McMinn County Economic Development Authority Membership

Are you interested in becoming a member of the McMinn County Economic Development Authority? We warmly invite and encourage all companies and individuals to join our dynamic community. Whether you're a large corporation, a small business, or an individual, there's a membership level perfectly suited for you!

Each membership level comes with exclusive benefits, including:

• Featuring your logo, contact information, and website link on our EDA website.
  
• Free tickets to our Industry Appreciation Day Awards.
  
• Staying informed about all the exciting developments in McMinn County Economic Development.
  

Don't miss out on these fantastic opportunities to connect, grow, and contribute to our community. Click the link to learn more about our membership options and apply today!

EDA Hosts 1st Annual Sporting Clay Tournament

McMinn County Economic Development Authority’s 1st Annual Sporting Clay Tournament was a great success! Held at Benton Sporting Clays, the event saw 14 teams from schools and businesses across the southeast. Congratulations to Southern Construction LLC for winning Best Overall Team and Charlie Donaldson from McMinn County Government for winning Highest Individual Shooter. We extend our gratitude to all the participating teams: Southern Construction LLC, Seaton Iron & Metal Co. Inc., Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union, Evonik Corporation, Will Robinson Construction, IronCraft, MBI Companies Inc., McCay Southern Generators, Mattern & Craig Engineers, Adman Electric, Cleveland State Community College, Athens Insurance, and Baylor School. We look forward to offering this event each year, with McMinn EDA members receiving a discount on their team tickets.

Celebrating the Japanese Emperor's Birthday

McMinn EDA Director, Lindsey Ferguson, Athens City Mayor, Larry Eaton, and Athens City Manager, Randy Dowling joined the Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville in celebrating the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Japanese business and cultural constitutions

EDA Hosts ThreeStar Goal Meeting

In March, McMinn EDA proudly hosted a goal-setting meeting with ThreeStar, a Tennessee program dedicated to fostering economic and community prosperity through collaboration. As a certified ThreeStar community, McMinn County convenes every two years to establish new objectives for growth and development. This meeting brought together a diverse group of community stakeholders, all united in their commitment to making McMinn an even better place to live, work, and visit.

Maxwell Industries Celebrates 19 Years of Operations

In May, Maxwell Industries celebrated 19 years of operations. Maxwell began as a small metal fabricator and has developed into a leader in hydraulic oil reservoirs and fuel tanks. They are a company that is marked by innovation, dedication, and growth. We are thankful to have them Make It In McMinn!

Introducing "Make It in McMinn"- A Celebration of Local Industry

Introducing “Make It in McMinn” – A Celebration of Local Industry!

The McMinn Economic Development Authority is excited to launch our new social media series, “Make It in McMinn”! Each month, we’ll spotlight the incredible manufacturers right here in McMinn County and the innovative products they create.

Want to be featured?

If your organization manufactures in McMinn and would like to be highlighted, we’d love to hear from you! Just send us an email with information about your company to get started.

Heil Trailer International- They Make It In McMinn

This month in our “Make It in McMinn” series, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on Heil Trailer International – Athens Trailer Operations. As a leader in the manufacturing of high-performance tanker trailers, Heil is a true powerhouse in our local industry.

Here’s a fun fact: 70% of the tanker trailers hauling gasoline or diesel across the U.S. are made right here in McMinn County! That’s a huge impact from a company that continues to innovate and lead in its field.

We’re proud to say that Heil Trailer International Makes It in McMinn—and they make it with excellence.

2025 Industry Wage and Benefits Survey

Thank you to all the industries that participated in this year's 2025 Industry Wage and Benefits Survey! We are pleased to announce a 33% response rate, providing valuable insights into the compensation structure in McMinn County for Spring 2025. Participants were entered into a drawing for a $25 VISA gift card and received early access to the collected data, which helps organizations maintain competitive wages and employee benefits by comparing industry averages. Congratulations to Heil Trailer International, the winner of the $25 VISA gift card! Missed out on participating? Keep an eye out for our next survey in Spring 2026. To view more results, click the link below.

2025 Job Fair

Planning is underway for the 2025 Job Fair. If your organization would like to explore the opportunity to host a booth and connect with local talent, we’d love to hear from you. While the official date and time are still being finalized, we’re gathering a list of interested businesses to receive early updates and registration details.

Want to stay in the loop?

Email Aryn to be added to our Job Fair contact list. You’ll receive all future communications, including flyers and registration information as soon as it becomes available.

Follow McMinn EDA on Facebook and LinkedIn to stay updated on announcements and event news!

Community Job Board

Our Community Job Board is designed to assist local job seekers by providing a centralized platform for discovering employment opportunities. Furthermore, we are offering complimentary job listings for employers, facilitating the connection between businesses and prospective candidates. We encourage businesses to email their job listings to us, which we will post on our website at no cost. We invite you to visit our website to explore the available opportunities and take advantage of this valuable resource.

Say Hello to a Sweeter Side of McMinn County

The McMinn Economic Development Authority has unveiled fresh new branding for McMinn County tourism—celebrating our sweet connection to all things ice cream! And now, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new tourism website: your one-stop destination for discovering everything McMinn County has to offer.

