Virginia Member Counties

Commissioner Tommy Barnes , Colbert County, AL elected 2026 ATVG President

During the fall meeting in October 2025 in Gatlinburg, Commissioner Tommy Barnes (R) –District 1 Colbert County, AL was elected President for the upcoming 2026 year of ATVG.  Commissioner Barnes welcomes your questions and participation in issues affecting the Tennessee Valley Authority and TVA counties.   Commissioner Barnes may be contacted at:

Commissioner Tommy Barnes (R) –

District 1 Colbert County, AL

3414 E 18th Ave. Sheffield, AL 35660

Phone: 256-284-5852

email: tommybarnes1958@gmail.com

2026 ATVG Meeting Dates Announced

Mike Arms, ATVG Executive Director, has announced dates for the upcoming 2026 ATVG meetings.  Make reservations early!  More information to come.

  • April 22-23, 2026 Lodge at Paris Landing State Park, Buchanan TN
  • July 29-30, 2026 Brasstown Valley Resort, Young Harris GA
  • October 27-28, 2026 Courtyard Marriott Downtown, Gatlinburg TN

Updated Agenda Released For Fall 2025 Meeting Gatlinburg TN

Executive Director Mike Arms recommends ATVG members planning to attend our Fall Meeting in Gatlinburg TN October 22-23, 2025 at the Courtyard Marriott Downtown Gatlinburg  to please make reservations now!  See the reservation link below for Hotel Reservations . We will post the agenda and registration form later this summer on our website.

Details will include an early arrival reception on Wednesday, October 22, at the Park Grill on Parkway, A special presentation on Black Bears will begin at 9AM Thursday morning and our annual meeting and election Thursday, October 23 at 11:00 am, followed by lunch and our afternoon program begins at 1PM.   As always we will conclude with a social hour and group dinner on Thursday evening at 6pm.  If you plan to attend please make reservations for your room before September 24.  We have a $209 room rate during the Park’s peak color season…..So Rooms will go quickly!

Thanks,

Mike Arms, ATVG Executive Director

Anderson, Roane, Oak Ridge Spotlighted at Summer ATVG Meeting

Jeff Smith presents a slide stating that “TVA’s Clinch River SMR Site is the nation’s lowest risk and quickest approach to bring new nuclear onto the grid at a cost the system can afford.” at the summer Association of Tennessee Valley Governments meeting on June 11, 2025.  Photo’s by Terry Frank

OAK RIDGE, TENN.—Anderson County, Roane County, and the City of Oak Ridge were on display as the Association of Tennessee Governments (ATVG) Conference showcased area assets and talent at the two-day summer ATVG Conference held in June.

Welcoming attendees from six of the seven states that make up the Tennessee Valley, the conference focused on energy, with a special emphasis on the history and future of nuclear. Continue reading→

TN Governor Bill Lee Writes Editorial On Need For Nuclear Power, Wants TVA to Lead the Way

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee recently had an editorial article published in the Wall Street Journal June 27, 2025. His article calls for the Tennessee Valley Authority to lead the country in new technology in nuclear energy and the race to AI.  The article:

Let the TVA Power America’s Nuclear Future, Trump can appoint board members who actually want the U.S. to win the energy race with China,  can be viewed here: