TDA Welcomes Kara Addy as Social Media Manager
TDA Welcomes Kara Addy as Social Media Manager
JACKSON COUNTY, N.C. (February 27, 2023) – The Jackson County Tourism Development Authority is excited to announce the hire of Kara Addy as its new Social Media Manager. The Jackson County TDA is the county’s marketing, promotion, and destination management organization. Founded in 2013, the Jackson County TDA’s primary goal is to inspire visitation to the area, promote local offerings, and in turn, support the growth of the local economy. Addy’s background includes a leadership role at the Highlands Chamber of Commerce/Visit Highlands where she managed content across various channels, a role as a content editor and client experience manager at Silver Creek Real Estate Group/NC Living Magazine, and a marketing director position at McKee Properties where she managed the company’s brand, campaigns, communication strategies, social media presence, SEO, and web presence. She has also held positions at Western Carolina University and the University of South Carolina where she developed and implemented communication plans and donor relations strategies. Addy has a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications with a minor in Political Science from Florida State University. She also has an Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) certificate from the Public Relations Society of America, a certificate in Non-Profit Leadership Institute from Francis Marion University, and a certificate in Learn, Educate, and Develop Supervisory Essentials from the University of South Carolina. “We are delighted to have Kara join our team as the new Social Media Manager,” Jackson County TDA Director Nick Breedlove said. “Her extensive experience in content management, marketing, and […]
Jackson County TDA Increases Funding to $2,500 for Third Year of “Cleaning Up the Mountains”
Jackson County TDA Increases Funding to $2,500 for Third Year of “Cleaning Up the Mountains”
Jackson County Tourism Development Authority (JCTDA) has once again shown its commitment to environmental stewardship by increasing its funding to $2,500 for the third year of the “Cleaning Up the Mountains” initiative. The funds will be used to purchase trash grabbers, to help pick up litter on roadways, sidewalks, and downtown areas.
Jackson County Tourism Development Authority Announces New Cycle for Tourism Capital Project Fund
Jackson County Tourism Development Authority Announces New Cycle for Tourism Capital Project Fund
The Jackson County Tourism Development Authority (JCTDA) will reopen its cycle for tourism capital projects January 1, 2023. $750,000 is available for projects that benefit visitors and residents alike. Applications for this cycle are due June 1, 2023.
Jackson County, NC Sees Record Visitor Spending in 2021
Jackson County, NC Sees Record Visitor Spending in 2021
JACKSON COUNTY, N.C. (August 18, 2022) — Ideally situated in Western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Jackson County today announced that 2021 visitor spending set records. Domestic and international visitors to and within Jackson County spent $437.41 million last year, an increase of $145 million from 2020. The data comes from an annual study commissioned by Visit North Carolina, a unit of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina.
Jackson County, NC Delivers Visitors Fresh Produce Through Partnership with Local Farmers
Jackson County, NC Delivers Visitors Fresh Produce Through Partnership with Local Farmers
New Vacationer Supported Agriculture (VSA) with NC State Extension offers fresh provisions to enhance community and vacation experience JACKSON COUNTY, N.C. (May 11, 2021) – The Jackson County Tourism Development Authority (JCTDA) today announced the launch of NC State Extension’s Vacationer Supported Agriculture (VSA) initiative. Now through the last weekend in September, visitors can pre-purchase fresh fruit and vegetables, eggs, meat, and just-picked floral bouquets online (www.p1provisions.com/discover-jackson-nc/) from a network of small farmers in the Western North Carolina community. Visitors can then pick up the specially curated totes from WNC Farm to Table or their local Vacation Rental Agency when they arrive. Lisa McBride at WNC Farm-to-Table manages the program for Jackson County, NC and works with local farms to harvest bags containing more than 10 lbs. of fresh produce, fruits and herbs. McBride reaches out to those who have purchased provisions a few days before the stay to share what’s in season, so guests know what to expect in the bags. “We are proud to partner with NC Extension and WNC Farm-to-Table to support the livelihood of our local farmers and deliver on vacationers’ desire for fresh, local food,” said Nick Breedlove, Executive Director of the JCTDA. “Our destination has an abundance of short-term vacation rentals, and now our visitors have a convenient way to cook meals at their home-away-from-home using fresh local ingredients from farmers in our community.” The concept for VSA was developed by a team of specialists from NC State Extension and Tourism Extension as part […]
