The first thoughts of the Livingston/Overton County Chamber of Commerce are with the more than 200 INOAC employees and their families following the company's announcement last week that it will begin winding down operations at its Livingston facility in February 2027 and cease operations in April 2027. INOAC has long been a major employer in Overton County, and the men and women who work there have given a great deal of themselves to the company and to this community over the years.

"This is difficult news for Overton County, and we know that behind every one of those jobs is a family now facing real uncertainty," said Zach Stephens, President and CEO of the Chamber. "Our focus right now is making sure every affected worker has access to the resources, training, and job opportunities they need, and we are already working alongside our state and local partners so that no one has to navigate this alone."

The Chamber has joined the Upper Cumberland Local Workforce Development Board, Overton County Executive Austin Dodson, and Livingston Mayor Lori Elder Burnett in offering INOAC the state's Rapid Response services, which provide employees with information on unemployment benefits, retraining assistance, and connections to local employers who are hiring, and the partners will work closely with the company's local management team to deliver those services in whatever way best meets the needs of its employees over the coming months. 

Should INOAC choose to sell or lease the facility, the Chamber will work alongside the company, the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, Tennessee Valley Authority Economic Development, and other partners to market the building to prospective employers, with the goal of making it a source of good jobs for Overton County once again, because a quality industrial building and a skilled, experienced workforce are among the strongest assets any community can offer.

Overton County has always met hard moments with resilience and a neighborly spirit, and the Chamber remains committed to standing with every affected family while working to strengthen the economic future of Livingston and Overton County.

About the Livingston/Overton County Chamber of Commerce: The Livingston/Overton County Chamber of Commerce works to strengthen the local economy through economic development, tourism, workforce development, small business support, and government advocacy, serving as a partner and resource for businesses and residents throughout Overton County.