East Tennessee Economic Development Agency

10/20/2026

Yesterday was a beautiful day to celebrate the groundbreaking of SouthPoint Business Park in Sweetwater, Tennessee!

We’re excited to see how this investment will create new opportunities and drive economic growth in Monroe County and across .

Congratulations to our friends in Monroe County on this exciting milestone!

10/14/2026

Experience your next thrill on the Adventure Side of the Smokies! From whitewater rafting on the Pigeon River to camping under the stars…outdoor adventure drives tourism, while manufacturing is the backbone of Cocke County’s economy.

Key sectors include plastic injection molding, furniture production, and chemical intermediates. Recreation, accommodation, and food services continue to thrive as a vital part of the local business landscape. Top employers include Ole Smoky Distillery, Sonoco Products, and American Appliance Products.

Learn more about Cocke County here: https://eteda.org/our-region/local-communities/cocke-county/

10/09/2026

Fishing with the grandkids, kayaking with friends, spending a day with family watching the sun set over the lake—public power doesn’t just fuel industry, it powers the moments that create lasting memories.

By supporting both economic development and quality of life, Tennessee Valley Authority and the region’s local power companies make an exceptional place to call home for residents and industry alike.

10/06/2026

It’s , and we’re celebrating Tennessee Valley Authority and our local power companies for their role in East Tennessee’s economic growth.

With 99.999% transmission reliability and competitive industrial rates, TVA provides the dependable power businesses need to operate and grow. Together with local power companies, TVA also helps communities prepare for new investment, an advantage when companies choose where to locate and expand.

Thank you to the people who keep our region powered…and !

10/05/2026

ETEDA joined economic development professionals and community leaders from across Tennessee in Chattanooga for .

Workforce, infrastructure, advanced energy, and quantum technology were among the many topics covered, with a focus on helping Tennessee communities prepare for growth and attract investment.

We appreciated the opportunity to connect with so many of our community partners from across the state and gather ideas to support the 15 counties we serve in East Tennessee. Congratulations to the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) for another spectacular conference and a nice surprise appearance from Luke Bryan!

10/02/2026

It’s Manufacturing Day, and in , and we’re celebrating all the people who not only make things, but keep our region moving forward. And, we have the numbers to prove it! Here’s how we stack up:

• #1 Best State for Manufacturing (Site Selection Group, 2025)
• 61,000 Workers in East Tennessee
• 1,500 Advanced Manufacturing Companies in the Region
• 8% Sector Growth Since 2020
• $94,840 Average Wage for Advanced Manufacturing Employees
• 1,742 Advanced Manufacturing Grads in 2025

With world-class assets like Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), the
University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT), and the Tennessee Valley Authority, we keep !

10/01/2026

When companies evaluate where to invest and grow, they look at a wide range of factors, from site readiness and infrastructure to taxes, energy, and speed-to-market. In Area Development’s annual Top States, there were 20 site selection factors measured, Tennessee ranked #3 overall, earning top five rankings in 15 categories.

Among Tennessee’s strongest areas:
#1 — Site Readiness Programs
#2 — Property Tax Environment
#3 — Permitting & Development Predictability
#3 — Availability of Industrial Sites & Buildings
#3 — Energy Availability & Grid Capacity
#3 — Logistics & Transportation Infrastructure
#3 — Energy Costs
#3 — Overall Speed-to-Market
#3 — Cooperative/Responsive State & Local Government

Tennessee also ranked in the top five for corporate tax structure, regulatory environment, overall cost of doing business, labor cost competitiveness, business incentive programs, climate risk and resilience, and more.

For companies looking for a place to invest, Tennessee continues to , and East Tennessee stands ready to welcome new and expanding industries.

09/30/2026

Yesterday, ETEDA attended the signing ceremony marking the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) receipt of the first U.S. construction permit for a BWRX-300 small modular reactor at its Clinch River Nuclear Site in Oak Ridge.

Congratulations to TVA and its partners on this milestone, which builds on our region’s nuclear legacy, strengthens U.S. energy security, and positions at the forefront of small modular reactor innovation.

09/25/2026

This year marks 25 years of ETEDA working with our partners to bring new investment and jobs to East Tennessee, showcasing our greatest regional assets, and telling the story about how our region and our people move mountains.

Thank you to Lindsay Turner and Teknovation.biz for sharing our story and highlighting ETEDA’s role in moving East Tennessee forward.

Read more about ETEDA’s story here:
https://www.teknovation.biz/east-tennessee-economic-development-agency-eteda-celebrates-25-years-of-helping-the-region-land-industry/?utm_source=Teknovation+Feed&utm_campaign=8919b5ad87-2026-09-25&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-a36abe3f95-87680412

When people think about business recruitment, names like the Chamber of Commerce or a local economic development agency usually come to mind. But, there is one agency in East Tennessee that serves as the region’s only unbiased economic development organization, promoting the entire 15-county marke...

09/22/2026

Today we're celebrating the first day of fall in East Tennessee.
Few things showcase the beauty of our region quite like the changing colors of autumn. From mountain overlooks to winding roads through the woods, offers no shortage of spectacular places to be moved by the mountains around you.

Here are a few spots to add to your fall foliage list:
o Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Blount, Cocke, and Sevier Counties
o Foothills Parkway – Blount, Cocke Counties
o Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area – Scott County
o Frozen Head State Park – Morgan County
o Cherohala Skyway – Monroe County
o Veterans Overlook at Clinch Mountain – Grainger County
o Cumberland Gap National Historical Park – Claiborne County
o House Mountain – Knox County

With 15 counties spanning majestic mountains and valleys, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside and breathe in the fresh, crisp air this fall.