Michelle Owens, a veteran tourism marketer with long-standing ties to Western North Carolina, has been named executive director of the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority.
Owens brings nearly two decades of marketing and tourism experience to her new role, including six years as executive director of the Rutherford County TDA from 2009 to 2015. She emerged from a field of 40 applicants to fill the opening created by the retirement of Beth Carden on March 31.
Owens takes the helm at a time of robust tourism activity in Hendersonville and Henderson County. New hotels and attractions are opening, and the county ranks 14th out of 100 counties in North Carolina with annual visitor spending of nearly $325 million.
TDA column: How to view apple orchards, dogwood trees & spring flowers
Karen Baker, assistant director, HCTDA
Spring has certainly blossomed around Western North Carolina, from the tinder green leaves on the trees to the colorful flowers and sweet aromas floating in the air.
With the onset of warmer weather and more folks getting vaccinated, they are anxious to get outside and enjoy the many activities around our area.
Spring officially began Saturday, March 20 and the summer season is not far behind. The days are getting longer, so we are able to go for a walk in the park in the early evening, with our four-legged friends. We are all looking forward to pulling out our shorts to head outside and enjoy the beauty of Western North Carolina.
Brevard News: Company s application reports no objection to railbanking so far hendersonvillelightning.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from hendersonvillelightning.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
TDA column: Tourism Executive Director Beth Carden says farewell
Beth Carden, TDA executive director
As I quickly approach my retirement date of April 1, I wanted to take this opportunity to share an overview of my time as Henderson County Tourism Development Authority executive director.
It has been one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever had in my 45-year career. I have said it many times over the years, especially during last year’s pandemic, how proud I am of Henderson County’s tourism industry and the local community for stepping up and keeping our economy going.
Businesses and residents have been ambassadors for the community, which has and will continue to translate into visitors staying longer and spending more while feeding newcomers into a strong relocation industry.
Hendersonville Times-News
Most Hendersonville events through July including Love Hendo Saturday, Bearfootin Reveal and Fourth of July fireworks will happen this year as COVID-19 cases decrease, but logistics won t be final until closer to the event dates, officials said.
Final decisions on holding some events will be determined by updated mass gathering mandates from Gov. Roy Cooper, Henderson County Tourism Development Authority Executive Director Beth Carden and Downtown Hendersonville Manager Jamie Carpenter said.
Guidelines on proximity of booths, number of vendors and social distancing at events could also change during planning.
Henderson County s tourism economy has broken records over the last six to eight months, and the number of people that feel confident to attend city events is expected to be a boon this year, Carden said.