Chamber Hosts July Tourism Event

With the Chamber of Commerce growing and expanding its initiatives in Sparta and White County, it was only natural that they ramped up their meetings too. At their July 29 Destination Tourism event, the chamber also unveiled their newer, more professional means of operating meetings. A new mission statement was adopted, updates were given about Scott’s Gulf Wilderness State Park, and guest speaker Ashley DeRossett discussed the importance of White County’s brand.

The Chamber’s board of directors hosted a proper meeting, with minutes, voting, and motions all present and accounted for. It was new for some of the chamber meetings, and it took some getting used to, but they made their first meeting an important one by adopting a mission statement. The Sparta-White County Chamber of Commerce’s mission statement is as follows:

“To promote, celebrate, and preserve the unique heritage, history, landscapes, and traditions of Sparta and White County, while supporting tourism, economic growth, and community pride and keeping the small-town charm.”

It took a few drafts, with two major ideas pitched first. After one of the chamber members readjusted some wording, everyone felt this was general enough while showing off the Chamber’s main goals. Director Brent Young specifically wanted to make sure they did not get too specific in the statement, as that is what the county’s “story” is meant to do.

Scott’s Gulf Wilderness State Park has been a phenomenal addition to White County’s wide range of tourist options, and Park Manager Stuart Carroll wanted to give some updates regarding the park’s success.

Cave trips, volunteer days, and the ever-popular hiking guides have made Scott’s Gulf a wonderful destination for tourists as well as county residents who want to enjoy the backdoors in their own community.

“Our goal is not to be the next Fall Creek Falls,” said Carroll. “Our goal is to attract folks to come in, for our park, and then take advantage of Airbnbs and campgrounds and other businesses (in Sparta).”

Ashley DeRossett with the Department of Tourist Development also spoke as a guest speaker, as she did at the last meeting where she discussed Sparta and White County’s “branding.” At this meeting, she continued to express the uniqueness of the county and the advantage of uplifting local businesses. More people will be impressed by a local business than a large, massive food chain, for example.

“East, Middle, and West Tennessee are all different,” she said. “And then take Middle Tennessee. I work with 34 counties, and they’re all different too.”

With the meeting adjourned, the next Destination Tourism event is scheduled for November 5. The Chamber of Commerce has grown tremendously over the past few years in both scope and mission, and events like these show just how much stock businesses have placed in the importance of tourism.