Tennessee Notes - Summer 2016

An Official Publication of the Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association

Summer 2016

Don’t Miss the 2016

GOVERNOR’S CONFERENCE ON HOSPITALITY & TOURISM SEPTEMBER 21–23, IN CHATTANOOGA! PLUS

2016 TnHTA End of Legislative Session Report

8 CONTENTS | Summer 2016 Features

Departments

8

4

From the TnHTA Chair, Tom Loventhal

6

From the TnHTA President, Greg Atkins

12

Index of Advertisers

13

Local Association News

12

Cover Story Don’t Miss the 2016 Governor’s Conference, September 21–23, in Chattanooga!

Legislative Wrap-Up 2016 TnHTA End of Legislative Session Report

Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association • 3

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

A BUSY SUMMER for TnHTA S

ummer is often thought of as a time when things slow down; as people take off for travel and family time, businesses sometimes operate on “summer hours,” and the pace just doesn’t seem quite as hectic. But for your association, the summer is a busy time in terms of planning and producing events, government-relations activities and in the ongoing work of growing membership and providing top-notch member services.

We’ve had a flurry of activities over the last several months, dealing with legislative initiatives on the local level, as TnHTA was involved with lodging-tax issues in Rutherford County and the cities of Murfreesboro

and East Ridge. In all three of these cases, TnHTA provided strong leadership and worked closely with the local associations and members to address taxing initiatives that would be detrimental to business. We have also been very busy with PAC activities, supporting pro-hospitality and tourism candidates in the fall election, as well as preparing for the 2017 session of the state legislature. You can read more about all of these activities on page 12 in this issue of NOTES. Our staff has been quite busy over the summer, planning and producing events such as the 5th Annual Legal Symposium in July, as well as being involved in a very

aggressive new-member recruitment program and an enhanced program of memberretention activities. Our education programming has included the recruitment and training of new hospitality-track educators in high schools across the state and the planning, promotion and successful conclusion of the annual TnHTA Education Foundation fundraising raffle. Our staff has also undertaken a number of new initiatives over the summer that will enhance the administration of association business, such as database-management training and improvements in our ability to more quickly and efficiently process association financial transactions.

Of course, one of the biggest and most important events that we’re working on is coming up in September: the 2016 Tennessee Governor’s Conference on Hospitality and Tourism, September 21–23 in Chattanooga. We are always looking for ways to make the conference bigger, better and more valuable to the industry, and this year is no different! In addition to the many outstanding keynote speakers, educational sessions and networking activities at this year’s conference, we’ve added three new elements to the event: City of Chattanooga self-guided sightseeing tours, two different but simultaneous tradeshows and the move of the annual TnHTA Stars of the Industry Gala from its traditional August schedule to the Thursday night of conference. I encourage you to read all about the conference in this issue of NOTES (pages 8–11) and to make plans to attend!

Busy summer! But what else could we expect from a vibrant and successful industry such as ours and an association dedicated to effectively serving that industry?

Working together, I think the future looks even brighter (and busier!) for both!

Tom Loventhal 2016 TnHTA Chair

4 • Tennessee Notes • Summer 2016

An official publication of the Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association 475 Craighead Street l Nashville, TN 37204 l T: 615-385-9970 l F: 615-385-9957 l john@tnhta.net l www.tnhta.net

Published by Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street l Franklin, TN 37064 l T: 615-790-3718 l F: 615-794-4525 l info@leadingedgecommunications.com l www.leadingedgecommunications.com Tennessee Notes Editor: John Whisenant, TnHTA | Managing Editor: Liz Nutter, Leading Edge Communications

2016 TnHTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tom Loventhal (2016 Chair)* Noshville Delicatessen, Nashville Darik Dawes (2016 Vice Chair)* MainStay Suites, Chattanooga Bo Connor (2015 Treasurer)* Connor Concepts, Knoxville Ken Maples (Immediate Past Chair)* Comfort Inn & Suites Dollywood Lane, Pigeon Forge Carol Agee Dollywood Entertainment Park, Pigeon Forge Andrea Anderson Greater Chattanooga Hospitality Association Martha Axford* ABC Design and Consulting, LLC, Knoxville Jim Bambrey Station House Restaurant, Chattanooga Dennis Barber* Residence Inn – Nashville/Vanderbilt Regena Bearden Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau Shannon Bowles* Marriott – Nashville Airport Ben Brock Amerigo Italian Restaurant, Nashville

* Denotes Executive Committee Member

Bob Cantler General Morgan Inn & Conference Center, Greeneville

Dan Haskell Gullett, Sanford, Robinson, & Martin, PLLC, Nashville

Lori Nunnery Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau

Danny Sumrall* The Half Shell Restaurant, Memphis

Kimberly Carlson Memphis Restaurant Association

Tom Headla Bluff Mountain Rentals, Pigeon Forge

Ray Ogle* The Inn at Christmas Place, Pigeon Forge

Butch Sypridon Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation

Johnny Hill Holiday Inn, Pigeon Forge

Radesh Palakurthi The University of Memphis

Steve Holmes Cornerstone Insurance Group, Chattanooga

Heetesh Patel* Neves Investments, Franklin

Wayne Tabor* Holiday Inn Select – Downtown Memphis

Lauren Chesney Sevierville Hospitality Association Christie Connatser Hampton Inn – Gatlinburg Claire Crowell Puckett’s 5th and Church, Nashville Tom Cupo The Chattanoogan Conference Center & Hotel Shawn Danko* Kooky Canuck, Memphis Cornelia Dobbins Hilton Garden Inn, Gatlinburg Bob Dollinger 3H Group Hotels, Chattanooga Christina Drew Hampton Inn & Suites, Sevierville at Stadium Drive Jeff Dunham The Grove Grill, Memphis

Anthony House Chick-fil-A Germantown, Memphis Brad Ivens Eagles Ridge Resort, Pigeon Forge Patrick Jordon The Westin Memphis Beale Street Teresa Karson Representative of Buddy’s Bar-B-Q, Pigeon Forge Anita Lane* Hampton Inn & Suites – Downtown, Knoxville

Troy Edwards Sysco Nashville, LLC, Nashville

Jackie Leatherwood* Greystone Lodge on the River, Gatlinburg

Anne Marie Famalette Courtyard by Marriott, Collierville

Dee Lundy Lundy Thomas, Knoxville

Will Freeman Hilton – Nashville Downtown

Andy Marshall* Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant, A.Marshall Family Foods, Inc., Franklin

Doug Browne The Peabody Hotel, Memphis

Michael Gibson* M. Gibson Hotel Group, Knoxville

Fred Bullard Hilton Garden Inn – Knoxville West

Ben Goldberg Strategic Hospitality, Nashville

Brenda McCroskey Sevierville Chamber of Commerce

Kim Bumpas* Visit Knoxville

Gary Hahn Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc., Memphis

Jeff Messinger* Mt. Vernon Restaurant, Chattanooga

Rick Cadena Courtyard by Marriott – Hamilton Place, Chattanooga

Jacob Hall Rutherford County Hospitality Association, Murfreesboro

Claudia Moody Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association, Johnson City

Mary Calorio* Elvis Presley Heartbreak Hotel, Memphis

Theresa Harrington Clarksville/Montgomery County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Hugh Morrow* Lookout Mountain Attractions, Chattanooga

Mitch Patel Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, Collierville

Bobby Tanner S&D Coffee, Inc., Chattanooga Karl Thomas Inn on the River, Pigeon Forge

Scott Pejsa Homewood Suites by Hilton, Knoxville

Jill Thompson Greater Knoxville Hospitality Association

Mary Phillips Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Gatlinburg

Pete Weien Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville

Chuck Pinkowski Pinkowski & Company, Memphis

Brenda Whitson Johnson City Chamber of Commerce

Michael Riley The Oliver Hotel Restaurant, Knoxville Deanna Ross Metropolitan Memphis Hotel & Lodging Association, Millington

