Governor Haslam ranks 4th in the country for job growth

[Brian]

Tennessee is trying to convince Italy-based Fiat to move its future joint Fiat-Chrysler corporate headquarters (possibly a continental headquarters, just like Nissan USA) to Tennessee from the Detroit area. Auburn Hills and Jackson County in Michigan are working so hard to keep the newly-jointly company from moving south and elsewhere.

[MetropolitanTN]

I'd be surprised if they moved it down here. Pleasant surprise, though.

[nashvols]

I personally think the Fiat/Chrysler thing is a pipe dream. I wouldn't doubt that the CEO is fishing for an incentive package, though, whether they stay or go.

[bobtn]

[quote=Emigrations;30335960

I would like to see state and local leadership invest heavily in STEM education and business incubators. We need our parents and politicians to encourage education in order to attract viable employers in today's economy. Sadly, there is little reason to invest money right now in education in Tennessee, and in the Tri-Cities in particular, because there are few employers in our state and area where higher education is required or even useful. I would like to see business grow in the area organically rather than spending tens of millions to attract a big box retailer that will abandon the area after the kickbacks run out.

[/quote]

You have the process backwards. The level of post secondary education must rise first in order to even get the attention of better employers, paying better wages. Education will not follow employers coming in with better jobs.

Its hardly a coincidence the corp hqs are clustered in Brentwood-Franklin-Nashville proper given the quantity of super universities in Nashville.

[TVofM]

Originally Posted by Emigrations

We have shelled about $50 million in taxpayer funds in Bristol for a Bass Pro Shop and a Cabela's, which will generate mostly minimum wage level jobs. I believe Kingsport spent about $13 million on a YMCA/aquatic center. Our local leaders are completely incompetent.

I would like to see the area get more attention and positive direction from state leadership, as local leadership has proven woefully inadequate.

Why both a Bass Pro and a Cabela's for a town that size? They are virtually the same thing. Might as well add a Gander Mountain and get the trifecta. And why not throw in an Academy Sports & Outdoors, too.

[Serious Conversation]

Originally Posted by TVofM

Why both a Bass Pro and a Cabela's for a town that size? They are virtually the same thing. Might as well add a Gander Mountain and get the trifecta. And why not throw in an Academy Sports & Outdoors, too.

It is completely excessive. I can see the area supporting one of these stores, but not two.

[MetropolitanTN]

I think both may be viable there due to the interstate traffic.