Tennessee leaders highlight 4,000 new jobs, industrial childcare and workforce partnerships

Josh Ward, executive director of the Industrial Board in Clarksville, said Clarksville is preparing for roughly 4,000 announced jobs that officials expect to come online by 2030, crediting support from the state Economic and Community Development department and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Ward said the city built “the first industrial childcare center located right here in the industrial park,” with half the slots reserved for industry employees and discounted by 15% to help workers access new positions.

Dr. Joanne Massey, president and CEO of EDGE, described Memphis as a hub for manufacturing and logistics. "Memphis ranks number 2 in the nation for medical device manufacturing and boasts the fifth largest inland port in America," she said, adding that the region’s culture and local resilience are central to long-term growth.

Mayor Freddie O'Connell of Nashville framed economic development around creating visible career ladders for residents. "Economic development to me means we are making the American dream a Nashville reality for as many Nashvillians as possible," he said, noting a workforce center at the East Davidson campus of Nashville State, early college high school opportunities and a recent announcement involving NISO Technologies at Vanderbilt as examples of how schools and employers can connect residents to jobs.

Taken together, the speakers emphasized two linked priorities: attracting employers and ensuring local residents can fill the resulting jobs through training, childcare and education partnerships. There were no formal votes or motions recorded in these remarks; the session consisted of presentations about local programs and announcements.