Whether you're a visitor planning your next getaway or a local looking for something new, the website is packed with everything you need:

• A full directory of restaurants, shops, attractions, and hotels
• A dynamic calendar of events to keep you in the loop
• Ready-made itineraries to help you explore with ease
• Stunning visuals and stories that capture the heart of our community

Be sure to follow Discover McMinn on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates, events, and a scoop of local fun! 🍦

2025 McMinn/Monroe Hospitality Training

We recently hosted a successful Hospitality Training event at the Niota Depot, bringing together nearly 50 participants from the hospitality industry in McMinn and Monroe Counties. This collaborative effort, led by Brianna Baker (Tourism Coordinator with McMinn County Economic Development Authority), Hayley Isbill (Tourism Director with the City of Sweetwater), and Blaina Best (Tourism Director of Monroe County Tourism), aimed to educate and train our hospitality professionals on the incredible assets and attractions in our region. This training empowered them to better promote these treasures to visitors. A big thank you to all the speakers, attendees, and contributors for making this event a success. Together, we are making our counties even more welcoming and vibrant for all who visit!

Spring Tourism Initiatives

McMinn EDA continued the initiative, “Daffodil Days,” partnered with Athens Main Street and downtown businesses to adorn their storefronts with festive spring-themed window art. This initiative aims to enhance the seasonal charm of McMinn County and attract more visitors to enjoy the local festivities.

The Weekly Scoop

Stay connected with all the latest happenings in McMinn County! Like and follow Discover McMinn County on Facebook to keep up with the Weekly Scoop. Each week, the Weekly Scoop provides detailed updates on events and activities happening throughout McMinn County. Don't miss out on the exciting news and opportunities in our community!

Discover McMinn at MooFest

Discover McMinn brought the sweetest selfie station to National Moofest in Athens on Saturday June 7th. Visitors scooped up a chance to snap pics with our ice cream-themed setup, topped with sprinkles and smiles. We've shared some of the coolest moments from the day- because nothing says summer like a cone, a camera, and a whole lot of fun!

Community Calendar

We invite all community members to contribute to our vibrant McMinn County by submitting event information to our community calendar. Whether it's a local festival, a charity event, or a neighborhood gathering, sharing your event helps keep everyone informed and engaged. Don't forget to check out the community calendar regularly to stay updated on all the exciting happenings in McMinn County. Click the link below to view the calendar and submit your event information.

North Etowah Industrial Park Sign Gets Fresh New Look

We’re excited to share the recent enhancements made to the entrance sign at the North Etowah Industrial Park. The updated sign now features elegant stack stone and refreshed tenant logos. This improvement not only modernizes the entrance but also aligns the sign’s design with other industrial park signage across McMinn County, creating a more cohesive and professional appearance. We extend our sincere thanks to McMinn County and the City of Etowah for their valuable contributions in making this project a success.

Growth in Motion

Stay tuned for exciting progress updates as site development gets underway at three of our industrial parks. These upcoming improvements mark a significant step forward in supporting growth and opportunity across McMinn County. We look forward to sharing more details and milestones with you soon!

The Food Hub Grand Opening

Athens Main Street announced the grand opening of The Food Hub; the new kitchen incubator located at 3 W College St in downtown Athens. This innovative space offers flexible, fully equipped facilities tailored to support a variety of food industry ventures. Whether you need a prep area, storage solutions, or a complete setup to run your business, The Food Hub is here to help you succeed.

Groundbreaking Held for New Water Tank in Niota

The City of Niota held a groundbreaking ceremony for their new water tank, which will provide better water service and pressure to the area. The land for the half-million-gallon tank was purchased in 2023, and the project is funded by federal and state grants. Niota City Recorder Jeannie Anderson emphasized the importance of this project for both Niota and McMinn County, noting that the new tank will support the city's growth and expansion. The tank, located on County Road 350, will enhance water volume for the north end of Niota's system. Anderson expressed gratitude to Rye Engineering, Southeast Tennessee Development, and the excavation companies for their efforts.

The Arts Center Celebrates New Mural

The Arts Center celebrated a mural dedication on May 3rd. The new mural is located on the side of the Peggy Down Performance Center in downtown Athens. The mural, painted by the talented Chattanooga artist, beautifully captures the essence of Athens with its rolling hills, vibrant flowers, and pastoral scenes. Inspired by the local landscape, the artist also included a child to symbolize the future of the Arts Center, emphasizing our commitment to bringing the arts forward to the next generation.

New Community Center in Riceville

McMinn County and the Riceville Utility District have teamed up with local businesses to bring a brand-new community center to life! This vibrant space is now officially open and ready to host family gatherings, farmers markets, food trucks, and a variety of community events.

The Athens Area Chamber of Commerce Celebrates New Mural

On May 14, 2025, the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted a mural dedication ceremony. The mural commemorates President Ronald Reagan's historic visit to McMinn County on September 24, 1985. During his visit, President Reagan delivered a pivotal speech on tax reform and economic policy, emphasizing the vital role small towns play in the fabric of our nation.

Larry Dean Wallace Sr. Shelter Opens Its Doors with Heartfelt Tribute

The McMinn Regional Humane Society celebrated the grand opening of the Larry Dean Wallace Sr. Animal Shelter & Adoption Center with a heartwarming event filled with fellowship, reflection, and community spirit. Honoring the legacy of Larry Dean Wallace Sr.—a true servant leader—the event brought together local leaders, law enforcement, and supporters to mark a new chapter in animal welfare for the county.