About Us

As an agency of the University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service and a partner to multiple federal initiatives, the University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services (UT CIS) is helping build a stronger, more resilient future for Tennessee’s communities.

We know that safe workplaces, knowledgeable community leaders and empowered business owners contribute to thriving communities. That is why our experts at UT CIS work hard to help businesses become more profitable and safer places to work, guide job seekers to meaningful employment and empower community and business leaders with the tools to leverage resources that drive local growth. Our services include:

  • Training - We provide training programs to help your team grow their skills in areas like safety, leadership, process improvement and more.
  • Consulting & Technical Assistance – We work with you to solve problems and find new opportunities, whether it’s streamlining your manufacturing processes or helping you navigate the government contract award process.
  • Research & Innovation – Our team can connect you to the latest research and technology in addition to helping your organization implement new tools or systems.


UT CIS provides support to a diverse range of organizations — including manufacturers, local and regional leaders, small businesses and nonprofits. Our services are organized by the unique challenges and opportunities that these clients encounter in their fields:

Economic Development

Community and business leaders can access high-quality training and networks to gain insight into economic development trends and resources.

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Economic Development
Government Contracting

Government Contracting

UT CIS helps companies understand how to win government contracts, meet requirements, and navigate the procurement process. We also offer training to help businesses succeed in government contracting.

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Health, Safety & Emergency Preparedness

UT CIS offers a comprehensive Health, Safety, and Emergency Preparedness program designed to assist organizations in meeting Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance and enhancing workplace safety. Through partnerships with OSHA, we help businesses ensure workplace safety and meet federal standards.

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Health, Safety & Emergency Preparedness
Manufacturing Excellence

Manufacturing Excellence

As Tennessee’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), we help manufacturers become more efficient, reduce costs, and stay competitive by improving their processes and using new technologies. 

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Workforce Development

UT CIS offers training programs to improve the skills of your employees and prepare them for future roles. We help businesses build strong teams with practical, hands-on learning. We collaborate with the U.S. Department of Labor and other agencies to provide training programs that improve workforce readiness and help businesses access training funds.

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Workforce Development

UT CIS is equipped to provide top-tier services thanks to our team of industry experts and access to the latest research and resources through the University of Tennessee and our federal partners. We have over sixty years in the business of ensuring practical, effective solutions for businesses and communities.

Our team is passionate about serving Tennesseans. Whether you're a small business or a large company, we provide services and solutions that will help you be ready for any challenge or opportunity. Let’s build a stronger future together.

Office Locations

Nashville, Tennessee

193 Polk Ave., Suite C

Nashville , TN 37210

Jackson, Tennessee

605 Airways Blvd., Suite 109

Jackson , TN 38301-7403

Johnson City, Tennessee

2112 North Roan St, Suite 604

Johnson City , TN 37601

Chattanooga, Tennessee

540 McCallie Avenue

Suite 468

Chattanooga , TN 37403

​Knoxville, Tennessee

Institute for Public Service

1610 University Ave

Knoxville , TN 37921

​Memphis, Tennessee

Bartlett Area Chamber of Commerce

2969 Elmore Park Rd

Bartlett , TN 38134