Melissa Woody Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce, Cleveland Mahasti Vafaie The Tomato Head Knoxville

John Rothkopt MeadowView Marriott Conference Resort & Convention Center, Kingsport

TnHTA STAFF

John Rucker Key Magazine of Memphis

Greg Adkins President & CEO

Matt Scanlan Gullett, Sanford, Robinson, & Martin, PLLC, Nashville

Lisa Bass Director of Business and Membership Development

Paul Schramkowski JHS Holdings, LLC, Nashville

Jessica Cardwell Director of Finance and Administration

Sarah Scokin Vista Host, Inc., Jackson Dawn Southworth The Omni Nashville Hotel Max Stephenson Puckett’s Chattanooga Jindy Strader InterContinental Hotels Group, Franklin

Sandi Goad Director of Membership Retention & Restaurant Liaison John Whisenant Director of Tourism and Events, and Editor of Tennessee Notes Austin White Director of Education

The Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association serves its members in the industry through education, promotion and representation. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, or its board of directors, Notes, or its editors.

Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this quarterly publication. Copyright ©2016 by the Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association. Notes is published quarterly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of the Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association. Third-class postage is paid at Nashville, TN. Printed in the U.S.A. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the editor for contribution information. Advertising: For advertising rates and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.

Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association • 5

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT/CEO

On the CAMPAIGN TRAIL The Tennessee summer heat reminds me of fireflies, barbeques and spending time with friends and family. Summertime

is also a time to learn about the new legislative and legal updates that the legislature passed as TnHTA held its 5th Annual Legal Symposium at the law firm of Baker Donelson. We had a record number of attendees this year, with more than 100 registrants and dozens of attorneys. It was a great, free member event that offered several sessions on the latest cyber, labor, human resources and hospitality issues, as well as general business law. It is arguably one of the best educational events that we put on — where else can you get “free” legal advice?

The summer also reminds me of the campaign trail and the election season. I remember knocking on doors as a candidate for Nashville Metro Councilman and working on several legislative races in the heat and humidity. This summer is no different, and the election season is well underway. The TnHTA lobbying team has been busy distributing approximately $50,000 in PAC checks to state candidates, focusing on the pre-primary and general election candidates who have opposition. We took an indepth look at candidates who supported the hospitality industry and whether they had opposition in the primary. Additionally, at the direction of the TnHTA board and Government Relations/PAC Committee, TnHTA is taking a much more active role in electing state officials by holding several fundraisers around the state.

We have helped several candidates (and even raised over $20,000 for Sen. Doug Overbey for his reelection efforts) because of their strong support of the hospitality and tourism industry. I want to thank the many TnHTA members who have participated for all that you have done to support our core government-relations mission by helping us support state candidates that are pro-hospitality.

Stay “COOL,” and I hope everyone has a great summer. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Greg Adkins TnHTA President & CEO

6 • Tennessee Notes • Summer 2016

COVER STORY

Don’t Miss the 2016

GOVERNOR’S CONFERENCE ON HOSPITALITY & TOURISM SEPTEMBER 21–23, IN CHATTANOOGA!

By John Whisenant, TnHTA Director of Tourism and Editor of NOTES Magazine

T

ourism and hospitality professionals from across the state will come together in Chattanooga, September 21–23, for the industry’s premier annual event, the 2016 Tennessee Governor’s Conference on Hospitality and Tourism!

With a great host city, outstanding keynote speakers and educational seminars, TWO simultaneous tradeshows, exceptional social and networking events and so much more, this year’s conference promises to be the best ever!

The conference is produced by TnHTA in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, the Chattanooga Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Greater Chattanooga Hospitality Association.

Experiencing our host city Chattanooga is one of the South’s top travel destinations. In fact, the New York Times 8 • Tennessee Notes • Summer 2016

named Chattanooga one of the “Top 45 Places to Go” in the world. Only four U.S. destinations were named, and the Scenic City was the only place outside of California. And it’s no wonder. Tucked between the mountains of southeast Tennessee, along the beautiful Tennessee River, Chattanooga is one of America’s most breathtaking cities.

