Newsroom & Media Center

Business Centers to Add 245 New Positions in Tennessee

NASHVILLE  —  Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty along with Windham Professionals announced today the company will expand operations at its two Tennessee locations.  The expansions will add an additional 150 positions in Alcoa, Tenn. and 95 positions in Hendersonville, Tenn. and represents an investment of $500,000. 

Department reorganization aimed at advancing child safety, health and programs

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Children’s Services (DCS) Commissioner Jim Henry today announced changes to the department’s organizational structure aimed at elevating child safety, health and programming. The announcement follows a recently completed assessment of the department’s work.

Outdoor Power Equipment Company to Add 225 New Positions in Weakley County

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty along with MTD Consumer Group Inc. officials announced today the company will expand operations at its Martin, Tenn. facility, adding 225 positions in Weakley County.

Auto Supplier to Create 200 Jobs, Invest $28 Million

NASHVILLE  —  Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty along with HP Pelzer Automotive Systems officials announced today the company will locate a new 185,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at the Mt. Verd Industrial Park in Athens, Tenn.  HP Pelzer, a leading worldwide supplier of automotive acoustic and interior trim parts, will create 200 jobs and invest $28 million at the McMinn County facility. 

Expresses deep appreciation for Mark Emkes’ service to the State of Tennessee

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced that Finance and Administration Commissioner Mark Emkes will be leaving the administration at the end of May to enjoy retirement and spend more time with his wife in her home country of Spain.

“I am grateful to Mark for the job he’s done as the state’s chief financial officer during the past two and a half years,” Haslam said.  “We’ve presented three responsible, thoughtful and strategic budgets, and he has played a significant role in those efforts.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today proclaimed April 15-19, 2013 Work Zone Awareness Week in Tennessee, joining states across the nation in highlighting the complexities of work zones and reminding motorists to drive safely in construction areas. TDOT will spread that message across the state this week in an effort to improve safety in Tennessee’s interstate and highway construction and maintenance work zones. 

“As we head into the busy construction season, motorists will encounter more maintenance workers, utility personnel, and construction workers on Tennessee’s roadways,” said TDOT Commissioner John Schroer. “I want to remind all drivers to stay alert and focused and exercise caution and patience when driving through work zones across the state. Doing so will help ensure everyone stays safe.”

SSG Christopher Ward KIA April 6, 2013

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder regretfully announce the loss of Tennessee soldier Staff Sergeant Christopher Michael Ward of Oak Ridge.

Ward was fatally injured when his patrol was struck by a vehicle borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) which detonated on Saturday, April 6 in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Staff Sergeant Ward was serving with Troop A, 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 1^st Armor Brigade Combat Team, Fort Stewart, Georgia.

All 54 State Parks Will Host Hikes April 20-21

NASHVILLE –Tennessee State Parks will sponsor free, guided hikes to celebrate Earth Day 2013 beginning Saturday April 20 through Sunday, April 21. Each state park will host its own special hike, offering a variety of family-friendly activities including wildflowers or waterfalls talks, educational programming, guided historical hikes and re-enactments, and new trail openings.

Operation Joint Tiger Express

Memphis, TN – A joint operation to get dangerous offenders off the streets of Memphis has culminated in the arrests of dozens of probation and parole absconders and the confiscation of illegal drugs. The Tennessee Department of Correction, in collaboration with the Memphis Police Department, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, the US Marshal’s Service and the ATF launched Operation Joint Tiger Express on March 25, 2013.

NASHVILLE––A new staff report to the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) says Tennesseans need a shared, long-term vision to make the most of the state’s assets and meet current and future challenges.  Called Charting a Course to Tennessee’s Future, the report offers the best thinking of a cross-section of public officials, private sector leaders, and members of academia on how to envision a better future, work toward common goals, and solve shared problems.