Key Industries
Empowering Industries to Reach the Pinnacle of Success
In East Tennessee, we’re committed to seeing our business sectors thrive, and we have the skilled workforce, strategic location, business-friendly environment, and technological resources to empower the industries that locate here.
Major Business Sectors
We are a crossroads of innovation, talent, and research
Advantages range from our accessible location to advanced materials research at the University of Tennessee and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory to a right-to-work state that offers competitive wages and workers compensation rates. These advantages combine with competitive, reliable power and excellent training resources to make our region an exceptional location for industry.
Six Business Sectors Define Our Region
We have six business sectors that define our region, which include: Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy, Food & Beverage, IT & Business, Supply Chain & Logistics, as well as Transportation & Mobility. With world-class research institutions and a collaborative business environment, East Tennessee provides the foundation for companies to reach the pinnacle of success in an ever-evolving marketplace.
Employment by Industry
|
Industry |
Employees |
% |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural, Natural Resources & Mining | 4,572 | 0.75% |
| Business & Professional Services | 91,599 | 15.03% |
| Construction | 36,946 | 6.06% |
| Education & Health Services | 79,559 | 13.05% |
| Financial Activities | 18,708 | 3.07% |
| Government | 81,675 | 13.40% |
| Information | 5,659 | .93% |
| Leisure & Hospitality | 81,347 | 13.34% |
| Manufacturing | 62,474 | 10.25% |
| Other Services | 29,734 | 4.88% |
| Retail | 70,673 | 11.59% |
| Trade, Transportation & Utilities | 46,655 | 7.65% |
| Total | 609,602 | 100.00% |
Lightcast 2026