Cookeville Continues To Attract Businesses

Despite an uncertain national economy, business interest in locating in Putnam County has not waned.

Local leaders said the calls are constant. Highlands Economic Partnership Vice President Adam Poe said all kinds of businesses are inquiring about Cookeville. Poe said he believes Cookeville is a top location because of increased housing, a broader workforce, and Tennessee Tech.

“What you are starting to see is more students stick around here once they graduate from high school,” Poe said. “And go into a two-year degree or a certificate program or a four-year institution, whatever best meets what they want to accomplish in life which allows that workforce retention piece that I mentioned.”

Poe said with the current economy businesses are looking to move to Cookeville as Tennessee has low business taxes compared to other states. Poe said Cookeville checks a lot of boxes when it comes to what a business is looking for.

“The number one driver is pro-business states with lower taxes than what you might have in Massachusetts, California, Idaho, or Washington,” Poe said. “That’s where a lot of the businesses that we are getting inquiries from are coming from.”

Poe said the businesses that are interested in Cookeville are good companies that will offer something new to the city.

“The businesses that are interested in looking here are not ones that don’t pay good wages,” Poe said. “The businesses that we are engaging with to try and recruit here are the ones that have a great wage that can provide a great quality of life and great culture companies. The ones that we will be able to add to our employment sector and not cannibalize the existing workforce.”

Poe said conversations are constantly happening to bring in new businesses. Poe said the city is making sure that they bring in the right businesses that will be a benefit to the city.