GovCon

At the time, TDLWD Commissioner Deniece Thomas called the partnership a “natural fit,” saying the two agencies were already working together to ensure Tennessee has the skilled workforce needed to attract industry.

Since then, GovCon has featured breakout sessions focused on workforce development. Past topics have included innovative ideas for training Tennessee workers and the benefits of AI for businesses.

This year TDLWD will present three sessions that each include a panel discussion and question-and-answer segment. All three are designed to offer insights and practical takeaways for employers and local leaders, Commissioner Thomas said.

“This year’s content takes an even deeper look at the workforce issues communities are facing across the state, and just as importantly, it focuses on real-life solutions,” she said. “From upskilling current workers to building stronger talent pipelines, these discussions will help communities and employers leave GovCon with ideas they can put into action.”

The sessions are:

• Building Industry Ecosystems: The Tile Valley Model for Workforce and Economic Growth. Nearly every piece of tile produced in the United States has a connection to Tennessee. To ensure they have the skilled workforce needed to produce this specialized product, ceramic tile manufacturers teamed up with the Tennessee Board of Regents to develop a Tile Manufacturing Operator program, now available at three TCAT campuses. Using Tile Valley as a model, this GovCon session will highlight practical strategies for building industry ecosystems that attract investment, develop talent pipelines, and create sustainable career opportunities. Panelists include Dr. Jothany Reed from the Board of Regents and Kephart Group Inc. President Michael Kephart.

See the latest "State of the Workforce" episode on Tile Valley.

• Approaches to Industry Partnerships: Connecting Schools, Employers, and Communities to Build Tomorrow’s Workforce: Strong workforce pipelines begin with strong partnerships. This session will focus on ways to formalize industry partnerships, engage employers, and prepare students for high-demand careers. Panelists include Jeremy Qualls from the Williamson County CTE Innovation Center and Brittany Cannon from the Bradley County PIE Innovation Center.
• Tennessee’s Advanced Energy Workforce Pipeline: Preparing Communities to Power an Emerging Sector: Advanced energy is creating new opportunities across Tennessee, not just in Oak Ridge. This session will explore how local leaders can help build sustainable workforce pipelines that prepare Tennesseans for high-quality careers, attract investment, and support the state’s growing advanced energy sector. Panelists include Charlie Brock of Chattanooga Quantum Collective and Teresa Duncan of Roane State Community College.

To learn more about these sessions and view an agenda, visit the GovCon 2026 website.