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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 14, 2023) – Tennessee tourism generated $29 billion in direct visitor spending and saw 141 million visitors to the state in 2022, according to newly released data from Tourism Economics. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Mark Ezell announced the news today at Hospitality TN’s Governor’s Conference on Hospitality and Tourism in Knoxville.

NASHVILLE – Tennessee’s statewide unemployment rate for August 2023 remained at the state’s all-time low seasonally adjusted rate of 3.1%, according to new data released by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD). The state reached its lowest unemployment rate in July, besting the previous record of 3.2%.

The REWARD Honor Roll is a new employer-recognition program that highlights businesses whose return-to-work programs exemplify the REWARD Program's principles. Any employer site operating in Tennessee can apply now.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced that applications are now open for the Tennessee Strong Families Grant Program, which dedicates $20 million to improve access to maternal healthcare and boost critical resources for mothers, children and families by supporting local nonprofits across the state, including pregnancy centers.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced that long-time legislative director, Brent Easley, will step down next month to return to the private sector. Liz Alvey will succeed Easley in the role, effective October 16.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 12, 2023) – A crisp chill in the air, cozy sweaters, fiery reds, bursting oranges and bright yellows glow through the trees, fall festivals and spooky experiences abound. Here’s what’s new and happening this fall in Tennessee.

NASHVILLE--Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions Commissioner Greg Gonzales announced today that the maximum effective formula rate of interest in Tennessee is 12.50 percent per annum. The rate is based on a ceiling of 4 percent over the weekly average prime loan rate of 8.50 percent as published by the Federal Reserve on September 11, 2023.

The Murfreesboro Driver Services Center, located at 1035 Samsonite Boulevard, will close to the public for a planned remodel on Sept. 15 and reopen mid-November.

Volunteer Tennessee, the governor appointed 25-member bi-partisan commission that encourages volunteerism and community service, announces its 2024 Notification of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Tennessee AmeriCorps programs, and it invites public and private nonprofit, governmental, and faith-based agencies from across the state to apply. The organization anticipates the availability of approximately $3.7 million in new and continuation grant funding for Tennessee AmeriCorps programs, pending federal congressional appropriations.

The state veterinarian confirms that a horse in Gibson County has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).