About Us
Mission and Vision
The Tennessee Central Economic Authority is a regional economic development organization committed to excellence in the manufacturing industry. Our mission is to recruit, retain, and expand advanced manufacturing job opportunities for the five county region we serve in Middle Tennessee.
We achieve this through Retention and Expansion Expansion programs, Workforce Development, Marketing, Strategic Planning, and Site Development investments.
Our vision is to continually pursue the next level of enrichment for the people and communities in the Tennessee Central region.
The five growing counties of Macon, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale/Hartsville Metro, and Wilson, near Nashville, Tennessee are members of our Economic Development Office, and detailed demographic data for them can be found in the interactive portal below:
History
Tennessee Central Economic Authority was previously known as Four Lake Regional Industrial Development Authority.
Historically, TCEA is unique.
- In 1974 the Tennessee Valley Authority announced construction of the world's largest nuclear power plant at Hartsville, Tennessee.
- In 1975 the impacted counties--Trousdale (Hartsville) and the four contiguous counties (Macon, Smith, Sumner and Wilson) formed the Hartsville Project Coordinating Committee to work together with TVA to mitigate impacts as the project was developed.
- In 1977 construction employment reached a high of 7,000 at the Trousdale County site.
- In 1982 after progressive cutbacks, construction was halted with employment virtually eliminated, resulting in significant economic dislocations in the regional economy.
- In 1983 a Farmer Home Administration sponsored analysis, "The Hartsville Project Impact Study" was released calling for the establishment of an industrial development authority to specifically focus on the work of attracting jobs to the area.
Legislation creating the Four Lake Regional Industrial Development Authority was passed by public act of the State Legislature on April 15, 1986. In addition, By-Laws were executed on May 15, 1986.
The enabling legislation states that the Authority was "created and established for the purpose of developing the resources of the region embracing the counties of Macon, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale and Wilson .... " More specifically, the Authority "is directed to focus its activity toward economic development and improving employment opportunities in the region ...."
- In 1988 the Authority contracted staff and initiated a work program.
After years of contact and pleas with the then 3-member TVA Board of Directors, approximately 554 acres of the mothballed TVA nuclear site were sold to the Four Lake Authority in June 2002 for regional economic development purposes. The property was purchased for the appraised value of $1.7 million with the stipulation that the Four Lake Authority make a minimum of $1.5 million in infrastructure improvements during the first five years of ownership. These initial infrastructure improvements (water, sewer, and natural gas lines), as well as a 750,000 gallon water storage tank, were completed in 2005.
IN ADDITION TO OWNING AND DEVELOPING AN INDUSTRIAL PARK, WHAT DOES TCEA DO?
Tennessee Central Economic Authority facilitates and networks projects for industrial business relocations, expansions, site selection or entrepreneurial startups. A company searching our five county region (Macon, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale & Wilson County) can have a unique and significant partnership to understand and acquire resources available for your company.
We work with the State of Tennessee and the Tennessee Valley Authority for incentives and network you with the Tennessee College of Applied Technology, as well as other workforce organizations, for specialized training and job placements.
TCEA's Industrial Development Programs & Services Help
- New & Existing Manufacturers Create Jobs
- Existing Manufacturers Expand
- Entrepreneurs Start & Grow Businesses
- Companies Find Sites & Workforce Talent Resources
- Market Investment/Development Opportunities
- Market the TN Central Service Region
- Improve Our Region's Quality of Life
- Connect Businesses with Opportunities
- Coordinate Local & State Incentive Packages
- Coordinate Workforce Talent Training for Retention & Growth
- Share Funding & Grant Opportunities
Staff
Helene Singer Cash
Executive Director
615.374.4607
615.489.6710
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Helene Singer Cash is an Executive Leader and Certified Economic Developer dedicated to fostering Sustainable Economic Growth and vibrant communities within the Tennessee Central Economic Authority (TCEA) region. Her work is instrumental in driving the TCEA's mission to recruit, retain, and expand job opportunities across Macon, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale/Hartsville Metro, and Wilson counties.
With a professional background in economic development, financial planning, executive growth, and community engagement, Helene brings a holistic approach to her role. As an Economic Development Director for the City of Lebanon, she built the foundation for their economic development program, demonstrating a proven ability to create and launch impactful initiatives. Her experience as a Marketing Director/Realtor has further sharpened her skills in brand development and strategic re-launches, ensuring effective communication and outreach for the TCEA's programs.
Helene is a true collaborative strategist, adept at working with governmental bodies, businesses, and non-profit organizations to achieve shared goals. Her deep understanding of local & public policy and community dynamics allows her to navigate complex challenges and develop solutions that benefit all stakeholders, with a particular passion for supporting Sustainable Rural Communities. A graduate of the University of Tennessee's Center for Industrial Services (UT CIS) Economic Development program, Helene possesses the analytical and strategic skills to drive economic progress and enhance the quality of life throughout the Middle Tennessee Central region.
