Gov. Lee says key business attraction for Tennessee is its power and people
The Knoxville Chamber hosted Governor Bill Lee for the anual Governor's Brekafast on Thursday morning.
When it comes to attracting major business investment, Governor Bill Lee says two questions consistently come up: Do you have the power supply? Do you have the talent?
“I’m proud to tell them we have both,” Lee told a packed room of business leaders, elected officials, and community builders at the Knoxville Chamber’s annual Governor’s Breakfast. “That’s why our state has seen $40 billion in outside investment over the past six years, and why global companies are choosing to call Tennessee home.”
Lee cited recent expansions by companies like Greenheck, Beehive Industries, Orano USA, and even the headquarters expansion of homegrown Axle Logistics as proof of Tennessee’s growing reputation as a business-friendly state with deep talent reserves.
The Governor’s Breakfast is the organization’s largest event, drawing hundreds of attendees eager to hear about the state’s fiscal priorities and future policy direction.
In his 2025 remarks, Lee emphasized continuity in his administration’s focus areas: workforce development and maintaining a pro-business climate. But this year, he placed special emphasis on Oak Ridge’s emerging role in the energy sector.
“This part of the state is becoming the global epicenter for power,” Lee said. “And people here have been laying the groundwork for that for decades.”
He pointed to the state’s Nuclear Energy Fund as a key recruitment tool, but said the real draw for energy companies is Oak Ridge’s unique combination of resources, talent, and connectivity.
“We need to look at the assets we have, like Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and build around them,” Lee said.
Oak Ridge has been making headlines with a string of historic announcements. Earlier this month, Oklo Inc. revealed plans for a $1.7 billion investment to build the nation’s first privately funded nuclear fuel recycling facility in Oak Ridge, bringing 800 new jobs to the region (see Teknovation coverage).
“Because of our commitment to building energy infrastructure and advancing new nuclear technologies, we’re generating interest in this region that we haven’t seen in decades,” Lee said.
He also highlighted the role of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, led by Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter, who will take on an expanded role as Deputy Governor starting October 15.
Like what you've read?
Forward to a friend!