But that’s just the beginning of what the Scenic City has to offer. There’s a world of outdoor adventure, amazing restaurants, live events, art and world-class attractions waiting for our conference attendees.

“We are delighted to host our peers and partners from across the state for the 2016 Governor’s Conference,” said Bob Doak, president and CEO of the Chattanooga Convention and Visitors Bureau. “The CVB and all of our local industry partners are working hard to ensure that you have a truly memorable experience while you are here. We look forward to showcasing our

area and providing you with a warm and genuine welcome to ‘The Best Town Ever!’”

Thanks to the CVB and their local partners, this year’s conference attendees will have a unique opportunity to experience Chattanooga with a wide variety of self-guided sightseeing tours on Wednesday, September 21. Whether your interests are in exploring Lookout Mountain’s attractions and breathtaking views, taking in the exciting and vibrant Chattanooga Riverfront, tracing the steps of the area’s rich Civil War history or exploring the city’s vibrant arts and cultural scene — or even if shopping and dining is your idea of fun — our Chattanooga hosts have it all for you!

They are also planning a truly memorable opening night event on Wednesday, September 21, at the Tennessee Aquarium.

Located on the banks of the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga, the Tennessee Aquarium takes you on a remarkable jour-

ney from the mountains to the sea to meet amazing animals up close within the Aquarium’s two buildings. The evening will be complete with food, fun, music and more!

Keynote speakers As always, one of the goals of this year’s conference is to feature the very best in nationally known and highly sought-out speakers.

And with this year’s incredible line-up, that goal has been reached!

Kelly McDonald, one of the nation’s top marketing and advertising experts and author of two bestselling books, is known for her insights in consumer trends, generational differences and leveraging the customer experience.

Guy Smith, previously with Gaylord Nashville and the Disney University and Disney Institute, helps leaders and businesses reinvent themselves from the inside Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association • 9

COVER STORY | Continued

out so as to achieve powerful, sustainable, breakthrough results.

Chris Low, a frequent and popular speaker at national conferences and forums, is the chief economist for FTN Financial and has more than 25 years’ experience tracking U.S. and global economies, financial markets, central banks and fiscal policy.

Kevin Triplett, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, will present an update on the Department’s activities, new initiatives, cooperative programs and marketing plan.

Governor Bill Haslam, who has been invited to present his “Annual Address to the Tourism Industry,” has always been a

strong supporter of the state’s hospitality and tourism industry. He has demonstrated that commitment with his creation of the Tennessee Tourism Committee and his increased budget for the state’s tourism marketing efforts.

Educational and professionaldevelopment seminars Once again this year, the conference will offer a variety of seminars on subjects of interest to the entire industry. Many of this year’s seminars will be of value to all segments of the industry, while some seminars are industry-segment specific. Conference registrants are free to attend any seminar of their choice.

Seminar topics of specific interest to tourism attendees (as well as other industry sectors) will include visitor profile research and travel data update, successful content marketing, grant opportunities to assist local tourism programs, how Tennessee Welcome Centers can work for you in promoting your destination or business and case studies in successful amateur sports marketing. Seminars that will be of more specific interest to the lodging and restaurant sectors will include employment law and the hospitality industry, employer use of criminal background checks, marketing to and creating dining experiences for millennials and active management control in the foodservice industry.

Two tradeshows!

An important part of the annual conference has always been our tradeshow, where providers of products and services to the Tennessee hospitality and tourism industry have an opportunity to meet personally with decision-making buyers. But for the first time ever, this year’s conference will actually feature two simultaneous and adjoining tradeshows: the Tennessee Tourism Expo, directed primarily to our tourism partners, and the Tennessee Food and Lodging Show, directed primarily to our lodging and restaurant partners. Attendees will be free — and are encouraged — to travel between and visit both shows if they wish, but this arrangement will allow both vendors and attendees to focus on those partners that are of primary interest for their organization/business. Both tradeshows will be held on Thursday, September 22.

