Join Now
One Community. Real Partnerships. Every Week.
The East Tennessee Economic Council (ETEC) is an independent, nonprofit membership organization that connects business, government, and academia to support federal missions and regional economic growth.
ETEC is also the state's official partnership to advance nuclear innovation, workforce development, and economic growth across the state and strengthen Tennessee’s position as a global hub for nuclear through the Tennessee Nuclear Network [TN²].
Why Companies Join ETEC
DIRECT ACCESS
Federal program leaders, National Laboratory leadership, DOE and NNSA, elected officials, prime contractors, small businesses, universities, nonprofits, and the next-generation workforce. All in one room, every Friday.
STRATEGIC CONNECTIONS
ETEC isn’t just networking. It’s a working ecosystem where companies find collaborators, customers, talent, and opportunities. Members build real partnerships across industry, government, and academia in a relationship-driven environment.
WEEKLY INSIGHT
Members stay ahead of regional investments, federal priorities, and major projects shaping East Tennessee - with real-time insight from the leaders driving them.
What is ETEC?
The East Tennessee Economic Council (ETEC) is an independent, nonprofit membership organization that has supported federal missions and regional economic growth for more than 50 years.
We bring together industry, academia, and government to share information, build relationships, and advocate for the federal missions that drive East Tennessee’s economy.
We work in strong partnership with government contractors; Department of Energy and National Nuclear Security Administration representatives; federal, state, and local officials; small businesses; education and training institutions; and local economic development entities.
Who Makes Up ETEC?
ETEC is made up of more than 300 companies that include local and regional leaders from across East Tennessee’s innovation and federal-mission economy.
Our members include executives and professionals in: nuclear and national security, science and engineering, manufacturing, banking, medical technology, construction, communications, IT, education, environmental services, and many other technical and professional fields.
We also welcome students from local colleges and universities and retirees who want to stay connected to the work shaping the region.
What unites this community isn’t just information, it’s shared curiosity about the projects, programs, and innovations that will shape East Tennessee’s future.
Testimonials
"ETEC has been the single most impactful thing for me, both personally and professionally."
- Travis Roth, GEM Technologies
“ETEC meetings are unique, the quality and range of people and leaders you find here doesn’t exist anywhere else in the country.”
- Todd Mason, The IT Company
How ETEC Creates Value for Members
ETEC’s impact starts with our weekly Friday meetings — where relationships form, information moves quickly, and the region’s leaders stay connected.
That weekly rhythm is supported by a broader set of programs designed to help members stay informed, visible, and engaged, including:
-
Major regional events like the Nuclear Opportunities Workshop (NOW) Conference and ETEC’s Annual Meeting & Awards Celebration
-
Economic impact and research studies that document the value of federal missions in Tennessee
-
Policy and advocacy efforts that help align federal, state, and local priorities
-
Mission- and industry-focused working group, the Tennessee Nuclear Network [TN²]
-
After-work networking events that help young professionals and emerging leaders build connections
-
Industry capability showcases that highlight what member companies do
Together, these activities create a steady flow of insight, relationships, and opportunity.
Tennessee Nuclear Network [TN²] Membership
Companies that contribute to Tennessee’s nuclear ecosystem can also become members of the Tennessee Nuclear Network [TN²] as part of their ETEC membership, at no additional cost.
TN² grew out of ETEC’s long-standing Nuclear Working Group and has been designated by the State of Tennessee to serve as the state’s nuclear industry partnership, helping align industry, government, and education around nuclear innovation, workforce development, and long-term economic growth. It plays a central role in strengthening Tennessee’s position as a national and global hub for nuclear energy and technology.
All TN² members are also ETEC members, providing access to a broader network of more than 300 multi-sector companies and a wide range of engagement and networking opportunities across the region.
Through TN², members gain:
- Monthly industry updates and working committees
- Access to Tennessee’s nuclear ecosystem
- Connections to major projects, new builds, and supply-chain opportunities
- A voice in policy, workforce, and regulatory conversations
Understanding ETEC Membership
About Memberships
ETEC memberships are designed to be flexible and to reflect how your organization engages with the region.
Membership levels are typically based on the total number of employees in a company, but headcount is not the only factor. Many members choose a higher level to take advantage of additional benefits or to support economic growth in East Tennessee.
For companies with employees in multiple states or countries, we usually look at how many employees are based in East Tennessee or across Tennessee, especially since all Friday meetings are held in a hybrid format and can be joined by Zoom.
Some members remain at a lower membership level and support ETEC through event sponsorships such as the NOW Conference or the Annual Meeting. Others do both. We’re happy to talk through what makes the most sense for your organization.
Access for Your Team
All employees at member organizations receive access to ETEC’s Members-Only Info Hub, including the membership directory and weekly Friday meeting recordings (with the exception of board meetings). No matter where they’re located, your team can stay connected. Because our Friday meetings are so well attended, in-person seating is allocated by membership level, with higher levels able to bring more team members on-site, while all employees can continue to join virtually.
How to Join
Select the membership option that best fits your organization below.
Your initial membership investment is submitted with the application, and dues are renewed annually based on your join date.
If you’re unsure which level is right, we’re glad to help you decide. If you have questions, please contact Melodie McDonald by email or phone at 865-946-3246.
Choose Your Investment Level:
Click on a box to fill out the membership application.