Success Stories

TN PTAC Helps ARCS Aviation Win SBIR/STTR Contract Award

When Barjes Alotaibi retired from his second career as a Chief Pilot, he knew his contribution to the world was far from over. Alotaibi’s first career had been that of a mechanical engineer, and his next one would be as the…

McKenzie Kilburn | UT CIS Student Worker

“Working on the Made in Tennessee initiative for UT CIS has increased my understanding of manufacturing and its importance to our economy.  It’s been a great experience learning about the many products made by Tennessee companies…

TCED Testimonial

The TCED program provides both new and seasoned economic development professionals with valuable resources through practical information, best practices, knowledgeable subject matter experts, and a supportive peer network. The…

TCED Testimonial

As the Community Development Director for Tennessee, the tools I acquired through the high-quality training provided by the University of Tennessee’s Center for Industrial Services (UTCIS) continue to serve me in my role.  …

TCED Testimonial

I am very proud of the TCEcD designation I earned with the help of the UT CIS program.  The final Capstone Project was challenging. The program gave me a broad and detailed understanding of Economic Development and how to run a…

TCED Testimonial

After 4 years of college and 38 years of leadership & management classes in the military, these classes are the best that I have ever experienced. The information that I have gleaned from these courses is, and will be, paying…

TCED Testimonial

Thinking about why I enrolled in the TCED program and the timeline since then, I remembered that this initiative resulted in my seeking and gaining appointment to the Fayette County Industrial Development Board.  In particular,…

TCED Testimonial

Thank you so much Kim for all that you and your staff have done for us. Not only your assistance on our journeys, but for shining a spotlight on what we do and the effort we put into our roles. It has been a wonderful experience…

TCED Testimonial

I am a better economic developer professional for my community because of UT CIS and the TCED Program. Achieving certification through the program was a proud accomplishment for me and my re-certification requirements ensure that…

TCED Testimonial

Economic Development is the lifeblood of any strong community. The TCED program provided me with the knowledgebase and skills that have allowed me, as city manager, to develop a strategic plan to grow commercial, retail, and…

TCED Testimonial

The courses offered through UT Center for Industrial Services [at the] Institute for Public Service have made a huge impact on my career.  The knowledge and materials provided have been instrumental in my day-to-day duties in…

The Robinette Company

We have always been pleased with any training our supervisors have received from UT CIS!  The content has always been excellent, and our trainer, Rick Durham, was excellent to work with, and very accommodating to our company’s…

Takahata Precision, Helenwood

I wish we had known about the Essential Skills of Leadership program offered by UT Center for Industrial Services much sooner. Their program has certainly enhanced our production members Team Leaders approach to management. Our …

England Furniture

The Leadership Training program led by Rick Durham was a very worthwhile exercise for our management team and has proven impactful in the day-to-day operations at our manufacturing facilities. Below are some thoughts regarding…

Dynametal Technologies

Background: Solutions Consultant Keith Groves worked with Dynametal Technologies in Brownsville, TN on a Lean Process Improvement project in 2020. I am the Production Manager over three of the departments that were analyzed or…

Falcon Company Tactical, like all new small businesses, started with an idea. However, as we decided to pursue our dream, we knew we needed a solid plan and several seasoned mentors to get us on the right path. PTAC became…

With the assistance of Procurement Technical Assistance Center Consultants Paul Middlebrooks, Debbie Barber and Russell Toone from the UT Center for Industrial Services (CIS), a Nashville company acquired a Government Services…

American Snuff, LLC headquartered in Memphis, TN truly espouses a culture of excellence.  They strive to be the best in class in all that they do.  They have achieved the State of Tennessee Department of Environment and…

Student Capstone Projects

LTA Projects located in Cookeville, Tennessee builds the most portable lighting and antenna towers in the world.  The portable lighting and antenna towers are inflatable. Their portable inflatable towers let a user quickly…

Veterans Business Conference

The East Tennessee Veterans Business Conference, which the UT Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) and B&W Y12 have successfully directed for the last four years, was attended by nearly 400 small businesses in…