Page Header
Economic Development





Portland ranks 15th in the State

as most business friendly in 2007 !


Tennessee has long been known as a business-friendly state. Thanks to the lack of a personal income tax, the State’s comparatively low business tax rates and the natural advantages of Tennessee’s good location, the overall statewide business climate is hospitable for businesses of almost any size or type. While most of the state enjoys the benefits of a strong economy, some cities within Tennessee outperform the others in attracting new businesses and helping existing business prosper.


On the upswing were La Vergne, rising 15 spots to break into the top-five, and Portland, which shot from 32nd to 15th. Shelbyville jumped 20 spots and McMinnville, the biggest mover from last year, soared 25 spots higher.
(as sited in Business TN Magazine)




See Why You Belong In Portland - Click Here

We Are 3-Star 
The City of Portland is a 3-STAR Community


What does it mean to be a 3 star city?

The Three-Star Program is designed as a road map to assist local communities in their effort to achieve excellence in community and economic development. Participating communities are guided through a comprehensive plan of essential criteria developed by local economic development professionals and a cooperative collaboration of various state agencies. These combined efforts have made the Three-Star Program an important component of our state’s economic strategy.


The City Of Portland Recieving Its Official Certification


Five Steps to Three-Star Status

1. An ECD team member works with the community to meet certification criteria. See Three-Star Community Criteria.

2. The community develops, then submits to ECD a strategy documenting that the criteria have been met.

3. The review team evaluates the community and makes recommendations on how to improve economic competitiveness.

4. The review team recommends Three-Star certification to the Governor.

5. The Governor personally presents the Three-Star Award to the community.
top of page