Michele Farley
Development Coordinator
615.374.4607
615.561.6356
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Michele Farley serves as the Development Coordinator for the Tennessee Central Economic Authority (TCEA), where her extensive administrative and financial background plays a crucial role in advancing the organization's mission. Bringing over five years of experience as an Administrative Assistant for Macon County Government, Michele is adept at managing complex schedules, composing professional correspondence, and handling confidential information with discretion—skills vital to the TCEA's multifaceted operations.
Her expertise extends to the financial management process, including budget formulation and monitoring, honed through her work with the State of Tennessee auditors. This strong financial acumen, combined with her certification as a County Financial Officer, makes her an invaluable asset in the TCEA's efforts to strategically invest in economic development across Macon, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale/Hartsville Metro, and Wilson counties. Michele's highly developed communication, problem-solving, and team collaboration skills further enable her to support the TCEA in its goals of attracting and retaining jobs, fostering sustainable growth, and building robust, thriving communities.
Helene Singer Cash
Executive Director
615.374.4607
615.489.6710
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Helene Singer Cash is an Executive Leader and Certified Economic Developer dedicated to fostering Sustainable Economic Growth and vibrant communities within the Tennessee Central Economic Authority (TCEA) region. Her work is instrumental in driving the TCEA's mission to recruit, retain, and expand job opportunities across Macon, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale/Hartsville Metro, and Wilson counties.
With a professional background in economic development, financial planning, executive growth, and community engagement, Helene brings a holistic approach to her role. As an Economic Development Director for the City of Lebanon, she built the foundation for their economic development program, demonstrating a proven ability to create and launch impactful initiatives. Her experience as a Marketing Director/Realtor has further sharpened her skills in brand development and strategic re-launches, ensuring effective communication and outreach for the TCEA's programs.
Helene is a true collaborative strategist, adept at working with governmental bodies, businesses, and non-profit organizations to achieve shared goals. Her deep understanding of local & public policy and community dynamics allows her to navigate complex challenges and develop solutions that benefit all stakeholders, with a particular passion for supporting Sustainable Rural Communities. A graduate of the University of Tennessee's Center for Industrial Services (UT CIS) Economic Development program, Helene possesses the analytical and strategic skills to drive economic progress and enhance the quality of life throughout the Middle Tennessee Central region.
Michele Farley
Development Coordinator
615.374.4607
615.561.6356
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Michele Farley serves as the Development Coordinator for the Tennessee Central Economic Authority (TCEA), where her extensive administrative and financial background plays a crucial role in advancing the organization's mission. Bringing over five years of experience as an Administrative Assistant for Macon County Government, Michele is adept at managing complex schedules, composing professional correspondence, and handling confidential information with discretion—skills vital to the TCEA's multifaceted operations.
Her expertise extends to the financial management process, including budget formulation and monitoring, honed through her work with the State of Tennessee auditors. This strong financial acumen, combined with her certification as a County Financial Officer, makes her an invaluable asset in the TCEA's efforts to strategically invest in economic development across Macon, Smith, Sumner, Trousdale/Hartsville Metro, and Wilson counties. Michele's highly developed communication, problem-solving, and team collaboration skills further enable her to support the TCEA in its goals of attracting and retaining jobs, fostering sustainable growth, and building robust, thriving communities.
Contact Us
Tennessee Central Economic Authority
702 McMurry Blvd.
Hartsville, TN 37074
info@tennessseecentral.org
Phone: 615.374.4607
Annual Reports
Tennessee Central Economic Authority Annual Reports
- Download 2023-2024 Annual Report
- Download 2022-2023 Annual Report
- Download 2021-2022 Annual Report
- Download 2020-2021 Annual Report
- Download 2019-2020 Annual Report
- Download 2018-2019 Annual Report
- Download 2017-2018 Annual Report
- Download 2016-2017 Annual Report
- Download 2015-2016 Annual Report
- Download 2014-2015 Annual Report
- Download 2013-2014 Annual Report
- Download 2012-2013 Annual Report
- Download 2011-2012 Annual Report
- Download 2010-2011 Annual Report
- Download 2009-2010 Annual Report
- Download 2008-2009 Annual Report
- Download 2007-2008 Annual Report
Events
News
Jul 16 2025
PUBLIC NOTICE Annual Meeting Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Central Economic Authority will hold its Annual Meeting including the next quarterly meeting...
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Jun 6 2025
PUBLIC NOTICE Special Called Meeting Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Central Economic Authority will hold a special called meeting on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 1:00...
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Jun 6 2025
PUBLIC NOTICE Special Called Meeting Notice is hereby given that the Hiring Committee of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Central Economic Authority will hold a special called meeting...
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