Greene County has emerged as a dynamic hub of commerce and industry in Northeast Tennessee. With its strategic location, pro-business climate, and strong support from the Greene County Partnership, the county attracts manufacturers, service providers, and entrepreneurs seeking long-term growth and regional collaboration.
Overview of Greene County’s Business and Industrial Landscape
Positioned near key transportation corridors and regional markets, Greene County provides businesses with convenient access to highways, rail, and logistics hubs. This advantage has drawn a variety of industries, including advanced manufacturing and distribution.
The Greene County Partnership plays a central role in connecting local businesses with resources, partnerships, and growth opportunities. Through its Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development work, including networking, promotion, and ribbon cuttings, the Partnership helps Greene County businesses grow, innovate, and thrive.
Key Features of Greene County’s Business Environment
Strategic Location and Infrastructure
Access to major highways, regional rail lines, and nearby airports supports efficient logistics and supply chain operations.
Local business parks and commercial zones accommodate manufacturing, warehousing, and office operations.
Skilled Workforce
Greene County benefits from a diverse regional labor pool, including technical professionals, skilled tradespeople, and service specialists.
Partnerships between local schools, career training programs, and Walters State Community College ensure workforce readiness.
Greene County Partnership programs connect employers with talent pipelines and professional development opportunities.
Industry Diversity
Greene County hosts a mix of industries, with strong representation in:
- Manufacturing and Engineering.
- Healthcare, supported by local providers and medical offices.
- Retail and Hospitality, serving residents, visitors, and the surrounding regional economy.
Business Support and Incentives
Greene County Partnership Chamber of Commerce membership provides businesses with networking, promotion, and ribbon cuttings.
The Greene County Partnership’s Economic Development team supports business expansion, site selection, and development initiatives, including an online Property Search for available sites.
Collaborative partnerships between government, the Greene County Partnership, and private enterprises encourage investment and innovation.
Local Highlights: Major Employers and Industrial Leaders
- John Deere Power Products – A facility of more than 500,000 square feet manufacturing John Deere 100 Series lawn tractors and ZTrak zero-turn mowers, and one of Greene County’s largest employers.
- American Greetings – A greeting card and gift packaging company with a one-million-square-foot plant in Greene County that produces printed gift wrap and ribbon.
- Meco Corporation – A family-owned Greeneville manufacturer since 1959, producing Americana charcoal and electric grills and smokers, and distributing Stakmore wood folding furniture.
- ARTAZN LLC (formerly Jarden Zinc Products) – One of the largest producers of zinc strip and zinc products in the world and the largest in North America, with more than 130 years of zinc manufacturing experience and a 350,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Greeneville. For decades, ARTAZN supplied the zinc blanks used to mint U.S. pennies.
- Walmart Distribution Center – A major logistics hub operating in Greene County since 1997.
These highlights demonstrate Greene County’s balanced mix of industrial leaders, innovative manufacturers, and major distribution operations.
Community Resources and Support Systems
Partnership Programs and Initiatives
- Member Directory – Promotes B2B connections through the Greene County Partnership Chamber of Commerce member directory.
- Networking Events – Membership breakfasts and lunches, along with signature events such as Industry Appreciation and The Jingle Mingle, build partnerships and generate referrals.
- Ribbon Cuttings – Chamber ribbon cuttings celebrate new and growing member businesses.
- Leadership and Workforce Programs – Leadership Greene County and the Partnership’s Education & Workforce Development program build local leadership and workforce readiness.
Partnerships and Incentives
- The Partnership’s Economic Development work helps attract and retain businesses, including 20 manufacturing and distribution firms over the past 30 years.
- Workforce training programs in partnership with schools, colleges, and vocational centers.
- Access to programs and incentives for companies investing in expansion or job creation.
Why Greene County Excels in Business and Industry
- Geographic Advantage: Located in Northeast Tennessee and easily accessible by Interstate 81, Greene County is centrally located in the eastern portion of the United States, 70 miles northeast of Knoxville, 30 miles southwest of the Tri-Cities region of Johnson City/Kingsport/Bristol, and 54 miles northwest of Asheville, NC. This central location supports logistics, distribution, and connectivity within the region.
- Diverse Business Base: From family-owned enterprises to innovative manufacturing and tech companies.
- Supportive Partnership Network: The Greene County Partnership actively promotes and connects its Chamber members.
- Quality of Life: Businesses benefit from Greene County’s community amenities and lifestyle appeal, aiding recruitment and retention.
- Future-Focused Growth: Investments in infrastructure and workforce development ensure long-term competitiveness.
A Partnership-Driven Future for Greene County Industry
Greene County has built a strong reputation as both a place to do business and a place to live. Its industrial base is anchored by regional leaders, while the Greene County Partnership uplifts small businesses that define the county’s character.
For companies seeking a strategic location, skilled workforce, and supportive business community, Greene County delivers. The Greene County Partnership is committed to connecting entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and professionals with the resources they need to thrive. Greene County is more than a region—it is a thriving business and industrial ecosystem supported by an active Partnership network.
