Leadership DeKalb Program Is Building Local Leaders
Applications are open for the Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber’s Leadership DeKalb program, which empowers local community leaders. Program Director Leigh Fuson said the program is open to anyone who wants to learn more about leadership and the workings of DeKalb County. Fuson said the program shows off the county’s ins and outs, as well as what […]
Fentress Gets Grant For Economic Development Studies
Fentress County will use some $50,000 in Three Star Grant money to study the best ways to attract new lodging, grocery stores, and retail development. Fentress County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jacob Rosenbaum said the county has a great tourism economy, but he hopes the studies can help increase the some $9.2 million in […]
Livingston Applying For Downtown Improvement Grant
Livingston’s Main Street Historic District Commission applying for a state downtown improvement grant worth between $50,000 and $500,000. Historic District Commission Chairman Gene Gantt said the grant is specific to downtown improvement, and the amount of funding is need-based. Gantt said half of the funding must go to exterior building projects, and the other half […]
Warren County Sees Increase In Tourism, Visitor Spending
Tourism in Warren County increased with direct visitor spending up some 6.6 percent between 2023 and 2024. McMinnville Tourism and Marketing Manager Jordan Pupols said this spending helps boost the economy, support small business, and generate tax revenue. “[Tourism] was able to fund in full 131 jobs within the community,” Pupols said. “Which when you […]
DeKalb Chamber Launches New Tourism-Focused Website
The Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce has launched a new website dedicated to tourism around Center Hill Lake. Chamber Executive Director Suzanne Williams said the website will show off the Chamber’s new branding and professional photos of what DeKalb County has to offer. Williams said a strong online presence is important to growing tourism. “Our […]
Crossville Native PJ Barnes Returns Home As Tourism Director
Crossville native PJ Barnes is the Crossville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce’s new Tourism Director. The Tennessee Tech graduate returns home after a brief stint with the Tennessee Golf Association. Barnes said his familiarity with local attractions was part of the position’s appeal, but he is also interested in helping strengthen the community. “I love this […]
White County Chamber Tourism Event Promotes Knowledge
Local residents need to understand more about the importance of tourism to White County. Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Chair Terra Ballinger said that led to this week’s Tourism Roadmap Session. Local residents and business leaders heard from state officials on the issue. Ballinger said she realized White County has a unique opportunity for […]
Tourism Association Set To Implement New Branding Plan
The Upper Cumberland Tourism Association has completed its new tourism branding plan designed to better market the region. Upper Cumberland Tourism Association Executive Director Billie Davis said the new plan is more of a rethinking on how to better market the Upper Cumberland as a tourist attraction. Davis said the branding plan will highlight outdoor […]
Spencer Budget Includes Public Works Department
Spencer Aldermen approved the city’s 2024-25 budget Thursday night with plans to grow the city’s public works department and tourism offerings. Mayor Alisa Farmer said the main focus of the budget is addressing the changes coming to the city as their utility district is taken over by the Warren County Utility District. Farmer said the […]
Overton Commissioners To Consider Sales Tax Referendum
Overton County Commissioners will once again consider a referendum to increase sales tax, a long-term approach to potentially increase revenue. A referendum, if approved, would not appear on the ballot until next year. Commissioner Gregg Nivens proposed an increase from 9.5 percent to 9.75 percent. Nivens said a sales tax increase would allow them to […]
