As industries evolve and communities adapt to shifting labor market demands, the need for aligned, forward-thinking workforce solutions has never been greater.
Join us in Cookeville, March 3-5, 2026 for two-and-a-half days of expert instruction, peer learning, and strategic dialogue. Designed for professionals at all experience levels, the TNWFD Academy equips participants with the tools, knowledge and network to deliver effective workforce strategies.
Event Highlights:
- Expert Speakers: Learn from leading voices in economic and workforce development.
- Panel Discussions: Dive into critical workforce topics with experts and peers.
- Meaningful Connections: Build relationships with partners and potential collaborators.
- Real-World Solutions: Explore strategies to tackle workforce challenges.
Who Should Attend?
- Workforce development professionals
- Business and HR leaders
- Community stakeholders
- Economic development practitioners
March 3-5, 2026
Course Times:
- Onsite Check-In: 9:00 AM CST
- Day 1: 9:30 AM–4:30 PM CST
- Networking Reception: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM CST
- Day 2: 8:15 AM–5:15 PM CST
- Day 3: 8:15 AM–2:00 PM CST
Agenda:
View the 2026 Agenda
Location & Hotel:
Holiday Inn Cookeville | 1091 South Willow Avenue, Cookeville, TN 38501 (Group rate available in Hotel Accommodations below)
Registration $595 | Early Registration $545 (through February 9, 2026)
The registration fee includes course instruction. Course materials, lunch (Days 1-3), breakfast (Days 2-3), networking reception (Day 1) and refreshment breaks are complimentary.
Note: Registration does not include hotel accommodations or travel expenses.
Payment Policy: To confirm your registration, please remit payment no later than 10 business days prior to the course start date. Unpaid registrations may be canceled to accommodate individuals on the waitlist.
REGISTER HERE
Registration is limited to 50 participants and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the course is full, we will maintain a waitlist. Email Autumn Derrick directly if you wish to be added.
If you need assistance accessing your K@te account, please call (615)253-6371 or email us. You may also register by submitting a completed course registration form via email.
Cancellations made at least 10 business days prior to the course start date are eligible for a full refund or credit.
Cancellations made less than 10 business days before the course start date are eligible for course credit only, minus a $100 non-refundable cancellation fee.
$595 | Early Registration $545 (By: February 9, 2026)
Notice: Please complete course payment no later than 10 days prior to the start date. If payment is not received, you risk having your registration cancelled to make room for those on the wait list.
The registration fee covers course materials, instruction, lunch (days 1-3), breakfast (days 2-3) and one networking reception (day 1). It does not cover hotel and other travel expenses. Registration is limited to 50 participants and is filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Holiday Inn Cookeville
1091 South Willow Avenue
Cookeville, TN 38501
A limited number of rooms will be reserved at a discounted rate of $110. Make your reservations by February 3, 2026, to receive the group rate. Please book early as the block can fill up. Reserve your room, and be sure to select the dates you need to stay for our group rate.
TNWFD Academy scholarships support rural leadership development and workforce collaboration by providing opportunities to participate in the Tennessee Workforce Development Academy.
Preference will be given to applicants who:
- Serve at-risk or distressed counties in Tennessee.
- Have limited access to professional development funding and would be unable to attend without scholarship support.
- Are new to the workforce development field or have fewer than five years of experience.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to workforce development and advancing rural development by applying the skills and knowledge gained through the TNWFD Academy.
Scholarship Applications
- Applications due: January 20, 2026
- A limited number of scholarships are available for participants from Tennessee.
- Scholarships do not cover hotel, travel or evening meals.
- Scholarships are non-transferable.
The attire for the course is business casual.
Contact Autumn Derrick, Workforce Development Consultant, for more information at autumn.derrick@tennessee.edu.
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Rue Ramsey is the vice president of workforce and talent strategies at the Tulsa Regional Chamber, where she leads initiatives to strengthen workforce development across industries. A Tulsa native, she founded the award-winning NextGen Talent initiative and has held leadership roles in education and career readiness.
She serves on multiple boards, teaches with IEDC, and has earned recognition for her leadership, including City Year Tulsa’s Student Champion of Success. Rue holds a business administration degree from Oklahoma State University and enjoys supporting her four children alongside her husband, Sterling.
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