Board of Directors

April 2008
PRESORTED
STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Permit No. 35
The Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce publishes
this monthly newsletter to inform the Gatlinburg
community of Chamber and city news.
Subscription: $12.00 per year. Provided to
all business license holders and Chamber of
Commerce members
Board of Directors
News Items Welcome!
Deadline for materials: All submissions must
be written and received by the 15th day of the
preceding month of publication.
Dan Booth – President
Jerry Morton – President Elect
Logan Coykendall – Treasurer
Vickie Blake – Secretary
Tim King – Sergeant At Arms
David Perella - Ex-Officio
Kevin Tierney - Past President
Term Expires 2008
Vickie Blake - Dan Booth
Ryan DeSear
811 East Parkway • P.O. Box 527
Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738
VISITOR INFORMATION
Toll Free: 800.237.4569
www.gatlinburg.com
865.436.4178
Fax: 865.430.3876
Term Expires 2009
David Dixon - Paula King
Tim King - Jerry Morton
Term Expires 2010
Logan Coykendall - Vickie King
Claudette Geoffrion
Deborah Linnert
Our Services Include
Designated Directors
Cam Caton
)NSERTs3EALs4ABs!PPLY!DDRESS,ABELOR0RINT
!DDRESS$IRECTLYTO-AILERs3ORTs4RAYs#OMPLETE
!LL.ECESSARY0APERWORKs$ELIVERTOTHE0OST/FlCE
FOR9OU
Attractions Association
Candace Ogle
Lodging and Hospitality Association
Dan Tilley
Wedding Chapel Association
INFO FAST
Jeff Prange
#ANDO0OSTAL0ATRON3ATURATION-AILINGSFOR9OU
Retail Merchants Association
Our Specialty
Arts and Crafts Community
Frances Shambaugh
$AILY2ESPONSETO'ATLINBURGS#HAMBER
6ISITOR)NQUIRIES
Our Data Management Services Include
,IST-AINTENANCEs,IST0ROCUREMENTs-ERGE
3EVERAL,ISTINTO/NEs0URGE,ISTOF$UPLICATE
2ECORDSs#!33#ERTIFYTHE,ISTs'ENERATE$ELIVERY
0OINT"ARCODINGs7ECANUSE9OUR0ERMITOR9OU
CANUSE/URS
Call 436-9344s0/"OXs'ATLINBURGs4.TimsJohn - 414-3001
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
April Convention Center Events
Date 8
11-12
15-16
19-22
25
Event Type Banquet
Food Show
Competition
A&C Show
Food Show
Attendance
300
2,750
800
1,800
300
To better serve our Community
and our environment, the
Gatlinburg Chamber monthly
newsletter is printed on 100% post
consumer recycled paper and ink.
QuickFacts...
Welcome
New Members!
March
Feb 2008
2008
Phone Request........................................
2,572
Web Request......................................... 11,780
Regular Mail Request..............................
16
Total Vacation Guide Request .............. 14,368
Regular Members
YEAR TO DATE
Feb 2008
Phone Request.......................
Web Request......................................
Regular Mail Request.....................
Total Vacation Guide Request...........
licklog hollow baskets
Lisa Canfield
1360 East Parkway #2
Specialty Shop
Love Shack
Erica Priebe
458 Parkway #1
Specialty Shop
YEAR TO DATE
Feb 2008
Local Incoming Calls......
800 Incoming Calls............................
Total Incoming Calls.........................
Robert E Lee Motel
Frank Ring
349 Holly Ridge East
Lodging
Southeastern Paper Group
Chuck McGraw
50 Old Blackstock Rd
Spartanburg, SC 29302
Distributor
Tennessee International
Partnership Services
Howard Kerr
1728 Big Springs Rd
Maryville, TN 37801
Non-Profit
United Way of Sevier County
Roy Marshall
427 Old Knoxville Hwy
Sevierville, TN 37862
Non-Profit
1,695
4,667
6,362
1,825
4,122
5,947
-7.1
13.2
7.0
4,794
38,282
39
43,115
3,807
27,842
41
31,690
25.9
37.5
-4.9
36.1
3,505
9,065
12,570
3,673
8,336
12,009
-4.6
8.7
4.7
291,869
627,717
38,706
129,273
264,788
559,898
45,644
103,256
10.2
12.1
-15.2
25.1
Jan 2008
Lodging............................................
Restaurants........................................
Amusements/Attractions....................
Gross Receipts - Other.......................... Total......................................................