Jackson County TDA to Hold TCPF Pre-Submission Meeting June 1
Jackson County TDA to Hold TCPF Pre-Submission Meeting June 1
JACKSON COUNTY, N.C. (May 3, 2022) – The Jackson County Tourism Development Authority will hold a pre-submission meeting on June 1 for its Tourism Capital Project Fund. Held at 10 a.m. at the JCTDA office at 98 Cope Creek Road, Suite D, the conference will allow potential applicants to ask questions about the TCPF and meet with staff to review procedures and timelines. The Tourism Capital Project Fund, launching later this year, will fund projects to improve the quality of life within Jackson County for residents and visitors alike. Its purpose is to offer a level of financial support that will create sustainable tourism development activities at the local level by maintaining and creating jobs, attracting tourists, and enhancing the visitor experience. The leveraged investment provided the TCPF will in tur increase visitation and attendant spending in the destination over time, improving the overall economic impact for Jackson County. The JCTDA allocated $500,000 this fiscal year for the TCPF. Eligible projects include but are not limited to construction, extension, expansion, remodeling, repair and/or improvements, and major equipment (capital assets) for convention centers, meeting venues, sports facilities, coliseums, auditoriums, museums, or similar institutions and attractions that are publicly owned and operated, or owned and operated by non- profit organizations and open to the public, in accordance with the Jackson County Tourism Development Strategic Plan and North Carolina statutes regarding the allowable expenditure of occupancy tax funds. Applications are scored according to criteria set forth in the application guidelines, and all applicants must provide […]
The Jackson County Tourism Development Authority Announces its Tourism Capital Project Fund
The Jackson County Tourism Development Authority Announces its Tourism Capital Project Fund
JACKSON COUNTY, N.C. (February 16, 2022) – Over the past year, the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority has worked with staff, tourism consultants, and its board to create the Tourism Capital Project Fund. Initially funded with $500,000 in occupancy tax revenues paid by visitors, the fund will be utilized to enhance both the resident and visitor experience within the destination. Under state legislation, the JCTDA may expend one-third of its annual budget on brick-and-mortar capital projects to include convention and conference centers, arenas and stadiums, sports facilities, performing arts venues, museums and other attractions, parks, greenways, trails, other placemaking initiatives like streetscapes and public art, wayfinding and more. Although no public tax dollars are used in these projects,” says JTDA Director Nick Breedlove, “the public will still benefit significantly through these efforts that will strengthen the vibrancy of the community, generate additional room nights, and enhance both the resident and visitor experience.” With the new TCPF, funds are available for projects that are owned and operated publicly or by nonprofits. A one-to-one match is required. Eligible projects include: New construction, expansion, renovation, or a replacement project for an existing facility or facilities. The project must have a total cost of at least $25,000 over the life of the project and a useful life of at least 10 years. A purchase of major equipment (assets) costing $25,000 or more with a useful life of at least 10 years. A major maintenance or rehabilitation project for existing facilities with a cost of $25,000 […]
What’s New This Fall: New Activities, Restaurants, and Renovated Lodging in Jackson County, North Carolina
What’s New This Fall: New Activities, Restaurants, and Renovated Lodging in Jackson County, North Carolina
