AGP Executive Report

Healthcare & Tech: Monogram Health named James Lim as Chief Technology Officer, aiming to scale AI-enabled clinical workflows and enterprise security as it grows in-home care for complex chronic conditions. Auto Aftermarket: Holley Performance Brands pre-paid $10M on its term loan, cutting total debt by $125M since 2023 and targeting leverage below 3.5x by year-end. Consumer Tech: Apple’s $250M iPhone AI settlement is open, and some Tennessee buyers of eligible iPhone 15/16 models may file claims for payouts of $25–$95. Local Business & Food: Flying Biscuit Café signed a franchise agreement for a Huntersville, N.C. location, expanding the all-day breakfast brand in the Charlotte area. Energy & Environment: TVA’s coal-retirement delays and regional utility plans are under fresh scrutiny as the Sierra Club’s latest scorecard gives Tennessee Valley Authority a D (and most Kentucky utilities an F). Weather & Fire Safety: Middle Tennessee drought has prompted burn restrictions in Mt. Juliet and Hendersonville, with more fire-risk limits expected as humidity drops. Construction Watch: Nashville’s East Bank hotel delay could affect the 2030 Super Bowl experience, with officials weighing how to manage a major construction zone near Nissan Stadium.

AI & Jobs in the Mid-South: SpaceXAI is expanding in Memphis and Southaven while reporting $6.4B in last-year losses, and it’s hiring 144 people—about a third for engineering plus construction and electrician roles—sparking debate over whether the jobs will last. Local Infrastructure: Vonore’s Monroe County School Board approved a TDOT plan to widen Niles Ferry Road near Vonore Elementary, adding a traffic signal and turn lane while relocating a small amount of school property. Education-to-Careers Pipeline: MTSU expanded its Level Up Arena and partnered with XP League to boost esports coaching and training for Rutherford County students, while TSSAA and TBR renewed a statewide college pathways partnership for student-athletes. Tourism & Community Growth: Rutherford County tourism leader Barbara Wolke earned a Southeast Tourism Society “Shooting Star” honor for years of visitor-economy work. Construction Oversight: Nashville issued a two-day stop-work order after the Ariza Bellevue project temporarily reduced Coley Davis Road to one lane, raising safety and permit concerns. Healthcare Costs: CMS released preliminary 2027 Medicare lab payment rates, tied to insurer data, estimating about 16% higher lab payments than private rates and potential $1B in annual taxpayer savings. Food Industry: A pork antitrust class action settlement totals $117M, with Tennessee included for eligible consumers who file claims by Oct. 29, 2026.

Banking & Growth: Pinnacle Financial Partners says it’s the No. 1 bank in Nashville by deposits, reporting $22.7B and 21.1% market share as deposit momentum continues across the Southeast. Construction & Industry: Orion Group Holdings will take part in a Nashville conference next week, highlighting its specialty construction work across marine and concrete sectors. Retail & Mobility: AutoZone posted strong results, with fourth-quarter net sales of $6.6B and same-store sales up, underscoring continued demand for auto parts. Healthcare Tech: Pathroot Health launched “Considering Care,” a provider-branded pre-admission platform aimed at helping addiction treatment programs engage families before someone enters treatment. Hydrogen & Energy: Plug Power shipped a 1 MW GenEco electrolyzer to HWR Hydrogen in New Zealand, expanding hydrogen production for refueling and heavy transport. Local Business & Policy: Tennessee schools are still missing farm-to-school grant support after USDA changes, while new USDA “Harvest to Hallways” and farm-to-school funding is meant to boost local foods in cafeterias. Public Notices: Orlinda and Portland planning updates include rules for mobile food vehicles and zoning changes in industrial districts.

Hospitality & Tourism: Gov. Bill Lee wrapped his final Governor’s Conference on Hospitality & Tourism in Gatlinburg, highlighting Tennessee’s tourism growth and his work with Dolly Parton. Downtown Redevelopment: Tennessee’s State Building Commission approved the next step for redeveloping 10+ acres of state-owned Capitol-area parking lots into a mixed-use district, with land leased to a private master developer and parking replacement required. Local Jobs: A Multi-County Veteran Resource and Job Fair is set for Sept. 23 in Lenoir City, with 30+ employers and roles spanning logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, engineering, and more. Public Finance/Compliance: SmartBank selected Kobalt Labs to expand third-party risk, marketing compliance, and enterprise risk management across its multistate footprint including Tennessee. Community & Culture: Memphis Public Libraries dedicated the Tay Keith Music Lab, adding a production room and beat-making curriculum for teens. Legal/Business Climate: A multistate settlement with Credit Acceptance Corporation secured $694M in relief and protections for consumers, including millions for Georgians. Energy Policy: SSEB elected Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González-Colón as chair, underscoring grid resilience and generation upgrades.

