Newsroom & Media Center

Aluminum Manufacturer to Invest $275 Million; Create 200 Full-Time Jobs, 400 Construction Jobs

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty, along with Alcoa officials, announced today the company will expand its rolling mill in Alcoa, Tenn. to meet the growing demand for light, durable and recyclable aluminum sheet for automotive production. The expansion at Alcoa’s facility on East Hunt Rd. represents a $275 million investment over the next three years and will add 200 permanent full-time jobs upon completion, as well as 400 jobs during the construction phase. 

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security today released a report on the performance of its Driver Services Division during the first quarter of 2013.

Automotive Industry Supplier to Invest $9 million, Create 75 Jobs

NASHVILLE --- Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty along with VIAM Manufacturing officials today announced an expansion of the company’s facility on Park Tower Drive in Manchester, Tenn., creating 75 new jobs. The expansion represents a $9 million investment and will bring VIAM’s operating space to 507,000 square-feet at its Coffee County facility.

State Rankings Recognize TDOT’s Efforts to Be More Bicycle Friendly

NASHVILLE – In honor of National Bike Month, the League of American Bicyclists has released its latest Bicycle Friendly States (BFS) ranking. In the sixth annual assessment, Tennessee ranked 2^nd in the southeast region, while placing 17^th nationally. Tennessee has improved its national ranking from 26^th in 2012.

“With all the competing transportation needs we have, Tennessee is proud to be making gains in the area of bicycle friendliness,” said Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner John Schroer. “The network of bike lanes across the state is growing each and every year and we will continue to dedicate funding for important programs such as Safe Routes to School.”

Highlights include increased participation and strong job satisfaction numbers
 
NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam announced today that after two years of rapid change, Tennessee educators reported improved work environments in a broad range of categories, all shown to correlate to increased student achievement.
 
The results from the second statewide TELL (Teaching, Empowering, Leading and Learning) Tennessee Survey are now available, and more than 61,000 educators, or 82 percent, in the state responded, a five percentage point increase from 2011. Across Tennessee, 1,627 of 1,774 schools, or 91 percent, reached a response rate of at least 50 percent.
 
“We know that when educators feel good about the culture and climate of their school, that leads to increased results for our students,” Haslam said. “We want to hear from our teachers, and I am grateful that so many of them took the time to respond.”

Joins Department of Health and Local Communities to Announce 14 New Permanent Collection Bins Across State

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, in partnership with local law enforcement agencies across the state and the Tennessee Department of Health, announced today its plans to introduce 14 new permanent collection bins for Tennessee residents to properly dispose of used or unwanted medication. Today’s announcement will bring the total of permanent collection bins to nearly 40 across the state.

Farmers Demonstrate Techniques for Fighting Frost Damage at Media Days April 24th and 25th

NASHVILLE – A drop in nighttime temperatures this week puts at risk some of Tennessee’s much anticipated strawberry crop. With strawberries just ready to pick, how will farmers deal with potential frosts?

Two Tennessee strawberry growers plan to show off just how well their frost prevention techniques work on Wednesday and Thursday during special Pick Tennessee Products media days. Visitors who come to pick strawberries by 11 a.m. both days will get to see how those berries were protected the night before with “frost blankets” or a continuous water spray system. Berry pickers can also take home free recipe cards and have the chance to win a basket of artisan foods from Tennessee. 

Bradley Kountry Acres Strawberries and Greenhouse in Sumner County, owned by Mike and Cathy Bradley, will host a strawberry picking media day on April 24th. The Bradley’s also have a large selection of spring bedding plants, herbs, vegetable plants, ferns and hanging baskets grown in their own farm greenhouses.

Nashville-Voice for Victims honorees Pat Postiglione, Diane Lance and Dave Brown, BOP Chairman Charles Traughber and DOC Commissioner Derrick Schofield.jpg

Nashville, Tennessee --- For the fifth consecutive year, the Tennessee Board of Parole is observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week with a series of tree plantings in cities across the state. Victim advocates in local communities are being honored at each ceremony for their work with victims of crime.

This year, the Board is adding the Department of Correction as a partner in these events. “We believe in strong collaborations, and TDOC is our closest collaborator,” said Board Chairman Charles Traughber. “We are allied in our missions toward safe communities, and we are allied in our concerns for victims."

NASHVILLE – Two Tennessee strawberry growers plan to celebrate their crops with a special Pick Tennessee Products media day during the last week of April. Visitors who come to pick strawberries that day can take home free recipe cards and have the chance to win a basket of artisan foods from Tennessee. 

Bradley Kountry Acres Strawberries and Greenhouse in Sumner County, owned by Mike and Cathy Bradley, will host a strawberry picking media day on April 24th. The Bradley’s also have a large selection of spring bedding plants, herbs, vegetable plants, ferns and hanging baskets grown in their own farm greenhouses.
 
On April 25th, Pick Tennessee Products will be at Circle S Farms near Lebanon, owned by Nelson, Emmie Lou and Donnie Steed.

NASHVILLE – “Eat local” isn’t just a buzzword referring to the growing trend of consumers buying locally-grown foods. Consumers benefit by receiving fresh foods from local growers while sales benefit local farmers, businesses and economies. Local foods are the focus of this year’s Tennessee Food Safety Task Force Annual Seminar hosted by the Tennessee Departments of Health and Agriculture.