The machinery industry is getting a big boost from two new Dell Computer Corp. plants in Nashville and Wilson County. Also, Hewlett-Packard is expanding production of computer equipment in LaVergne, potentially adding as many as 1,600 workers by the end of 2001. Success in other industries has created strong local competition for labor. Other parts of the economy continue to perform very well. This, in turn, continues to spur construction growth.
Services are big business in the Middle Tennessee area and are expanding rapidly.
In general, the music and entertainment business should continue to develop. The finance and insurance industry has been expanding. Health-related job growth has slowed, but continues to be a plus for the area. Overall, the area is expected to continue as the top performer in the Valley. Middle Tennesseans are collectively suffering from an illness and enjoying every minute of it.