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Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry
The Voice of Tennessee Business
Weekly Newsletter | July 30, 2024
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TN CHAMBER UPDATES, POLICY & NEWS | |
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Nissan Rogue Named Winner of
Inaugural Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee Contest
NASHVILLE, Tennessee – The votes are in, and The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that Nissan Rogue, made in Smyrna, has been voted the winner of the inaugural Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee contest.
The winner was announced Thursday at the official contest luncheon and Smart Solutions for Smart Factories Expo at The Commons at PIE Innovation Center in Cleveland, Tennessee.
“The Nissan Rogue’s victory in our inaugural contest is a testament to the outstanding quality and impact of Tennessee’s manufacturing sector,” said Bradley Jackson, President & CEO of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry. “This award highlights the exceptional work being done at Nissan’s Smyrna plant and their contribution to the automotive industry.”
The Tennessee Chamber and Tennessee Manufacturers Association, in partnership with the Smart Factory Institute Tennessee, University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services, and the Chattanooga Regional Manufacturers Association, launched the Coolest Thing Made in TN contest to highlight and celebrate the state's vibrant manufacturing industry.
The contest sparked a wave of excitement across the state, drawing over 125 submissions from a diverse array of innovators and manufacturers. Participants ranged from high-profile brands like Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, M&M’S® PEANUT BUTTER MINIS, and Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pie to emerging local enterprises showcasing Tennessee’s rich tapestry of creativity and craftsmanship.
As the competition progressed, the enthusiasm reached new heights, with over 75,000 votes pouring in from all corners of the state. The fervent engagement from Tennessee’s business and manufacturing community underscored the pride and passion Tennesseans have for their local products.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the businesses and manufacturers who submitted their products,” Jackson said. “Their participation in this inaugural contest highlighted the incredible talent and innovation present in our state and look forward to a bigger and better contest next year.”
To explore the full list of the remarkable 2024 nominees and witness the innovation that defines Tennessee, CLICK HERE.
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NFIB: Small Business Trends and Optimism Index
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index climbed to 91.5 in June, marking the highest point this year, though it remains below the historical average of 98 for the 30th consecutive month. Inflation is still the top concern, with 21% of owners citing it as their primary issue, slightly down from May.
Thirty-seven percent of all small business owners reported unfilled job openings in June, a five-point drop from May, with skilled worker openings at 31% (down six points) and unskilled labor openings at 16% (up two points); this hiring difficulty is especially pronounced in the construction, transportation and retail sectors, while the agriculture and finance sectors reported the fewest openings. Some 38% of owners reported raising compensation, with 22% planning further increases in the next three months, up four points from May.
Fifty-two percent of owners reported capital outlays in the past six months, the lowest since August 2022, with overall capital spending sluggish and below pre-pandemic levels due to high interest rates and anticipated slower sales, despite some investment in labor-saving technology driven by worker shortages. Read More.
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From Littler Workplace Policy Institute: Federal Policy Update
Littler’s Workplace Policy Institute® (WPI®), the government relations and public policy arm of Littler — the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, shared the below federal policy updates. Learn More.
DOL Awards Over $280 Million for Registered Apprenticeships
The Department of Labor announced grant awards to support registered apprenticeships, including $195 million to 43 recipients for the second round of “Apprenticeship Building America” grants to support public-private partnerships across a variety of in-demand fields and a combined $88 million in State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula grants.
OSHA Unveils Text of Unprecedented Federal Heat Standard
Insight – On July 2, 2024, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released the text of its highly anticipated proposed standard that, if finalized, would create the first federal standard aimed at protecting workers from exposure to heat hazards in the workplace, whether indoors or outdoors. The proposed standard, titled Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings, applies to nearly all employers and is expected to be published in the Federal Register in the coming days.
