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cwalker@networkstn.com

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Independence Day

A deep understanding of economic development from our elected officials is an integral part of our successes

I believe that every Fourth of July is uniquely special to most Americans. This year, Independence Day stood out for me as it came in the wake of a great trip to Washington DC. I’d like to thank Tennessee Senator Bill Hagerty and his staff, particularly field representative Nick Castle, for inviting me to join the Northeast Tennessee delegation on “Tennessee Tuesday,” a regular event Senator Hagerty and Senator Marsha Blackburn host to visit with several dozen of their constituents from across the Volunteer State.

I was eager to make the trip to thank Senator Hagerty and his staff for providing some key assistance and support for a recruitment project we are currently working on. Not every project requires direct involvement from elected officials, but rest assured what they do impacts everything we as economic developers do.

Elected officials can significantly benefit economic development by leveraging their influence to secure funding, streamline regulations, and promote pro-business policies. Their support can open doors to state and federal grants, infrastructure investments, and, on occasion, public-private partnerships that can be vital for attracting and retaining businesses. By advocating for economic development initiatives, they help create a stable and predictable environment that encourages investment and job growth.

Pro-business officials also play an important role in building relationships with key stakeholders such as investors, developers, and community leaders. Their interest and endorsement can lend credibility to projects and help overcome resistance. Through strategic vision and leadership, they can champion projects as well as long-term planning efforts that align with local economic goals.

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work with elected officials who understood being pro-business and pro-citizens are not conflicting ideals. I have worked almost exclusively with leaders who valued the independence and improved quality of life that a good-paying job provides. Who know that winning projects goes much deeper than offering lucrative incentive packages.

That being said, I have never worked with a group of elected officials – at all levels of government – who are so in tune with economic development and willing to help, even when that help requires a great amount of time and effort on their part as I have since coming to NETWORKS. All it takes is a call to them or their staff and a summary of the project and where they can help and they are always there for us.

NETWORKS itself is a product of leadership in three cities and a county having the vision and understanding that there was a more effective way of doing economic development through which everyone’s results would improve. Tri-County Industrial Park, Tri-Cities Airport and Aerospace Park, the Phipps Bend Joint Venture, along with every piece of industrial property developed in Sullivan County over the past two decades, are examples of collaboration of pro-business governments. As are the millions of dollars in grants received for their development.

This mindset extends past our county lines as well. While we regularly turn to Senators Hagerty and Blackburn, Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger, State Representatives Bud Hulsey and John Crawford and State Senator Bobby Harshbarger as well as State Representative Gary Hicks in Hawkins County, we have also asked for and received help from other districts’ officials such as State Representative David Hawk in Greene County.

In thriving communities and regions, economic development is nonpolitical because their leadership understands tying it to political agenda or using it as a bargaining tool is sure to undermine long-term growth, stability, and public trust. As long as we continue to have and involve our strong leadership at the city and county, state, and national level, we will continue to have economic development success. That’s just one of the reasons that in Northeast Tennessee, every day feels like the Fourth of July.

We celebrate the official grand opening of O’Neal Manufacturing’s new facility in Kingsport, Tennessee. The company marked the opening of its 10th facility in June 2025 with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by local and regional stakeholders and community partners from across the region.

The new facility represents a significant investment in Northeast Tennessee, bringing high-quality jobs to Sullivan County and establishing a strong foundation for future growth. The advanced manufacturing operation will support O’Neal’s expanding footprint and allow the company to better serve customers across the Southeast.

The ribbon cutting event highlighted the power of partnership, featuring remarks from company leadership and local officials, facility tours, and a celebration of the region’s ongoing commitment to economic growth and job creation.

We welcome O’Neal Manufacturing to Kingsport and look forward to their continued success in Northeast Tennessee!

O'Neal Manufacturing

Kingsport Times News

Kingsport Chamber Video

By A.J. Kaufman, Managing Editor

The zoning legalities and rules surrounding data centers within our region and across the nation can be confusing and occasionally controversial. With that in mind, the Business Journal felt contacting a local expert to clarify some information would be prudent.

Michael Parker, Director of Economic Development for NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership, said he believes communities in Northeast Tennessee are generally supportive of modern infrastructure and industry advancements in artificial intelligence, or AI.

However, he adds that recent crypto-mining experiments “have spotlighted major drawbacks within this arena,” such as loud noise, visual intrusion, zoning confusion, property value erosion and community frustration.

“Communities across the country, especially in rural or semi-rural areas, are increasingly taking measures to protect themselves from the negative impacts of data centers, especially cryptocurrency mining facilities,” Parker told the Business Journal via email. “By crafting clear land-use definitions, performance requirements, conditional-use processes and strong public engagement, NETWORKS supports, and aims to guide, data center growth in a way that captures the benefits while preserving community character and residents’ peace of mind.”

