Gov. Lee, Commissioner McWhorter Highlights Strategic Economic Development Trip to France – Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s Strategic Economic Development Mission to France

Overview of the Trip

On June 25, 2025, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, alongside Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Commissioner Stuart McWhorter, concluded a successful strategic economic development mission to France. This marks Governor Lee’s fourth international recruitment trip since taking office in 2019. The delegation included governors Jeff Landry (Louisiana), Glenn Youngkin (Virginia), and Sarah Sanders (Arkansas).

Key Engagements and Announcements

• Attendance at the 55th International Paris Air Show, the world’s largest aerospace event, which saw $150 billion in contracts signed in 2023.
• Meetings with leading global companies to attract investment and jobs to Tennessee.
• Discussions with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on shared infrastructure priorities, including the historic I-55 Bridge project in Memphis.

Howmet Aerospace Expansion

Howmet Aerospace Inc., a global leader in engineered solutions for aerospace and transportation, announced plans to expand its Morristown, Tennessee facility. This expansion will create 217 new jobs, marking the company’s second expansion in under a year. Howmet currently employs over 1,000 people in Hamblen County, making it one of East Tennessee’s largest employers.

Partnerships with Schneider Electric and Orano

• Schneider Electric: In March 2025, Schneider Electric was named the Official Energy Management Partner of the new Nissan Stadium. The company has invested in multiple expansions across Tennessee, creating hundreds of jobs and employing over 1,900 Tennesseans.
• Orano USA: In September 2024, Orano USA announced plans for a multi-billion-dollar uranium enrichment facility in Oak Ridge, the largest investment in Tennessee’s history. Governor Lee and Commissioner McWhorter visited Orano’s Paris headquarters to strengthen this strategic partnership.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The mission directly supports SDG 8 by fostering sustained economic growth and productive employment. The announced expansions by Howmet Aerospace and Schneider Electric are projected to create hundreds of new jobs, contributing to Tennessee’s growing workforce and economic resilience.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

Investment in aerospace and defense industries, infrastructure projects like the I-55 Bridge, and partnerships with innovative companies such as Schneider Electric underscore Tennessee’s commitment to building resilient infrastructure and promoting inclusive industrialization.

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

Schneider Electric’s role as the Official Energy Management Partner of the new Nissan Stadium highlights Tennessee’s dedication to energy efficiency and sustainable energy management, aligning with SDG 7 objectives.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The international recruitment trip and strengthened collaborations with French multinational companies exemplify SDG 17 by fostering global partnerships to mobilize resources and share knowledge for sustainable development.

Economic Impact and Future Outlook

1. Since 2019, Tennessee’s focus on foreign direct investment has resulted in nearly 3,000 new jobs and approximately $5 billion in capital investment statewide.
2. The aerospace and defense sector has created around 2,900 new jobs and attracted over $575 million in investments during Governor Lee’s administration.
3. Tennessee is home to 160 aerospace and defense companies, including Howmet Aerospace, West Star Aviation, and Bell Helicopter, positioning the state as a national leader in these industries.

Statements from Leadership

Governor Bill Lee: “As states across the country compete for economic investment, Tennessee consistently ranks as a top state for business thanks to our strong economy, low taxes, and talented workforce. Leading global companies are choosing to relocate and expand across the Volunteer State, and I look forward to a strong return on investment as a result of this strategic economic development trip.”

TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter: “Having Gov. Lee join TNECD on international recruitment trips sends a powerful message to global companies: Tennessee is committed to building strong, strategic partnerships. Since 2019, our focus on foreign direct investment has driven significant economic growth—bringing nearly 3,000 new jobs and nearly $5 billion in capital investment to communities across our state.”

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article highlights job creation, economic investment, and workforce development in Tennessee.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Focus on aerospace industry growth, infrastructure projects like the I-55 Bridge, and investments in advanced manufacturing.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • International partnerships and foreign direct investment from French companies such as Schneider Electric and Orano.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 8 Targets
   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation.
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all.
2. SDG 9 Targets
   • Target 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and GDP.
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure.
3. SDG 17 Targets
   • Target 17.3: Mobilize additional financial resources for developing countries from multiple sources.
   • Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South, and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology, and innovation.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 8
   • Number of new jobs created (e.g., 217 new jobs by Howmet Aerospace, 2,900 new aerospace and defense jobs).
   • Amount of capital investment attracted (e.g., nearly $5 billion in capital investment).
2. For SDG 9
   • Investment in infrastructure projects (e.g., I-55 Bridge project as the largest transportation investment).
   • Number of companies in aerospace and defense sectors (e.g., 160 companies).
   • Monetary investment in industry sectors (e.g., $575 million invested in aerospace and defense).
3. For SDG 17
   • Foreign direct investment inflows (e.g., investments by Schneider Electric and Orano).
   • Number of international partnerships and collaborations (e.g., visits to Orano headquarters, cooperation with French companies).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: tnecd.com