The Tennessee River Valley Association (TRVA) was organized in 1967 by public-spirited citizens of the region who felt the need for a non-partisan organization that could serve as a unified voice in promoting the region, its interests, and resources. This region has the manpower, resources, growth potential, and desire to grow economically, but to do so, it is necessary to work together across city, county, and state lines, bringing together a diversity of individual interests and political viewpoints, to address opportunities and legislation affecting the entire region. TRVA promotes the development of economically acceptable projects to meet the urban, industrial, agricultural, recreational, educational, and transportation needs. TRVA is the communication clearinghouse of unified diversity for the economic good of all.

The Tennessee-Cumberland Waterways Council (TCWC) was formed in 1981 by a group of individuals who saw the need to have an active voice in the operation, maintenance, and development of the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers and their tributaries. Members consist of towing companies, barge lines, port and terminal operators, receivers and shippers on these waterways, and other parties that have an interest in the future of this region’s waterway network. Working together, all make up a team that supports commercial navigation as a vital component of the total transportation system and is an impetus for regional development. TCWC is a division of the Tennessee River Valley Association.