Denise Watts Named Project Manager for TVA Business & Community Resources
May 12, 2006
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Denise Watts of TVA’s Economic Development staff has been named project manager for Business & Community Resources and will work with distributors of TVA power, community leaders, lenders and new and existing businesses throughout the Tennessee Valley in business development efforts.
Her responsibilities will include supporting communities’ business retention and expansion strategies, identifying growth opportunities for women-owned businesses, and facilitating entrepreneurship and financing programs.
Watts joined TVA’s Economic Development staff in October 2004 as regional economic development specialist for the TVA West Tennessee region based in Memphis. She has been with TVA since October 2003. Prior to coming to TVA she was president of Watts Works Consulting for 10 years and did transportation and air quality planning for public and private organizations nationwide Watts has a bachelor’s degree in sociology and education from the University of North Alabama and a master’s in city and regional planning from Memphis State University.
“We are excited to have Denise in this role in our Business and Community Resources initiative,” said TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development John Bradley. “Denise brings a broad business perspective and a proven track record working with business and industry. She will be a tremendous asset in working with our communities and partners to advance TVA’s economic development goals.”
In fiscal year 2005, TVA has worked in partnership with various economic development organizations and partners to help attract or retain 57,000 Valley jobs and generate more than $3.6 billion in capital investment. Economic development is a major part of TVA’s core mission.
TVA is the nation’s largest public power provider and is completely self-financing with revenues of $7.8 billion in 2005. TVA provides power to large industries and 158 power distributors that serve approximately 8.6 million consumers in seven southeastern states. TVA also manages the Tennessee River and its tributaries to provide multiple benefits, including flood damage reduction, navigation, water quality and recreation.
Media Contact
Amy Tate, Tupelo, (662) 690-3403
TVA News Bureau, Knoxville, (865) 632-6000
