East TN Economic Development Agency

East Tennessee Economic Development Agency markets the business location advantages of the 15-counties within the Knoxville region of East Tennessee.

[East TN Economic Development Agency @eteda]

Tennessee was ranked the #1Best State for Manufacturing in 2025 by Site Selection Group. East Tennessee plays a major role in that success.

Our region's highly skilled workforce is strengthened by outstanding colleges and universities, as well as world-class assets, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility, the Carbon Fiber Technology Facility, the Institute for Advanced Materials & Manufacturing, Cherokee Farm Innovation Campus, the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation, and the Southeastern Advanced Machine Tools Network.

We're proud to be part of a region where collaboration continues shaping the future of advanced manufacturing.

Photo Credit: Department of Energy, ORNL
#EastTN #Workforce #WorldClassAssets #BestMfgState

[East TN Economic Development Agency @eteda]

Sevier County is home to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and @Dollywood. This county is not only a major tourism hub, but also a major contributor to economic development within our 15-county region. With millions of visitors each year, Sevier County’s tourism industry generates nearly $4 billion annually in visitor spending, supporting local businesses and creating thousands of jobs.

Its economic impact includes leading tourism employers such as The Dollywood Company, Wilderness at the Smokies, and @WSmokyMResort, but also includes top manufacturers and businesses like Charles Blalock & Co., @OleSmoky, @SwaggertysFarm, and @katomrs.

Sevier County is #MovingMountains for our entire region by creating jobs, supporting businesses, and making #EastTN an incredible place to visit, work, and live. Learn more about the county here: https://t.co/FnThOrhF8W

#SevierCounty #EastTN #EconomicDevelopment #Tourism #MovingMountains

[East TN Economic Development Agency @eteda]

This Independence Day is especially meaningful as we celebrate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

For 250 years, the promise of freedom has inspired generations to dream bigger, work harder, and build brighter futures. The ideals of liberty, opportunity, and the pursuit of happiness continue to shape our communities and #MoveMountains.

Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸

#America250 #IndependenceDay #Freedom #Opportunity #MovingMountains

[East TN Economic Development Agency @eteda]

Foreign Direct Investment continues to be a major driver of East Tennessee's economy.

Today, more than 145 foreign-owned companies operate across the region. Our top 10 foreign-owned employers include:

DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee, Inc.
@SLTennessee
@JtechAutomotive Tennessee – Vonore, LLC
@GreenMtnCoffee
Eagle Bend Manufacturing
AISIN Automotive Casting Tennessee
@YamahaBoating
SumiRiko Tennessee, Inc.
@DHLsupplychain
Carlex Glass America

Foreign direct investment is so much more than capital investment. It creates jobs, strengthens communities, and reinforces East Tennessee's position in the global economy, so we can keep…Moving. Mountains.

#EastTennessee #EconomicDevelopment #FDI #ForeignDirectInvestment #MovingMountains

[East TN Economic Development Agency @eteda]

Happy National Logistics Day! We recognize the professionals who keep supply chains, products, and businesses moving! Tennessee continues to be a logistics leader with:
· 3.6 billion in capital investment since 2019
· 316,600 employed in the logistics & distribution industry
· 15,600 new job commitments since 2019
· #2 in the U.S. for distribution & logistics employment

East Tennessee plays a critical role in that success. A few things our region offers are:
· Strategic access to Interstates 40, 75, and 81, placing 70% of U.S. markets within a day's drive
· A world-class talent pipeline through The University of Tennessee'snationally recognized supply chain program
· Rail connectivity through CSX and Norfolk Southern

Learn more here: https://t.co/B4Z3pTxFiB

Thank you to all the professionals and companies throughout East Tennessee, Tennessee, and beyond who keep America's supply chains moving every day!
Source: TNECD

#NationalLogisticsDay #Logistics #SupplyChain #EastTennessee #MovingMountains

[East TN Economic Development Agency @eteda]

Summer is officially here, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by getting into the outdoors in #EastTN. Our region is known for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but there are so many other amazing places to discover. As you map out your summer, try discovering somewhere you may have never been, such as:

· Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area
· Big Ridge State Park
· Cherokee National Forest
· Cove Lake State Park
· Cumberland Trail State Park
· Fort Loudoun State Historic Park
· Frozen Head State Park
· Obed Wild & Scenic River
· Seven Islands State Birding Park

These are just a few of the many places you can find in #EastTN and be moved by the beauty around you!

