Area Development
{{RELATEDLINKS}}Tennessee’s ideal location, strong transportation infrastructure, low costs of doing business, and high quality work force provide an attractive setting for investments from around the globe. With most major U.S. markets within a day’s drive, Tennessee provides immediate access to eight interstate highways, an extensive network of railways and waterways, and the world’s second-busiest freight airport in Memphis.

Our business-friendly climate also features no personal income tax and one of the lowest tax burdens in the country. We’re a rightto- work state with competitive incentives that include job training and infrastructure grants, a special economic development fund, tax credits, and applicant recruitment and screening.

Let the Volunteer State check off the essential factors you’re considering in an important expansion or location decision. Here’s why you should select Tennessee:

Location and Infrastructure:
With most major U.S. markets within a day’s drive, Tennessee’s central location offers immediate access to eight interstate highways; more than 1,000 miles of waterways connecting to river ports in 21 states and three ocean ports; and six commercial airports, including Memphis International, the world’s second-busiest freight airport and home to the FedEx Super Hub.

Qualified Work Force:
Tennessee offers a statewide comprehensive educational system with nine public universities, 13 community colleges, 27 technology centers, and 34 independent colleges and universities.

Cost of Doing Business:
Tennessee boasts one of the nation’s lowest business tax burdens, including no personal income tax on wages and salaries.

Business Friendly:
Tennessee is a right-to-work state preventing compulsory union membership, and only 4.6 percent of the work force statewide is in a union. Tennessee is also an employment-at-will state providing employers with the right to hire or dismiss employees as business conditions demand.

Sound Fiscal Management:
A testament to the state’s prudent fiscal management, Tennessee has consistently received the highest credit ratings from the three major U.S. bond rating agencies and has one of the lowest debts per capita of any state in the United States.

Investment Incentives:
Tennessee offers competitive financial incentives that include public infrastructure grants, employee job training grants, a special economic development fund, and a variety of tax credits and sales and use tax exemptions.

Quality of Life:
With abundant opportunities for recreation and entertainment, Tennessee attractions include national and state parks, historic sites and natural areas for fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, golfing, and boating; worldfamous musical venues and performances of country, gospel, bluegrass, rock ‘n roll, and classical genres; renowned art museums; professional sports teams; and opera and theater groups statewide.

Contact us for more information on investing in Tennessee and to receive a customized proposal for your business project.


ALLEN BORDEN
Assistant Commissioner, Business Development

Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development

312 Rosa L. Parks Ave., 27th Floor
Nashville, TN 37221
Tel: 615-532-1294
Fax: 615-741-5829

allen.borden@tn.gov
www.tn.gov/ecd/
www.selecttennessee.com/