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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASETennessee Gov. Bill Lee and DENSO Officials Announce Major Expansion in AthensAthens, TN – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, along with Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and DENSO officials, announced today the company’s significant expansion in Athens. DENSO will establish additional manufacturing operations, featuring...
Ferguson Graduates OU EDI
May 14 2024McMinn County Economic Development Director, Lindsey Ferguson, graduated from the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute (OU EDI) on May 2, 2024 at the OU Spring session. OU EDI is an intensive 117-hour certificate program which provides a broad spectrum of advanced education for the economic development professional. Barry Matherly, CEcD and Dean for OU EDI, said, “OU Economic Development Institute is the premier organization dedicated to training economic development professionals. These graduates have invested in improving their professional capabilities to support their local communities. Congratulations to all.” OU EDI began in 1962 and...
Dairy is a valuable industry in Tennessee and an essential product of McMinn County. According to the USDA, McMinn County is the top milk-producing county in Tennessee, and one of the leaders in the United States. Dairy is a $13.6 million industry in McMinn County because of its high milk...
McMinn County, Tennessee, Celebrates Its Manufacturing Industry During Economic Development Week
May 9 2025International Economic Development Week runs from May 12 to 16, 2025, and the McMinn County Economic Development Authority (EDA) is using the event to showcase its manufacturing strengths. Manufacturing is a $70 billion industry in Tennessee, accounting for 13.4% of the state’s GDP. More than 364,300 Tennesseeans work in manufacturing...
How 4 Experts See the Future of Site Selection
Mar 25 2025The global economy is facing massive changes, with major impacts on the site selection landscape. At this year’s Site Selectors Guild Annual Conference in Orlando, FL, four experienced site selection consultants came together to discuss what’s next for the industry during the closing “Crystal Ball” session moderated by DCI’s Andy...
Ten Recommendations for Promoting Rural Communities to Attract Talent, Investment, and Businesses
Mar 24 2025Rural communities hold immense potential for growth, innovation, and development. However, capitalizing on this potential requires strategic efforts highlighting your rural community and its unique advantages. At Golden Shovel Agency, we specialize in empowering economic developers to promote their regions effectively.Why Promoting Rural Communities MattersEconomic development in rural areas is...
Weekly Economic Update March 20, 2025
Mar 21 2025Summary: The national unemployment rate edged down to 4.0 percent in January, though Tennessee saw a year-over-year increase. U.S. import prices increased in February, while export price growth slowed. Retail and food service sales grew modestly in February, while housing data showed mixed trends: housing starts rose, but permits and...
In today’s global economy, industrial companies drive innovation, job creation and economic transformation. For rural communities, developing industrial parks is crucial for attracting jobs and securing long-term prosperity.To support communities lacking resources, Tennessee created the Select Tennessee initiative, a suite of programs led by the Tennessee Department of Economic and...
The McMinn County Economic Development Authority (MCEDA) is hosting a sporting clay tournament on Friday, March 7, at Benton Sporting Clays in Charleston, Tennessee. This is a great opportunity to network with other businesses or enjoy some quality time with your friends while supporting McMinn County's economic development initiatives.“This event...
McMinn County EDA Hosts Successful Workforce Summit to Better Prepare Residents for Job Growth
Jan 29 2025More than 50 business owners, stakeholders, and elected representatives attended the annual Workforce Summit hosted by the McMinn County Economic Development Authority (EDA) on Friday, January 24. The topics centered around workforce training resources, pathways to higher education, and opportunities for local career exploration.“We brought everyone to the table who...
Dubbed the “Toolbelt Generation,” Gen Z’ers are showing a piqued interest in pursuing a career in skilled trades vs. a traditional college education. With February marking Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, the Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corporation (JSDC) is thrilled to celebrate the James Valley Career and Tech Center (JVCTC), which...
Visitors to McMinn County have several places to choose from that accommodate different needs and budgets. They can stay in hotels, motels, campgrounds, and rentals by Airbnb and VRBO. However, couples seeking an unforgettable romantic vacation can book private cabins at the Hiwassee River Retreat.This retreat isn’t a hotel or...
The McMinn County Economic Development Authority (EDA) is investing significantly in tourism development in 2025. This is part of a larger tourism strategic plan to support existing businesses and bring new recreation and hospitality companies to the region. However, business owners don’t have to wait for this new tourism push...
When companies look to expand or relocate, workforce development is no longer an afterthought—it’s a primary factor in site selection. The days of simply considering grants or tax breaks are gone. For many businesses, especially in sectors like manufacturing and advanced technologies, the question is: Can you provide the skilled...
Various entities around McMinn County, Tennessee, have received grants to improve their parks and recreation facilities. Applications for these grants were developed and submitted in the past year but were just recently approved.“Improving local parks and supporting the natural resources of McMinn County is beneficial in multiple ways,” says Lindsey...
You might see a few new faces the next time you walk around McMinn County. In fact, you might see hundreds of new faces as visitors travel to the region because of the McMinn County Tourism Strategic Plan.“Tourism is already happening in McMinn County organically,” says Lindsey Ferguson, Executive Director...
The McMinn County Economic Development Association (EDA) recently hired Brianna Baker to fill the role of Tourism Coordinator. This position was created to support the local hospitality industry and drive visitors to the region. Baker was hired as part of a larger Tourism Strategic Plan that is funded by the...