Tennessee Code Title 48. Corporations and Associations § 48-101-516

(a) Any charitable organization or professional solicitor which has its principal place of business without the state, or which is organized under and by virtue of the laws of a foreign state, and which solicits contributions from people in this state, shall be subject to this part and shall be deemed to have irrevocably appointed the secretary of state as its agent upon whom may be served any summons, subpoena duces tecum or other process directed to such charitable organization or professional solicitor or any partner, principal officer or director thereof in any action or proceeding brought under this part.

(b) Service of such process upon the secretary of state shall be made by personally delivering to and leaving with the secretary of state a copy thereof at the capitol in Nashville. Such service shall be sufficient service; provided, that notice of such service and a copy of such process are forthwith sent to such charitable organization or professional solicitor by registered or certified mail with return receipt requested at its office, as set forth in the registration form required to be filed with the secretary of state pursuant to this part or, in default of the filing of such forms, at the last address known.