According to the U.S. Travel Industry Association, tourism spending in DeKalb County is continuing to grow at a good pace. The most current data report (2007) shows travel-related expenditures brought $34,360,000 to DeKalb County, which is a 7.3% increase from the previous year.
DeKalb County Tourism Fast Facts:
• In the 14-county Upper Cumberland region, DeKalb County received the third highest amount of tourism dollars & was first in increased percent change (7.3% increase).
• Tourism activity in DeKalb County produced $7.17 million in worker income/paychecks (a 7.6% increase from the previous year), $4.46 million in local county tax revenues (7.3% increase), $1.92 million in state tax revenue (6.7% increase), & 270 jobs (2.8% increase).
• Tourists spending in the county created $12,219 daily in local county tax revenues, $5,260 daily in state tax revenues, and $19,644 daily in worker paychecks.
• On an average day in DeKalb County, visitors spend over $94,000.
• The tax relief per household in DeKalb County due to tourism dollars is $913.52.
Sources: TN Dept. of Tourism, U.S. Travel Industry Assoc. & the University of Tennessee’s Tourism Institute
Thanks to everyone who attended the Chamber Annual Membership Banquet. We had over 200 in attendance. Our appreciation goes to the 2009 Leadership DeKalb Class for serving the food, Dan & Layna McCorkle for sharing their musical talents, and Boy Scout Troop #347 for the flag presentation. We are so grateful for our corporate, silent auction, and door prize sponsors who make our banquet possible. We appreciate FirstBank for sponsoring our incredible keynote speaker, Micheal Burt & express our deepest gratitude to our Corporate Sponsors — Center Hill Realty, DTC Communications / DTC Wireless, DeKalb Community Bank, Liberty State Bank, Middle Tennessee Natural Gas, & Tenneco. Congratulations to Charlie Parker for receiving the Leadership Alumni’s “Community Leader of the Year” Award & to Ben Chapman of Lighthouse Christian Camp for being presented with the “Legacy Award.”
This year’s Leadership DeKalb class, Leadership Director Jen Sherwood, and I will be traveling overnight to Nashville for an in-depth and practical hands-on experience at the Capitol during the State Government session in March. Our many thanks go out to Middle Tennessee Natural Gas and The Inn at Evins Mill for sponsoring February’s Economic and Community Development Session.
One of the top priorities of the Chamber is to help promote local events. Help us keep our 2009 Community Calendar of Events up-to-date. Please email us at dekalbtn@dtccom.net or call 597-4163 to let us know of any events, programs, or opportunities you have coming this year.
Mark Your Calendars for all the great upcoming opportunities:
• WJLE Chamber Radio Program – 1st Wednesday of every month at 8:30 AM
• Feb 19th – Justin Potter Library’s “Teen Writers’ Program” (teen 13-18) at 3:30 PM
• Feb 20th – Cub Scouts Pack 347’s second annual “Friday Nite Open” – Pinewood Derby race open to the community: cub scouts, former cub scouts, family members, etc. Weigh-in begins at 5:30 p.m. Race will begin at 7 p.m. Location – First United Methodist Fellowship Building. Entry fee – $5. For more information contact Jen Sherwood at 597-4851 or Richard Judkins at 597-4213
• Feb 21st – The 2nd Annual Father/Daughter Date Night sponsored by the DCHS Football Cheerleaders from 6:30 to 9:30 PM at Smithville Church of God – Tickets: $25 includes dinner, dance, & photo. For more info or to purchase tickets, call Judith Hale at 464-7810 or Vanessa Winchester at 615-948-9543
• Feb 24th – DeKalb County “Spay Day” – For appt. or more info, call 464-1196 or 464-6104
• Feb 28th – Justin Potter Library’s Story hour (for children 3-10) at 10:00 AM with FCCLA Club and author Barbara Ebel, MD. Doctor Barbara will read her non-fiction children’s book about Chester, the therapy dog, who will be at her side. Activities and book signing to follow.
• March 4th – Re-Opening of Stella Luna Art Gallery
• DeKalb Community’s Bank’s Financial Solutions Education Series – FREE & open to the public
o February 23 – Budgeting Solutions
o March 2 – Saving Solutions
o March 9 – Credit Use & Fraud Solutions
o March 16 – Investing Solutions
o March 23 – Smart Spending Solutions
o Times: 6:30 to 7:30 PM at their Smithville office
o To register or for more info, call April Martin at 597-4945.
• The Appalachian Center for Craft is taking registrations for all of their 2009 Workshop Sessions – For more info, go to: http://www.tntech.edu/craftcenter/wkshops.html or stop by the Chamber for a Workshop Catalog.
Join our efforts in working together to promote our great county and its businesses. For a membership application or community improvement nomination form, call the Chamber at 597-4163 or visit us at 301 North Public Square, Smithville.
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