AGP Executive Report

Critical Minerals: Korea Zinc’s planned $7.4 billion Project Crucible smelter in Montgomery and Smith counties could create 740 jobs and produce 11 minerals designated critical by the U.S. government. President Trump spotlighted the investment at a Clarksville rally. Auto Manufacturing: Volkswagen has begun assembling the 2027 Atlas at its Chattanooga plant, bringing a new model year into production at a major Tennessee manufacturing hub. Nuclear Energy: Amentum has opened its global nuclear headquarters in Oak Ridge, adding to the region’s nuclear industry presence. Workforce & Farm Support: Tennessee Tech received $434,204 to expand metal-casting workforce training, while a temporary state rule lets farmers use untaxed dyed diesel on roads to ease fuel costs. Data Centers: Memphis City Council’s repeated delays on a proposed data-center moratorium have fueled tensions over the projects’ local impact.

Data Centers: Memphis’ data-center debate intensified as a City Hall meeting erupted and the council again delayed a moratorium vote; county planners have also sent proposed rules to the County Commission. Energy Investment: TVA secured a construction permit for its first commercial small modular reactor, while Type One Energy closed a $200 million funding round to advance its Tennessee fusion project. Electric Vehicles: Ford’s planned Tennessee electric-pickup production and GM’s battery plans strengthen the state’s position in the EV supply chain. Manufacturing and Workforce: Pathway Lending committed $7 million to a Dyer County manufacturing project, and Cleveland State opened a mobile training lab to expand workforce development. Farm Costs: Tennessee paused enforcement of dyed-diesel restrictions through October, offering temporary relief to farmers and foresters facing higher fuel costs.

Energy & Weather: Isaias caused power outages across the Tennessee Valley and curtailed Gulf oil output, though major refineries were spared. Data Centers: Memphis approved data-center zoning standards on an initial vote, while Shelby County considers a moratorium; Nashville has launched a 90-day impact study. Manufacturing: Ford plans to build its next electric pickup in Tennessee starting in 2026, even as Stanton’s battery plant prepares to lay off dozens. Pathway Lending committed $7 million to a Dyer County manufacturing project. Power & Infrastructure: Tennessee-based Type One Energy raised $200 million for its planned fusion plant, and TVA secured a construction permit for its first U.S. commercial small modular reactor. Columbia approved a $12 million wastewater deal with Spring Hill. Agriculture: Gov. Bill Lee paused dyed-diesel restrictions for farmers and foresters through October, offering temporary fuel-cost relief.

Storm Disruptions: Post-tropical Isaias is moving north across Alabama toward the Tennessee Valley, bringing heavy rain and wind risks. The storm knocked out power across the Southeast and disrupted Gulf oil production, but major refineries were spared. Fuel & Farm Logistics: Tennessee has temporarily allowed farmers and foresters to use untaxed dyed diesel on public roads after federal enforcement was paused; trucking groups say clearer rules are needed. Statewide averages for the week ending Oct. 3 were $3.96 a gallon for regular gas and $6.07 for diesel, both down from the prior week. Data Center Debate: Memphis approved data-center zoning standards on an initial vote, while Shelby County commissioners are weighing a moratorium. The debate reflects growing concern over the facilities’ power demands and effects on local communities. Energy Investment: Tennessee fusion developer Type One Energy raised $200 million to advance plans for a commercial fusion plant, while TVA secured a construction permit for a small modular reactor. Local Business: Nashville-based Four Seasons Contractors began a new ownership chapter Oct. 1, with John Newcombe and Scott McLaughlin taking over the firm.

Data Center Policy: Memphis Mayor Paul Young ordered a 90-day review of data center rules, covering power costs, water use, air quality and neighborhood impacts. Fuel & Trucking: Tennessee’s temporary dyed-diesel relief has left trucking groups and fuel providers seeking clarity, as high diesel costs continue to squeeze farmers, foresters and carriers. Supply Chain Security: Memphis and southern Tennessee are among the pharma freight corridors facing heightened cargo-theft risks, prompting calls for tighter broker and carrier procedures. Energy Investment: TVA secured a construction permit for an advanced nuclear reactor, while Oak Ridge-based Amentum opened its global nuclear headquarters and Tennessee-based Type One Energy raised $200 million toward a fusion plant. Manufacturing & Skills: GM plans to make lower-cost, long-range EV batteries in Tennessee; Tennessee Tech also received $434,204 to expand metal-casting workforce training.

Energy and Fuel: Hurricane Isaias strengthened to Category 3, prompting producers to shut in about 63% of Gulf of Mexico oil output and raising concerns about fuel supplies and storm-related power disruptions. Tennessee has also allowed temporary road use of untaxed dyed diesel, but trucking groups say they need clearer guidance. Transportation: A consortium that lost the $9.2 billion I-24 Choice Lanes contract is suing TDOT for project records, questioning how the winning bid was evaluated. Data Centers: Memphis residents and officials are pressing for limits on data center development amid concerns about power demand; a developer’s lawsuit challenging the city’s moratorium was dismissed for now. Advanced Manufacturing: Amentum opened its global nuclear headquarters in Oak Ridge, while Tennessee Tech received a $434,204 grant to expand metal-casting workforce training. GM is preparing its Spring Hill plant to mass-produce a new, higher-density battery aimed at longer-range electric vehicles.

