EDA Staff attended TN Chamber of Commerce and Industry Workforce Development Conference

The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry Workforce Development Conference is an annual event that brings together leaders from business, education, and community sectors to address workforce challenges in Tennessee. The conference focuses on sharing insights and strategies to bridge the skills gap and enhance workforce preparedness across the state.

Key features of the conference include:

• Educational Sessions: Covering topics such as workforce preparedness, best practices, and innovative solutions to workforce challenges.
• Networking Opportunities: Allowing attendees to connect with industry leaders, educators, and policymakers.
• Expert Presentations: Featuring insights from experts on the future direction of education and workforce policies.
• Collaborative Discussions: Facilitating discussions among business, education, and community leaders to explore potential solutions and navigate a path forward.

Tennessee: The Top State for Business

Tennessee has been ranked #1 for the overall cost of doing business, thanks to its low taxes, right-to-work status, and affordable utilities. McMinn County plays a significant role in this achievement, boasting the lowest debt per capita and property tax rate in the state. These advantages create a thriving, low-cost economic environment where businesses can flourish. If you're considering relocating your business, we invite you to Make It In McMinn!

Tennessee's Economy Set to Outpace U.S. Growth in 2025

The state's economy is projected to outpace U.S. growth in 2025, driven by rapid recovery and ongoing stabilization efforts. This positive outlook bodes well for both Tennessee and McMinn County, and we eagerly anticipate the opportunities this year will bring.

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!

DENSO Receives Silver Level Recognition

DENSO Manufacturing has been recognized as a Silver Level Veteran Ready Employer by the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services. This honor reflects DENSO's commitment to supporting veterans and service members through initiatives like the DENSO Veterans Network (DVN), which provides resources and support to veterans within the workplace. We commend DENSO for their dedication to our community and their efforts to make McMinn County a better place for all.

Want to read more about becoming a Silver Level Veteran Ready Employer? Click the link below

2025 Industry Wage and Benefits Survey

The Industry Wage and Employee Benefits Survey is set to launch at the beginning of Q2. We invite all human resource and plant managers to participate, as the results will be exclusively shared with those who take part. This year, we've made the survey fully online for a more user-friendly experience. Your input is invaluable, so don't miss out! Take the survey and help shape the future of our industry!

Community Job Board

We are pleased to inform you of the addition of a Community Job Board to the McMinn EDA website. This initiative 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.

CSCC Receives $300,000 Rural Healthcare Grant

Cleveland State Community College has been awarded a $300,000 Rural Healthcare Grant from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development to expand healthcare programs in Bradley, McMinn, Meigs, Monroe, and Polk counties. This grant will fund workforce preparedness, skill upgrading, and short-term bootcamps in entry-level healthcare careers like Phlebotomy, CNA, and Medical Billing and Coding. Tuition assistance for EMS courses and support for tuition, gas, and childcare will also be provided.

Community Calendar

The McMinn County Economic Development Authority has recently added a community calendar to their website to enhance tourism and promote local events. This new feature aims to serve as a centralized hub for residents and visitors, providing information on a wide range of activities, from local festivals and cultural events to business workshops and recreational activities. Currently, the calendar is hosted on the EDA website, but it will soon transition to the new McMinn County tourism website, which is set to launch this spring. By making it easier for people to discover and participate in community happenings, the calendar is expected to boost local engagement and support the county's economic growth.

Winter Tourism Initiatives

In December, the EDA introduced two exciting tourism initiatives. The first, "Merrier in McMinn”, showcased Christmas and winter-themed events throughout the county. The second initiative, “Window Wonderland,” partnered with downtown businesses to adorn their storefronts with festive winter-themed window art.

These initiatives aim to enhance the seasonal charm of McMinn County and attract more visitors to enjoy the local festivities. Stay tuned for more updates on how these efforts are bringing our community together!

Santa's Magical Movie Express

On November 30th, we hosted the first-ever Santa Magical Movie Express event, which saw a great turnout. Held at the GEM Theater, attendees enjoyed a screening of "The Polar Express," complete with complimentary cookies and hot chocolate. Adding to the festive atmosphere, Santa Claus made a special appearance, delighting guests with the opportunity to take selfies. This successful event marked a promising start for our tourism initiatives, bringing the community together for a memorable holiday experience.

Shop Small Saturday

The McMinn County Economic Development Authority has proudly taken on the role of a Neighborhood Champion, generously providing banners, balloons, and various swag items to support our local businesses on Shop Small Saturday.

Discover Romantic Bliss at Hiwassee River Retreat

The Hiwassee River Retreat, created by Ty and Cortney Bramlett, offers a luxurious, adults-only escape with three cabins on seven scenic acres along the Hiwassee River. Opened in 2022, this retreat was built entirely by the Bramletts, who were inspired by their own travel experiences to create a perfect romantic getaway. The cabins are designed to help couples reconnect and enjoy peaceful, uninterrupted time together. The retreat has quickly become a popular destination, often booked weeks in advance, and is helping to put McMinn County on the map as a romantic vacation spot.

Starr Regional Medical Center Announces Expansion

Starr Regional Medical Center has initiated a $12 million expansion of its intensive care unit (ICU) to enhance critical care services in McMinn County. Supported by a $6.4 million grant from the Tennessee Department of Health’s Healthcare Resiliency Program, this project will double the ICU capacity from five to ten private rooms, featuring modern design and advanced technology. The expansion, set to be completed by early 2026, will also include a new waiting area for families and additional beds for the medical surgical unit. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on January 29, 2025.

TWU and Old National Bank Announce New Partnership for Bulldog Investment Club

Tennessee Wesleyan University and Old National Bank are thrilled to announce their new partnership supporting the Bulldog Investment Club. This initiative will give students invaluable hands-on experience in investment management, enhancing their financial knowledge and skills. Open to students from all majors, the Bulldog Investment Club offers the opportunity to manage a student-run fund. The check presentation ceremony featured Old National Bank representatives, all TWU alumni, alongside leaders from the Bulldog Investment Club and Tennessee Wesleyan University.