Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development

Deputy Governor/TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter was honored to join the Japan-America Society of Tennessee, Inc., Senator Bill Hagerty and Consul-General Shinji Watanabe in welcoming Ambassador Shigeo Yamada and other Japanese leaders to Nashville today. 🤝

As Tennessee's No. 1 FDI partner, with Japanese companies employing 48,000+ Tennesseans, Japan continues to drive jobs, investment and innovation across our state. We were proud to share Tennessee's leadership in nuclear energy and quantum computing, and discuss opportunities to deepen collaboration.

We look forward to strengthening our partnership as we host the Japanese Men's Soccer Team in Nashville for the 2026 World Cup and the SEUS/Japan Annual Joint Meeting in October. 👏

Congratulations to Lewis County on receiving a $210,000 ThreeStar grant to support continued development of the Buffalo River Blueway. 🎉

TNECD Assistant Commissioner of Community and Rural Development Brooxie Carlton joined local and state partners at the event last week celebrating the Blueway’s continued progress and impact on the region.

We’re proud to support projects that help Tennessee communities build on their unique assets and create new opportunities for residents and visitors alike. 👏

Learn more:

Lewis County Awarded $210,000 ThreeStar Grant to Support Buffalo River Blueway Development : South Central TN Development District   LEWIS COUNTY, TN. — Lewis County has been awarded a $210,000 ThreeStar Grant to support continued community development initiatives along the

Tennessee continues to lead the nation in nuclear innovation. On June 9, we will become the first state in the nation to implement a technology-neutral approach to fusion regulation. 🙌

“This latest step supercharges our reputation as the global hub for nuclear innovation and positions us as the most responsive state for advanced nuclear companies looking to call Tennessee home.” — Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner David Salyers

The framework supports the continued growth of Tennessee's advanced energy sector, including Type One Energy’s commercial fusion project near Oak Ridge. ⚛️

Read more: https://www.tn.gov/environment/news/2026/6/1/tn-powers-up-first-in-the-nation-fusion-regulations-june-9.html

Tennessee continues to lead the nation in nuclear innovation. On June 9, we will become the first state in the nation to implement a technology-neutral approach to fusion regulation. 🙌

“This latest step supercharges our reputation as the global hub for nuclear innovation and positions us as the most responsive state for advanced nuclear companies looking to call Tennessee home.” — Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner David Salyers

The framework supports the continued growth of Tennessee's advanced energy sector, including Type One Energy's commercial fusion project near Oak Ridge. ⚛️

Read more: https://www.tn.gov/environment/news/2026/6/1/tn-powers-up-first-in-the-nation-fusion-regulations-june-9.html

“The Knoxville Quantum Accelerator represents the kind of bold, forward-thinking innovation that will fuel new company creation, attract top talent and drive long-term economic growth,” said Braden Stover, TNECD senior advisor to the commissioner for nuclear and quantum strategy.

We are proud to support this effort as part of the Tennessee Quantum Initiative. The accelerator will help strengthen Tennessee’s position as a leader in quantum technologies while supporting broader efforts to grow quantum infrastructure and innovation across the state. 🙌

Read more:

UT Launches Knoxville Quantum Accelerator to Advance Tennessee's Future he University of Tennessee launched the Knoxville Quantum Accelerator (K-Quantum) to strengthen East Tennessee’s role in quantum tech.

Highlighted by multiple major projects and milestones in recent years, including Shoals Technologies Group’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Mega Facility just last month, the City of Portland, Tennessee Government is quickly emerging as a hub where advanced manufacturing and next-generation energy infrastructure intersect.

"Amid the farm fields and small towns north of Nashville, a wave of advanced manufacturing investments is transforming Portland and surrounding communities into a center for energy innovation. From solar and battery storage infrastructure to mission-critical power systems, companies are creating thousands of jobs while helping build the technologies that will power the next generation of domestic energy production."

Read more from The Tennessean:

Outside Nashville, an advanced manufacturing hub rises in a town known for strawberries A $30 million mega facility in Portland, Tennessee was unveiled by Shoals Technologies Group in May amid an explosion of manufacturing jobs in the region.

Happy 230th Birthday, Tennessee. 🎉

Since 1796, Tennessee has built a legacy of innovation, resilience and growth that continues to shape our future.

Today, the Volunteer State is experiencing high volume in all the right ways: more high-quality jobs, larger investments, stronger talent and greater momentum, and the list doesn't stop there. From our thriving cities to our rural communities, Tennessee continues to attract businesses, support entrepreneurs and create opportunities for Tennesseans across all 95 counties.

As we celebrate 230 years of progress, we're proud of how far we've come and even more excited about where we're headed next. 👏

In McMinnville, growth is more than a tradition, it’s a way of life. 🌱

Known as the Nursery Capital of the World, McMinnville is home to more than 400 growers and a thriving ecosystem that continues to drive innovation, manufacturing and economic opportunity across Tennessee.

From deep agricultural roots to a growing advanced manufacturing presence, McMinnville exemplifies Tennessee’s ability to deliver at scale while preserving the strong community values that make rural communities thrive. 🙌

Read more:

McMinnville, Tennessee: Where Growth Takes Root - TNECD In McMinnville, Tennessee, growth isn’t just a seasonal event, it’s a way of life. Known as the Nursery Capital of the World, this thriving...

❗Tennessee companies: expand your network and explore new business opportunities at the 2026 Southeast U.S.–Canadian Provinces (SEUS-CP) Alliance Business Forum, June 21–23 in Greenville, South Carolina.

Confirmed anchor companies include The Boeing Company, Duke Energy, Michelin, Schneider Electric, Scout Motors and more. Deputy Governor/TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter is also scheduled to serve as Tennessee’s Head of Delegation and will speak at this year’s event.

🔗 Learn more and register: https://seus-cp.com/

A major move from one of Tennessee’s leading companies. ⬇️

HCA Healthcare's acquisition of The College of Health Care Professions signals a growing focus on the future of workforce development in healthcare, building stronger talent pipelines, expanding access to training and creating new pathways into high-demand careers.

Another example of a Tennessee-based company leading through innovation and long-term vision. 👏

HCA Healthcare to buy the College of Health Care Professionals - Nashville Business Journal HCA is taking educating the healthcare workforce into its own hands.