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 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

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

Panel Built, a manufacturing company that specializes in modular and prefabricated buildings, held a ribbon cutting for its new facility in Etowah on October 2, 2024. This firm came to McMinn County, Tennessee, three years ago but has already outgrown its original facility in Athens. The new Etowah site will...Continue Reading

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...Continue Reading

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...Continue Reading

An educational institution in Athens has begun the process of expansion. Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Athens celebrated with a groundbreaking event for the new Tennessee College of Applied Technology building.  This building will strengthen the commitment to providing top-notch technical education in Polk County.Read the original article here.Continue Reading

Great talent is hard to find, especially in the wake of the Great Resignation. Artificial intelligence (AI) makes it easy (and quick) to accelerate and diversify talent pipelines, which can include millions of candidates and various specialized talent pools.How is AI being used by HR, workforce development, and headhunting pros...Continue Reading

Honoring HomeownershipEvery June, National Homeownership Month is celebrated across the United States, recognizing the dream and importance of owning a home. Homeownership is a pillar of the American Dream, providing families stability, wealth-building opportunities, and a sense of belonging. Homeownership represents more than just having a place to live; it...Continue Reading