Business Development
What is Business Development?
Business Development is recruitment, retention and expansion of business creating and retaining jobs for the people of the Knoxville-Oak Ridge Innovation Valley. Successful business development is accomplished through the Knoxville Chamber's Economic Development and Workforce & Education Development departments.
The Knoxville region is nationally recognized as a prime place to locate and grow a business by many national publications. Below is a list of recent rankings of this region.
- Editor's Location Pick, Business Facilities, 2010
- 8th among Best Places to Raise a Family, Forbes, 2010
- 6th in Top Ten Mid-Markets of the Decade, Southern Business & Development, 2010
- 4th Best City for Real Estate Investments, Local Market Monitor, 2010
- 7th Top Metro for Alternative Energry Industry Leaders, Business Facilities, 2010
- Top 5 Metro for Economic Growth Potential, Business Facilities, 2010
The Knoxville-Oak Ridge Innovation Valley is home to Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Tennessee Valley Authority, University of Tennessee and Y-12 National Security Complex . These intellectual assets feed the business community with scientific ideas, an entrepreneurial spirit and a creative, highly-skilled workforce. They have also helped spur the growth of research-based businesses and attracted nationally renowned teams of scientists. These institutions are available to all businesses in the area and often help identify and address problems that face industry.
The Chamber's economic development professionals work with businesses to locate in the area and with existing businesses to grow and expand. They also have access to industrial and business property inventories and can help businesses navigate the permitting and building process. All inquires are kept confidential.
To contact the Chamber's Economic Development department please call 865-637-4550 or email Doug Lawyer.