Business Growth & Innovation

With a multifaceted, wide-reaching strategy under overarching umbrellas comprised of consulting, training and networking resources for Tennessee businesses and entrepreneurs, UTCIS is at the forefront of Tennessee business growth and innovation. By offering a range of services—everything from topical overviews in the broad strokes of our entry-level training courses to precise, data-driven, company-specific project management and consulting—UTCIS meets your company where it is and moves it forward.

Founded on a sincere desire to help businesses incorporate the technology, techniques and preparation they need to grow, we’re dedicated to enabling and facilitating the success of Tennessee brands. For more than 50 years, UTCIS has been helping Tennessee companies add value to their communities and residents.

ExporTech

ExporTech

Accessing growth opportunities in global markets requires a strategic approach to exports, which is why UTCIS partners with the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership program and U.S. Export Assistance Centers to offer ExporTech.
 

Learn More

Sustainability

A central tenant of successful, forward-thinking businesses worldwide, sustainability is a foremost consideration for customers and a common-sense strategy for business leaders intent on maintaining responsible stewardship well into the future, and UTCIS offers myriad related ideas.

Learn More
Sustainability
PTAC event

Government Contracting

Helping your business connect to government contracting opportunities is what the Procurement Technical Assistance Center at UTCIS is all about. In 2017, our PTAC counselors assisted 1,048 small businesses in Tennessee, generating more than ​$142 million in contract dollars, which led to more than 3,000 jobs created or retained.​​​  

Learn More

Research

Market research is foundational to any business growth strategy, as knowledge is power, and a well-informed business leader is less likely to lead a company astray, which is why Tennessee companies are quick to check with UTCIS for timely, relevant research sources by industry.

Learn More
Research
Made in Tennessee

Made in Tennessee

Highlighting the vital nature of Tennessee-based manufacturing, UTCIS is proud to support our local manufacturing community by emphasizing the essential nature of its output—$51.14 billion in 2015—thanks to 341,500 Tennessee manufacturing employees.

Learn More

Energy Efficiency & Environmental Management

Energy costs inevitably impact production costs. The experts at UT CIS pinpoint inefficiencies at Tennessee companies and provide detailed implementation strategies for cost-reduction. With our experienced and thorough approach to rate reduction analysis, thermal imaging, energy assessment and alternative energy options, we offer unbiased solutions with measurable economic impact.

Environmental Management

Environmental Management

If you have no environment management system, your company expenses are likely higher than they should be. UT CIS can help your company develop short- and long-term strategies for environmental and economic sustainability, with onsite assessments, practical training and best management practices. 

Discover More

Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Supervisor Skills Training

UT CIS offers a training program to Environmental Safety and Health Supervisors who are new to the job or have been reassigned to help them improve skills in four essential areas.

Discover More
EPCRA Tier II Reporting Training
Energy Efficiency

Energy Efficiency

Smarter energy strategies can often result in cost savings across your entire enterprise. Whether you’re  looking for helpful suggestions or are in need of project management, UT CIS offers actionable insights into lighting, utilities, HVAC, waste disposal and much more.

Discover More

Meet Our Experts

 Meet the Environmental Management & Energy Efficiency team

Learn More
Meet the Team UT CIS

Need Help? Contact Keith Ridley at keith.ridley@tennessee.edu

How do I build controls to achieve energy efficiency?

What experts can help me identify the most energy efficient lighting system for my facility?

What monitoring systems will tell me how my HVAC systems are performing?

How can I understand energy consumption and costs of specific processes through sub-metering technology?

How do I get an energy efficiency review of all facility systems?

How do I reduce electricity usage during peak periods?

How can solar panels help me reduce high energy bills?

What financing options are available to support my energy efficiency projects?

Are incentives available to me for achieving energy efficiency goals with HVAC or other plant systems?

What incentives can help me capture waste heat to power boilers and other operations?

How do industrial and commercial energy rates impact my facility's electricity bills?

Government Contracting

Contact Your APEX Counselor 

 

View Upcoming  Trainings

 

Opportunities for mutually beneficial contracting with state and federal governments abound, but successfully navigating these connections requires more than just knowing where to look. Thorough preparation rewards those who go the extra mile, and Tennessee APEX Accelerator training can give you a jump-start on the competition.

From locating the right contracting opportunities for your business to learning how to speak the language, adhere to the regulations, identify subcontracting possibilities and formulate proposal development strategies,Tennessee APEX Accelerator is a comprehensive destination for government contracting preparation. With our experienced, knowledgeable and friendly staff, there is no better source than Tennessee APEX Accelerator for professionals with your interests in mind and your business' success prioritized.

