News

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...Continue Reading

McMinn 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...Continue Reading

The 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...Continue Reading

Rural 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...Continue Reading

Summary: 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...Continue Reading

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...Continue Reading

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...Continue Reading

More 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...Continue Reading

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...Continue Reading

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...Continue Reading

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...Continue Reading

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...Continue Reading

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...Continue Reading

Industrial automation and robotics offer huge benefits to manufacturing and warehouse distribution and fulfilment operations. This is not a new concept; articles going back decades have explained how these applications can improve quality and consistency, optimize productivity and throughput, increase worker safety, and reduce direct labor cost.The topic has gained...Continue Reading