The Knoxville area is emerging as a leader in advanced energy, high-performance computing, and research commercialization due to a rare combination of assets that distinguish this region from other metropolitan areas.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., June 11, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Knoxville Technology Council (KTech) has released its inaugural Technology State of the Union Report, an assessment of the Knoxville region’s technology economy and the forces shaping its future growth.

The report evaluates Knoxville’s tech ecosystem across three major areas: workforce and talent, technology investment, and entrepreneurial growth. It highlights a rare combination of assets that distinguish Knoxville from other metropolitan areas:

Culture of Innovation — World-class research institutions and a flagship research university that generate breakthroughs in emerging technologies and attract top talentEnergy Infrastructure — Home to one of the nation’s largest public power providers, clean energy innovation, and a growing advanced nuclear energy sectorEntrepreneurial Spirit — An energetic startup community with an established network of supporting organizationsQuality of Life — A lower cost of living, strong job market, family-friendly amenities, and abundant outdoor and cultural activities

Together, these advantages are fueling Knoxville’s economic growth, particularly in advanced energy, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing.

KTech Board Member, Travis Howerton, who led the initiative to release the report, said that East Tennessee has “all the raw ingredients we need to create a booming tech economy in the coming decades. At KTech, we want to be part of empowering our tech leaders to make Knoxville a premier tech hub in the U.S.”

The report draws from a survey of regional technology leaders along with economic data and research from leading organizations, including the East Tennessee Economic Council, Knoxville Chamber, Tennessee Valley Authority, Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council, University of Tennessee, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

While it highlights where the region is gaining momentum, the report also identifies workforce readiness as the region’s primary constraint on growth. Other recommendations include expanding hands-on workforce development opportunities, strengthening research-to-commercialization pathways, improving broadband and digital infrastructure, and increasing access to growth-stage capital for startups.

“Knoxville is uniquely positioned at the AI-energy convergence. We must work together to address the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities, ensuring that we build the workforce and infrastructure that accelerates innovation and secures a successful future for our community,” said KTech President, Matt Kittrell.

Download the Report

The full Technology State of the Union Report is available at:
https://www.knoxtech.org/state-of-the-union/

About KTech

The Knoxville Technology Council (KTech) exists to connect, develop, and promote the technology industry in the Greater Knoxville region. Founded on the belief that the technology industry is essential for the Knoxville community to thrive, KTech aims to unite the region’s technology leaders and advocate for ideas and policies that support the growth of Knoxville as a vibrant and sustainable technology hub. Learn more at https://www.knoxtech.org/

Media Contact

Jenna Spooner, Knoxville Technology Council, 1 865.246.2617, admin@knoxtech.org, knoxtech.org

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SOURCE Knoxville Technology Council

Governor Dan McKee’s Signature Expected Imminently

PROVIDENCE, R.I., June 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Teamsters are celebrating the passage of S2504A/H7364A, the Rhode Island Warehouse Worker Protection Act, out of the General Assembly. The legislation will prevent companies like Amazon from abusing their workforce by regulating the use and disclosure of warehouse quotas.

“Amazon and other bad actors who make up the worst employers in our state have been wreaking havoc on workers’ livelihoods and physical well-being for far too long, but we’re putting a stop to in Rhode Island,” said Matt Taibi, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 251 in East Providence.

Gov. McKee has already said he will sign the bill into law. Rhode Island will become the seventh state to enact the Warehouse Worker Protection Act, following California, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Washington, and most recently Connecticut.

“Far too many people who work in warehousing go to work every day and put themselves in harm’s way because of strain or exhaustion, and even then, are told they’re still not abiding by an unknown production standard,” Taibi said. “By working with our allies in the legislature, particularly Rep. Evan Shanley and Senate Majority Leader Frank Ciccone, we’ve leveled the playing field by increasing something that isn’t measured enough: corporate accountability.”

The warehouse bill is the latest legislative success for Rhode Island Teamsters — last session, the union successfully got laws passed to enhance school bus safety and prevent mandatory attendance at anti-union propaganda meetings.

Teamsters Local 251 represents over 6,200 workers in a wide variety of industries throughout Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. For more information, go to teamsters251.org.

Contact:
Matt McQuaid, (771) 241-0015
mmcquaid@teamster.org  

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SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa., June 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CleanSpace is proud to announce that Jennifer Biro, Chief Revenue Officer, has been recognized as a 2026 Philadelphia Titan 100 Honoree. This marks Biro’s second consecutive year receiving the prestigious distinction, which recognizes the region’s top CEOs and C-level executives for their leadership, vision, and impact.

The Titan 100 program celebrates Philadelphia’s most accomplished business leaders across a wide range of industries. Honorees are selected based on their demonstrated leadership, vision, passion, and contributions to the growth and success of their organizations.

As Chief Revenue Officer of CleanSpace, Biro leads the company’s national sales strategy and business development initiatives. Her leadership has played a key role in expanding CleanSpace’s presence across the life sciences, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare, semiconductor, battery manufacturing, and advanced technology sectors. Through a customer-focused approach and commitment to long-term partnerships, she has helped position CleanSpace as a trusted provider of modular cleanroom, cold room, and controlled environment solutions.

“I am incredibly honored to be recognized as a Philadelphia Titan 100 honoree for the second year in a row,” said Biro. “This recognition reflects the collective efforts of the entire CleanSpace team. Every accomplishment is the result of talented people working together toward a common goal, and I am grateful to be part of an organization that continues to push boundaries, solve complex challenges, and support our clients’ success.”

“Jennifer’s leadership, passion, and commitment to excellence have had a tremendous impact on CleanSpace’s growth and success,” said Glenn Vandegrift, President and Owner of CleanSpace. “She leads with integrity, builds strong relationships, and consistently demonstrates the vision required to help move our company forward. We are proud to see her recognized once again among Philadelphia’s most accomplished business leaders.”

Biro will be honored alongside fellow Titan 100 recipients at the annual awards celebration on September 10, 2026, in Philadelphia.

About CleanSpace

CleanSpace is a nationally recognized design-build partner specializing in controlled and regulated environments. Through an integrated approach that combines planning, design, engineering, manufacturing, construction, maintenance, and CQV support, CleanSpace helps clients reduce risk, maintain compliance, and accelerate project delivery. The company serves clients across the life sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, healthcare, semiconductor, battery, and advanced manufacturing industries throughout North America.

Media Contact:

Stephanie Raab
Director, Marketing
sraab@cleanspaceus.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jennifer-biro-named-a-2026-philadelphia-titan-100-honoree-for-second-consecutive-year-302798462.html

SOURCE CleanSpace Modular, LLC