Tennessee Named 2016 “State of the Year” by Southern Business & Development
August 1, 2016
Tennessee Department of Community & Economic Development
Coming off of a week where Gov. Haslam and Commissioner Boyd announced more than 1,300 job commitments – 1,370 to be exact – in the span of four days, we received more exciting news that Tennessee was named 2016 “State of the Year” by Southern Business & Development magazine.
Tennessee was chosen for its project totals and the variety of the industry sectors that invested in the state and created jobs. According to the report, there was a possibility Tennessee could have shared “Co-States of the Year” with Alabama, but our neighboring state fell short by six projects.
“2015 was the best year in economic development in the state’s history. At 25,837 job commitments, Team Tennessee set an all-time job commitment record, and we carried that momentum into 2016,” TNECD Commissioner Randy Boyd said. “We are honored to receive this distinction from Southern Business and Development and thank the magazine for recognizing our achievements throughout Tennessee.”
“State of the Year” honors are chosen based on performances the previous calendar year. SB&D listed the following projects as notable Tennessee deals from 2015:
- Community Health Systems: 1,500 jobs, $66 million investment
- Nissan North America: 1,000 jobs, $160 million investment
- Aegis Sciences Corporation: 740 jobs, $31 million investment
- Google: 70 jobs, $600 million investment
- Advanced Munitions International (AMI): 605 jobs, $553 million investment
- DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee Inc.: 500 jobs, $400 million investment
SB&D also ranked top markets in the Southeast with Nashville winning “Co-Major Market of the Year” alongside Charlotte, NC with honorable mentions to Knoxville and Chattanooga. In the Mid-Markets category, Tri-Cities earned an honorable mention, while in Rural Markets, Hartsville and Pulaski were awarded “Co-Rural Market of the Year” along with Durant, Okla. and Nottoway County, VA.