TN.gov Newsroom

NASHVILLE – Trade & Industry Development, a site selection trade publication, has awarded Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. and Hemlock Semiconductor the magazine’s 2009 Corporate Investment and Community Impact (CiCi) Awards.

 

Trade & Industry Development recognized Volkswagen and Hemlock Semiconductor in the corporate investment category, which focuses on overall capital investment and job creation, taking into account the scale of a project in a particular location.

 

“This is good news, and confirms that Tennessee continues to build on its reputation as one of the most business-friendly states in the country,” said Governor Phil Bredesen. “Businesses like Volkswagen and Hemlock look to places like Tennessee with strong productive workforces, low taxes and costs of doing business. Like their decisions to choose Tennessee, this recognition affirms we have positioned our state well for continued corporate investment.”

 

“The national recognition these projects have received demonstrates that our priorities are in the right place,” said Matt Kisber, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. “Tennessee’s commitment is to drive economic growth and develop a world class workforce through corporate investment, and these awards reflect that commitment.”

 

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. announced it would build a U.S. automotive production facility in Chattanooga, Tenn., where it will produce a car designed specifically for the North American consumer and invest $1 billion in the economy. With the new plant, Volkswagen will bring about 2,000 direct jobs to the area. A University of Tennessee study estimates that more than 9,000 additional jobs will be created in the region through construction and supplier activity.

 

“Chattanooga is a great fit for the Volkswagen culture, having an exceptional quality of life, excellent infrastructure and a well-trained workforce,” said VW Spokeswoman Jill Bratina. “The Tennessee facility will play an integral role in our future U.S. sales strategy, and we are excited to be a part of the community.”

 

Hemlock Semiconductor, a subsidiary of Dow Corning, is a polycrystalline silicon manufacturing facility located at Commerce Park, a megasite in Clarksville, Tenn. The project represents an investment of $1.2 to $2.5 billion dollars by Hemlock. The company expects to employ at least 500 people, and perhaps as many as 900 within five to seven years. The facility will produce a primary component used in the manufacture of solar panels and other energy equipment.

 

“This recognition is very meaningful for us as we truly understand the impact our investment will have on the community,” said Hemlock Semiconductor president and CEO Rick Doornbos. “It would not have been possible without the strong leadership demonstrated by Governor Bredesen and his team as well as by local leaders in Clarksville-Montgomery County.”

 

According to the magazine’s editors, approximately 1,000 entrants are honed down to 30 finalists in two categories: Corporate Investment and Community Impact. The 30 recipients of the awards helped create a total of 28,577 new jobs and retain 10,110 jobs. They also represent investments of $18.6 billion. 

 

Details of the CiCi Awards are announced in Trade & Industry Development’s March/April 2009 issue. Please visit www.TradeandIndustryDev.com for more information. You may view the issue on-line in a user-friendly digital format as well as in its print format.

 

 

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to create higher skilled, better paying jobs for all Tennesseans. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. To find out more, go to www.tnecd.gov.

 

 

Trade & Industry Development is the only vertical market publication dedicated to site selection. Each issue of T&ID focuses on site selection for a particular industry, and is mailed solely to that industry. This form of targeted marketing allows for greater market penetration in a publication where the editorial matches the audience. With a circulation of 25,000, T&ID reaches more decision makers per industry than any other publication dedicated to site selection. Please visit www.TradeandIndustryDev.com or call 800-899-2676 for more information.

 

###