Money can't beat talent.
The Tennessee Entertainment Commission didn't throw massive incentive programs at the problem.
They focused on building an 80-year talent ecosystem, creating pathways that don't require 8-year degrees, and strategically positioning Tennessee as a sustainable second-tier market.
Watch it on YouTube, listen wherever you get your podcasts, or use the link in my bio. 🎧
When you hear "Tennessee's entertainment industry" you probably think of Nashville's country music scene. Most people do.
But it's actually way bigger than that.
Statewide, Tennessee's music and film industries generate $8 billion and bring over $400 million in tax revenue every year.
And it happened without massive incentive programs.
So… how did we do it? We'll find out from Bob Raines, CEO of @tnentertains , tomorrow on The Volunteer Roadmap.
Want the episode in your inbox in the morning? Join the list with the link in my bio.
One of my favorite festivals in one of my favorite communities. Today's the last day of the 79th annual Tennessee Strawberry Festival in Dayton so head on up there before they run out 🍓
If you've seen the second episode of the podcast, you know how big of a deal this festival is. This one week brings in more visitors to Rhea County than their entire population!
Lawrence County needed to prove their workforce has work ethic, not just credentials.
So they tracked one question: how many students are already working?
2022: 30% (2x the national average)
Today: 54% (3.4x the national average)
In the full episode we dig into how quantifying work ethic became their secret weapon for recruiting businesses, because companies don't just want trained workers... They want people who show up.
You already have what you need. You just have to see it differently.
That's how Lawrence County went from "distressed" to thriving.
@lawcotn found a way to quantify work ethic, they kept everything under one roof to compete with bigger markets, and they built partnerships that actually serve local workforce needs.
Watch it on YouTube, listen wherever you get your podcasts, or use the link in my bio. 🎧
Ten years ago, Lawrence County was on Tennessee's distressed counties list. Today, they're one of the most exciting areas in the state.
New investment coming in every month, 1,500 jobs added since 2020, and downtown is filled with restaurants, retailers, and Airbnbs.
So… what changed? We'll find out from @ryanegly on The Volunteer Roadmap.
Want the episode in your inbox tomorrow? Join the list with the link in my bio.
Thank you Mayor Tim Kelly and Representative Esther Helton-Haynes for presenting Cempa Community Care with a proclamation that recognizes our commitment to CADAS and to expanding access to recovery services across our region.
As a board member for both organizations, I was honored to accept the proclamation at @titanium_chattanooga from Rep. Esther Helton-Haynes, who has spearheaded the kratom ban, passed the FAIR Rx Act targeting PBM conflicts of interest, and helped pass the best 340b legislation in America.
Making noise and making progress are not the same thing.
If you’re filing bills you know aren’t going anywhere just to protect yourself in a primary or score points online, that’s not leadership.
The people who sent you there deserve better than political theater funded by their tax dollars.