10 • Tennessee Notes • Summer 2016

Stars of the Industry Gala Also new this year will be the 2016 Stars of the Industry Gala, which will be held on Thursday evening, September 22. This OPTIONAL event (separate fee required) will recognize “The Best of the Best” in our industry and will celebrate the achievements of the employees, lodging properties, restaurants, destination-marketing organizations, attractions and educators that make our industry and state such a special place.

There will be a special Chattanooga DineAround available on Thursday evening for conference attendees not attending the Gala.

Another great networking function will be the “Women in Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism” reception, which will be held at the Chattanoogan Hotel on Wednesday evening prior to the opening night event.

This reception gives professional women from the hospitality and tourism industry an opportunity to connect and network with other top professionals from across the state.

When you combine all of these great programs and events with the outstanding educational and professional development activities of the conference, it’s easy to see that this will be one conference you do not want to miss!

Complete conference information and registration can be found at www.tngovcon.com. ✪

2016 TnHTPAC Golf Tournament On Wednesday, September 21, the 2016 TnHTPAC Golf Tournament will be held at the beautiful Lookout Mountain Golf Club. Located high above and just a few minutes from downtown Chattanooga, the venue offers an exceptional private club setting, an outstanding golfing experience and breathtaking panoramic views.

Proceeds from this event, sponsored and coordinated by our partners at the Greater Chattanooga Hospitality Association, benefit the programs and activities of the Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Political Action Committee and its mission to support and help elect qualified individuals who recognize the importance of the hospitality and tourism industry to Tennessee’s economy and who will give our concerns a fair hearing.

Great networking and social events round out Conference offerings Everyone knows that the annual Governor’s Conference is about taking care of business.

But there are also plenty of other activities and events that help to make the conference a great opportunity for socializing and networking as well!

In addition to Chattanooga sightseeing tours, the golf tournament and openingnight event on Wednesday, there are meal functions, several break and networking times and the end-of-the-day reception in the Tourism EXPO tradeshow, where you’ll have a chance to wind down with friends and colleagues while enjoying complimentary beverages and hors d’oeuvres.

Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association • 11

LEGISLATIVE WRAP-UP

2016 TnHTA END OF

LEGISLATIVE SESSION REPORT

By The TnHTA Lobbying Team: Greg Adkins, Dan Haskell, Matt Scanlan and Dustin Goforth

The

2016 legislative year was a busy one that ended in a “bang,” as it marked the end of Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsay’s career (he is not running for reelection). It created a leadership vacuum in the Senate that will play out as the 2017 legislature nears. A number of folks are running for that Senate seat, most noticeably current state Representative Jon Lundberg of Bristol. It is expected that Sen. Randy McNally will become the next Lieutenant Governor (he is from the Knoxville area and is the Finance Committee Chairman).

The 2017 legislative year is shaping up to be another busy year for the hospitality and tourism industry, but the lobbying team wanted to give you an update on the most important bills with which we were involved this year: • Senate Bill 1885 by Johnson, House Bill 1673 by Marsh This was a caption bill about AirBnBs or short-term lodging rentals. The bill would have allowed short-term rentals to be treated differently than traditional lodging properties and limit the ability of local government to regulate them. This bill was withdrawn by the House sponsor, Representative Marsh, before the first vote on it in the House subcommittee.

We were able to partner with a number of entities in order to prevent further discussion of this subject this year. The Senate version of the bill was sent to summer study, and the Senate’s sponsor, Sena-

tor Jack Johnson of Williamson County, intends to have a study committee this summer or fall to discuss how these shortterm rentals are regulated and taxed by state and local governments. The bill will probably be back again next year.

• Senate Bill 1965 by Tracy, House Bill 1830 by Marsh This bill was the immigration bill of the year. It expanded the coverage of E-verify from employers with 200 employees down to employers with 50 or more employees. It was originally introduced to cover employers with six employees or more. It also originally required that E-verify be used on all employees as of the effective date of the bill, which would have been July 1, 2016.

