this morning to celebrate the ribbon cutting of its new 600,000+ sq. ft. Mega Facility. 🎉 ✂️ Originally announced in February 2024, this expansion will create more than 500 new jobs, solidifying Shoals’ position as one of the largest employers in Sumner County. Beyond the local impact, this project supports one of the nation’s fastest-growing industries. As energy demand continues to rise, innovative companies like Shoals are helping lead the way, and we’re proud they’ve chosen to grow right here in the Volunteer State. 🙌 #McWhorterOnTheMove&D come together, and it’s happening right here in Tennessee. 🙌 #McWhorterOnTheMove

.@GovBillLee, Deputy Governor/@CommishTNECD Stuart C. McWhorter and @SenatorHagerty met with Her Excellency Kyung-wha Kang, @RokEmbDC Ambassador, earlier today to discuss strengthening Tennessee’s longstanding partnership with South Korea. The conversation focused on supporting Korean companies and investment, accelerating U.S.-Korea cooperation in the nuclear sector and expanding Korean studies and cultural exchange opportunities. Since 2019, South Korea has emerged as Tennessee’s No. 1 foreign direct investment partner for jobs and capital investment, with Korean companies committing to create 6,600+ job commitments and invest over $14 billion in capital statewide.

TNECD is proud to announce the promotions of Braden Stover to Senior Advisor to the Commissioner for Nuclear and Quantum Strategy and Cameron Snow to Legislative Director. 🎉 In his new role, Braden will lead strategic efforts to advance Tennessee’s growing nuclear energy and quantum technology ecosystems, helping position the state as a national leader in next-generation innovation, infrastructure and research collaboration. As Legislative Director, Cameron will oversee TNECD’s legislative strategy and engagement with the Tennessee General Assembly, supporting policy initiatives that strengthen economic growth, job creation and opportunity across the state. Together, Braden and Cameron will continue playing key leadership roles in advancing Tennessee’s long-term economic competitiveness and innovation agenda. 👏

.@commishTNECD delivered the closing presentation at the @Jobs4_TN’s inaugural WorkSource Summit in Nashville this week. Additionally, during the two-day summit, TNECD Director of Workforce Development Jennie McCabe joined a panel discussion highlighting TNWorks and the program’s vision to become the state's single source for workforce for new or existing companies. Tennessee’s momentum continues to grow, and through initiatives like TNWorks, Tennessee is strengthening its workforce pipeline and positioning itself for even greater economic success in the years ahead.

Tennessee continues to stand out as a global destination for business investment and innovation. In 2025 alone, international companies accounted for 70% of Tennessee’s $11.4 billion in announced investment projects. 🌎 👏 From advanced manufacturing and energy technology to logistics and workforce development, international companies are choosing the Volunteer State for its strategic location, skilled talent pipeline and strong business climate. Read more: siteselection.com/tennessee-why-…

We’re proud to support the Tennessee Entertainment Commission’s leadership in strengthening the music industry nationwide. 🎶 As a founding member of the Association of Music Offices (AMO), @tnentertains is helping unite leaders across the country to grow music ecosystems, support the workforce and drive economic impact through one of our most iconic industries. 🙌

Deputy Governor and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter joined Chief Policy Officer Braden Stover and Senior Adviser Nathan Buttrey at the Tennessee Smart Mobility Expo this week. The Commissioner participated in a fireside chat alongside @ORNL Director of Partnerships Dr. Shaun S. Gleason to discuss the growing opportunities in quantum innovation across Tennessee. Between our outstanding research institutions and a growing number of innovative tech companies, our state is poised to be the next great leader in quantum technology.

Reinhausen, a German power infrastructure manufacturer, will create nearly 100 jobs and invest $6.7 million as part of a plan to expand its U.S. hub in Gibson County. The project will support the company’s accelerated customer demand for advanced transformer production, voltage regulation and grid-automation technologies. tnecd.com/news/reinhause…

Tennessee’s momentum is no accident, it’s built on intentional investment, collaboration and a clear vision for growth. 📈 As @bizfacilities highlights, the state is driving investment across advanced manufacturing, energy, tech and logistics, while leading in next-gen nuclear innovation and programs like IRIS, which incentivize companies to partner with Tennessee-based research institutions on innovative projects. A high-volume, high-impact approach delivering results across every region. 🙌 Read more: businessfacilities.com/u-s-focus-tenn…

A record share of Tennessee’s growth is happening in rural communities. 🌾 In 2025, 56% of our 8,086 total jobs committed were in rural Tennessee, the highest percentage on record. That momentum carried across the board: 💼 55% of total projects landed were in rural communities 💰 33% of capital investment went to rural areas We’re making sure opportunity reaches every corner of Tennessee. 👏 Read the full Annual Report here: issuu.com/tnecd/docs/202…

DAY 5 - #EconDevWeek ✅ Close out the week with a look at how communities are building lasting opportunity in Tennessee. Featured voices: ✨ Marcia Mills, City of Tiptonville ✨ Patrick Cammack, @rucochamber ✨ Travis Groth, @MauryAlliance From infrastructure improvements to workforce development aligned with industry needs, these leaders share how collaboration across federal, state and local levels helps create thriving economies.

Area Development recognized TNECD's Select Tennessee Certified Sites Program as one of the nation’s top site readiness programs. 🙌 By combining rigorous third-party review, strong site criteria and no-cost participation for communities, our state's program delivers real confidence to site selectors. "The result is a program that commands genuine credibility with site selectors, not just a logo on a brochure." 🎉 🔗 Read more: areadevelopment.com/corporate-site…