East Tennessee Economic Development Agency

06/05/2026

Experience life above the clouds in the lush, awe-inspiring Cumberland Mountains. With access to I-40, Norfolk Southern rail, TVA power, and a skilled workforce supported by Lincoln Memorial University and Walters State Community College, Claiborne County is a breath of fresh air. Top employers include England, Inc., Tennessee DTR, Giles Industries, and Homesteader, Inc.

Come experience the gateway to growth and opportunity! Learn more here: https://eteda.org/our-region/local-communities/claiborne-county/



Photo Credit: TNECD

06/01/2026

Industries in have access to world-class technology assets found nowhere else. While many recognize the region’s three powerhouses, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT), and Y-12 National Security Complex, there’s even more research facilities driving innovation, including:

• Carbon Fiber Technology Facility – The Department of Energy’s only user facility for carbon fiber innovation
• Institute for Advanced Composites – advancing manufacturing and new composites applications
• Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF) – accelerating adoption of additive and composite technologies
• Spallation Neutron Source – enabling breakthrough research across physics, chemistry, biology, and materials science

Together, these resources position as a competitive, innovation-driven hub for industry.



Photo Credit: DOE, ORNL

05/27/2026

The latest ETEDA Newsletter is here! Catch up on key economic development updates. Highlights include:

A spotlight on Gabriel Bolas, President/CEO at KUB

Latest announcements and expansions

…and much more!

Email from ETEDA   Stay connected with our latest newsletter at East Tennessee Economic Development Agency (ETEDA)! Get informed about the news, trends, and opportunities in economic development in ou

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, ETEDA honors and remembers the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. We’re grateful for their sacrifice and the freedoms we have because of it.

We remember them today and always.

05/18/2026

This week, ETEDA celebrates Infrastructure Week. Reliable, cost-effective, clean energy is a key part of our region’s success. Through the Tennessee Valley Authority and our local power companies, industries have access to some of the most competitive power rates in the nation. Partners like also play a critical role by delivering dependable natural gas solutions that support continued growth, while the region’s ample water and wastewater capacity supports long-term growth.
When strong infrastructure is combined with a strategic location and a skilled workforce, East Tennessee offers a powerful foundation for industry. It’s all part of how we continue .

05/14/2026

In the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, you’ll discover Grainger County with rolling landscapes and pristine lakes and rivers. The county is famous for its home-grown tomatoes, boasting of the Grainger County Tomato Festival, attracting visitors from all over the world. Grainger County is also home to variety of industries including manufacturing and retail trades. Local manufactured products include furniture, housing, heating and air systems, metalized film and truck chassis to name a few. Top employers include Clayton, Sexton Furniture Manufacturing, FILMtech, and C.R.Daniels.

Looking for greener pastures? Grainger County is ripe with opportunity. Learn more about Grainger County by viewing their Community Profile here:https://eteda.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Grainger-Community-Profile.pdf

05/10/2026

Today, we recognize and thank the mothers, mentors, and caregivers who help move our families and our region move forward every day.

Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at ETEDA!

05/08/2026

As Economic Development Week comes to a close, we’re reflecting on what makes TN a place where opportunity thrives.

This week, we celebrated the investments and projects driving growth across our region, the small businesses that power our local economy, the institutions building a skilled workforce, and the tourism assets that bring people from around the world to experience our 15-county region.

Each of these plays a role in shaping a strong, resilient economy and vibrant communities. At ETEDA, we’re proud to work alongside partners who are creating jobs, supporting businesses, developing talent, and telling the story of this region every day.

Together, we’re Moving. Mountains.

05/07/2026

As we celebrate Economic Development Week, we also recognize that it’s National Travel and Tourism Week. We know there’s more to a place than its physical location, its assets, and its resources, and in , you’ll find that we in both industry and in life. You’ll be moved by the most visited national park in the country, The Great Smoky Mountains, as well as other breathtaking landscapes where you can dive deeper, climb higher, and go further in industry and adventure! Whether you’re looking for a national park or a theme park, we have it all in !

05/06/2026

Today we’re celebrating National Skilled Trades Day and the institutions powering East Tennessee’s workforce. During Economic Development Week, we recognize the vital role skilled trades play in building a strong talent pipeline for industry.
From the Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Knoxville (TCAT) to Pellissippi State Community College, Roane State Community College , and Walters State Community College, these institutions are shaping a highly skilled workforce ready to meet industry demand and drive growth throughout our region. Their commitment ensures continues !