As amended, the bill affects only employees who are employed on or after the final effective date of this portion of the bill, which is January 1, 2017. There is no need to do E-verify on employees who were employed prior to that time.

TnHTA worked hard with the sponsors of this bill in order to avoid the passage of a variety of other more odious E-verify bills.

• Senate Bills 2046, 2319 and 2322 These were all minimum wage or pay equality bills proposed to create a state minimum wage between $10 to $15. Senate Bills 2297 and 2298 were bills that had to do with pay equality between the sexes. These two bills would have created a cause of action against employers by

women who felt they were not adequately compensated in relationship to male employees. None of these bills passed at any level in the House or Senate.

• Hotel Occupancy Taxes A variety of hotel/lodging occupancy taxes were considered this year, and all of them were amended to fit with our request that occupancy taxes not exceed 17% when combined with sales taxes and that all of the money collected from occupancy taxes should be spent on tourism by the local government. (SB 1445 by Bradley County, SB 2041 by Dandridge, HB 2266 by Deckard, SB 2650 by Putnam County and SB 1875 by Springhill) • Senate Bill 1736 by Gresham, House Bill 2033 by Faison This is the annual gun bill for the year that may affect operators of hotels and restaurants. This bill protects those who do not post their facilities from any liabilities caused by their refusal to post. In other words, if you have a restaurant and you do not put up a sign that says people cannot bring their guns into your establishment, this bill protects you from liability for damages caused by the presence of guns there. It has no effect on those who choose to post their property.

Our lobbying team is one of the best in Tennessee and we enjoy working for you on hospitality and tourism issues. If you have any questions, contact us. ✪

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS AAA - The Auto Club Group ............. 11 www.aaa.com Gullett, Sanford, Robinson & Martin, PLLC .................. 6 www.gsrm.com Hospitality Control Solutions ............. 4 www.alohancr.com

12 • Tennessee Notes • Summer 2016

Kooky Canuck ..................................... 9 www.kookycanuck.com Koorsen Fire and Security.................. 10 www.koorsen.com Lundy Thomas..................... Back Cover www.lundythomas.com M. Gibson Hotel Group ............. Inside Back Cover www.mgibsonhotels.com

Nolan’s Audio Visual, Inc. .................... 3 www.nolansav.com NovaCopy ............................................ 9 www.NovaCopy.com Purity Dairies, Inc. .. Inside Front Cover www.puritydairies.com Sysco, LLC ........................................... 7 www.sysco.com

LOCAL ASSOCIATION NEWS

Local Association

NEWS AND UPDATES

over-time rules. Participating in the panel were Jamie Ballenger-Holden with the Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell and Berkowitz law firm and Paula Watkins, senior vice president for human resources with Lyons HR.

Greater Nashville Hospitality Association Gatlinburg Hospitality Association It’s been a busy summer in the mountains of East Tennessee, as visitors from across the county (and world) have come to enjoy all that Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains have to offer!

The GHA has also had a busy time this summer. Our July membership meeting, held at the Courtyard by Marriott Gatlinburg, featured a presentation by Tishia Morris from Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). This interesting program explained the work of this organization, which is made up of volunteers appointed by the Juvenile Court to advocate for and mentor children.

The difficult but important subject of human trafficking was the topic of GHA’s August meeting at Ober Gatlinburg. The program was presented by Jama Walker of the TBI Special Division of Human Trafficking and Donna Walker from Safe Harbor.

Plans are underway for fall activities of the association, including the September monthly membership luncheon at Rocky Top Sports World, featuring a presentation and updates by Lori Moore, and the GHA 2016 Golf Tournament to be held at the Gatlinburg Golf Course. Proceeds from the golf tournament help GHA support local charities, schools and other organizations.

Greater Chattanooga Hospitality Association The “Best of the Best” in Chattanooga’s hospitality industry were honored at the GCHA Stars of the Industry Awards on June 6. Both frontline and management employees, as well as area lodging businesses, were recognized for their outstanding work in helping to make Chattanooga “The Best Town Ever!”

