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Mastered in Tennessee

In the hills of Tennessee, Made in the U.S.A. comes with a footnote: Mastered in Tennessee. It’s a description that reflects the work ethic of the region’s manufacturing workforce. A workforce that makes things you use every day: cars and chemicals, food and beverage. And much more. The Volunteer State ranked #1 in business climate (Business Facilities, 2019) and boasts a rate of manufacturing jobs creation greater than the national average. Its lauded workforce is fueled in part by the Tennessee Promise, which provides the next generation of workers two years of tuition-free education after high school. Tennessee has the tools to help your business grow.

Our Team in Tennessee

Our economic development team is based with our operating company, Appalachian Power. We serve four counties in northeast Tennessee, which is home to several major chemical and plastic manufacturers, including the corporate headquarters and largest manufacturing operation of Eastman Chemical Company.

Contact Whitney Czelusniak, Manager of Economic and Business Development

  • I joined AEP in 2021 after having previously served as the Economic Development Coordinator for Washington County, VA. In this role, I was responsible for oversight of the County’s economic development functions, including planning and coordinating activities that focused on retaining existing and attracting new businesses and investments.
  • My prior experience includes serving as an Economic Development Specialist for the Virginia Tech Office of Economic Development where I designed and implemented applied research and technical assistance projects benefiting public and private sector entities throughout the Commonwealth. I began my career in local government as a Management Fellow for the City of Savannah, Georgia.
  • A proud native of Southwest Virginia, I completed my undergraduate education at Roanoke College, and my Master's in Public Administration and Graduate Certificate in Economic Development at Virginia Tech. I am a member of several community and professional organizations, including the Virginia Economic Developers Association and the Southern Economic Development Council.

Lay of the Land

Appalachian Power serves over 48,000 customers in the Volunteer State.

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Key Industries in Tennessee

Advanced Manufacturing

Energy & Chemicals

Paper & Timber

Boundless Advantages

Tennessee's central location means your business can connect to customers and suppliers faster. Its business-friendly environment means low taxes, less red tape and a long history of fiscal responsibility. Here are more reasons to choose Tennessee.



For more, visit the Tennessee State Economic Development webpage or the regional Networks Sullivan Partnership.

Power in Tennessee

Appalachian Power’s distribution and transmission offerings can accommodate large industrial users. We are poised to power your success. Here’s how.

Competitive Rates

Affordable power for your operations.

Robust Transmission Capacity

Our robust transmission capacity supports large industrial users and design, build and maintenance services for customer-owned facilities.

Energy Solutions

We provide advisory services for industrial process improvements, renewable generation and more. Our energy capabilities can be customized for your needs.

More energy solutions

Proximity Map

Featured Site

Technology Park II at Holston Army Ammunition Plant

This 159-acre Select Tennessee Certified Site is located just three miles from I-26 and is adjacent to the entrance of the Holston Army Ammunition Plant in Kingsport.

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See All Tennessee Sites