Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development

TNECD Commissioner McWhorter was recently ranked #16 in the Nashville Business Journal's (NBJ) 2024 Power 100 list for Dealmakers. 👏 🎉 To create this list, the NBJ focused on who has the greatest influence in the city’s economy and who is driving decisions, both in the headlines and behind the scenes. #NBJPower100 Read more ⬇️

TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter, along with other members of our team and the Japan-America Society of Tennessee, Inc., are currently representing the Volunteer State at #SEUSJapan2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 🎉 🇯🇵 The 46th annual meeting kicked off yesterday, and we’re thrilled to connect with leaders and partners from across the globe over the next couple of days. Exciting opportunities await as we strengthen Tennessee’s international ties and drive economic growth in our state. 💪

Happy #NationalTennesseeDay. 👏 There's so much to love about the Volunteer State, including views like this. ✨ Share with us your favorite Tennessee memories and traditions in the comments below. ⬇️ 📍: Middle Tennessee Area 📸: (Instagram/rawelementproductions)

Yesterday, DENSO announced a $100 million expansion in Athens that will bring 200 new jobs to the area. DENSO has been an integral part of the local community since becoming one of the first Japanese companies to set up operations in Tennessee in the late 1980s. TNECD Deputy Commissioner Allen Borden, who was among the first to welcome DENSO officials to Tennessee over 30 years ago, helped announce the expansion alongside company leaders and local, state and federal partners. Today, with over 4,000 Tennesseans employed statewide, DENSO stands as McMinn County's largest employer. 🙌

Earlier this week, TNECD’s Director of Business Development in Japan, Yumi Mitamura, along with Greater Memphis Business Development Consultant Alex Wilson and Greater Memphis Regional Director Blake Swaggart, joined the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) Delegation for visits to the Greater Memphis Chamber, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Odyssey Medical, Grace Medical, Inc. and Medtronic’s distribution facility. Japan is Tennessee's No. 1 partner for foreign direct investment, and we thank the Memphis Chamber and Greater Memphis Medical Device Council for helping coordinate these impactful tours. 👏

Gov. Bill Lee and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter met with senior Canadian officials in Nashville today to discuss the pivotal role of critical minerals in the advanced automotive manufacturing industry and explore opportunities for Tennessee and Canada to collaborate in the energy sector. Consul General Rosaline Kwan also introduced Lori Odom as the new Honorary Consul of Tennessee for the Consulate General of Canada in Atlanta. 🎉 Tennessee is proud to be home to 83 Canadian-based establishments that employ more than 8,500 Tennesseans. 🇨🇦 👏

DENSO is expanding in Southeast Tennessee. The Japanese-based auto manufacturer will create 200 new jobs and invest $100 million in Athens, further solidifying the company's position as McMinn County's largest employer.

Oak Ridge is not just a community rich in history, but a hub for innovation and growth. From its pivotal role in the Manhattan Project to becoming a leader in energy technology, this Tennessee city continues to shape the future. During #NuclearScienceWeek, we’re reminded of the critical work happening here, including Orano USA's recent announcement that will bring 300+ jobs to Roane County. 🙌 Learn more about Oak Ridge’s journey in our latest community spotlight. ⬇️

TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter participated in a panel at Chattanooga Connect 2024 yesterday with leaders from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, LG CNS, The Company Lab (CO.LAB) and The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. The panel discussed strategies for successful partnerships, particularly in the transportation sector, along with cutting-edge projects, future opportunities for growth and the economic development benefits that arise from successful collaborations in this space. 🚗💡

We're thrilled to see the residents of Metro Development and Housing Agency's Gernert Studio Apartments embracing the benefits of digital literacy through the Senior Tech Academy. 🎉 This project is another step toward closing the digital divide and ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, has the tools they need to stay connected and engaged.