To kick off 2019, “the year of marketing,” the Brown County Chamber of Commerce brought in local leaders in tourism to tell members about their current projects.
The chamber hosted its annual meeting and dinner Jan. 31 at the Seasons Conference Center.
Nationally known marketing expert John Armstrong was scheduled to speak, but was unable to attend due to the weather.
Dana Beth Evans, the executive director of the Maple Leaf Performing Arts Center, instead spoke about progress on the 2,000-seat music venue under construction near downtown Nashville.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]She announced that any Brown County resident who bought their ticket at the venue’s ticket booth would not have to pay ticket fees as a “perk” for being a local.
The venue will soon be advertising for part-time box office workers who could start working in March, she said. The hope is to start selling tickets for the first shows in April.
The Maple Leaf’s grand opening is planned for August with soft openings in July, she said.
The Maple Leaf also will need volunteers, such as greeters and ushers, to help put on the shows. For a sold-out show, she estimated 50 such people would be needed. Volunteers will also be able to watch shows for free.
Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Jane Ellis spoke about the state of tourism in Brown County and how tourism continues to bring in more money, citing a 2017 economic impact study conducted by the state’s tourism department.
Special awards also were given at the meeting.
Big Woods Hard Truth Hills won the Business of the Year award.
Bird’s Nest Café won the Brown County Beautification award for landscape design. The Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau Visitors Center took home the Brown County Beautification award for building and signage.
Kim Robinson received a special award for her work in marketing the Hilly Half Marathon.
Tess Kean received an honorary award for her time on the chamber board after stepping down this year. Her grandfather, Hank Swain, was a founding member of the organization.
