From mom-and-pop stores on Main Street to global conglomerates, Tennessee businesses are the lifeblood of our local economy. To pay tribute to them and help promote their products and services, the Secretary of State's office is launching a new section on its web site dedicated to our state's businesses. The new feature, which debuts today, is called Tennessee Business Spotlight.

"The Volunteer State hosts a rich blend of businesses and our goal is to raise awareness about companies that contribute to their local communities and employ Tennesseans," Secretary of State Tre Hargett said. "I believe that many Tennesseans will be surprised and proud of the great work and innovative products Tennessee companies provide to the nation and the world."

To view Tennessee Business Spotlight, go to www.spotlight.tnsos.net. 

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More people are now eligible to claim exemptions from workers’ compensation as a result of a new law that took effect this month.

The law expands eligibility for people who can apply for and be listed on the Workers’ Compensation Exemption Registry, which is administered by the Secretary of State.

The expanded eligibility requirements are a result of the General Assembly’s passage of SB 1550, which was signed into law as Public Chapter 422 in June.

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On October 1, 2011 revisions in the Workers’ Compensation Exemption Registry law went into effect. All of the filing tools and forms in the WCER section of our website have been updated accordingly.

Beginning this week, business owners in the construction services industry who do not hold an active license issued by the Board for Licensing Contractors can apply for an exemption from the requirement to cover themselves with workers’ compensation insurance. Beginning February 1, business owners who hold an active license issued by the Board for Licensing Contractors may apply for the exemption.

These exemptions are permitted under last year’s enactment of Public Chapter 1149 by the General Assembly. 

Applications may be completed and submitted online at http://tnbear.tn.gov/wc/ or at the Tennessee Department of State Business Services Division’s customer service counter on the 6^th Floor of the William R. Snodgrass Tower, 312 Rosa L. Parks Avenue in downtown Nashville.

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