TDECD profile puts Erwin in community spotlight

Editor's Note: Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development recently produced a Community Spotlight on Erwin and made the piece available for publication to The Erwin Record.Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, the town of Erwin, Tennessee, stands as a testament to resilience, renewal and community pride. Located in Unicoi County, just south of Johnson City, Erwin is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich history and hardworking people who define what it means to be "Tennessee strong." More than a year after Hurricane Helene brought historic flooding to East Tennessee, Erwin has emerged stronger than ever.Founded in 1876 and transforming into a railroad town shaped by generations of skilled workers, Erwin has always been a place where perseverance meets progress. Over time, the community has evolved from its industrial roots into a hub of outdoor recreation, small business vitality and advanced manufacturing. Today, Erwin's downtown corridor is thriving with local shops, restaurants and community spaces that showcase the creativity and resilience of the region. With the Nolichucky River flowing nearby and the Appalachian Trail passing close to town, Erwin is both a scenic gateway to adventure and a welcoming destination for visitors and entrepreneurs alike.When Hurricane Helene struck in September 2024, it left behind widespread damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure. Yet in the aftermath of that devastation, Erwin's true character shone through. Neighbors helped neighbors and businesses reopened their doors with a shared commitment to rebuilding stronger than before. That same spirit of unity has guided the town's recovery and positioned Erwin for one of the most remarkable comebacks in Tennessee's recent history.In August 2025, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) announced more than $4 million in retainment and retraining grants to support Unicoi County's recovery from Hurricane Helene. Three local companies—Foam Products, PlastiExports and PolyPipe—each received at least $1 million to help retain and retrain employees affected by the destruction of their facilities. This marked the first time TNECD has provided such funding following a natural disaster.Just one month later, in September 2025, BWXT Technologies, Inc. announced a major expansion of its Nuclear Fuel Services facility in Erwin, creating 198 new jobs and representing an investment of $122 million in Unicoi County. The project marks BWXT's second partnership with TNECD in less than a year, following an earlier award from the Nuclear Energy Fund for its expansion in Oak Ridge. The NFS expansion further solidifies Erwin's position as a cornerstone of Tennessee's advanced manufacturing and energy innovation sectors, while bringing high-quality jobs and new opportunities to the region.Together, these investments highlight the deep partnership between state and local leaders and the shared vision for Erwin's future. As infrastructure continues to be rebuilt and businesses reinvest in the region, the community is focused on growth. Erwin's skilled workforce, strategic location along Interstate 26 and unmatched mountain setting makes it an ideal environment for companies seeking a balance of opportunity and quality of life.Today, Erwin stands as a symbol of what can happen when resilience meets vision. The town has not only recovered from disaster, but it has also redefined itself for the future. With strong public and private partnerships, dedicated workers and an unwavering sense of pride, Erwin is writing the next chapter in Tennessee's story of progress.