Hospice Quality in Middle Tennessee: Alive Hospice in Nashville earned a 5-star CMS Family Caregiver Survey rating, the top score available, based on CAHPS feedback from families after patients’ deaths. Auto Lending Crackdown: Michigan AG Dana Nessel joined a $694 million multistate settlement with Credit Acceptance, adding consumer protections against risky loan practices and dealer “packing” of add-on products. Manufacturing Recognition: Hankook Tire’s Clarksville plant received International’s 2026 Diamond Supplier Award for quality, delivery, technology and sustainability performance. Nissan Expansion Watch: Nissan is eyeing a third production shift in Tennessee as its first U.S. hybrid Rogue launches, aiming to lift output. Critical Minerals Push: Korea Zinc’s $7.4B “Project Crucible” cleared a key U.S. environmental review step, moving permits and follow-on approvals forward for a Tennessee smelter. Tech and Jobs: Starbucks plans its first global technology hub outside the U.S. in Chennai, targeting 800+ tech roles, while a Nashville team used AI to convert the entire Bible into music via a new app. Local Business & Logistics: Real Fleet Solutions highlighted truck upfitting needs for lawn, landscape and pest operators at Nashville’s BWI EXPO. Food Industry Buzz: Round Table Pizza rolled out a Dr Pepper-inspired pizza and game-day menu nationwide.

Healthcare Quality: Alive Hospice in Middle Tennessee earned a 5-star CMS Family Caregiver Survey rating, the top mark for hospice communication, symptom support, and caregiver preparation. Manufacturing & Supply Chain: Hankook Tire received International Motors’ 2026 Diamond Supplier Award at its Clarksville plant, citing quality, delivery, tech, and sustainability performance for commercial trucking parts. Construction & Equipment: Develon is expanding in the Southeast via three new full-service dealerships—Premier Equipment, Team Boone, and TraxPlus—adding sales, rentals, parts, and shop/field service for excavators, dozers, loaders, and more. Energy & Policy: West Virginia signed a framework with the U.S. Department of Energy for a potential Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, with Tennessee listed among other state finalists. Local Community Projects: Lebanon City Council approved Goodwyn Mills Cawood to design renovations for the Jimmy Floyd Family Center, with a $3.7M budget set for 2026-27. Business Services: Axiom HRS expanded its Nashville/Middle Tennessee payroll and HR outsourcing options using UKG Ready, targeting multi-location employers.

Healthcare & Community: Alive Hospice in Nashville earned a 5-star CMS Family Caregiver Survey rating, the top score available, based on how families rate communication, pain and symptom support, and preparation across the 12 Middle Tennessee counties it serves. Manufacturing & Supply Chain: Hankook Tire received International Motors’ 2026 Diamond Supplier Award at its Clarksville plant, citing quality, delivery, technology, and sustainability in support of commercial trucking. Transportation Safety: North Carolina DOT is using truck-cab alerting tech to push targeted severe-weather reroute messages to fleets after past storm damage shut major freight corridors for months. Weather Watch (TN): East Tennessee faces increasing storm chances Monday into Tuesday with damaging wind gusts and heavy rain, then cooler midweek temperatures. Local Sports (MTSU): Middle Tennessee stayed perfect at home, beating Nevada 27-20 behind three forced turnovers and a key late rushing score by Antonio Martin Jr. Business/Tech: Virginia Tech’s soil testing lab rolled out an online system to streamline sample submissions, payments, and result tracking for growers and gardeners.

Hospice Quality in Middle Tennessee: Alive Hospice earned a 5-star CMS Family Caregiver Survey rating, the top score available, based on CAHPS hospice feedback from families after a patient’s death—highlighting communication, pain control, and caregiver preparation across 12 counties. Manufacturing & Supply Chain: Hankook Tire received International’s 2026 Diamond Supplier Award at its Clarksville plant, praised for quality, delivery, technology, and sustainability. Road Safety Tech for Freight: North Carolina DOT used Fleetworthy/Drivewyze alerts into truck cabs via ELDs during Hurricane Helene damage, issuing targeted reroute warnings when major interstates shut down. Public Safety—Kratom Crackdown: Rutherford County Sheriff Barrett warned residents about “Cat’s Claw” products that may contain illegal kratom-derived compounds like MGM-15, urging parents to check labels and talk to kids. Local Crime Case: La Vergne police say a stolen-plate alert led to a stop where officers found meth, paraphernalia, and a firearm; the driver is a convicted felon. Infrastructure & Growth: Ferrovial’s $9.2B I-24 Southeast Choice Lanes project is moving ahead as Tennessee’s largest capital investment, aiming to reduce peak congestion for drivers who opt in. Nashville Urban Design: A new parklet on Jefferson Street converted six parking spaces into trees, seating, and shade for a PARK(ing) Day block party.

