ALEXANDER, CORKER, ROE APPLAUD EASTMAN’S $1.6 BILLION EXPANSION

Eastman to add 300 new jobs during next seven years

U.S. Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker and Congressman Phil Roe were in Kingsport today as Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and Eastman Chemical Company chairman and CEO Jim Rogers announced “Project Inspire,” a $1.6 billion investment in Eastman’s Kingsport site, which will add 300 new jobs during the next seven years.

“The important news is that the headquarters of a multi-billion-dollar company will be in Upper East Tennessee for a very long time. The Eastman headquarters is right where it ought to be. The good jobs at Eastman translate into stronger families, schools and communities,” said Alexander.

“This is a truly outstanding day. I want to thank Governor Haslam and Jim Rogers for their commitment to this region and for allowing me to be involved in this effort. I’m concerned that Washington’s inability to deal with big issues has had a dampening effect on investments around the country, but being in Kingsport today with civic leaders and people who have committed themselves to their state and their community makes me want to go back to Washington and work even harder to alleviate those things that are keeping these kinds of investments from happening. I thank all those involved in this $1.6 billion investment for being an inspiration,” said Corker.

“I am pleased that Eastman is making such a substantial investment in the First District. This project will help jumpstart economic growth in our region, as well as create 300 permanent jobs. I applaud Governor Haslam and Jim Rogers for their leadership and I look forward to continuing the great working relationship we have with Eastman Chemical,” said Roe.

Eastman is headquartered in Kingsport and has approximately 7,000 employees in Northeast Tennessee.