Dear Friends,

Here is an article from TheMountainPress.com announcing a tourism forum hosted by Dollywood on Friday, March 19th, doors open at 5:45 p.m.




Tourism topic of gubernatorial candidate forum here March 19 Submitted report

PIGEON FORGE — The Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Sevierville Chamber of Commerce will present a gubernatorial forum March 19 focused on the role of tourism in Tennessee.

The forum will be at 6:45 p.m. in the Showstreet Palace Theatre at Dollywood.

Can-didates scheduled to attend include Republicans Bill Gibbons, Bill Haslam, Ron Ramsey and Zach Wamp; and Democrats Kim McMillan and Mike McWherter.

Hallerin Hilton Hill, Knoxville radio personality, will moderate.

Doors will open at 5:45. The public is welcome to attend this free event, and no reservations are required. General admission seating is available on a first-come-first-served basis.

“Tourism is essential to the economic vitality of Sevier County and produces significant funds for state coffers,” said Brenda McCroskey, Sevierville Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer. “How the gubernatorial candidates view tourism-related issues and their understanding of how tourism affects issues like education, health care, infrastructure and more is of great interest to our area’s residents.”

Vicki Simms, executive director of the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce, agreed, saying, “It is so very important for our community to be informed of the issues and candidates during elections, especially one which will choose our next governor. We are thrilled to join forces with the Sevierville Chamber and Dollywood to provide the community an opportunity to become acquainted with the gubernatorial candidates.”

Those attending the event may park in lot A, but will have to walk to the park entrance. Because Dollywood is not yet open for the season there will be no tram service available. Parking is free.

For more information call 436-4178 or 453-6411

    Thanks to my dear friend Leland for passing this information on to me.  I would like to pass it along to all of you.  I regret that I will not be able to attend because of work commitments.  I would if I could.  This is the kind of thing that is very important to the future of this area that we all love to reflect on.