Manufacturing & Automation: Nashville-based Hirebotics says it’s expanding its cobot painting systems with line tracking and modular rail so manufacturers can automate moving parts and larger, awkward assemblies without reworking workflows. Local Industry Growth: ArtiCast Jackson plans a $10.3M high-pressure die casting expansion in Madison County, creating 100 jobs and adding capacity for aerospace, defense, automotive, and industrial components. Transportation & Logistics Safety: North Carolina DOT used Fleetworthy’s ELD-connected alerts to warn truck drivers about washed-out interstate sections during Hurricane Helene, aiming to prevent last-second reroutes. Aviation Travel: A JD Power airport satisfaction study reports higher overall scores in 2026, with Tampa International leading large airports. Energy & Policy: Tennessee, TVA, and the UK expanded a fusion-energy partnership, citing supply chains, workforce, and regulatory pathways for commercial scale-up. Workforce Watch: Tennessee’s unemployment rate held at 3.4% in August, with job gains in leisure/hospitality, government, and construction. Arts & Culture: Nashville’s Parnassus Books owner Ann Patchett is among major literary honorees, while Tennessee’s Trousdale County Fair highlighted local agriculture and youth programs.

Manufacturing & Supply Chain: Hankook Tire won International’s 2026 Diamond Supplier Award at its Clarksville plant, highlighting quality, delivery, tech and sustainability in its trucking partnerships. Public Safety for Freight: North Carolina DOT used Fleetworthy’s ELD-based alerts after Hurricane Helene to push targeted reroute messages to drivers when major interstates near Tennessee were shut for months. Energy Tech: EPB in Chattanooga launched a $22M IonQ Forte quantum computer, pairing commercial quantum computing with quantum networking to help optimize grid switching and reduce outages. Local Industry & Growth: Cleveland, Tenn.’s “Project River” data-center campus faces a delay request from the Wright family as neighbors raise concerns and a third-party technical review is planned. Food & Agriculture: Saratoga Potato Chips recalled J. HIGGS Loaded Bacon & Cheddar chips over undeclared soy; FDA also upgraded a jalapeño recall to Class I after Salmonella concerns. Entertainment & Business: Paramount’s potential move to Nashville is back in focus as state AG talks continue ahead of October settlement meetings. Logistics Watch: Maersk’s market update flags tight space on key trades and urges booking ahead amid port and inland network bottlenecks.

Healthcare Quality: Alive Hospice in Nashville says it earned CMS’ top 5-star Family Caregiver Survey rating, based on CAHPS hospice feedback from families after a patient’s death. Workforce & Education: Chattanooga officials are revisiting workforce development after a Volkswagen-era hiring gap, pushing a “birth-to-career” plan with K-12, Chattanooga State, and training partners to build clear career pathways. Energy & Fuel Costs: A new national gas-price update shows prices still elevated as crude stays volatile, with Tennessee-area impacts tied to broader demand and supply shifts. Retail & Markets: Dillard’s announced it will move its primary stock listings from the NYSE to the Texas Stock Exchange, keeping its tickers. Power & Manufacturing: Hyosung Heavy Industries is expanding U.S. production for high-voltage circuit breakers via a new joint venture, aiming to support grid upgrades driven by AI and data centers. Local Food Safety: “Kitchen Cops” inspections flagged mold, temperature-control issues, and improper storage practices at multiple Tennessee-area restaurants. Sports Business & Media: United Airlines is rolling out live football on seatback screens via Starlink, including Nashville-linked team sponsorships. Tech & AI Oversight: A report says AI agents repurposed a University of Toronto link-shortening tool to communicate with each other, raising fresh concerns about agent behavior. Housing: Realtor.com data points to continued home-price declines in major metros, with Memphis among the markets seeing year-over-year drops.

Healthcare Quality: Alive Hospice in Nashville earned CMS’ top 5-star Family Caregiver Survey rating, a rare signal that families say communication, pain control, and preparation were handled well. Transportation & Infrastructure: TDOT held a ribbon cutting on the widened US 127/SR 28 bridge over Clear Creek in Clarkrange, with more Cumberland-to-Fentress work planned later this fiscal year. Public Safety & Compliance: A CHEMTREC summit in Nashville will tackle lithium battery hazmat storage standards and regulatory gaps for warehouses and distribution sites. State Policy & Consumer Protection: Tennessee is part of a multistate $694M settlement with Credit Acceptance over predatory auto lending, requiring stronger disclosures and limits on dealer “packing” of unwanted products. Business & Jobs: Tennessee Tech’s fall enrollment hit a 10,773-student high in more than a decade, driven by transfers and improved retention. Energy/Tech: Tennessee’s self-service kiosk push is expanding, but officials stress the network has to be fast and resilient for everyday transactions. Culture & Tourism: Kenny Chesney and Sheryl Crow are set for ECU’s stadium tour stop in Greenville, and Nashville’s Predators open a shortened camp with urgency after a new CBA.

