Deputy Governor/TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter delivered the closing presentation at the @tndeptoflaborworkforce ’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.
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 at the link in our bio.
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, @ruco_chamber
✨ 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.
DAY 4 - #EconDevWeek ✅
Economic development means preparing for what’s next, while supporting the people who make it possible.
Featured voices:
✨ Josh Ward, @clarksvillemontgomerycoidb
✨ Dr. Joann Massey, @edgememphis
✨ @mayorofnashvilletn Freddie O’Connell, metronashville
These local leaders highlight the importance of creating and sustaining jobs, strengthening workforce pipelines, expanding access to childcare and continuing to grow key industries across the state.
In 2025, Montgomery County scored the highest amount of capital investment among all 95 counties in Tennessee with a total of nearly $6.6 billion, driven in part by the Korea Zinc project announced in December. 🎉
This achievement highlights the collective commitment to driving growth and creating opportunity across the region. We look forward to building on this momentum and welcoming even more investment in the years ahead. 👏
Read the full Annual Report at the link in our bio.
DAY 3 - #EconDevWeek ✅
Strong communities are built by supporting what matters most at the local level.
Featured voices:
✨ Wendy Sneed, Industrial Development Board of McMinnville-Warren County, Inc.
✨ Matt Largen, @williamson_inc
✨ Austin Finch, @erwinutilities
✨ Mayor William Rawls Jr., City of Brownsville
From agriculture and small business support to attracting career-ladder jobs and strengthening downtowns, these leaders share how partnerships help create lasting prosperity, even in the face of challenges.
Team TNECD is on the ground at the 2026 @selectusagov Investment Summit, meeting with international companies exploring expansion and new operations in the U.S. market and sharing what makes Tennessee stand out. 😎
With five foreign direct investment representatives across Europe and Asia, it’s not often we’re all in the same place, making this week an exciting opportunity for our team to come together and continue telling Tennessee’s story on a global stage. 👏
If you’re attending the #SelectUSASummit, stop by and see us at the Tennessee booth #727.
DAY 2 - #EconDevWeek ✅
Economic development is about lifting up communities and creating opportunity for everyone.
Featured voices:
✨ Clay Walker, Networks Sullivan Partnership
✨ Logan Engle, @cityofelizabethton
✨ Mayor Indya Kincannon, @knoxvillecity
These leaders focus on strengthening workforce and education, supporting tourism and outdoor recreation and building vibrant downtowns that serve both residents and visitors.
In honor of National #SmallBusinessWeek, we’re celebrating Tennessee’s entrepreneurs by helping them prepare for whatever comes next. 🤝
Join the @tsbdcnetwork (TSBDC) and TNECD’s Business Enterprise Resource Office (BERO) for the TN Blue Sky Series: Business Ready, every day this week at 2 p.m. CT / 3 p.m. ET.
This hybrid series, offered both in-person and virtually, focuses on practical steps your business can take before, during and after a disaster.
📍 May 5 – Manufacturers (Virtual Only)
📍 May 6 – Main Street Businesses (@makeshift_tn , Pulaski)
📍 May 7 – Agriculture & Food Businesses (Dunagan Alumni Center, @utmartin )
📍 May 8 – General Business, Microentrepreneurs & Solopreneurs (@thepressclarksville )
No matter your industry or stage, these sessions are designed to help your business stay resilient and ready.
🔗 Register for a live or virtual session today at the link in our bio.
DAY 1 - #EconDevWeek ✅
What does economic development mean across Tennessee?
The answer isn’t the same in every community. Across our state, each region has its own unique needs, strengths and goals.
Last year, we traveled the state to hear directly from local leaders, and all week long, you’ll hear their perspectives on what it means to create opportunity in their communities.
Today’s featured voices:
✨ Mayor Shane McFarland, @cityofmurfreesborotn
✨ Amy New, @ckvlchamber
✨ Mandy White, @jaxtnchamber
✨ Mayor Paul Young, @citymemphis
Their perspectives highlight the importance of strong relationships, thoughtful growth and investing in people, while recruiting the right companies, supporting expansions and bringing new life to local communities. 👏
Roane County led the way in 2025 job growth, with nearly 1,100 new jobs committed from three projects, more than any other county in Tennessee. 🙌
This region is proving to be a powerhouse for growth. As a key hub in Tennessee’s expanding nuclear industry, Roane County is attracting major projects and bringing high-paying jobs to its community. ⚛️
Read the full Annual Report at the link in our bio.
Davidson County is leading the way. 🙌
In 2025, it ranked #1 for total landed projects among all 95 counties with a total of six, a clear sign of sustained growth and opportunity.
This milestone highlights the continued strength and momentum of Middle Tennessee’s economy and the power of strong local and state partnerships driving growth. 🎉
Stay tuned as we share more key insights from the 2025 Annual Report.
🔗 Read the full report at the link in our bio.
