Greater Jackson Chamber receives $187,500 TVA Workforce Invest Grant to strengthen local workforce childcare access

Greater Jackson Chamber Receives $187,500 TVA Workforce Invest Grant to Strengthen Local Workforce Childcare Access

JACKSON, Tenn., Oct. 9, 2025 — The Greater Jackson Chamber, in partnership with the Madison  County Government, has been awarded a $187,500 Workforce Invest Grant by the Tennessee  Valley Authority (TVA) to support collaborative efforts in identifying childcare gaps and  implementing strategies to increase the number of available childcare slots.  

“In Madison County, there are over 13,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector, and often, a lack of  available childcare is mentioned as a barrier to employment,” said Kyle Spurgeon, President & CEO  of the Greater Jackson Chamber. “Industry cannot be successful without an available workforce. Because TVA also recognizes the clear link between childcare, employment and industry growth,  we are thankful for their investment in our community’s planning efforts with the TVA Workforce  Invest Grant.” 

In response to the increasing demand for a trained workforce by business and industry, TVA, along  with third-party consultant VisionFirst Advisors, developed an innovative initiative, known as  Workforce Invest, in 2022. The goal of the program is to address critical workforce development  needs. 

The Countywide Childcare Assessment & Implementation Project aims to complete a  comprehensive childcare assessment to understand the current childcare availability, affordability  and accessibility, along with gaps in service. Third-party interviews with existing providers, working  parents, national providers, businesses and industries will help provide the roadmap for the  comprehensive report. Once completed, the implementation strategies will include increasing  childcare slots for a growing population, collaborating with higher education partners for  credentialing and certifications to support existing childcare providers and conducting a regulatory  review. 

“Accessible childcare is a fundamental component of workforce participation,” said Madison  County Mayor AJ Massey. “This project is a partnership with a host of local community leaders,  including the Madison County Children’s Cabinet, local manufacturing companies such as  Kellanova and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Tennessee, as well as West Tennessee Healthcare.  Together, we’re identifying where the greatest needs exist and developing real solutions that allow  more parents to enter and remain in the workforce — ultimately strengthening our economy and  our families.”

The Tennessee Valley is a region abounding in geographic and economic opportunity. Workforce  Invest, a first-of-its-kind program, leverages funds to develop a highly trained and qualified  workforce to meet current and future market demands.  

“TVA Economic Development is committed to our communities. Workforce Invest allows us to  invest in programs that address the specific workforce and education needs at a local level. Each  project funded provides needed training to residents while also fulfilling the needs of industry. We  are proud to support our local economic development partners,” said John Bradley, Senior Vice  President of Economic Development for TVA.  

“Providing meaningful workforce training is a cornerstone issue of our national economy. TVA’s  insight to develop the program will provide a multitude of opportunities not just for the participants  but for entire communities. VisionFirst is thrilled to serve as the programmatic coordinator for  Workforce Invest,” said Gray Swoope, President & CEO of VisionFirst Advisors. 

Over the last four years, TVA has awarded Workforce Invest grants to more than 40 communities  with a combined investment of $6 million. 

About TVA
The Tennessee Valley Authority is the nation’s largest public power supplier, delivering energy to 10  million people across seven southeastern states. TVA was established 90 years ago to serve this region  and the nation by developing innovative solutions to solve complex challenges. TVA’s unique mission  focuses on energy, environmental stewardship and economic development. With one of the largest,  most diverse and cleanest energy systems – which includes nuclear, hydro, solar, gas and advanced  technologies – TVA is a leader in our nation’s drive toward a clean energy future. 

About VisionFirst Advisors
VisionFirst Advisors has established itself as a go-to firm in the economic development consulting field  with a variety of clients from 40+ states and six Fortune 500 companies. With a customer-driven  approach, our team acts seamlessly as an extension of our client’s team to develop strategy, solve  problems and deliver results while mitigating risks and barriers. We know that no two projects are the  same and our approach is tailored to each of our clients. Learn more at visionfirstadvisors.com.  

About the Greater Jackson Chamber
The Greater Jackson Chamber was founded in 1905 – seven years prior to the United States Chamber of  Commerce. The Chamber consists of a diverse and talented staff, an executive committee, dedicated  volunteers, and more than 1,350 business members – all committed to growing the economy and  quality of life for everyone in Madison County and the region. 

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