JACKSON COUNTY, N.C. (November 1, 2021) – As a year-round destination, Jackson County Tourism Development Authority (JCTDA) is excited to welcome seasoned and new vacationers back to the Western North Carolina mountains this fall and winter season to enjoy new experiences, restaurants, and renovated lodging that were not around this time last year. “As a destination we’ve thankfully seen tons of growth this past year with several new experiences and businesses popping up despite the pandemic,” says Nick Breedlove, JCTDA Director. “We’re confident our guests will find these new additions to enhance their next vacation here.” Activities AleTrail Pass is a free program launching in the coming weeks to reward beer lovers for hopping along the county’s famed Ale Trail in Downtown Sylva and Dillsboro. Users can conveniently sign up online to receive a mobile passport via text or email to “check-in” at various breweries along the trail and after visiting at least four stops they will receive a limited-edition Jackson County pint glass to keep. The Jackson Arts Market is a new year-round music and arts festival hosted every Saturday in downtown Sylva with three stages of live music, live artist demonstrations, and the opportunity to connect with local artists. Plus, it’s pet-friendly. Restaurants Three new locally owned restaurants have opened in the eclectic and charming town of Sylva: ILDA, an authentic Italian restaurant located at the corner of Main and Mill Street, opened this April by husband-and-wife duo Santiago and Crystal Guzzetti; Santiago, a Michelin-trained chef, and Crystal, a […]
Jackson County Elevates Meetings in the North Carolina Mountains
Jackson County Elevates Meetings in the North Carolina Mountains
JACKSON COUNTY, N.C. (July, 2021) – With the demand for small market and drive-to meetings increasing, Jackson County Tourism Development Authority (JCTDA) is spotlighting the variety of renovated and unique event spaces available in the destination. A short drive from the Southeast’s largest cities and just one hour from Asheville Regional Airport, Jackson County offers charming downtown locales, a thriving culinary scene, and abundant outdoor activities, making it an ideal setting for groups to meet, spark creativity, and build comradery. “In Jackson County you can find a venue for almost any size at different price points,” says Caleb Sullivan, JCTDA Sales and Marketing Manager. “We are excited to offer more groups an escape from the city to reconnect somewhere authentic. Our farm-to-table dining, beautiful scenic vistas, and adventures are sure to provide a well-rounded experience after a day of meetings.” Below is a selection of Jackson County’s meeting and event spaces: Village Green & Village Green Commons – Cashiers, NC The Village Green sits on 13.5 acres of beautiful native landscaping, a nationally recognized dahlia garden and walking trails. Its new, state-of-the-art Village Green Commons venue designed and constructed with 30-foot ceilings features more than 3,700 square feet of meeting and event space, several breakout rooms, fiber optic Internet, the latest A/V technology, a performance stage, and a commercial kitchen. Castle Ladyhawke at Bear Lake Reserve – Tuckasegee, NC Those looking for a unique meeting experience are sure to be attracted to Bear Lake Reserve’s Castle Ladyhawke venue. Located in […]
USA Today names Jackson County, NC one of Top Ten Fall Destinations in the Country
USA Today names Jackson County, NC one of Top Ten Fall Destinations in the Country
This week, USA Today announced Jackson County is one of the top 10 destinations to visit for fall foliage. Nominated by a panel of industry experts and voted on by people around the country, Jackson County was designated as one of ten winners among an impressive pool of destinations across the United States. The designation comes less than a week after biologists said the NC Mountains are in store for a spectacular leaf season. Located in the Western North Carolina mountains, Jackson County, comprised of the towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, and Sylva is less than a 3-hour drive from Atlanta and Charlotte. Known for its stunning mountainside displays of autumn color, the area has long been heralded as a top leaf-peeping destination in the South. It is uniquely positioned between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it the perfect spot for vibrant autumn hues. Based on the elevation profile, ranging from 2,000-6,000 ft. in elevation, Jackson County boasts one of the longest fall seasons in the Southeast. With countless scenic hiking and biking trails, the highest number of named peaks in North Carolina, the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway and easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s no wonder that the area is a fan favorite for leaf-chasers. Other destinations which were also awarded the ‘10Best’ Fall Foliage destinations include: Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, New York’s Catskills and Finger Lakes, Vermont’s Green Mountains, Washington state’s Okanagan Valley, and last year’s reigning […]