The association’s July membership meeting was held on July 21 at The Mill and featured a special presentation from Greg Adkins, TnHTA president and CEO, on the programs and activities of the state association, as well as some of the legislative issues the association will be dealing with in the year ahead. The August meeting featured an update from Bob Doak, president and CEO of the Chattanooga Convention and Visitors Bureau on the work of the CVB and the Sports Committee.

The association is working hard in planning the many events related to hosting the 2016 TnHTA Tennessee Governor’s Conference on Hospitality and Tourism, as well as the TnHTA TnHTPAC Golf Tournament, both of which will be held in Chattanooga in September.

Greater Knoxville Hospitality Association Knoxville continues to gain national and international accolades as a destination.

Travel + Leisure has listed the city as one of America’s Favorite Places (#8) and has also listed Knoxville as one of the Friendliest Cities in America (#4)!

The GKHA partnered with the Middle East Tennessee Tourism Council at the association’s June membership meeting at the Embassy Suites West for a “Hub and Spoke Around the Region” themed program that allowed our members to learn more about all there is to see and do in the greater Knoxville/east Tennessee region.

GKHA made a special opportunity available for its members in July to meet with representatives from Bridge to Employment in Service and Tourism (B.E.S.T.) to learn how to expand the workforce with welltrained individuals with disabilities.

The August membership meeting, held at the Jacob Building at Chillhowee Park, featured a panel discussion on new

The summer months are a busy, busy time for visitors to Music City! Our GNHA members have been enjoying a very successful summer travel season.

In late May, more than 100 golfers participated in the annual GNHPAC Golf Tournament at the Vanderbilt Legends Club. This event was a great success and raised over $20,000 for GNHA’s government affairs and lobbying efforts. Speaking of political activity, GNHA has been very involved over the summer in supporting the candidacy of pro-business, pro-hospitality candidates in upcoming elections.

July’s GNHA membership meeting was held at the DoubleTree Hotel and featured associate Vanderbilt women’s basketball coach, former ESPN commentator and former Vandy player Carolyn Peck. Ms. Peck talked about the building of the program and the efforts of the team to partner with the community.

Plans are underway for a new GNHA event and PAC fundraiser, a Titan’s Tailgate Party on October 16. Participants will have an opportunity to enjoy a great time of networking, food, beverage and fun before the afternoon game against the Cleveland Browns.

Metropolitan Memphis Hotel and Lodging Association June was a busy month for the membership of MMH&LA, starting with the MMHLA Golf Tournament at North Creek Golf Course in Southhaven. The event had great participation, with 20 teams vying for the championship and bragging rights. The grand champions for the event were Andy Odle and Charlie Swan. Later in the month, the association had a well-attended networking cocktail reception at the Holiday Inn Downtown. The month closed out the MMH&LA Summer Social at a Memphis Redbirds game at Autozone Park on June 27.

Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association • 13

LOCAL ASSOCIATION NEWS | Continued

MMHLA held a networking reception at the Holiday Inn Memphis on July 20.

The special guest for the event was Pam Kendrick, president of the Memphis International Raceway, who spoke on the exciting changes going on at the Raceway.

The region’s foremost hospitality experts highlighted the 14th Annual Southern Lodging Summit at the Cook Convention Center, August 16-17. Featured speakers included Isaac Colazzo, Larry Spelts, Stephanie Ricca, Mark Carrier, Fred J. Kleisner and Judy King.

The association will be holding its board meeting on September 6 at the Hilton Memphis, and the monthly MMH&LA membership meeting will be held September 21.

Memphis Restaurant Association MRA has been busy over the summer, promoting the many dining opportunities across the city and region as well as the area’s many special events. One of the most effective tools for this promotion has been through the association’s website and socialmedia platforms.

The MRA held a truly unique fundraising event in August with the first annual Skeet and Eat Sporting Clay Shoot at Sporting Clays Pavilion in Arlington. Proceeds from the event benefited the Memphis Restaurant Association’s Political Action Committee (PAC).