UT CIS Procurement Technical Assistance Center

Tennessee APEX Accelerator

In 2022, the Tennessee APEX Accelerator had more than 3,400 counseling hours with small business generating more than $300 million in contract dollars.

Discover More

Manufacturing Excellence

Housed in the University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services, the Tennessee Manufacturing Extension Partnership (TMEP) is a service provider and consulting organization committed to building a thriving manufacturing industry across the state. The Tennessee MEP provides high-value, affordable solutions to help manufacturers increase profitability. 

The staff leverages resources in both the public and private sectors to help identify areas of improvement, streamline processes, and ultimately increase competitiveness. 

Tennessee MEP is a part of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership National Network, which has resource centers in 50 states and Puerto Rico that are funded in part by the Department of Commerce. Tennessee MEP can collaborate across borders to pull in expertise as needed or to participate in multi-state projects. It is part of a unique public/private partnership model that often includes a cost-share program with financial contributions from federal, state and local governments to help make MEP services affordable for U.S. small and medium-sized manufacturers. 

Click through the options below to learn more about TMEP's service lines. If you would like to learn more about TMEP's services request a free consultation with your local Solutions Consultant.

Economic Development

UT CIS creates comprehensive economic development solutions for Tennessee businesses, entrepreneurs, organizations and government leaders. By training, consulting and assisting our communities through the identification and development of economic potential, we improve quality of life for all Tennesseans.

Leveraging research and development assets to create and retain high-quality job opportunities, we increase capital investment statewide. At UT CIS, our involvement in everything from small business innovation and technology transfer—to our rural entrepreneurship system and many other initiatives and services—our ongoing focus remains on helping advance the economic well-being of Tennessee.

Tennessee Certified Economic Developer (TCED) Program

The TCED Program covers economic trends, opportunities, core components and tools essential for competition in today’s global economy, with a focus on economic development in Tennessee.

Learn More
Randy Boyd TCED
EDA University Center UT CIS

EDA University Center

Funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), the EDA University Center at the University of Tennessee assists existing Tennessee businesses, industries and communities by fostering economic growth and improving economic competitiveness.

Discover More

Made in Tennessee

The Made in Tennessee program is a no-cost membership program that allows registered members to have a profile in a manufacturing directory through which other businesses and customers can locate information about products and services. Members of the program are granted use of the Made in Tennessee logo so that they can proudly display where their products are made. 

Learn More
Made In Tennessee
Performance Consulting Courses and Assessments

Performance Consulting Courses and Assessments

How does your team collaborate? UT CIS can help you understand the strengths of your team members and identify opportunities for growth. You can register for an existing course or we can provide the training to your team at your facility. 

Discover More

Strategic Planning

The University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services (UT CIS) provides workforce and economic development training and technical assistance to help rural communities build on their assets to promote economic growth.

Learn More
Asset-Based Planning Initiative
ED Team

Meet Our Experts

Meet the UT CIS Economic Development team.

Learn More

Health, Safety & Emergency Preparedness

UT CIS wants to make your facility OSHA-compliant and a safer place to work. Whether your needs lie in employee safety, emergency preparedness or regulatory compliance, UT CIS can help you find the right solutions to meet your goals. Here is a sampling of our services:

  • Health & Safety Consultation and Training
  • Emergency Response Training 
  • Hazardous Materials Training
  • Pandemic Preparedness & Response Training
  • OSHA Compliance Assistance
  • Audits
  • OTI Education Center Programs
OSHA Training Institute Education Center

Southeastern OSHA Training Institute Education Center

The Southeastern OSHA Training Institute Education Center provides the U.S. Department of Labor OSHA Outreach Training program, OSHA’s primary training for occupational safety and health.

Learn More

Health and Safety

Are you really serious about safety? Your organization's approach to meeting (or exceeding) state and federal OSHA requirements is a direct reflection of your organizational dedication to employee workplace health and safety. 

Learn More
Health and Safety Training
Emergency Response & Preparedness UT CIS

Emergency Response & Preparedness

Whether you need basic First Aid training or technical rescue training for your first responders, we can help you address your emergency response and preparedness needs.

Discover More
Meet Our Experts UT CIS

Meet Our Experts

Meet the Health, Safety & Emergency Preparedness team at UT CIS

Learn More

Our Partners

Course Schedule

We invite you to explore our training offerings by selecting any of the class links in the schedule above.

If you already have an account for the Center for Industrial Services Online Training Portal, but have not logged in since August 2017, you will need to do one of two things:

1) Enter your previous User Name and Password. If they match what we have on record, you will be prompted to change your password in order to enter the new system.

