The Knoxville Chamber’s April ECO shows 281 new Knox County business licenses in March and 10,441 metro job postings — a sign of rising entrepreneurship and hiring competition.

LEV Manufacturing will open a 100,000-sq-ft Rad Power Bikes assembly hub in Algood, promising 288 jobs and a $7M investment for Putnam County. Officials say the site will handle assembly, logistics and fulfillment.

Sea Ray's Vonore plant on Tellico Lake has manufactured boats since 1983 and remains a major local employer, producing dozens of models each week. The factory supports a cluster of suppliers and long‑tenured jobs in East Tennessee.

Tennessee's statewide gas average climbed above $4 on May 4, 2026 as crude prices and inventory draws push pump prices higher.

Adient will close its Athens plant on June 30, affecting about 210 workers. McMinn County EDA and the City of Athens are coordinating rapid‑response services.

Loudon‑based Protomet says it will hire about 50 workers and hold a career fair April 23 to fill assembly, machining and welding positions as part of an "AI‑proof" push.

A new Ollie's opens at Congress Crossing next Thursday with 9 a.m. doors and steep discounts on brand-name closeouts.

Nordstrom Rack will open at Pinnacle at Turkey Creek on June 25 with early festivities, giveaways and savings up to 70%.

Heil Trailer will produce Army fuel tankers in Athens under a 10‑year federal contract, bringing upgraded production lines and more local jobs to McMinn County.

McKay's will close its Papermill Drive store after 40 years; the last day is May 3. Incoming items stop Feb. 26 and returns are available through the final day.

CR Fitness Holdings will open Crunch Bearden, a nearly 47,000-square-foot Crunch gym at 4581 Kingston Pike in 2026. Presale memberships start at $9.99 with $0 enrollment and founding-member perks.

Centrus Energy will invest more than $560M and add nearly 430 jobs in Oak Ridge as it scales centrifuge manufacturing to support U.S. uranium enrichment.

Two Oak Ridge companies have been awarded $1.8 billion to bolster U.S. uranium enrichment, aiming to enhance energy security and reduce reliance on foreign supplies.