Farm and Fuel Costs: Tennessee is allowing farmers and loggers to use tax-exempt dyed diesel on public roads through October, offering harvest-season relief as fuel prices climb. Nuclear Energy: Amentum opened its global nuclear headquarters in Oak Ridge, bringing more than 150 specialists together at a hub for its nuclear operations. Workforce Development: Tennessee Tech received a $434,204 grant to expand metal-casting training programs, supporting skills for manufacturers. Manufacturing and Energy: Ford plans to build an electric pickup in Tennessee, while GM is preparing its Spring Hill plant to mass-produce a new battery technology; fusion company Type One Energy also raised $200 million as its Tennessee project nears construction. Data Centers: Memphis City Council again delayed a vote on a proposed data-center moratorium, as debate over the projects’ local impact grows.

Fusion Energy: Tennessee-based Type One Energy raised $200 million as it advances plans for a fusion power plant in the state. Nuclear Power: TVA secured a construction permit for its planned small modular reactor, a milestone for the utility’s Tennessee project. Manufacturing: GM plans a $1 billion investment at its Spring Hill battery factory and says the site will produce new long-range EV batteries; Ford also plans to build its next electric pickup in Tennessee. Business Growth: Pathway Lending invested $7 million to support a manufacturing project in Dyer County. Nashville Connections: Air France plans to start three weekly nonstop flights between Paris and Nashville in May 2027. Oracle, which is developing a Nashville headquarters, pledged $10 million to keep the Nashville Symphony’s season running. Development Debate: A Tennessee judge tossed a developer’s challenge to a data-center moratorium, as local communities continue to debate the projects’ growth and impacts.

Electric Vehicles: Ford plans to begin building its next electric pickup at a dedicated facility in Stanton in 2026, keeping a major vehicle assembly project on track at BlueOval City. Data Center Dispute: A federal judge dismissed a developer’s challenge to Tennessee’s data-center moratorium without prejudice, citing inconsistencies in the property-interest claims. Memphis leaders are also facing pressure over a proposed moratorium. Energy Investment: Type One Energy raised $200 million as it advances plans for a Tennessee fusion plant, while TVA secured a construction permit for the first U.S. commercial small modular reactor. Manufacturing: Pathway Lending is investing $7 million to support a manufacturing project in Dyer County, bringing fresh financing to West Tennessee industry. Fuel Costs: Gov. Bill Lee paused dyed-diesel restrictions for farmers and foresters through October, offering temporary relief as diesel prices remain elevated.

Nuclear Power: TVA secured a construction permit for the first U.S. commercial small modular reactor, while Knoxville-based Type One Energy raised $200 million to advance a planned fusion plant at TVA’s Bull Run site. The company is targeting operations by 2034. Manufacturing: GM and Ultium plan a $1 billion investment at the Spring Hill battery factory, supporting production of new long-range EV batteries. Energy and Workforce: DENSO says its Athens facility has logged months of solar generation, as TVA flags demand for more skilled-trades workers. Senator Tommy Tuberville also says TVA is exploring new gas supply and nuclear options to support manufacturing. Data Centers: Memphis residents and advocates are pressing for stronger oversight as the city weighs a moratorium on data centers, raising questions about their power and community impacts. Farm and Freight Costs: Gov. Bill Lee paused enforcement of dyed-diesel restrictions for farmers and foresters through October after a federal order temporarily allowed the fuel on roads.

Death Penalty Fallout: Christa Pike is reported “conscious and speaking” after Tennessee’s botched execution attempt, with attorneys saying she’s receiving critical care and calling for a commute. Energy & Fuel Costs: Tennessee is moving to suspend dyed-diesel restrictions through October as diesel stays near record highs, while a separate federal order temporarily expands red-dyed diesel use nationwide. Housing & Construction: Nashville is set to award about $40.2M in Barnes Fund grants to preserve/build 1,106 affordable homes, the biggest local round without federal funding. Data Centers & Local Rules: Bradley County says it will fight a data-center lawsuit despite insurance denying coverage, after a setback requirement was challenged. Water & Environment: Chattanooga reports a sanitary sewer overflow impacting South Chickamauga Creek, closing downstream areas to protect aquatic life. Workforce & Nuclear Maintenance: TVA’s Sequoyah Unit 2 outage highlights demand for skilled trades workers as contract crews ramp up. Local Business Growth: Franklin’s Visit Franklin adds four board members spanning construction, government, and hospitality, and Brentwood breaks ground on a new luxury community, The Five at Valley View.