2) If they do not match, you will need to click on the 'Forgot user name and password?' link.  You will then enter your email address in the Login Credential area and then complete the ReCaptcha (an advanced risk analysis technique that tells humans and bots apart) and an email containing a link to reset your password will be sent.

  • You can also register by completing the Course Registration Form and emailing it to Carol.Jones@tennessee.edu 
  • If you have previously taken classes through UT CIS before and cannot get logged into the system, please Email Carol Jones or you can call her direct at: (615) 253-6371 or toll free at: (888) 763-7439.
  • Click here for a list of hotels convenient to our Nashville Office location. 

Cancellation and Refund Policy

No refunds or credits issued one week or less prior to the first date of class.

No refunds for cancellations more than one week prior to the first date class but credit may be applied toward another UTCIS course.

Please note: Some Environmental, Health and Safety courses require that students complete a Medical Evaluation Form. Please check course descriptions to determine if this applies to the course you're registering for, then complete the form and bring it with you to the first class. 

Please contact Carol.Jones @tennessee.edu with any registration questions

 

Programs

Assessments UT CIS

Assessments

UT CIS provides assessments

Discover More

Training

UT CIS provides training

Discover More
Training
Consulting UT CIS

Consulting

UT CIS provides consulting

Discover More

Give to CIS

To make a gift to any of the investment opportunities below, please visit the University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service gift page and select Center for Industrial Services as the area of support.

Manufacturing Excellence:

  1. David Patterson Future Manufacturing Leaders Endowment - The David Patterson Future Manufacturing Leaders Endowment promotes manufacturing as a career choice.  Your gift supports student experiences and activities, including internships, capstone projects and Manufacturing Day events.
  2. Dr. Rapinder Sawhney CASRE/CIS Fellowship Endowment (Formerly Industrial Fellowship Program Endowment) - The Industrial Fellowship Program Endowment promotes manufacturing as a research and service topic for faculty and students.  Your gift supports faculty and student work on actual manufacturing challenges, leading to innovative solutions.
  3. Made in Tennessee Fund - The Made in Tennessee Fund advances and celebrates Tennessee manufacturers.  Your gift supports the Made in Tennessee website, videos, events and communications that lift up the importance of manufacturing to our country and state.   
  4. Next Generation Manufacturing Leadership Fund -  Your investment means that we will introduce more students to career opportunities in manufacturing, fund faculty and student projects with Tennessee companies, and help smaller firms connect with student interns to solve real-life manufacturing problems.  We will continue to advocate for manufacturing careers and develop future leaders.  And, we will keep manufacturing in Tennessee.


Economic Development:

  1. Philip Trauernicht Memorial Scholarship for Rural Leaders - The Philip Trauernicht Memorial Scholarship for Rural Leaders expands professional development opportunities for economic developers.  Your gift supports tuition and related costs for participation in the Tennessee Basic Economic Development Course. 


General Support:

  1. UT CIS Gift Fund - The UT CIS Gift Fund supports  helps advance and support UTCIS programs and activities that fall outside or beyond existing budgets.  Examples include program development, student recognition, and employee appreciation events.  Your gift can be tailored to support specific initiatives that are important to you. 


Sponsorships provide an opportunity for your organization to partner with UT CIS to present training and networking events, sponsor a particular program, and reach a specific audience.  Naming rights are available.


Please visit the University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service gift page and select Center for Industrial Services as the area of support to make a gift to any of the opportunities listed above. To discuss these and other investment opportunities, contact Paul Jennings, Executive Director (615-532-8887, paul.jennings@tennessee.edu)

 

About Us

The University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services (UT CIS) delivers technical assistance and training to businesses and communities throughout Tennessee. UT CIS has the real-world experience and expertise to give businesses and communities the tools they need to grow, succeed and create good jobs.

Whether you want to improve productivity on the plant floor, comply with safety or environmental regulations, sell to a government agency, introduce a new product, or improve your economic development potential, UT CIS has the expertise to help you succeed.

In addition to having a skilled and experienced staff who can help you define and solve your most pressing problems, UT CIS can connect you with the expertise of universities, federal laboratories and other resources across the country.

Since its creation in 1963, UT CIS has grown its staff of professional employees located in six offices across the state. UT CIS is an agency of the UT Institute of Public Service and houses several nationally known programs, including the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership, EDA University Center, Procurement Technical Assistance Center and OSHA Training Institute.

MISSION STATEMENT

We Help Customers Achieve Their Goals.

VISION STATEMENT

Happy People, Great Teams, Successful Customers.

VALUES STATEMENT

Innovation, Honesty, Engagement, Accountability and Respect.

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

Subscribe to