GovCon
With Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter looking on, Gov. Bill Lee speaks at last year's GovCon in Chattanooga. (Courtesy of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development)
TDLWD Will Play Major Role at GovCon 2024 in Knoxville
Department Has Collaborated with Economic and Community Development Counterparts on This Year's Sessions
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s annual Governor’s Conference returns this month, and for the first time, the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development will have a leading role.
Better known as GovCon, the conference brings together state and local leaders, business executives, and other stakeholders to share ideas and best practices. GovCon 2024 is Oct. 17-18 at the Knoxville Convention Center.
GovCon has long been organized by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD). But for the first time in the event’s 70-year history, TNECD is partnering with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) to produce GovCon.
“As a department, we work closely with TDLWD to assist companies looking to locate or expand in Tennessee with their workforce needs and concerns,” said TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter.
“It’s no secret that workforce has become the No. 1 topic of economic development discussions statewide, and what better way to address the subject than to partner with our sister agency.”
TDLWD Commissioner Deniece Thomas agrees, calling the partnership “a natural fit.”
“The two departments will continue to work hand in hand to make sure Tennessee has the skilled and qualified workforce needed to attract industry and grow our economy.”
GovCon serves as an opportunity for state and local leaders, business professionals, and other stakeholders to network and share ideas. (Courtesy of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development)
Opportunities to Learn
In addition to the governor’s luncheon and opening reception, there will be several GovCon sessions and panel discussions aimed at elevating business, community, and rural development efforts across Tennessee.
TDLWD has put together three breakout sessions that focus on workforce development. Topics include innovative ideas for training Tennessee workers and the benefits of artificial intelligence for businesses.
Several dozen TDLWD employees will attend GovCon. The Department typically holds yearly training sessions for staff to ensure employees are up to date on workforce data and trends. GovCon will supplement that training by covering a wider range of topics that impact the work of employees.
“Our staff will leave GovCon with a better understanding of how our work can best support economic development for Tennessee,” Thomas said. “We need to grow this partnership with our counterparts at TNECD, and the learning and networking opportunities at GovCon will have a great impact on the work our employees do each day to better the lives of Tennesseans.”
More than 700 people have registered to attend this year's GovCon, which will be held in Knoxville on Oct. 17-18. The two previous conferences were held in Nashville and Chattanooga. (Courtesy of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development)
A Whole Lot of Orange
More than 700 people — representing 88 of the state’s 95 counties — have registered for GovCon 2024 in Knoxville. The previous two conferences were held in Nashville and Chattanooga.
“Tennessee is comprised of three grand divisions, each with their own unique strengths and attributes, and as a department, we felt that it was important that we highlight the state’s varying regions and host our conferences in different cities across Tennessee,” McWhorter said.
Expect to see plenty of Tennessee Orange on display this year.
Just three months after leading his team to its first national title, Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello will be the keynote speaker at the governor’s luncheon on the first day of GovCon. Gov. Bill Lee will speak and introduce Vitello to the audience.
Vols fans will have another reason to cheer later that day.
After Thursday’s sessions, conference attendees will be encouraged to ditch their business attire, put on their favorite sports team apparel, and hop on a shuttle for a tailgate-themed reception at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville at its Innovation Park at Cherokee Farm. ESPN’s Marty Smith will be the special guest. The reception comes just two days before No. 4 Tennessee takes on No. 1 Alabama in an SEC showdown at Neyland Stadium.
To learn more about GovCon, visit https://govcon.tnecd.com.
About GovCon
This year’s GovCon is Oct. 17-18 in Knoxville. Speakers include:
- Glenn Jacobs, Knox County Mayor
- Indya Kincannon, Knoxville Mayor
- Bill Lee, Tennessee Governor
- Stuart C. McWhorter, TNECD Commissioner
- Dr. Lynne E. Parker, Founding Director of the National AI Initiative Office
- Donde Plowman, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Chancellor
- Marty Smith, ESPN Journalist
- Deniece Thomas, TDLWD Commissioner
- Tony Vitello, Tennessee Baseball Coach
FOCUS is a publication of the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development.