Aviation & Business: Jet Access cut the ribbon on a new private terminal at Nashville’s John C. Tune Airport, adding an executive lounge, offices, conference space and 22,000 sq. ft. of hangar space—another sign of growth in Tennessee general aviation. Energy & Industry: Google signed a 20-year, $4.3B nuclear power deal with Constellation to support its AI build-out, and the company points to prior nuclear investments that include Tennessee. Healthcare & Biotech: OKYO Pharma says first patients are enrolled in a Phase 3 trial in Nashville for urcosimod to treat neuropathic corneal pain. Real Estate & Finance: Gumption’s Q3 CRE report finds floating-rate financing is now often cheaper than fixed, with floating beating fixed on most deals. Workplace & Legal: A former Nike distribution center manager in Memphis alleges retaliation after returning from medical leave, filing suit in federal court. Public Safety: Tennessee’s State Fire Marshal urged safer Halloween decorating, warning against unsafe candles and overloaded electrical decorations. Food Safety: A frozen berry recall tied to possible E. coli contamination expanded to additional Walmart and Trader Joe’s items.

Nuclear & Energy: The U.S. approved TVA’s first BWRX-300 small modular reactor construction at Clinch River, clearing a major regulatory step even as TVA still needs another license before fuel loading and power generation. AI & Public Sector: Tennessee CIO Kristin Darby says the state is “doubling down” on AI governance, including electronic monitoring of tools and approval requirements for AI systems across state agencies. Higher Ed & Campus Construction: UT has started the next phase of the Neyland Stadium G10 garage demolition, with new traffic patterns and construction activity around the area. Road Safety: TDOT is moving ahead with a $4.19M SR 68 resurfacing and restriping project in Copperhill aimed at cutting a crash rate nearly 10 times higher than expected. Health & Research: A Vanderbilt-led human trial reports SGLT2 diabetes drugs can reduce inflammatory immune cells, a potential new angle on cardiovascular risk. Sports & Local Economy: Tennessee voters face three constitutional amendments on Nov. 3, including a highly contested bail measure, with Knox County’s ballot described as unusually long. Supply Chain Tech: D-Wave and the University of Arkansas launched a quantum supply chain initiative with a focus on complex logistics problems. Food & Agriculture: USDA begins oral rabies vaccine bait drops across parts of western North Carolina and surrounding states, including east Tennessee.

Tennessee Energy & Industry: Enel finalized a 270MW U.S. solar PV portfolio acquisition, adding about $20M to ordinary EBITDA, with recent Tennessee and Utah projects already operational under long-term power purchase agreements. Local Business & Jobs: Oracle pledged $10M to support the Nashville Symphony’s restructuring, restoring the 2026-27 season and reversing planned furloughs at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Hospitality Development: Travel + Leisure is expanding Sports Illustrated Resorts with Wyndham, setting up a build-operate-scale hotel model that could reshape destination development. Public Safety: Tennessee fire officials joined Fire Prevention Week messaging on safe charging of lithium-ion devices, warning that damaged or improper charging can trigger fast-moving home fires. Healthcare Access: South Central Human Resource Agency says LIHEAP heating assistance applications are being wait-listed until funds are available. Environment & Agriculture: Tennessee wildlife officials warn about spotted lanternfly spread, urging residents to spot eggs and adults early to protect hardwoods and fruit trees. Food & Consumer: PepsiCo recalled 122,021 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade in 37 states due to missing yellow dye labeling. Local Community: Memphis continues adding to its product linecard, while Clarksville highlights pets of the week for adoption.

Tennessee Corrections: Christa Pike’s botched execution has left her unconscious on a ventilator, with lawyers saying her prognosis may not be known for days as officials try to clear pentobarbital from her system. Energy & Industry Tech: TVA became the first U.S. utility to receive a construction permit for an advanced nuclear reactor, while IonQ and EPB Quantum launched CQ Connect in Chattanooga to help companies find practical quantum uses across manufacturing, logistics, and more. Local Business & Growth: InnoVision Marketing Group debuted two AI-made TV commercials, including one for East Tennessee’s Buddy’s bar-b-q, showing how regional brands are using AI for lower-cost production. Food Safety: Frozen berry recalls expanded again after E. coli concerns, with additional lots pulled from Walmart and Trader Joe’s. Workforce & Community: Murfreesboro’s Home Expo and Lane Agri-Park programming highlighted hands-on training from home improvement to Master Gardener and sewing classes. Tourism & Culture: Memphis hosted Netflix’s “A Different World” executive producer Felicia Pride, pushing local creatives to pursue behind-the-camera roles.

Tennessee Corrections: Gov. Bill Lee accepted the resignation of Department of Correction Commissioner Frank Strada after the botched lethal-injection attempt on death-row inmate Christa Pike left her unconscious and on a ventilator; Lee ordered an independent review and paused other executions for the rest of the year. Nuclear & Power: TVA received a construction permit for the Clinch River BWRX-300 advanced nuclear reactor, adding to Tennessee’s momentum as regulators greenlight more small-reactor work. Auto & Manufacturing Jobs: GM announced a $1 billion expansion at its Tennessee EV battery plant, adding about 500 jobs, as Ultium Cells and other battery suppliers continue scaling operations across the state. Aviation & Logistics: Holland America is boosting Montréal calls in 2028 Canada/New England itineraries, while broader U.S.-Canada travel tensions continue to shape tourism and travel planning. Community & Education: Bradley County Schools won an $11.47M GEAR UP grant to support thousands of students across multiple high-poverty schools, with business and nonprofit partners backing the effort.