First Tennessee Development District

10/23/2026

Bringing Fresh Ideas Back to Northeast Tennessee!

Members of FTDD’s Executive Leadership Team recently attended the National Association of Development Organizations’ (NADO) 2026 Annual Training Conference in Reno, Nevada!

The conference brought together regional leaders from across the country to share ideas, explore innovative strategies, and strengthen partnerships that support economic and community development.

💡 New perspectives, valuable connections, and fresh ideas to help Northeast Tennessee thrive!

🔗 Read more at www.ftdd.org/news

10/12/2026

💐 Sometimes a simple “thank you” comes with flowers!

Three team members at the Johnson City American Job Center recently received a sweet surprise from a grateful customer they helped find employment! ❤️

It's a heartwarming reminder that the work our AJC teams do every day makes a real difference in people's lives.

🌟 Read the full story and learn how our American Job Centers are helping Northeast Tennesseans succeed!

👉 https://www.ftdd.org/news

10/08/2026

🚩🚩HIGH WIND WATCH ISSUED FOR SOUTHEAST GREENE COUNTY, FOR THIS WEEKEND......

🚩WHAT...Southeast winds 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 60 mph possible. Potential of 60-80 mph gusts in the mountains and foothills.

🚩 WHERE...Blount Smoky Mountains, Cocke Smoky Mountains, Johnson, Sevier Smoky Mountains, Southeast Carter, Southeast Greene, Southeast Monroe, and Unicoi Counties.

🚩 WHEN...From Saturday morning through Sunday morning.

🚩 IMPACTS...Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines. Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

🚩ADDITIONAL DETAILS...This set up is likely to produce high winds along the eastern TN mountains and foothills. Lower terrain will likely see lesser impacts.

09/28/2026

09/28/2026

Please read and share this community resource list for the week of 9/28. Note that two substance abuse/recovery resources are no longer available, but we are excited to announce a new resource later this week.

Help your neighbor and share this list every Monday! A couple of quick clicks is a small price to pay for someone to get the help they need.

Unicoi County Ministerial Association
Unicoi County Prevention Coalition
Unicoi County LTRG
Centenary UMC of Erwin, TN
Paws & Pals Community Help Center

09/28/2026

🏈 It was a big weekend for football in Tennessee — so we think it’s the perfect time to spotlight FTDD’s RPO!

On the field, RPO means run-pass option. At FTDD, it means Chase Milner, our Rural Planning Organization Coordinator!

From transportation planning to spearheading the grant that brought EV charging stations to FTDD, Chase is always looking for ways to move our region forward.

Get to know Chase in our latest Employee Spotlight at ftdd.org/news!

09/24/2026

A major investment is helping Greeneville rebuild and prepare for the future. 💙💚

The Town of Greeneville’s Water & Light Commission has been awarded $19.1 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to support the reconstruction and capacity upgrade of its surface water facility, which was destroyed during Hurricane Helene.

The project is expected to create 160 new jobs and leverage an estimated $60 million in private investment—a significant step forward for Greeneville’s recovery and long-term growth.

Read the full story on the FTDD News page: ftdd.org/news

09/21/2026

Congratulations to Leslie Thompson on her new role as FTDD’s Director of Workforce & Childcare Initiatives! 🎉

With an expanded leadership role, Leslie will help guide FTDD’s workforce, education, career readiness, and childcare initiatives across Northeast Tennessee—strengthening connections between students, families, employers, and communities.

From STRONG Families NETN and CareerQuest TN to the Education to Employment Summit and regional childcare initiatives, Leslie will continue building partnerships and creating pathways to opportunity throughout the region.

👉 What does Leslie’s new role mean for workforce and childcare initiatives across Northeast Tennessee? Read the full story at ftdd.org/news.