NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Dennis Powers, R-Jacksboro, has been elected to serve as the chairman of the Tennessee-Ireland Trade Commission.
The 11-member commission was formed to advance bilateral trade and investment between Tennessee and Ireland, with a focus on encouraging mutual investment in infrastructure, human capital and promoting business, education and cultural exchange.
“I’m honored to serve as chairman of the Tennessee-Ireland Trade Commission and excited about what this partnership means for our state’s future,” Powers said. “By strengthening our relationship with Ireland, we can open new doors for investment, innovation and job creation in Tennessee. I look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.”
Powers sponsored legislation establishing the commission in 2024, making Tennessee the first state to create such a partnership with Ireland. Since then, multiple states have followed suit including Indiana, Montana, South Carolina, New Hampshire and Ohio.
The commission along with members of the Irish delegation recently visited Nashville to advocate for an extension of the commission and discuss their priorities. During the trip, they also toured the Nashville International Airport to see the new additions and improvements currently in progress.
The Senate Government Operations Committee unanimously approved a two-year extension for the commission through March 2028.
Dennis Powers represents District 36 in the Tennessee House of Representatives which includes Campbell, Union and part of Claiborne counties.
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