The Roane Alliance

What The Roane Alliance does

The Roane Alliance is a private, non-profit economic development organization formed in 2001 to coordinate economic development, tourism promotion, business support, and workforce initiatives for Roane County, Tennessee. Designated as the county's Joint Economic & Community Development Board (JECDB) under T.C.A. 6-58-114, it functions as an umbrella organization uniting three partner entities — the Roane County Industrial Development Board (RCIDB), Roane County Visitor's Bureau (RCVB), and Roane Chamber of Commerce — alongside branded programs including Education Matters and Retire Roane. It serves a constituency of industrial/business prospects, tourists, chamber members, retirees, and education partners, operating from a single headquarters in Kingston that also houses the three partner organizations.

The Alliance's core "products" are programmatic services rather than commercial offerings: site selection assistance, incentive negotiation, workforce development coordination, tourism marketing, retiree relocation, and chamber networking. Its technology stack is limited to a website platform with digital content management, social media, email newsletters, and a ChamberMaster membership management system — no proprietary software or AI/ML capabilities are present.

Revenue is non-commercial and comes from three streams: annual contributions from municipalities (Harriman, Kingston, Oak Ridge, Rockwood) and major employers (CNS Y-12, EnergySolutions, TVA, UCOR, UT-Battelle/ORNL); the Annual Gala fundraiser, which provides approximately 50% of the total annual budget; and rent paid by the three partner organizations for shared office space. The organization has captured significant industrial wins since 2021, including 1,200+ jobs created/retained, $170M in capital investment, and 249 acres of land sold, with marquee 2023-2024 recruitments including Orano USA, Protomet Corporation, and Malibu Boats/Cobalt Boats.

Name

The Roane Alliance

Legal name

The Roane Alliance

Website

https://roanealliance.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2001

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Roane Alliance is a non-profit economic development organization coordinating industrial recruitment, tourism promotion, chamber services, and workforce development for Roane County, Tennessee through unified programs serving businesses, visitors, retirees, and residents.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Economic Development Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Administration of General Economic Programs (92611)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Economic Development & Business Licensing (Local) (BPAIACAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial Park Owners Association Management (BPAJAHAH), Association Compliance, Governance & Board Support Services (BPAJAHAN)

Keywords

• Economic development services
• Tourism promotion
• Chamber of commerce
• Workforce development
• Industrial site recruitment

Headquarters

HQ city

Kingston

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Annual Contributions: The Roane Alliance operates with an operating budget funded solely by annual contributions from organizations, businesses, and individuals. Annual contributors include cities (Harriman, Kingston, Oak Ridge, Rockwood), major employers (CNS Y-12, EnergySolutions, TVA, UCOR, UT Battelle/ORNL), and other stakeholders.
2. Annual Gala Fundraiser: The Roane Alliance Gala is an annual fundraiser that provides approximately 50% of the total annual Roane Alliance budget. The 2024 Gala was record-breaking with table sponsorships up 25% and total fundraising up 15%.
3. Rent from Partner Organizations: Rent paid by the three partner organizations (RCIDB, RCVB, Roane Chamber) for shared office space and administrative services.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Roane Alliance is Roane County's unified economic development organization that coordinates business recruitment, industrial site development, workforce development, tourism promotion, chamber of commerce services, and retiree attraction under one umbrella. Founded in 2001, it operates as a cooperation between the Industrial Development Board, Visitors Bureau, and Chamber of Commerce, providing one-stop shop services for businesses, residents, and visitors across Roane County, Tennessee.

Product overview

The Roane Alliance is an umbrella economic development organization for Roane County, Tennessee, formed in 2001 as a cooperation between the Roane County Industrial Development Board (RCIDB), Roane County Visitor's Bureau (RCVB), and the Roane Chamber. The organization offers a portfolio of programs and services including economic development, workforce development, tourism promotion, retiree recruitment, education alignment, leadership development, business awards, and community initiatives. Key programs include Education Matters (K-12 workforce alignment), Retire Roane (retiree recruitment), Certified Sites Program (industrial site certification), Workforce Development, Leadership Roane, Annual Business Awards, Shop Roane, Green Team, and Silver Sustainable Community.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Education Matters: Award-winning program promoting alignment of K-12 education with local business to create future workforce
• Retire Roane
• Roane ECD
• Roane Tourism
• Roane Chamber

Products and services

• Economic Development Services
• Roane Chamber of Commerce
• Roane Tourism / Visitors Bureau
• Education Matters
• Retire Roane
• Certified Sites Program
• Workforce Development Program
• Leadership Roane
• Shop Roane
• Annual Business Awards
• Green Team

Quantifiable outcome

• Tourism generated $71.32M in visitor spending in 2018, with $8M in taxes reducing household tax bills by ~$366
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, secondary and core.

• Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 January 2025TVA leading $800M DOE Generation III+ SMR Program application with coalition including Bechtel, BWX Technologies, Duke Energy, EPRI, GE Hitachi, and others. Clinch River Project in Oak Ridge planned for 2033 commercial operation.
• Orano USAflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 September 2024Orano selected Oak Ridge for multi-billion-dollar centrifuge uranium enrichment facility covering 750,000 SF, creating 300+ jobs. Second company to locate in Tennessee utilizing the Nuclear Energy Fund. Global headquarters in Paris, France.
• Protomet CorporationflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 April 2024Protomet expanding into Roane County with 250 new jobs and $25M investment at former Albahealth building in Rockwood. Headquartered in Loudon, TN. Manufacturing, engineering and technology corporation serving automotive, boating and homeland security customers.
• U.S. Department of LaborflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 September 2023Roane State Community College received $1.44 million Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grant from USDOL. The only recipient selected in Tennessee to develop nuclear industry training and work-based learning opportunities. Partners with CNS Y-12, Energy Solutions, MS Technology, ORNL, and local labor unions.
• Tennessee RiverLinesecondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Roane County is a RiverTown partner in the Tennessee RiverLine 652 initiative - a vision for continuous multi-modal trail experiences along 652 miles of the Tennessee River. County has been a pilot community and now a RiverTown along with Harriman, Kingston & Rockwood.
• Roane County Industrial Development Board (RCIDB)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2001RCIDB is one of three partner organizations that formed The Roane Alliance in 2001. RCIDB focuses on development, recruitment and retention of business and industry through local, regional and state partnerships; education and workforce development; and marketing quality of life. The RCIDB operates with its own BOD and operating budget.
• Roane County Visitor's Bureau (RCVB)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2001RCVB is one of three partner organizations forming The Roane Alliance. Works to develop and advocate for recreation and tourism assets; recruit travelers to visit, stay, shop local and enjoy community events; and introduce quality of life to future residents. Operates under Roane Alliance Board direction.
• Roane Chamber of CommercecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2001Roane Chamber is one of three partner organizations. Strives to be a reliable resource for the business community; create a stronger Chamber through membership; create events, workshops and programs to bring members together; and provide policies that create strong Chamber leadership. Operates with its own BOD and budget.
• tnAchievessecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership supporting Roane County's 70% college enrollment goal by 2025. tnAchieves provides student-first approach mentoring Roane County students and supporting post-secondary pathways through Tennessee College of Applied Technology, community college, university, or apprenticeship.
• Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTVA is the nation's most dependable power source and one of the nation's largest electric power systems. Roane County is a designated TVA Silver-level sustainable community. TVA provides Nuclear Energy Fund support and partners on SMR development at Clinch River.
• Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerORNL is the nation's top research lab located in Roane County. Part of the Knoxville/Oak Ridge Innovation Valley. Contributes to workforce development through partnerships with Roane State and provides economic development opportunities through Reindustrialization program.
• Education MatterscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAward-winning program empowering leaders, parents and students to invest in education aligned with workforce opportunities. Part of The Roane Alliance umbrella, connecting K-12 education with local business to create future workforce.
• Retire RoanesecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerRetire Roane program chosen by the state to partner in Retire Tennessee program recruiting retirees to the county. Annual attendance at Ideal Living Shows in target markets (Illinois, New York, Michigan, New Jersey, Florida).
• Malibu Boats / Cobalt BoatsflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMalibu Boats purchased 260,000 SF speculative building and announced expansion creating 770 jobs with $75M capital investment in October 2023. Cobalt Boats is a subsidiary also expanding in Roane County.
• Roane State Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRoane State received $1.44M DOL grant for nuclear training. Partners with ORNL, CNS Y-12, Energy Solutions, and local labor unions for workforce development. UT-Battelle donated $100,000 to launch nuclear technology program.
• City of HarrimancoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAnnual contributor and partner municipality. One of five unique communities in Roane County. Sponsors Tennessee Medieval Faire and other community events.
• City of KingstoncoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAnnual contributor and county seat of Roane County. Home to Fort Southwest Point historic site and Smokin' the Water Festival. Partner in Retire Tennessee program.
• City of Oak RidgecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAnnual contributor and home to Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Partner municipality in Knoxville/Oak Ridge Innovation Valley. Hosts Secret City Festival and Manhattan Project National Historical Park.
• City of RockwoodcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAnnual contributor and partner municipality. Home to Protomet Corporation expansion and Three River Rumble cycling event. Partner in Tennessee RiverLine.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD): State-level economic development authority that funds, supports, and partners with county-level EDOs like the Roane Alliance. Comparable in mission but operates at a much broader state scope, administering the Nuclear Energy Fund and Select Tennessee Certified Sites program.
• Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) Economic Development: Federal corporation and key Alliance partner providing power, site certification, and the Silver sustainable community designation. Operates an economic development function that supports and overlaps with the Alliance's mission across the Tennessee Valley.

Direct peers

• Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce: Chamber serving Oak Ridge, which is one of Roane County's core municipalities and home to ORNL. Directly comparable member-based business organization operating in the same geography with overlapping nuclear/tech-industry focus.
• Loudon County Economic Development Agency: County-level economic development organization in adjacent Loudon County, Tennessee. Comparable as a peer EDO competing for the same industrial prospects in East Tennessee.
• Knoxville Chamber: Regional chamber and economic development organization serving the Knoxville/Oak Ridge Innovation Valley, of which Roane County is a member. Directly comparable as a unified chamber/ECD model operating in the same East Tennessee market.
• Maury Alliance (Maury County, TN): Tennessee county-level unified economic development organization combining chamber, tourism, and industrial development under one umbrella. One of the most directly comparable peer organizations in Tennessee in terms of structure and operating model.
• Blount County Chamber / Economic Development Board: Adjacent East Tennessee county-level chamber and economic development organization. Comparable in scope, target market, and unified-program structure serving a county bordering Roane.
• Anderson County Economic Development Association: County-level EDO in adjacent Anderson County, also tied to the ORNL/Knoxville Innovation Valley ecosystem. Directly comparable in function and target market.
• Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce: Tennessee county-level chamber/ECD hybrid. Comparable as a unified chamber and economic development organization in a Tennessee county with similar industrial recruitment focus.

Regional players

• Sevierville / Sevier County Economic Development Council: East Tennessee county-level EDO combining tourism, chamber, and economic development functions. Comparable in unified-program model and regional tourism/manufacturing mix.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCvAv4vjCU7_jUBA2h0qM5wg
• Facebookfacebook.com/roanealliance
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-roane-alliance

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Roane Alliance