Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development

08/28/2026

TNECD’s executive leadership team recently had the opportunity to tour the new Nissan Stadium construction site with Burke Nihill, President and CEO of the Tennessee Titans, and see firsthand the progress being made on what will soon be one of the state's premier destinations for games, events, concerts and community gatherings. 🎶 🏈

From state-of-the-art roof technology to live music stages throughout the venue, the new stadium is designed with a distinctly Nashville and Tennessee feel.

The Titans continue to be an incredible state partner, and we look forward to seeing the impact this venue will have for years to come. 🙌

08/27/2026

is almost sold out, and we’re excited to recognize our first round of sponsors helping make this year’s event possible: The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, EPB and Tennessee Valley Authority. 👏

Join us October 1-2 in Chattanooga as we celebrate Gov. Bill Lee's final TNECD Governor’s Conference and reflect on the legacy of leadership, partnership and economic opportunity that continues to shape Tennessee’s future.

Spots are going fast, and our hotel blocks are filling up quickly. If you haven’t registered yet, grab your ticket now before it’s too late ➡️ https://govcon.tnecd.com/

08/25/2026

Today, Tennessee mourns the loss of Dolly Parton, a Sevier County native whose talent, generosity and heart left an immeasurable mark on our state and the world. ✨

From the music and stories that shaped generations to the lasting impact of Dollywood, the Imagination Library and her deep commitment to Tennessee and our communities, Dolly showed what it means to use success to lift others.

Her legacy will continue to inspire Tennesseans for generations to come.

Our thoughts are with her family, friends and fans around the world. 🩷

📸: Dolly Parton

08/24/2026

Tennessee’s recognition as a 2026 Featured Quantum Ecosystem by Quantum World Congress is another sign of the momentum building across our state. ⚛️

But our opportunity in quantum and advanced nuclear energy goes beyond any one investment or institution. It’s about building on decades of scientific leadership to shape what comes next.

In this article, TNECD’s Braden Stover explores why Tennessee is positioned to help lead America’s next era of innovation — and why the decisions we make today could create opportunities for generations to come. 👏

Read "Tennessee's Next Frontier" ➡️

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 fo...

08/24/2026

We’re proud to see Tennessee recognized by Quantum World Congress as a 2026 Featured Quantum Ecosystem, highlighting the state’s growing leadership in quantum research, infrastructure, workforce and economic development. 🎉

With $43 million allocated for quantum infrastructure and assets spanning Oak Ridge National Laboratory, EPB's commercial quantum network, our higher education institutions, Tennessee Valley Authority and a growing private-sector ecosystem, Tennessee is building the foundation to turn quantum innovation into real-world opportunity.

We look forward to joining leaders from across the state at this September to showcase why Tennessee is emerging as a destination for the future of quantum. 🙌

Read more: https://quantumworldcongress.com/news/quantum-world-congress-announces-tennessee-economic-partnership-as-2026-featured-quantum-ecosystem

08/21/2026

Kinda chic to be in Tennessee. 🙌

08/21/2026

In case you missed it, the 2026 Business Facilities Annual Rankings are out, and Tennessee was recognized as one of the best places in America to do business, with national recognition for our strengths in automotive, nuclear energy, critical minerals and overall business climate. 🎉

But as Deputy Governor/TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter shares, our success is about more than rankings. It’s about what a competitive economy delivers for Tennesseans: more investment, better jobs, stronger communities and greater opportunity.

Together, with partners across all 95 counties, we’re building a Tennessee that can compete and win for the next generation. 🤝

08/20/2026

Investing in outdoor recreation is another way we’re strengthening rural Tennessee. 🌲

Through our partnership with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation🤝, TNECD awarded nearly $7 million through the Grant Opportunity Fund to provide matching dollars for select projects in distressed and at-risk communities across the state.

We’re proud to partner with TDEC to help bring these projects to fruition — making critical parks and recreation funding more accessible in communities where local resources may be limited and reinforcing what we already know: Tennessee is the best place to live, work and raise a family, with the great outdoors right in our backyard. 🏡

https://www.tn.gov/environment/news/2026/8/20/tdec-20-million-local-parks-recreation-fund-recreational-trails-grants.html

08/20/2026

Tennessee is bringing home the gold...and silver! 🏆

TNECD is proud to announce that we received two 2026 International Economic Development Council Excellence in Economic Development Awards:

🥇 GOLD | Disaster Recovery Initiative

TNECD’s first-of-its-kind disaster recovery initiative assisted impacted employers in preserving jobs and rebuilding stronger. With TNECD’s support, companies retained more than 530 jobs and invested nearly $70 million in new capital across Unicoi and Cocke counties.

🥈 SILVER | New Website: Experience High Volume

TNECD’s redesigned website brings the Experience High Volume brand to life through a modern, intuitive platform that better showcases Tennessee as a premier destination for business, talent and innovation. A big thank you to our agency partner, MP+F, for bringing our vision to life.

It's an honor to see our work recognized on an international stage. 👏

08/20/2026

Dometic will create more than 90 jobs with a multimillion dollar investment in White County to expand its current manufacturing facility in Sparta.

The project includes the relocation of steering and helm manufacturing operations from Pennsylvania to Tennessee, further strengthening the company’s marine product manufacturing presence in the state.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Dometic officials announced today the company will expand its manufacturing operations in White County. Dometic will create 90+ new positions and invest...