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On May 6th, regional businesses gathered at the Ron Ramsey Regional Agricultural Center for an insightful Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Lunch & Learn, sponsored by NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership and First Horizon Bank, with the Tri-Cities Airport Authority—administrator of Foreign Trade Zone #204—leading the session.

The event provided manufacturers, logistics providers, and economic development stakeholders with a comprehensive overview of how FTZs can help companies lower costs, streamline supply chains, and enhance global competitiveness. With Tri-Cities Airport serving as the grantee for FTZ #204, the Lunch & Learn was a valuable opportunity to spotlight the resources available to companies operating in or trading through Northeast Tennessee.

“Hosting this event allowed us to shine a light on the Foreign Trade Zone,” said Clay Walker, CEO of NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership. “We were excited to support this initiative alongside First Horizon and help connect our local industries to meaningful opportunities in global trade.”

Mark Canty, Director of Business Development at Tri-Cities Airport walked attendees through FTZ benefits. The event also featured information on how companies in the region can qualify and apply for FTZ status.

The collaboration between NETWORKS, First Horizon, and Tri-Cities Airport highlights a shared commitment to strengthening the region’s position in international commerce and supporting local businesses as they expand into global markets.

For more information about Foreign Trade Zone #204 and how your company may benefit, please reach out to Mark Canty.

The Northeast Tennessee Red Carpet Tour returns October 1 & 2! This two-day event will spotlight the region’s top industrial sites, workforce assets, and unmatched quality of life. Guests will enjoy the hospitality of MeadowView Resort and Conference Center, as well as curated experiences highlighting local attractions in each host community. From the natural beauty of Bays Mountain, the excitement of Bristol Motor Speedway, the rich culture at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, and the workforce innovation hub RCAM (Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing). Stay tuned as we prepare to welcome site selectors and industry leaders back to discover why Northeast Tennessee is built for business—and built to impress.

The expo offered a drop‑in format where applicants could network directly with hiring representatives, submit resumes, and even complete online applications at provided computers. Attendees were encouraged to dress in interview-ready attire, and many took advantage of the free shuttle service from the Downtown Center.

For businesses, the expo offered a turnkey exhibitor experience: each employer received an 8‑foot table, chairs, Wi‑Fi, and even light refreshments—at no cost—thanks to event partners. More than 50 Tennessee and Sullivan County employers participated, with opportunity extended to select Virginia firms.

The Hiring Expo serves as a vital opportunity to connect talent with available positions, supporting broader efforts to strengthen workforce development and regional economic growth. The event created a dynamic environment for career connections and reinforcing the importance of collaboration in building a stronger, more prosperous community.

NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership is proud to once again partner with Bristol Tennessee Essential Services (BTES) in applying for the next round of TVA’s Workforce Invest Grant program. This new proposal builds on the momentum and impact of previously awarded grants that supported career exploration initiatives in both Bristol City Schools and Sullivan County Schools.

The proposed project aims to further expand hands-on career readiness tools and experiences for local students, helping to prepare the region’s future workforce by deepening their understanding of in-demand career pathways across Northeast Tennessee.

“We’re excited to continue this collaboration with BTES and our school systems,” said Clay Walker, CEO of NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership. “The TVA Workforce Invest program has proven to be a catalyst for meaningful engagement between education and industry, and we look forward to building on that success.”

Stay tuned for updates as the application progresses and we continue working to strengthen workforce development across our region.

On April 24–25, 2025, the First Tennessee Development District (FTDD) hosted its annual Career Quest event at the ETSU Mini-Dome in Johnson City, bringing together middle and high school students from across Northeast Tennessee for a two-day, hands-on career exploration experience.

Career Quest is designed to introduce students to high-demand industries and career pathways in the region, giving them the opportunity to engage directly with local employers, educational institutions, and workforce development partners.

It gives students a chance to see what’s possible right here in their home communities and help them start thinking about their future careers and helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world opportunity.

FTDD Career Quest continues to grow each year, thanks to the collaboration of school districts, businesses, nonprofits, and economic development organizations across Northeast Tennessee. The event serves as a key component in the region’s broader workforce readiness strategy—ensuring students are informed, inspired, and empowered as they begin planning for life beyond high school.

Day Time Tri-Cities coverage of the event

Career Quest TN: Advanced Manufacturing

Career Quest TN: Health Care Sector

Career Quest TN: IT Sector

Career Quest TN: Construction

Career Quest TN: TCAT

Career Quest TN: TVA Career Opportunities

WJHL

mparker@networkstn.com
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