Lawmakers Respond to Chevron Decision
Following the Supreme Court’s ruling that overturned the Chevron decision, Republican lawmakers in Congress sent letters to federal agencies, including the Department of Labor, National Labor Relations Board, and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, urging the agencies to comply with the ruling. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Ranking Member Bill Cassidy (R-LA) sent letters requesting information on how the agencies will comply with the ruling. House Education and the Workforce Chair Virginia Foxx (R-NC) and House Oversight Chair James Comer (R-KY) sent letters to eight federal agencies saying, “As the committees with legislative and oversight jurisdiction over your agency, we assure you that we will exercise our robust investigative and legislative powers not only to reassert forcefully our Article I responsibilities, but also to ensure the Biden administration respects the limits placed on its authority by the Court’s Loper Bright decision.”
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Tennessee Ranked #2 in GDP Growth
A new report by US News & World Report, ranks Tennessee #2 in GDP Growth, #4 in Growth, and #12 in Economy. Tennessee also currently ranks #5 in fiscal stability, highlighting a GDP of $523 billion. The state continues to leverage its pro-business policies and strategic advantages, including its 8-state border and access to the Mississippi River, to drive economic growth across key industries such as manufacturing, logging, and construction.
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Tennessee Chamber PAC Hosts Fundraiser for
Senator Todd Gardenhire
Earlier this month, the Tennessee Chamber PAC hosted a very successful fundraiser in support of Senator Todd Gardenhire, Chair of the Judiciary Committee. The Tennessee Chamber PAC works to support pro-business candidates and applauds the work of Senator Gardenhire.
So far, the Tennessee Chamber PAC has raised over $60,000 in direct candidate support to targeted races.
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Support the TN Chamber PAC
Invest in Tennessee’s future by taking an active role in issues that shape and define our state’s economy. Make sure your voice is heard by contributing to the Tennessee Chamber PAC!
The PAC’s mission is ensuring the Legislature and state departments and agencies do not harm your bottom line or Tennessee’s business climate. An investment in the Tennessee Chamber PAC helps our efforts to ensure pro-business legislators have support from the business community and are informed about the most important issues and challenges facing business and manufacturing.
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2024 TN Chamber
Environment, Energy & Sustainability Conference
August 21-23, 2024 | Gatlinburg, TN
Join us for an exciting and informative event at the Tennessee Sustainability Conference in Gatlinburg, TN. This annual conference is a partnership between three leading organizations: The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry, The Tennessee Recycling Coalition, and Tennessee Environmental Conference.
Click HERE for a quick video overview of our new partnership.
The three-day is a must attend event for environmental and sustainably professionals. The conference will feature a variety of environmental sessions, panel discussions, training classes and workshops, tours, an exhibit hall, and presentations from top environmental professionals and leaders. It promises to be an exciting and informative event that you do not want to miss!
In addition to the valuable educational content, attendees will also have the opportunity to network with peers and market their business or organization at the popular exhibitor area. With a variety of sponsorships available, including exhibitor booth space, complimentary registrations (including meals and receptions), recognition online, newsletters, and at the event, there are plenty of ways to get involved. With top-notch educational content, valuable networking opportunities, and a beautiful venue in the Great Smoky Mountains, you don't want to miss this!
Overnight Accommodations at Host Hotel (Park Vista) are SOLD OUT!
Additional Room Accommodations (Bearskin Lodge)
Overnight rooms are available for $107/night at the Bearskin Lodge on the River, 840 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN. Transportation will be available from the Bearskin Lodge to the Park Vista Hotel.
Online Booking: Click HERE
Reservation Line: 877-795-7546 *ask for the TNRC rate of $107*
Sponsorship opportunities now available contact Jim Skelton for additional information!
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Tennessee Chamber(s) of Commerce DC Fly In
September 9-11 | Washington, DC
The Tennessee Chamber is proud to announce a Washington D.C. Fly In for 2024. This opportunity presents a unique opportunity for Tennessee companies to weigh in on important policy topics at the federal level. We hope you can join us and make this event a great success. Planned activities include meetings with Tennessee’s U.S. Senate and House delegation and staff and policy briefings with some of the most influential national associations impacting business.
