TNECD Commissioner McWhorter to make nine stops statewide recognizing and celebrating Black-owned businesses across Tennessee
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) announced today that during the month of August, which is National Black Business month, TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter will be making stops across the state to recognize Black-owned businesses in Tennessee.
The department worked alongside other state partners and local stakeholders to identify businesses in each of TNECD’s nine regions as having significantly impacted their employees, their community and the state of Tennessee.
Some have been in business for over 100 years and have been staples in their communities for decades, while others are paving the way for a better future for all Black-owned businesses. All have positively impacted their communities and those around them.
Starting next week, TNECD will host a series of events to recognize the companies selected.
“From renowned visual effects companies and chocolatiers to the nation’s oldest Black-owned bank and the fastest-growing whiskey brand in American history, these companies, their leadership and staff are a testament to the Volunteer State’s vibrant culture,” Gov. Bill Lee said. “I applaud these businesses for their outstanding contributions to our state.”
Boasting one of the fastest growing economies of all states nationwide, Tennessee has proven to be an ideal business climate for Black businesses with continued steady growth seen over the past few years. In 2023, the Volunteer State was named the second-best state across the U.S. for Black-owned businesses. The study specifically named Tennessee’s low cost of living, high annual income of Black business owners and lack of a state income tax as reasons for the top-tier ranking.
“Earlier this year, we started the planning and preparation to honor these great companies who have made remarkable impacts on their communities,” said TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter. “Our state is defined by the brands that call Tennessee home, and it is important that we continue to recognize the businesses that are pillars across the state. Next week, I will be back on the road to recognize and celebrate these nine businesses and their significant contributions.”
The companies that will be visited include:
- ActionVFX – Johnson City, Washington County
- Cocoa Asante – Chattanooga, Hamilton County
- Hardy Beverages – Memphis, Shelby County
- Helen’s Bar-B-Q – Brownsville, Haywood County
- John’s Place – Cookeville, Putnam County
- Johnson Heating & Air – Union City, Obion County
- Premiere Building Maintenance Corporation – Knoxville, Knox County
- Uncle Nearest – Shelbyville, Bedford County
- Citizens Bank – Nashville, Davidson County
To see photos from upcoming events, follow TNECD on our social media channels.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Like us on Facebook. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Media Contact:
Lindsey Tipton
TNECD Director of Communications
[email protected]
(615) 339-6608
*Photo courtesy of Uncle Nearest
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