East TN Economic Development Agency

There's no place like East Tennessee. Now, we're bringing its story to life! We're excited to unveil our first-ever regional video. Thank you to all the organizations who contributed your location for filming or your footage to create a video that weaves together so many of the beautiful things that make East Tennessee the best place in the world to bring industry. Thanks to: @Think_Draft for bringing our script and vision to life. All our regional contributors: @Cirrus_Aircraft, @claytonhomes, @malibuboats, @FlyKnoxville, @ORNL, @Protomet, @RSLogisticsInc, @TVAnews, @amseonline, @Dollywood, @UTKnoxville, @typeoneenergy, and @ut_medical. #MovingMountains #EastTN #EconomicDevelopment #SiteSelection #SweetTennessee

From advanced manufacturing and nuclear energy to life sciences and emerging technologies, STEM professionals are helping drive innovation and economic growth across our region. In 2025, more than 3,600 students graduated with degrees in STEM-related fields from institutions across ETEDA's 15-county region, representing a 16% increase in STEM-related graduates since 2020. On National STEM Day, we recognize the educators and institutions preparing the next generation of scientists, engineers, innovators, and skilled professionals. From K–12 classrooms to colleges, universities, and technical training programs, these efforts are helping students develop the knowledge and skills needed for tomorrows careers. We're grateful for the contributions of our regional educational institutions, including the @UTKnoxville, @clevelandstate, @ps, @roanestate, @WaltersState, @carson_newman_u, @JohnsonUedu, @KingUniversity, @LMUtweets, @MaryvilleC, @SouthCollege, @StrayerU, @Tusculum_Univ, and @TCATKnoxville. Together, we're building a workforce that will keep #EastTN competitive and create opportunities for generations to come. #NationalSTEMDay #EastTennessee #FutureReady #MovingMountains

As ETEDA celebrates 25 years of serving East Tennessee, we want to take a moment to recognize and thank our Board of Directors, economic developers, and especially two of our founding board members, Greg Fay and Larry Waters. We are incredibly grateful for Greg and Larry's leadership, dedication, and the relationships built over the past 25 years. Their commitment and lasting contributions have helped shape ETEDA and strengthen the future of economic development across East Tennessee. To our Board of Directors and economic development partners, thank you for your continued service, collaboration, and dedication to making East Tennessee an exceptional place to bring industry, work, live, and call home. The impact of your efforts reaches far beyond today and will be felt for generations to come! Here's to 25 years of regional collaboration and an even brighter future for East Tennessee! #EastTN #EconomicDevelopment #RegionalCollaboration

Happy Halloween from ETEDA! Wishing our partners, communities, and friends across #EastTN a safe and fun Halloween! ##HappyHalloween #EastTennessee #ETEDA #MovingMountains

#EastTN is shaping the future of nuclear innovation, and the impact goes beyond clean energy. At @ORNL, scientists are developing medical isotopes that help doctors diagnose and treat cancers more effectively, putting #EastTN at the forefront of life-saving advances in nuclear medicine. Whether fueling cleaner energy or advancing healthcare, East Tennessee is #movingmountains in nuclear science. #NuclearScienceWeek #EastTNInnovation #CleanEnergy #NuclearPower #ORNL #TVA #FusionEnergy #SustainableEnergy #MedicalIsotopes #NuclearMedicine Photo Source: DOE, ORNL

