Welcome to State of the Workforce! Tennessee's robust economy has led to tremendous growth recently. Major corporations are moving or expanding across the state, creating tens of thousands of new jobs. The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development is reimagining workforce development to meet the needs of these businesses.

State of the Workforce - Tourism in Tennessee

From Beale Street to Bristol Motor Speedway, tourism plays a vital role in Tennessee’s economy. Host Chris Cannon sits down with Tourism Development Commissioner Mark Ezell and Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association CEO and President Sara Beth Urban to explore how sales tax revenue from visitors is reinvested into communities, creating jobs, increasing wages, and expanding the state’s tax base. They also discuss the rewarding career paths available in tourism and hospitality.

Finally, we travel to Gatlinburg, where Greystone Lodge on the River General Manager Jackie Leatherwood shares insights on hiring in the hospitality industry and building a strong workforce for the future. (February 3, 2025)

State of the Workforce Podcast Episodes



Tennessee's Workforce Reimagined Podcast

The Tennessee's Workforce Reimagined podcast has ended production. Find previous episodes in the Podcast Archive below.


Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development Podcasts:

State of the Workforce

Department Podcast
State of the Workforce

Tennessee's Workforce Reimagined

Department Podcast
TN's Workforce Reimagined
(TWR ended production.)

No Wrong Door

Adult Education Podcast
No Wrong Door
(NWD ended production.)

Talking Second Chances

TN Office of Reentry Podcast
Talking Second Chances


This Page Last Updated: February 3, 2025 at 2:03 PM