Also in August, the association held one of its MRA Associates’ Coffee Club meetings at Panera Bread – Laurelwood. These quarterly events offer an outstanding opportunity for associate members of the MRA to develop business leads/referrals, build stronger networking relationships and learn how to maximize the value of their membership in the association.

Plans are under way for the Memphis Food & Wine Festival, a one-day culinary bash set for October 15. The event, which will take place at the Memphis Botanic Garden, will benefit Le Bonheur’s FedExFamilyHouse.

Nashville Originals Summer is officially in full (sweltering) swing — what better way to beat the heat 14 • Tennessee Notes • Summer 2016

than sipping and tasting your way through the next few months? Our member restaurants are keeping it cool and offering a number of summer-centric features, such as a Summer Beverage Special at Provence Breads & Café, free salsa dance lessons at Salsa restaurant every Tuesday night, a Perfect Picnic Lunch at Harvest at Homestead, Yappy Hour at Holland House Bar & Refuge where a percentage of all Tito’s Tuesday sales are donated to the Tiny But Mighty Fund (an organization that supports animal welfare and rescue groups) and Ice Cream Sodas at Elliston Place Soda Shop.

Nashville Originals’ friends have an exclusive opportunity this summer to purchase tickets (before they go on sale to the public!) for Evita, the musical classic presented by Nashville Originals that will kick off TPAC‘s 2016–2017 Broadway season!

The show — which runs from September 9–18 — will be produced by local theatre company, Studio Tenn in Franklin. As the official cast-party sponsor for the season and the city’s independent restaurant group, Nashville Originals is honored to be part of a show that shines a light on the talent in our community!

Pigeon Forge Hospitality and Tourism Association Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Kevin Triplett spoke at the PFH&TA’s June meeting hosted by the Holiday Inn & Convention Center.

Commissioner Triplett reflected on his first year as commissioner and described his marketing strategies for Tennessee, the success of the “Made in Tennessee” brand and the importance of continuing to increase both the state advertising budget and tourism revenue.

In July, the association dispensed with its usual business meeting for a VIP tour of the “Best Baseball Complex in America,” the Ripkin Experience. Attendees were invited us to test one of the fields with a PFHA baseball (okay, wiffle ball) game!

The Collier family held a groundbreaking event in July for their newest expansion at Country Cascades. The new project will include the Summit Tower, with 98 family suites, and the 30,000-square-foot Cascades Outdoor Water Park.

August saw a flurry of activity, with a membership meeting at Lumberjack Adventure and the 19th Annual Pigeon Forge Hospitality Association’s S & D Coffee & Tea Benefit Golf Tournament at The Sevierville Golf Club/Highlands Course.

The tournament provided players an opportunity to support education and advocacy programs in our community.

September looks to be a busy month, with the annual Housekeeping Tournament, the September membership meeting featuring TnHTA President/CEO Greg Atkins, and a “Forging Together” afterhours networking event at The Hard Rock Café.

Sevierville Hospitality Association The SHA’s July membership meeting was held at the Sevierville Golf Club and featured a speaker from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). Visitation to the park continues to grow each year (which is, of course, very beneficial to the economy of Sevier County).

It was recently announced by the Friends of the Smokies that the GSMNP was selected to receive a $250,000 grant provided by American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

This grant will be used in the restoration of the Clingman’s Dome Observation Tower in the park. The park is expected to receive the grant in September, with restoration work beginning next year.

Sevierville has been selected as a top retirement destination in the July/August issue of Where to Retire, a major national magazine geared toward helping people with retirement relocation decisions.

The July membership meeting was hosted by the Titanic Museum Pigeon Forge. It was an excellent meeting with great food, good networking and an awesome presentation of the Titantic’s music band.

Upcoming meetings of the association include the August meeting at the Sevierville Convention Center and the September meeting at the Wilderness Resort.

Also coming up in September is the annual SHA Mini-Golf Tournament, which will be held at Ripley’s Old McDonald Mini-Golf. ✪