#Summertime #EastTN #EastTNParks #GetOutdoors #MovingMountains

[East TN Economic Development Agency @eteda]

Today, we celebrate the fathers who lead, support, encourage, and inspire us every step of the way. To all the dads moving mountains for their families and communities, Happy Father's Day!

#FathersDay #MovingMountains #CelebratingDads

[East TN Economic Development Agency @eteda]

Yesterday, ETEDA's Advisory Committee visited Flatrock Motorclub for a firsthand look at one of East Tennessee's most unique developments. Flatrock is a premier destination for motorsports enthusiasts and luxury living on the Cumberland Plateau.

We're grateful to @thechristmanco for hosting us, sharing updates on the project, and providing a tour of the clubhouse as it nears completion. It was a great reminder how quality of life in #EastTN is #MovingMountains.

#MovingMountains #EastTN #EconomicDevelopment #RegionalGrowth

[East TN Economic Development Agency @eteda]

Tennessee is making history…again.
Today, Tennessee becomes the first in the nation to implement a regulatory framework for nuclear fusion machines, a major step toward advancing the next generation of clean energy. By creating regulatory certainty for this emerging industry, Tennessee is positioning itself as the global epicenter of nuclear technology.
For East Tennessee, this milestone builds on decades of leadership in innovation and scientific discovery. With world-class assets like @ORNL, @TVAnews, and @UTKnoxville, and projects such as @typeoneenergy's planned fusion power plant, our region is transforming the future of energy.
The momentum continues!
Learn more here: https://t.co/GiEAWkYRPQ
Photo credit: Type One Energy

[East TN Economic Development Agency @eteda]

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://t.co/MuvoEP9hc1

#ClaiborneCounty #CumberlandMountains #Industry #MovingMountains #ETEDA

Photo Credit: TNECD

[East TN Economic Development Agency @eteda]

Industries in #EastTN have access to world-class technology assets found nowhere else. While many recognize the region’s three powerhouses, @ORNL, @UTKnoxville, and @y12nsc, 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 #EastTN as a competitive, innovation-driven hub for industry.
#Innovation #TechHub #MovingMountains #EastTennessee
Photo Credit: DOE, ORNL

[East TN Economic Development Agency @eteda]

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!

https://t.co/5UVqie9e4V

[East TN Economic Development Agency @eteda]

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.

#MemorialDay #EastTennessee #ETEDA #MovingMountains

[East TN Economic Development Agency @eteda]

This week, ETEDA celebrates Infrastructure Week. Reliable, cost-effective, clean energy is a key part of our region’s success. Through the @TVAnews and our local power companies, industries have access to some of the most competitive power rates in the nation. Partners like @Enbridge 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 #MovingMountains.

#InfrastructureWeek #EastTN #TVA #Enbridge #SiteSelection #EconomicGrowth #Infrastructure

[East TN Economic Development Agency @eteda]

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 @claytonhomes, 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://t.co/NXvFgtZb0l

#GraingerCounty #EastTennessee #EconomicDevelopment #GraingerCountyTomatoes

[East TN Economic Development Agency @eteda]

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!

#MothersDay #EastTN #Community #Leadership #ETEDA #MovingMountains

[East TN Economic Development Agency @eteda]

As Economic Development Week comes to a close, we’re reflecting on what makes #East 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.

#EconDevWeek #EconomicDevelopment #EastTennessee #MovingMountains #CommunityGrowth #WorkforceDevelopment #Tourism #SmallBusiness #ETEDA

[East TN Economic Development Agency @eteda]

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 #EastTN, you’ll find that we #MoveMountains 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 #EastTN!

#GreatSmokyMountains #TravelandTourismWeek #EconomicDevelopmentWeek #ETEDA #EastTN #GreatSmokyMtns #Dollywood

[East TN Economic Development Agency @eteda]

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 @TCATKnoxville to @ps, @roanestate, and @WaltersState, these institutions are shaping a highly skilled workforce ready to meet industry demand and drive growth throughout our region. Their commitment ensures #EastTN continues #MovingMountains!

#NationalSkilledTradesDay #EastTN #SkilledTrades #WorkforceDevelopment #CommunityColleges #FutureReady #ETEDA #MovingMountains #TCAT #PellissippiState #RoaneState #WaltersState