NFIB and the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry have released a report through a coalition of business organizations, examining policies that have contributed to Tennessee’s status as a leading state for business.
The document, titled “Tennessee’s Business-Focused Policy Record – A Look Back and Look Ahead,” reviews policy changes that have affected areas such as tax structure, workers’ compensation, labor laws, unemployment, and civil justice.
“Small businesses need clear rules and predictable costs to succeed,” said NFIB State Director Jim Brown. “This report shows how Tennessee’s pro-growth policies help small employers create jobs, invest in their communities, and stay competitive.”
The coalition—known as the Tennessee Business-Policy Alliance—emphasizes recent tax reforms that have reduced expenses and administrative burdens for small businesses. These reforms include measures that exempted many small employers from certain state business taxes. Additionally, the report notes improvements in workers’ compensation that resulted in lower rates, faster claim processing, and better return-to-work outcomes.
According to the report, changes in labor and civil justice laws have shielded businesses from inconsistent local regulations and helped limit exposure to costly lawsuits. This has provided employers with more predictability when making decisions about hiring or investment.
Looking forward, the report identifies opportunities for further progress by highlighting Tennessee’s workforce strengths, industry diversity, geographic advantages, and ongoing innovation. It encourages lawmakers to maintain recent achievements while focusing on reducing regulatory barriers and simplifying the tax code.
Other organizations involved in the coalition include the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation, Greater Tennessee Associated Builders and Contractors, the Tennessee Bankers Association, the Tennessee Fuel & Convenience Store Association, the Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association, and the Tennessee Retail Association.
More information can be found at the Tennessee Business-Policy Alliance.
