Tennessee Code Title 4. State Government § 4-14-103

(a) The industrial development division of the department of economic and community development may appoint and fix the compensation of such employees as it may deem necessary for its work. The division may also contract with industrial engineers and other consultants for such services as it may require.

(b) The division shall be supplied with the necessary office space, accommodations and necessary equipment.

(c) Upon request of the division, the governor may, from time to time, for the purpose of special surveys under the direction of the division, assign or detail to the division any member of any state administrative department or bureau or agency, or may direct any such department, bureau or agency to make for the division special surveys or studies requested by the division.