I'll Take Issue

Below is a News Herald story from last month about the resignation of Visitor's Bureau tourism director, Rachel Harrell. In the six years, Ms. Harrell has been the director, she has certainly done her job in representing the Visitor's Bureau. She always presented well to commission. I couldn't disagree with any of the accolades bestowed on her in the story.

 

However, I will have to take issue with her some of her comments in the story below pertaining to funding.

Harrell said her successor will continue to wrestle over funding local tourism efforts.

 

“Funding is always a challenge and being able to prove what you’re doing is working is not an easy task, but we always strived to make sure that we were showing a return on investment and making sure those funding bodies were not only aware of what we were doing but what their return was,” she said. “Any dollars is greater than the last so, again, funding is the most important thing. That is the biggest challenge.”

One might read that statement and think local governments hadn't adequately funded tourism. According the state audits, in the last ten years, Loudon County, Lenoir City and Loudon City have contributed nearly 1.8 million dollars to the Visitor's Bureau with the county giving by far, the largest share of that funding. In the last ten years, Loudon County has donated $1,314,146, Lenoir City has donated $377,000 and Loudon City has contributed $93,500. This certainly isn't chump change.

 

Just in the six years Ms. Harrell has been the director, the three entities have donated $1,277,735.00. Again that's a lot of money. So in reality, funding hasn't been such a challenge.

 

I would personally like to congratulate Ms. Harrell on her new career path and wish her all the success in the world. I look forward to working with the next director.

Tourism director resigns

Jeremy Nash news-herald.net

 

Loudon County Visitors Bureau will soon be looking for a new executive director after Rachel Harrell decided to take a new career path.


With 16 years experience in tourism, Harrell replaced interim director Clayton Pangle in 2015. Her last day will be Sept. 30.

Harrell will try something new in customer service at Buckeye Corrugated in Loudon.

 

“I was ready for a change of scenery,” she said. “I have had a wonderful time promoting tourism in Loudon County, but I was ready for a new adventure. ... I’ve gotten to travel to some amazing places to let them know about the counties that I’ve lived in and I certainly would have not gotten to do that and meet people all over the state and the Southeast through all the networking and the events that I’ve gotten to do.”

Harrell hopes to finish up some projects and ensure people she’s worked with have contact information for Rodney Grugin, Loudon County Chamber of Commerce president, who will oversee the program until a successor can be found.
“Any time a valued employee such as Rachel leaves a position, they are missed,” Grugin said in an email correspondence. “Her dedication and love for Loudon County was evident in everything that she did. ... Rachel’s performance as director of tourism has been excellent and her skills and knowledge will be missed.”
Loudon County Mayor Rollen “Buddy” Bradshaw agreed. Harrell joined the county shortly after Bradshaw was elected.

 

“She brought new ideas, fresh ideas and she’s done an outstanding job for Loudon County and our cities as far as promoting the tourism here,” Bradshaw said. “She’ll be missed, but you never fault anybody for taking a better opportunity, and we wish her all the best. Somebody’s going to have big shoes to fill, no doubt.”

Grugin said a timetable hasn’t been set for finding a replacement.
“The chamber leadership will be formulating a path forward as soon as possible,” Grugin said.
Harrell said her successor will continue to wrestle over funding local tourism efforts.

 

“Funding is always a challenge and being able to prove what you’re doing is working is not an easy task, but we always strived to make sure that we were showing a return on investment and making sure those funding bodies were not only aware of what we were doing but what their return was,” she said. “Any dollars is greater than the last so, again, funding is the most important thing. That is the biggest challenge.”
 

Uncertainty with COVID-19 could also continue to pose a challenge.
“Of course, as people continue to get vaccinated, the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the government would hope to prevent any future shutdowns,” Harrell said. “But the occupancy rate at the hotel has been over 70% for the months April, May, June and July. So we know that people are traveling and continue to travel, so hopefully again staying safe they’ll be able to continue with that.”

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10/4/21