Sponsorship opportunities available. Email Jim Skelton, Director, Member Services & Programs
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2024 Southern Automotive Conference "Charging Forward"
September 30 - October 1 | Chattanooga, Tennessee
The Tennessee Automotive Manufacturers Association (TAMA), in partnership with the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Manufacturers Association, and the five member states of the Southern Automotive Conference (SAC), invite you to join us at the 2024 SAC Conference. The conference will be held September 30th through October 1st, 2024 in the beautiful city of Chattanooga, Tennessee. The newest addition to this year’s conference is the golf tournament on Wednesday, October 2nd!
SAC 2024 will showcase how the automotive industry continues to transform and embrace innovation.
We encourage you to visit the newly revamped website that includes registration, sponsorship, exhibitor and matchmaking event information.
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TN Chamber Business Open
Monday, October 14 | 1:00pm Shotgun Start
Hermitage Golf Course
The TN Chamber Annual Business Open is a rewarding and beneficial experience for individuals looking to grow their professional network, enhance their business opportunities, and enjoy a day of camaraderie on the golf course. The tournament offers a number of hole sponsorship activities, games & door prizes. Lunch begins at 12:00pm with a shotgun start at 1:00pm.
Four Player Teams
$800: TN Chamber Early Bird Rate (deadline August 14)
$900: Non-Member Early Bird (deadline August 14)
$900: TN Chamber Members
$1,000: Non-Members
Individual Players
$250- Members/Non-Members
*Includes golf, cart, lunch, dinner and awards*
Sponsorship opportunities available Email Suzie Lusk for additional information.
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TRAINING & WORKFORCE OPPORTUNITIES | |
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Tennessee Chamber Leadership Series Beginning August 12
The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry is hosting a 7-week virtual leadership development class beginning Monday, August 12, 1:00-2:30pm (CST). The classes, instructed by Peak Performance, are designed for managers, department heads, front line supervisors, team leaders and coordinators. Whether you are new to your position, or have been in leadership for years, this training will provide you with the necessary tools required to maintain trust, respect and credibility amongst your peers and employees. Today's leader must be versatile and adaptable. Effective leadership results in everything from increased workplace productivity and employee retention, to improved succession planning which ultimately leads to a better bottom line.
Participants are NOT required to attend all seven courses; a badge will be awarded for each course completed, and a leadership development certificate will be awarded to those participants who complete all seven courses.
One week prior to the course, participants will receive a link to complete a one-hour self-paced lesson to complete on their own. They will then join a 90-minute instructor-led class to review course material and apply knowledge through class activities. Classes will be held virtually from 1:00-2:30pm (CST) on the dates listed below.
REGISTRATION COST
$170- Individual Registration (Single Class)
$980- Individual Registration (Full Series)
Seats are limited- register now!
Course Registration
If you wish to attend an individual class, please click on the class link listed below.
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The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry, in partnership with the
Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development, offer half day and full day trainings.
Below you will find an overview of the trainings offered in Spring 2024.
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Recordkeeping (8:30am-12:00pm)
Maintenance Related (8:30am-4:30pm)
Forklift (8:30am-4:30pm)
Basic Safety & Health (8:30am-4:30pm)
Walking/Work Surfaces (8:30-12:00)
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30-Hour OSHA for General Industry (8:30-4:30pm)
December 3rd-6th, 2024
$500 (TN Chamber Members) or $595 (Non-Members)
Limited spots available
This conference will provide successful participants with four full days of intensive review of current topics in occupational safety and health compliance. Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a Federal OSHA 30-hour card which demonstrates your company's efforts toward voluntary compliance with OSHA's standards and will be useful during an inspection. Participants receive Federal OSHA's "30-hour" authorized card, Library of Compliance materials, OSHA Standards for General Industry with Tennessee specifics additions.
Participants Receive:
- Lunch is included each day.
- Federal OSHA “30-hour” card
- Library of compliance materials
- OSHA Standards for General Industry with Tennessee specific additions
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414 Union Street, Suite 107, Nashville, TN 37219
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