NASHVILLE, TN (SPECIAL TO WLAF)– State Senator Ken Yager (R-Kingston) today announced the agenda for his annual Grants Conference, which will be held Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at Roane State Community College in Harriman. The event, hosted in partnership with the college’s Office of Workforce and Community Development, will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. EST in the O’Brien Theatre.

The conference is designed to equip local governments, nonprofits, and community organizations with the tools needed to compete successfully for state, federal, and local grant opportunities.

“Every year, I hear from communities that a single grant transformed a project from an idea into reality,” said Yager. “Our goal is to ensure no opportunity is left on the table because our communities weren’t prepared. This agenda brings top experts together to share practical guidance that can make the difference in securing funding.”

Conference Agenda Highlights

  • 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. – Registration & Check-In
  • 9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. – Welcome Remarks from Senator Yager
  • 9:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. – The Do’s and Don’ts of Grant Writing – Mark Farley (UCDD) & Rick Yakubic (ETDD)
  • 10:00 a.m. – 10:40 a.m. – Tennessee Department of Agriculture – Rachel Sullivan, Business Consultant for Grants
  • 10:45 a.m. – 11:25 a.m. – Department of Economic and Community Development – Brooxie Carlton, Assistant Commissioner of Rural and Community Development
  • 11:30 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. – Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation – Jessie McBride, Regional Director
  • 12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Department of Tourist Development – Melanie Beauchamp, Assistant Commissioner of Rural Tourism and Outreach; Andi Grindley, Outreach Projects Coordinator
    1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Lunch & Presentations – Dr. Whaley and USDA (invited)

Since launching the event in 2013, Yager has brought grant experts and state officials from Nashville to East Tennessee, giving attendees direct access to those who administer and award funding across a wide range of needs, including infrastructure, public safety, education, health, and workforce development.

Admission is free, but registration is required. Interested participants can register online at can register online.

“There is a real art to writing and winning grant applications,” Yager added. “This conference equips our communities to maximize every opportunity to bring funding home.” (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-08/19/2025-6AM)

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