As we celebrate #NuclearScienceWeek, we’re reminded of the incredible progress that has happened this year in #EastTN. Here are just a few of the many highlights from this year: · @TVAnews received the first U.S. construction permit for a BWRX-300 small modular reactor at the Clinch River Nuclear Site in Oak Ridge. · Kyoto Fusioneering is relocating U.S. headquarters to establish fusion operations in #EastTN, creating 50+ jobs and investing $47 million in Oak Ridge. · Tennessee was selected as a finalist for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus. · TRISO-X announced its expansion in Roane County, creating 1,140 new jobs as the company constructs a new fuel facility and research and development center, investing hundreds of millions of dollars in the development. · Tennessee became the first state in the nation to implement a regulatory framework for nuclear fusion machines. · @centrus_energy announced plans to expand its Oak Ridge manufacturing plant to facilitate large scale deployment, creating 430 jobs and an investment of $560 million in Oak Ridge. · @LaserisTech announced plans to invest more than $1 billion in laser uranium enrichment, creating 203 jobs. · The American Nuclear Society’s, “Nuclear News” ranked Tennessee #1 of the “Top States of Nuclear,” highlighting #EastTN as the epicenter. #NuclearEnergy #AdvancedNuclear #FusionEnergy #EconomicDevelopment #MovingMountains

Happy #NuclearScienceWeek! In East Tennessee, we’re proud to be a national nuclear hub with: $7.2 billion total economic impact in Tennessee 157 nuclear-related companies in the East Tennessee Region 43,000 direct/indirect full-time nuclear jobs in Tennessee 40% of power generated in Tennessee is nuclear 3rd ranked Nuclear Engineering Program in U.S. From assets like @ORNL, @y12nsc, @TVAnews and @UTKnoxville just to name a few, our region continues to lead in innovation, clean energy, and opportunity. #NuclearScienceWeek #EastTN #OakRidge #CleanEnergy #Innovation #TVA #MovingMountains Sources: East Tennessee Economic Council; Photo Source: DOE, ORNL

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 #EastTN. Congratulations to our friends in Monroe County on this exciting milestone! #EastTN #EconomicDevelopment #MonroeCounty #MovingMountains

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, @TVAnews and the region’s local power companies make #EastTN an exceptional place to call home for residents and industry alike. #PublicPowerWeek #EastTN #TVA #Recreation #QualityOfLife #MovingMountains

It’s #PublicPowerWeek, and we’re celebrating @TVAnews 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, #EastTN an advantage when companies choose where to locate and expand. Thank you to the people who keep our region powered…and #MovingMountains! #EastTN #TVA #EconomicDevelopment #MovingMountains

ETEDA joined economic development professionals and community leaders from across Tennessee in Chattanooga for #GovCon2026. 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 @TNECD for another spectacular conference and a nice surprise appearance from @lukebryan! #EastTN #GovCon2026 #EconomicDevelopment #TNECD

It’s Manufacturing Day, and in #EastTN, 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 @ORNL, @UTKnoxville, and @TVAnews, we keep #MovingMountains!

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 #MoveMountains, and East Tennessee stands ready to welcome new and expanding industries. #Tennessee #EastTennessee #SiteSelection #EconomicDevelopment #BusinessInvestment #SiteSelectors #MovingMountains

Yesterday, ETEDA attended the signing ceremony marking the @TVAnews 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 #EastTN at the forefront of small modular reactor innovation. #AdvancedNuclear #EconomicDevelopment #TVA #MovingMountains #SigningCeremony

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: teknovation.biz/east-tenness… #EastTennessee #EconomicDevelopment #ETEDA #MovingMountains

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, #EastTN 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. #FallInEastTN #FallFoliage #MovingMountains #QualityOfLife #ExploreEastTN

With world-class infrastructure, unmatched resources, and a launching pad for clean energy innovation, #EastTN is making its mark in powering the future. During National Clean Energy Week, we want to recognize our partners committed to creating a more sustainable future: · The @TVAnews provides reliable, affordable electricity to the region, supported by a diverse energy portfolio that includes nuclear, hydropower, solar, and other renewable resources. · @ORNL is advancing research in renewable energy, advanced nuclear, and grid innovation. · Our 15 local power companies are essential partners in providing reliable, affordable, and clean power. When it comes to powering what’s next, East Tennessee is #MovingMountains! #NatlCleanEnergyWeek #EastTennessee #MovingMountains

Today marks 25 years since the world changed forever on September 11, 2001. We remember the lives lost, honor the heroes who responded, and hold close the families and communities forever changed by that day. We will never forget. #September11 #NeverForget #911Memorial