Grant to Extend Waterline

Project Promotes Energy Efficiency Lighting, Benefiting the Environment and Bottom Line

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced the city of Oak Ridge is receiving $200,000 in Clean Tennessee Energy Grant funding to replace and retrofit existing fluorescent lighting fixtures to LED lighting in the Oak Ridge Municipal Building and the Oak Ridge Civic Center Complex. 

Phillips becomes the permanent commissioner at the department

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced Burns Phillips as the new commissioner of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

Phillips had been serving as acting commissioner of the department, after coming over from the Department of Finance and Administration (F&A) where he was managing director of customer-focused government initiatives administration-wide.

Teleperformance Company to Invest $117,000, Create 128 New Jobs

NASHVILLE—Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty announced today that U.S. Solutions Group, Inc., a Teleperformance company, will expand its operations at 2536 West State Street in Bristol, Tenn. The expansion includes a $117,000 investment and the creation of 128 new jobs.

Durard to replace retired Judge Robert Crigler

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today appointed Forest A. Durard Jr. as circuit court judge for the 17th Judicial District, replacing Judge Robert Crigler, who retired effective May 30.

“Forest brings valuable experience to the bench from a career that includes both the public and private sectors,” Haslam said. “I know he will serve the citizens of the 17th district well in this role.”

Rashaud Singletary was killed May 6, 2012 in Springfield

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced a $10,000 reward from the state for information on the death of Rashaud Singletary in May 2012 in Springfield.

“I encourage anyone with information in this case to contact the local authorities immediately so those responsible for this crime can be brought to justice,” Haslam said.

Emergency Home Repair Service Provider to Create 100 New Positions, Host Upcoming Job Fairs

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty along with HomeServe USA officials announced today the company will expand its Chattanooga, Tenn. operations. The expansion will add an additional 100 customer service positions in Hamilton County and represents an investment of $65,000.

NASHVILLE—Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty along with Team Technologies, Inc. officials announced today the company will add 200 new jobs to its manufacturing facility on Commerce Boulevard in Morristown, Tenn. The expansion will upgrade Team Technologies’ existing Hamblen County facilities—in anticipation of new products and markets—and represents an $11 million investment.

“I want to thank Team Technologies for their continued investment in Tennessee and the jobs they are creating in Hamblen County,” Haslam said. “Focusing on growth in existing companies is an important part of our Jobs4TN strategy, and Team Technologies’ commitment helps us toward our goal of becoming the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.”

Eastman to invest $1.6 billion, add 300 new jobs during next seven years

KINGSPORT – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today joined Eastman Chemical Company chairman and CEO Jim Rogers to announce a major expansion of the nearly 100-year-old Tennessee company.

Called Project Inspire, Eastman will invest $1.6 billion in its Kingsport site and add 300 new jobs during the next seven years, allowing the company to invest in new growth opportunities, safety and environmental projects, increased warehouse capacity, building renovations and expansion of its corporate campus.

Second reduction of tax on seniors in Tennessee

CROSSVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today held a ceremonial bill signing in Crossville for the second piece of tax cut legislation in his 2013 legislative agenda, a reduction in the Hall Income tax for senior citizens.

The bill, HB 192/SB 198, raises the exemption level of the tax to single filers 65 years old with an income of less than $33,000 and to joint filers with at least one spouse at least 65 years old with an income of less than $59,000.

Previously, single filers at least 65 years old with an income of less than $26,200 and joint filers with at least one spouse at least 65 years old with an income of less than $37,000 were exempt from the Hall Income tax.