Teamwork makes the dream work, especially when it’s for a great cause. | Photo by @blizzardzhusky via Hands on Nashville
Spring is here, and with it comes one of our favorite traditions: company volunteer days. National Volunteer Week is April 19-25. Where is your company volunteering this year? We’ll highlight some of the best opportunities for your biz in an upcoming newsletter. In the meantime, browse the Hands On Nashville website for corporate volunteer opportunities.
Asked
Asked
Where is your company volunteering this year, and what types of opportunities are you looking for?
77% of companies reported increased employee participation in volunteer opportunities in 2024 compared with the year before, showing workplace service is becoming a bigger part of company culture.
Volunteering isn’t just giving back — it helps businesses build stronger teams, connect with their community, and show clients they care. It can also boost employee satisfaction and attract purpose-driven talent.
News Notes
News Notes
Jobs
Starbucks posted several high-paying roles ahead of its planned Nashville-area office. The openings, focused on sourcing and supply chain teams, include manager and director-level positions with salaries ranging from ~$81,900-$279,000. The hires will support North America operations as the company expands its southeastern presence. (The Tennessean)
Development
Tennessee lawmakers are advancing a plan to extend tourism-related taxes, using $750 million for Music City Center expansion and $300 million for East Bank infrastructure. Surplus revenue from hotel, rental, and entertainment taxes will now fund downtown growth and public safety initiatives. (Nashville Banner)
Nominate
The Mechanical Licensing Collective is seeking Publisher candidates for its Board and advisory committees, including Dispute Resolution, Operations, and Unclaimed Royalties Oversight. Seats begin later this year for three-year terms. Suggestions are open through May 4.
Travel
ICYMI, BNA’s central core closes June 1 for an 18-month renovation ahead of projected growth to 40 million passengers by 2029. Travelers will see new routes between parking, ticketing, and baggage claim. The upgraded space will add 16 escalators, modern elevators, and a new Level 4 landing.
Leadership
Big Machine Records/Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment expanded its Nashville team with four hires and promotions. Jay Cruze, Carly Leach, and Christina Hunt step into promotion and digital roles, while Claudia Deters joins as label coordinator and executive assistant, supporting the label’s continued growth following its reacquisition. (Music Row)
Tech
Launch Tennessee received a $350,000 research grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation to study new technology transfer models. The first-of-its-kind national research will evaluate multi-institution commercialization efforts and explore ways to expand innovation access in rural and regional communities.
Development
Three Tennessee cities competed for The Boring Company’s free mile-long tunnel; Hendersonville didn’t win but remains in talks to bury utility lines. The project aims to reduce storm-related outages and strengthen infrastructure for businesses and residents in the Nashville-area suburb. (Tennessee Outlook)
Plan Ahead
Music leaders, including Brad Paisley and Steve Wariner, will headline Tele Town at the Ryman on May 4, celebrating the Telecaster’s 75th anniversary. The one-night event highlights Nashville’s music industry influence, with proceeds supporting local charities. (Music Row)
State
Lumber Liquidators will relocate its corporate headquarters and warehousing operations to Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, creating 76 jobs and investing $32.4 million. The move strengthens Middle Tennessee’s business growth and aligns operations with parent company F9 Brands, which already operates locally under the Cabinets To Go brand.
Innovation
Tennessee is piloting connected and autonomous freight technology on I‑40 between Memphis and BlueOval City. Businesses could see safer, faster shipping and new opportunities in logistics, supply chain, and tech as the state tests next-generation freight systems. (Tennessee Lookout)
Business
What’s next for your business? First Financial Bank is here to help you plan the path forward. Through the merger with CedarStone Bank, First is expanding its presence and strengthening its commitment to businesses. With 192 years of experience, First provides trusted guidance so leaders can move forward with confidence.*
Events
Agenda
We’re on the lookout for top networking events each week. If you have any to share, please reply to this email or add your event to our website.
Editor’s Picks
2026 Nashville Junior Chamber Leadership Conference | Thursday, April 9-Friday, April 10 | Times vary | $132+ | The third-annual conference is a two-day event helping young professionals grow, connect, and build leadership skills.
Inside the Cap Table: What Every Leader Should Know Before Joining | Thursday, April 9 | 4:30-6 p.m. | Nashville Entrepreneur Center | Free, register | Join this session helping leaders evaluate PE- and VC-backed opportunities, covering equity, dilution, and key factors to consider before joining.
213 5th Ave. N. | $2.270 million | 3,492 sqft | Located in the Fifth Avenue Historic District, this second-floor office is within walking distance of the CBD, Broadway, and government buildings, offering immediate occupancy or investment potential in a high-demand, walkable market.
205 23rd Ave. N. | 6,493 sqft | $3.5 million | Premier office building in Midtown with central access to Centennial Park, Music Row, and Tristar Centennial Medical Center, surrounded by restaurants, hotels, and retailers — ideal for office users seeking a highly accessible, vibrant location.
Industrial, for sale
217 Willow St. | 23,561 sqft | $4.7 million | Rare freestanding industrial building just minutes from downtown, featuring versatile loading, ample parking, and a flexible layout — available for sale or lease.
Flex, for lease
2314 Eugenia Ave. | $30 sqft/yr | High-end creative facility near Berry Hill with flexible office and production space, secure rehearsal areas, ample parking, and a loading bay with roll-up door — ideal for music industry tenants.
Office/retail, for lease
1602 8th Ave. S. | 1,800 sqft | $30/sqft/yr | Excellent location just north of Wedgewood Avenue, less than a mile from downtown, featuring full build-out, 24-hour access, signage, reception, storage, and air conditioning.
Augusta is calling. Events like the Masters drive tourism, spending, and local buzz — last year’s final round on CBS drew ~12.7 million viewers, and Rory McIlroy took home $4.2 million. Even players with local ties, like Justin Thomas practicing near Nashville at Troubadour Golf & Field Club, highlight the tournament’s national reach (psst... check out his 2024 Rolling Stone interview with Eric Church).
What strategies — menus, watch parties, promotions — is your business using to capitalize on the Masters? Reply to this email. If you haven’t made a plan yet, now’s the time.
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