We are thrilled to announce the launch of our latest newsletter at East Tennessee Economic Development Agency (ETEDA)! Stay informed about the news, trends, and opportunities in economic development in our region. We're excited to share the stories of the amazing people and places that make East Tennessee truly exceptional.

We're "Moving. Mountains." in 2025!

IN 2025, BIG THINGS ARE HAPPENING AT ETEDA! We are launching a new marketing and communications plan, which will include vibrant new logos for both East Tennessee and ETEDA, a new tagline, new marketing materials and a sharp focus on attracting industry.

The purpose of our new marketing initiatives is to build top-of-mind awareness for our 15-county region. Part of our brand refresh will include new logos for both East Tennessee and ETEDA. Here’s a look at our new logos:

The East Tennessee Logo:

Draws from the Tri-Star on the Tennessee state flag.
Showcases the stunning lakes and mountains of East Tennessee.
The right arm of the star doubles as a compass pointing east, symbolizing our geographic location, forward movement, and commitment to innovation.
The colors reflect East Tennessee’s natural beauty, with the color orange representing a subtle nod to the University of Tennessee.

The ETEDA logo:

The ETEDA logo represents our agency. Its distinguishing feature is the eastward-pointing compass, mirroring the compass in the East Tennessee regional star logo, creating a unified look.

Our New Tagline:

We are also introducing a new tagline: "Moving. Mountains." This tagline offers multiple levels of meaning:

We’re making big things happen for industries across the globe. The idiom, “moving mountains,” conveys the idea of accomplishing the extraordinary.
Operating in the beautiful mountains of East Tennessee is offers an exceptional quality of life. Seeing the Great Smoky Mountains in their majesty is emotionally moving.
We desire industries with mountain-sized aspirations to bring their business to East Tennessee.

We hope you’ll partner with us as we showcase all the amazing assets of East Tennessee and continue to move mountains together!

Board Spotlight: Greg Fay

A PILLAR OF LEADERSHIP AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN EAST TENNESSEE

As the General Manager of Clinton Utilities Board (CUB), Greg Fay prioritizes the care of his employees and customers, a leadership approach that sets him apart from the pack. His visionary approach has been pivotal in driving economic growth and development across the Tennessee Valley.

New Investments in 2024 Boost East Tennessee's Industrial Growth

East Tennessee continues to be an ideal location for growth and innovation. The following 2024 press releases highlight our 15-county region’s new and expanding companies, announcing more than $837 million in new capital investment last year, in addition to Orano's multi-billion dollar investment announced last September. These investments will create an estimated 1,800 jobs across the region. Check out the press releases below for more information about the positive impact these industries will have on our region.

October 11, 2024

Anderson-DuBose Brings $40M Investment and 80 Jobs to Jefferson City

The Anderson-DuBose Company is bringing its first Tennessee operations to Jefferson City, investing nearly $40 million in a new distribution facility that will create 80 jobs. As a major distributor for McDonald’s, the facility will support up to 450 restaurant locations across the region.

September 4, 2024

ORANO USA to Locate Uranium Enrichment Operations in Oak Ridge

Orano USA has chosen Oak Ridge, Tennessee, as the site for its new multi-billion-dollar centrifuge uranium enrichment facility, making it one of the largest in North America. This state-of-the-art facility, covering 750,000 square feet, will create over 300 new jobs in Roane County.

July 10, 2024

Steel Warehouse to Expand into Jefferson County

Steel Warehouse has announced plans to expand into Jefferson City, retrofitting the former Footwear Industries of Tennessee building. This $20 million investment will create over 70 new jobs, supporting strategic partners in the construction equipment, agriculture, lawn and garden, and truck and trailer industries.

May 21, 2024

PPG to Construct Paint and Coatings Facility in Loudon County

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter, and PPG officials announced the construction of a new paint and coatings manufacturing facility in Loudon County. This $225 million investment will create 129 new jobs and marks PPG's first new U.S. manufacturing facility in 15 years, expanding their advanced manufacturing footprint in North America.

May 6, 2024

Beehive Industries Expands with New Facility in Knox County

Beehive Industries announced the opening of its new 60,000 square foot facility in Knox County, which will significantly expand its operations and create high-tech jobs in the area. The new facility, representing a $4 million investment, is expected to boost local employment to over 150, supporting roles in manufacturing, engineering, and machining. This expansion highlights Beehive's commitment to the region and its strategic partnerships with local educational institutions and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

April 22, 2024

Greenheck Group to Establish Corporate

Campus in Knoxville

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter, and Greenheck Group officials announced the construction of the company's fourth corporate campus in Knoxville. This expansion will create 440 new jobs and involve a $300 million investment in Knox County. The campus will feature manufacturing and warehousing facilities, as well as a main office and dedicated space for training and research and development.

April 10, 2024

Protomet Corporation to Expand Manufacturing Presence in Roane County

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter, and Protomet Corporation officials have announced the company's expansion in East Tennessee. Protomet will establish engineering and manufacturing operations in Rockwood, creating 250 new jobs and investing $25 million in the former Albahealth building on North Gateway Avenue.

April 2, 2024

VOITAS Group to Establish North American Headquarters in Knoxville

The Knoxville Chamber, alongside City of Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon and Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, announced that VOITAS Group will establish their North American headquarters in Riverview Tower. With operations in Germany and Poland, VOITAS serves the automotive industry with engineering expertise in electronics, wiring systems, software development, and consulting. The company will create at least 30 jobs in the engineering industry as they ramp up operations in Knoxville.

February 21, 2024

Type One Energy Group, Inc. to Establish HQ and Expand R&D Operations in Tennessee

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter, and Type One Energy Group, Inc. officials announced a $223.5 million investment to establish the company’s headquarters and expand its fusion research and development (R&D) operations in Tennessee. This will create 330 new jobs in the Greater Knoxville region and Clinton. Type One Energy will locate its stellarator fusion prototype machine, Infinity One, at TVA’s Bull Run Fossil Plant in Clinton.

A Look Back at ETEDA’s Advisory Committee Activities

This past spring, ETEDA’s Advisory Committee toured the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Hardin Valley Campus, visiting the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) and the GRID-C building. Led by Jesse Smith, ORNL Manager of Industrial Partnerships and Economic Development, the tour highlighted ORNL’s role in driving both regional and global technological innovation.

In the fall, the Advisory Committee met at the American Job Center for a session with Jennifer Thacker and Brian Decker from the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development, and E.L. Morton from the East Tennessee Human Resource Agency. The guest speakers discussed the diverse programs and services they offer to job seekers and employers across the region.

In December, we celebrated the season with a Christmas party to commemorate another great year for our 15-county region!

Two East Tennessee Counties Participate in Site Development Programs

In 2024, Grainger and Morgan Counties were selected for site evaluation and preparation assistance through the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s (TNECD’s) Select Tennessee Certified Site Program and Rural Economic Opportunity Act.

Property Evaluation Program

Grainger County was one of three Tennessee counties selected in April by TNECD to participate in the spring round of the Select Tennessee Property Evaluation Program (PEP). PEP originates from TNECD’s Select Tennessee Certified Sites Program. With assistance from site selection firm Austin Consulting, PEP evaluates potential industrial properties and provides participating counties guidance on site planning for future industrial development projects.

In early May, Grainger County officials and local utility providers hosted TNECD, Austin Consulting, and ETEDA to visit and review six potential properties for industrial development purposes. In addition to visiting potential industrial properties, the Austin Consulting team provided local leaders with a presentation on the site selection process and how communities can best prepare for economic development opportunities.