Knoxville TN, September 27, 2025
News Summary
During the annual Chamber Breakfast in Knoxville, Governor Bill Lee discussed the state’s recovery from Hurricane Helene and proposed innovative traffic solutions, including choice lanes on interstates. He highlighted significant economic achievements, such as the creation of over 73,000 new businesses and the ongoing efforts to standardize development through the Unified Development Ordinance in Knox County. The Chamber is also strategically relocating and has listed its office for sale, reflecting its commitment to adapting to local needs.
Knoxville
On September 18, 2025, at the annual Chamber Breakfast in Knoxville, Governor Bill Lee discussed statewide economic development and community growth, emphasizing Tennessee’s recovery from Hurricane Helene one year after the disaster. During his speech at the Knoxville Convention Center, Lee spotlighted key economic milestones and outlined plans to tackle local infrastructure challenges.
Lee proposed the introduction of choice lanes on congested interstate corridors in Knoxville to alleviate traffic issues. The choice lane program has already received approval in Nashville, with ongoing projects aimed at enhancing mobility in the region.
Despite not receiving requests for assistance from local authorities, Lee defended his decision to collaborate with federal officials to deploy troops in Memphis to combat rising crime levels. This move has sparked discussion about the appropriate response to local public safety concerns.
In addition to Lee’s remarks, the East Tennessee Realtors (ETNR) announced their priorities concerning Knox County’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). This ordinance aims to create standardized development guidelines in alignment with the Advance Knox comprehensive plan, facilitating future community growth in the area. Public meetings about the UDO are currently ongoing, allowing community feedback for these planning efforts.
Tina Collins-Hefner, the 2025 ETNR board president, emphasized the necessity for land use policies that reflect community needs and market realities. The organization advocates for smart growth and streamlined development to foster vibrant residential, commercial, and industrial neighborhoods throughout Knox County.
In other developments, Casey Fox has joined the TN4ARTS board, focusing on increasing and supporting funding for the arts in Tennessee. Fox, currently the director of impact and development at the Arts & Culture Alliance of Greater Knoxville, is set to play a significant role in supporting arts initiatives statewide through strategic advocacy and funding programs.
Allison Oaks was named the 2026 Queen Ambassador for the Senior Companion Program of CAC, with a mission to raise awareness for seniors and promote volunteerism. Oaks, also the owner of Platinum Realty Group, aims to enhance the lives of seniors beyond basic needs.
Furthermore, Christopher Watkins has been appointed the new Knoxville Economic Development Director following Glenn Lyons’ retirement. This position will be critical in leading future economic initiatives for the region.
The Knoxville Chamber has listed its Market Square office for sale at $7.5 million, having utilized the location since 2004. The 19,775-square-foot office is part of a strategic relocation decision by a task force reviewing the Chamber’s physical presence in the area. This decision comes on the heels of Market Square being recognized as the No. 3 public square in the USA TODAY Best Public Squares awards. The Chamber has recently created over 2,000 jobs and attracted more than $400 million in investments to the region.
Economic outlook data from the University of Tennessee Knoxville’s Boyd Center indicates a projected slowdown in Tennessee’s economic growth. However, the state continues to lead the nation in business formation, with over 73,000 new businesses established during the fiscal year 2024, showing a 60% increase from 2019. Although the state’s unemployment rate slightly rose to 3.6%, there are over more job openings than unemployed individuals. Furthermore, inflation-adjusted personal income growth in Tennessee stands at an annual rate of 1.9%, slightly outpacing the national average. Economic experts are cautiously monitoring the potential impact of federal tariffs on Tennessee’s whiskey and auto industries, remaining optimistic about mitigating the challenges ahead.
FAQ
What event did Governor Bill Lee speak at on September 18, 2025?
Governor Bill Lee spoke at the annual Chamber Breakfast in Knoxville.
What did Governor Lee highlight in his speech?
He highlighted his successes in economic development and praised Tennessee’s recovery from Hurricane Helene one year post-disaster.
What plan did Governor Lee propose for relieving congestion in Knoxville?
Lee proposed building “choice lanes” on the congested interstate corridor in Knoxville.
What is the purpose of Knox County’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)?
The UDO aims to create standardized development guidelines based on the Advance Knox comprehensive plan for future community growth in the county.
What role does Casey Fox play in TN4ARTS?
Casey Fox joined the TN4ARTS board, focusing on expanding and supporting funding for the arts in Tennessee.
What organization appointed Allison Oaks as the 2026 Queen Ambassador?
Allison Oaks was named a 2026 Queen Ambassador for the Senior Companion Program of CAC.
What changes are occurring with the Knoxville Chamber’s office?
The Knoxville Chamber has listed its Market Square office for sale for $7.5 million as part of a strategic relocation effort.
How many new businesses were created in Tennessee during fiscal year 2024?
Over 73,000 new businesses were created in Tennessee during fiscal year 2024.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Annual Chamber Breakfast in Knoxville |
| Governor’s Focus | Economic development and recovery from Hurricane Helene |
| Infrastructure Proposal | Choice lanes for congested interstates |
| Economic Growth | Over 73,000 new businesses created; 3.6% unemployment |
| ETNR Goals | Standardizing development guidelines through UDO |
| Community Initiatives | Focus on arts funding and senior support programs |
| Knoxville Chamber’s Office | Listed for sale at $7.5 million |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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TVA Effectively Mitigates Damage from Hurricane Helene
Lane Curlee Joins Tullahoma News as Business Reporter
Tennessee Credit Union Partners with CU Wealth Group for Enhanced Services
Construction Progress in Downtown Knoxville
Launch of Podcast ‘Office Hours: Business Edition’ at UT Knoxville
Surge in Luxury Home Sales in Knoxville Amid Economic Uncertainty
Nissan Stadium Construction Progresses for Tennessee Titans
U.S. Treasury Secretary Advocates for Stricter Sanctions on Russian Oil Buyers
Tennessee Invests Billions in Nuclear Fuel Recycling Facility
Additional Resources
- Governor Bill Lee’s Facebook Post
- Kniakrls: Christopher Watkins Steps in as New Knoxville Economic Development Director
- Knox News: Knoxville Chamber Lists Market Square Office for Sale
- Tennessean: Tennessee Economy Strong but Growth Slows
- Times Free Press: John Bradley – TVA Economic Development Powerhouse
- Wikipedia: Knoxville
- Google Search: Knoxville Economic Development
- Google Scholar: Knoxville Economic Growth
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Knoxville
- Google News: Knoxville
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
