Tennessee Matters

Dreams of Joy's mission is to fulfill the final dreams of adults, aged 21 to 65, who are facing a terminal illness. The organization was founded seven years ago by Mindy Bess, after she lost her father to brain cancer at the age of just 42 years old. That experience inspired her to start dreams of joy so that others wouldn't have to face the same heartbreak. 

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) was created to improve life in the Tennessee Valley region by providing electricity, managing natural resources, and supporting economic development. It builds and operates power plants, helps control flooding, and protects the environment. TVA also works to make energy affordable and reliable for homes and businesses across the region.  On this episode, TVA's...

The Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging (TDDA) is dedicated to helping older adults and people with disabilities lead independent, meaningful lives. With a mission rooted in inclusion, lifelong wellness, and access to vital resources, TDDA works to ensure every Tennessean—regardless of age or ability—can thrive and stay connected to their communities. Commissioner Brad Turner joins John C...

If you're planning to dig in Tennessee—whether it's for a fence, garden, or construction—Tennessee 811 is your go-to call before you break ground. It’s a free service that connects you with utility companies so they can mark underground lines and help you avoid hitting anything dangerous. State law requires anyone planning excavation or demolition to contact Tennessee 811 at least three working da...

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) was established in 1933 as part of President Roosevelt's New Deal to address economic development and infrastructure needs in the Tennessee Valley region. Today it provides electricity for nearly 10 million people across seven southeastern states, primarily through hydroelectric, nuclear, and fossil fuel power plants. TVA also plays a key role in managing natur...

The Tennessee Valley Authority, or TVA, is a government agency that was created during the Great Depression in 1933 to help modernize the Tennessee Valley region. Its main goals are to provide affordable electricity, manage natural resources like rivers and forests, and support economic development.  On this episode of TENNESSEE MATTERS , Ashley England of TVA EnergyRight joins John Clark to talk...

Under the leadership of President Randy Boyd, The University of Tennessee System has broken records in enrollment and graduation rates, expanded research efforts, and made substantial infrastructure investments.  Alongside its dedication to higher education through its campuses across the state, The University of Tennessee System is also focused on addressing the state's most pressing challenges....

The Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) aims to operate safe and secure facilities while providing effective community supervision to support successful reentry across the state. TDOC is actively working to reduce recidivism through evidence-based programs, community partnerships, and reentry services while managing fully functional communities inside the walls.  For this episode of Tennesse...

The Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC) was established in 1963 to promote and protect human rights through education and enforcement. Initially an advisory body, it became an enforcement agency in 1978 with the passage of the Tennessee Human Rights Act. The THRC addresses discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, national ori...

It's no accident that some of the world's biggest brands have chosen to call Tennessee home.  The Tennessee Dept. of Economic & Community Development is constantly promoting Tennessee's attractive business climate and has delivered many success stories that are impacting the state now and into the future.  TNECD is not only behind the relocation and expansion of businessess in the Volunteer st...

The Tennessee Department of Veterans Services (TDVS) is dedicated to connecting veterans of all eras with the benefits they have earned, including healthcare, education, and financial assistance. The department plays a crucial role in advocating for veterans' rights, assisting with active duty casualties, and hosting outreach events to raise awareness and support for veterans and their families. T...

All states are vying to attract new businesses and industries, making the competition fierce. Tennessee has excelled in this arena, successfully attracting major companies and driving significant job growth for the future. A crucial factor in this success is developing a skilled and qualified workforce for emerging sectors.  The Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development plays a vit...

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) was established in 1933 to provide flood control, improve navigation, generate electricity, and promote economic development in the Tennessee Valley region. Today, it is the largest public power provider in the U.S., supplying electricity to about 10 million people. On this episode of Tennessee Matters, the TVA's Ashley England joins John Clark to talk about sa...

The newly established Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging aims to enhance the quality of life and independence of older adults and Tenneseans with disabilities. The department was formed by merging the TN Commission on Aging and Disability (TCAD) and the Dept. of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD), creating a more streamlined organization. By combining these two entities,...

Lasagna Love is dedicated to fostering community connections through the simple act of delivering homemade meals. Founded during the pandemic, Lasagna Love addresses food insecurity and offers a comforting gesture during challenging times. The organization also aims to eliminate the stigma associated with asking for help, ensuring that anyone can receive support without judgment. Recently Melanie...

The State of Tennessee is the state's number one employer with a headcount of more than 40,000.  It's a big group assigned to important tasks we all depend on like public safety, infrastructure and transportation, education, and healthcare among many others.  With a staff that big, naturally there are lots of job opportunities at any given moment for positions like law enforcement, attorneys, dent...

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) plays a vital role in safeguarding our state’s natural resources. They work to improve air and water quality, protect citizens from environmental hazards, and manage Tennessee’s beautiful state parks including their network of lodges. Their mission is all about enhancing our quality of life while preserving the environment for future...