Short Springs State Natural Area

Special Activities Across Tennessee Kick Off April 6

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Environment and Conservation Commissioner Bob Martineau announced today that April 7–13 will commemorate Tennessee State Natural Areas Week.  The annual celebration will officially kick off on Saturday, April 6, with activities planned throughout the week such as wildflower hikes, canoe trips, guided tours and volunteer efforts.

Leverages federal dollars to purchase private health insurance for Tennesseans without access

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today unveiled his plan to pursue real health care reform in the state.

Haslam announced that he will not expand TennCare rolls under the Affordable Care Act but instead is working to leverage the available federal dollars to purchase private health insurance for Tennesseans who would not otherwise have access to coverage.

Innovative Wireless Radio Controlled LED Street Lighting Systems to be Assembled in Hamilton County

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty and Don Lepard, president and CEO of Global Green Lighting (GGL), announced the company’s plans to hire as many as 250 people at a newly established lighting assembly facility in Chattanooga. The move is creating jobs for Tennesseans by bringing subcontracted production back from China.

Governor appoints interim to assume responsibilities during search

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced that Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Karla Davis is resigning due to family reasons.

“Over the past two years, the department has implemented several key initiatives including a comprehensive online jobs database to better connect job seekers to Tennessee employers and is playing a vital role in our effort to update Tennessee’s worker’s compensation laws,” Haslam said.  “I am grateful to Karla for her service and wish her the best.”

New Product Line Brings $17.5 Million Investment, 168 New Jobs Over Five Years

NASHVILLE  —  Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty along with Renfro Corporation officials today announced the company will renovate its Cleveland manufacturing facility. The renovation, necessitated by the addition of a new product line, represents an investment of $17.5 million in equipment and construction costs and the creation of 168 jobs over five years by the leading socks and legwear manufacturer.  The renovation and job creation is scheduled to be completed by January 2016.

Replaces retiring Judge Wheeler A. Rosenbalm on bench in Knox County
 
NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has appointed Deborah C. Stevens of Knoxville as Circuit Court Judge for the 6th Judicial District in Knox County following the retirement of Judge Wheeler A. Rosenbalm.
 
“I am pleased to appoint Deborah Stevens in light of her 30-year career,” Haslam said. “She has an extensive track record that will serve the district well.”

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Festiva Hospitality Group to Create 100 Telemarking and Management Positions

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty along with Festiva Hospitality Group representatives today announced the company has opened a call center in Johnson City.  The announcement represents an investment of $1.1 million and will create 100 jobs.

Medical Sciences Company to Invest $50 Million, Create 525 New Jobs

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty along with ProNova Solutions officials today announced the medial sciences company will locate a headquarters facility and research and commercialization laboratory in Alcoa, Tenn.  The announcement represents an investment of $50 million and the creation of 525 new positions in Blount County.

Peanut Butter Manufacturing Facility to Employ 125

NASHVILLE  —  Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Bill Hagerty along with The J.M. Smucker Company announced today the company’s decision to convert its existing Memphis production facility to a peanut butter manufacturing plant, resulting in the investment of $55.6 million by the company. Smucker expects to have a workforce of 125 employees in Memphis upon completion of the project in 2014.

Low-Interest Loans Could Aid Residents in Henderson and Surrounding Counties
 
NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam has requested assistance from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to help individuals and businesses in Henderson County and the contiguous counties recover from wind, tornado and flooding damages that occurred on Jan. 29, 2013.