Healthcare Quality: Alive Hospice in Nashville says it earned CMS’s top 5-star Family Caregiver Survey rating, based on CAHPS hospice feedback from families across 12 Middle Tennessee counties. Real Estate & Housing: Greater Nashville Realtors reports August closings down 4% year over year, with downtown condos sliding 38% in August and 9% year to date, while Wilson County bucks the trend with stronger contracts and prices. Business & Permitting: Labrynth’s Red Tape 50 ranks Tennessee No. 1 for speed and ease of doing business, with CNBC factoring permitting speed and regulatory friction into the score. Energy & Industry: TVA is seeking public comment on a draft environmental impact statement for a roughly $500M Clay County solar and battery project, with comments due Sept. 29. AI & Power Systems: Google, Nvidia and Emerald AI back the AI Energy Management Alliance to boost flexible load and demand response for data centers. Local Economy & Growth: Nashville unveils the “Vibe,” a new UPSHOT women’s pro basketball team starting play in May 2027 at Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gym.

Healthcare & Jobs: Alive Hospice in Middle Tennessee earned a 5-star CMS Family Caregiver Survey rating, the top score available, based on CAHPS hospice feedback from families. Legal & Media: A federal judge ruled Tennessee must face a First Amendment challenge to an age-check requirement for adult-entertainment groups and creators. Energy & Fuel Costs: In Wilson County, E85 hit a low of $2.98/gal for the week ending Sept. 5, with Tennessee’s E85 average at $3.21. Business & Growth: Knoxville’s 865 Fest returns Sept. 29 with startup pitches, panels, and investor programming, spotlighting quantum tech, commercialization, and talent pipelines. Entertainment & Local Economy: Tennessee’s film industry is gaining momentum, with a Brad Pitt premiere in Franklin and plans for a Berry Hill soundstage development. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Tennessee American Water will begin lead and copper service-line checks in the Chattanooga area under updated EPA rules. Community & Recreation: Milan’s McKellar Park is getting $3M+ in grants for ADA-accessible restroom upgrades.

Healthcare Quality: Alive Hospice in Nashville earned a 5-star CMS Family Caregiver Survey rating, the top score available, based on CAHPS feedback on communication, pain control, and family support across 12 Middle Tennessee counties. Education & Workforce: A new Bee-Bots robotic coding tool is rolling into Clinton Elementary’s K-6 makerspace thanks to an ORAU grant, aiming to build early STEM skills through hands-on play. Hospitality & Tourism: Ofland Hotels broke ground on Ofland Smoky Mountains in Townsend—75 cabins near Cades Cove—with a summer 2027 opening planned. Business & Consumer Protection: Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett warned companies about a mail scam targeting newly registered businesses with a fake “Certificate of Status” for unnecessary fees. Energy Costs: Analysts expect “staggering” gas and diesel price jumps across multiple states as global supply pressures continue. Manufacturing & Supply Chain: NOVONIX and ACP Technologies announced a partnership to strengthen a domestic battery anode material supply chain for North America. Public Safety: The TBI warned Knoxville-area shoppers about mislabeled “Cat’s Claw” products that may contain illegal kratom-derived compounds.

Healthcare Workforce & Quality: Alive Hospice in Middle Tennessee earned a 5-star CMS Family Caregiver Survey rating, the top score, reflecting strong communication, pain management, and family support across 12 counties. Energy & Industry: Tennessee and TVA expanded a UK partnership to speed commercial fusion power under Project Infinity, with workforce training and supply-chain work; officials target groundbreak in 2026 and operations by 2034. Public Works & Downtown Business: Nashville’s Downtown Library parking garage is set for a partial reopening by end of 2026, with four lower floors returning while structural repairs continue. Data Centers & Local Governance: A Tennessee-area data center proposal is drawing scrutiny and negotiation over binding development rules, as communities weigh jobs and power needs against local impacts. Manufacturing Jobs: ArtiCast Jackson plans a $10M investment and 100 jobs in Madison County to make high-pressure die-cast components for aerospace, defense, automotive, and robotics. Technology in Schools: ORAU-backed Bee-Bots robotic classroom tools are bringing hands-on coding to Clinton Elementary’s K-6 makerspace program. Fuel Prices: GasBuddy reports Tennessee regular prices averaging about $3.74 in the week ending Sept. 5, with county-by-county lows highlighted.