NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership and Regional Groups Highlight Workforce and Business-Ready Assets During Red Carpet Tour for Site Selectors

For more than a decade, the Northeast Tennessee Red Carpet Tour has been a key effort in promoting the region’s business advantages to site selection consultants. After a pause during the pandemic, this year marked the first full tour since 2019, with eight consultants from across the country visiting the region.

Hosted by NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership in cooperation with regional partners, the event continues a 12-year tradition of introducing site consultants to the people, places, and partnerships that drive Northeast Tennessee’s economy.

Workforce and Training at the Center

NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership CEO Clay Walker said the event’s focus reflects the region’s greatest strength, its workforce.

“We talk about sites, a lot about workforce development because that’s our strength and that’s where we lean very hard,” Walker said.

The group’s itinerary included hands-on experiences, such as operating a flight simulator at Northeast State Community College, where technical training supports advanced manufacturing and aviation industries.

Business and Culture on Display

In addition to business visits, the consultants also experienced the cultural assets that contribute to the quality of life in Northeast Tennessee. The tour included a visit to Bristol Motor Speedway, where guests had the opportunity to drive the dragway, and an evening at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum that featured a songwriters’ performance.

“These events help people understand what it’s like to live and work here,” Walker said. “That personal connection matters when decisions about relocation or expansion are being made.”

Shared Commitment Across Counties

Economic development leaders from multiple Northeast Tennessee communities joined the tour to emphasize the region’s collaborative approach.

“We work together on these red carpet tours to bring site selectors and economic developers from across the country to learn about workforce, quality of life, and what a great place it is to do business in Northeast Tennessee,” said Jeff Taylor, president and CEO of the Greene County Partnership.

Results That Build Over Time

Since its inception, the tour has helped attract six major projects and more than 2,000 jobs to the region. The event’s return this year reinforces a long-term commitment to keeping Northeast Tennessee on the radar of companies considering new investment.

“You don’t really have an expectation of an immediate return on investment for an event like this, but we’ve seen the results over time,” Walker said. “So if it doesn’t happen immediately, we’ve learned it will happen, you just gotta stay with it.”

Walker added that continued engagement with site consultants ensures they are familiar with the region’s assets when opportunities arise. It’s about relationships and staying top of mind with the people who help companies choose where to grow.

NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership is Here to Help Business Attraction and Expansion

If your company or clients are exploring new locations for investment, expansion, or site development, the NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership is ready to help. Connect with the NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership to learn more about Northeast Tennessee’s workforce advantages, available sites, and business support services. Our team can provide data, regional insights, and on-the-ground guidance to support your decision-making.