To communicate the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Oak Ridge Reservation’s economic impact and important role in Tennessee’s economy.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Oak Ridge Reservation is a critical asset for our nation and the global community. A world leader in transformative science and technology, Oak Ridge is a place of innovation and creativity, where cutting-edge facilities and world-class talent converge to enhance national security, improve the environment, and advance scientific discoveries. The Oak Ridge Reservation is also a job-creation engine, injecting billions into Tennessee’s economy. 

Despite the global COVID-19 pandemic, DOE’s missions never ceased in Oak Ridge. In fact, these missions gave way to innovations that are helping to stop the spread of COVID-19 at home and around the world.

Piper Communications drafted a project plan and communications approach for the East Tennessee Economic Council to communicate the significance of the DOE Oak Ridge Reservation’s economic impact to the state in terms of  job creation, tax revenues, community outreach and more. Once the data was obtained from the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy, Piper Communications edited and designed the report, provided messaging support, designed a one page factsheet, and powerpoint to convey that message. 

Using these materials, the Piper staff created and executed a media strategy to share updated information regarding DOE’s economic impact to the Volunteer State.

• DOE’s total economic impact on the state of Tennessee is $7.2 billion. 
• Nearly 43,000 full-time jobs are supported by DOE activities 
• Tennessee’s gross domestic product increased by approximately $4.2 billion as a result of overall spending by DOE and its contractors. 
• Additionally, $2.9 billion in total personal income was generated by DOE related activities in the state. 
• DOE and its contractors procured approximately $940 million in various goods and services from Tennessee businesses in 2020. 
• Approximately $108 million in state and local taxes were generated by DOE-related spending.