2008
6,170
5,481
2,763
9,123
23,537
2007
6,794
5,107
2,195
9,083
23,180
% of change
-9.2
7.3
25.9
.4
1.5
YEAR TO DATE
Jan 2008
Lodging............................................
Restaurants........................................
Amusements/Attractions....................
Gross Receipts - Other.......................... Total......................................................
6,170
5,481
2,763
9,123
23,537
6,794
5,107
2,195
9,083
23,180
-9.2
7.3
25.9
.4
1.5
976
1,613
196
3,385
0
1,144
3,884
454
3,526
1,338
2,763
2,424
1,835
1,387
1,839
264
3,304
0
964
3,694
450
3,633
1,312
2,195
2,261
1,877
-29.6
12.3
-25.8
2.5
0
18.7
5.1
.9
-2.9
2.0
25.9
7.2
-2.2
CITY OF GATLINBURG GROSS REVENUES
beach Photography
Ron Beach
2820 Daybreak Way
Strawberry Plains, TN 37871
Photography
Moon Maid Botanical
Cynthia Johnson
535 Tall Poplar
Cosby, TN 37722
Herbal Products
% of change
26.5
-3.4
-15.8
.8
Feb 2008
Internet Visitors.............................
YTD....................................................
PDF Downloads.................................
YTD PDF Downloads........................ Business Partners
Davis Newman Payne
Amy Acosta
4700 Coster Rd
Knoxville, TN 37912
Advertising
2007
2,033
12,196
19
14,248
Feb 2008
Local Incoming Calls.....
800 Incoming Calls.............................
Total Incoming Calls........................
HAVANA DREAMS CAFE
Peggy Pupo
449 Parkway
Restaurant
Bear Run Falls Managment
Wendi Tunney
718 Golf View Blvd
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Resort
Chamber Staff
(Rounded to the nearest/in 000)
February 28th Meet Your Partner Went Swimmingly!
I
Love The Smokies welcomed Members
to preview Westgate’s exciting new
Wild Bear Falls indoor waterpark
on Thursday, February 28, 2008 during
a Meet Your Business Partner. Sherri
Webb, Chamber Ambassdor coordinated
the fun evening get together which had
a huge turnout. Not only is the facility
breathtakingly beautiful but the food was
delicious, which could have had something
to do with the chefs coming in from their
corporate headquarters in Florida. Each
attendee received a goody bag filled with
all you need to enjoy a day at the waterpark courtesy of Westgate Resorts. Thanks to
the sponsoring businesses for donating door prizes: Westgate Wild Bear Falls, Cupid’s
Petals, Flowers of Gatlinburg, Sheer Envy Hair & Nail Salon, Ripley’s Gatlinburg,
Wonderworks, Legends of China Show, and Mountain Valley Winery.
BUSINESS BY TYPES
Jan 2008
Hotel with restaurant..........................
Over 50 rooms no restaurant................
1 to 50 rooms single location................ Chalets, Condos, etc.............................
Campgrounds........................................
Fast Foods/Deli...................................... Family/Steak House Type.......................
Sweets/Snack Shops............................ Retail Sales............................................
Service Business....................................
Amusement/Attractions.........................
Groceries/Markets.................................
All Others...............................................
WATER USAGE
*Water usage measured between the 18th of the month prior to the 17th of the month in report.
47,282
Feb 2008.................................
46,322
2.1
110,547
YTD .................................................... 108,039
2.3
NATIONAL PARK VISITORS (Gatlinburg Entrance)
126,980
121,308
4.7
Feb 2008.................................
249,435
249,935
-.2
YTD................................................... Vicki Simms, ext. 109
Executive Director
vickis@gatlinburg.com
Linda Leone, ext. 110
Finance and Administrative Director
Assistant Executive Director
linda@gatlinburg.com
Connie Burns, ext. 113
Member Services Director
connie@gatlinburg.com
Angela Carathers, ext. 102
Internet Communications Director
angela@gatlinburg.com
Gretchen Ogle, ext. 103
Print Publications Director
gretchen@gatlinburg.com
Sherry Holtzclaw, ext. 114
Member Services Assistant
sherry@gatlinburg.com
Gladys Griffin, ext. 106
Lead Area Consultant
gladys@gatlinburg.com
Stephanie Shultz, ext. 140
Receptionist
stephanie@gatlinburg.com
Peggy Pickel, ext. 107
Area Consultant
peggy@gatlinburg.com
Jim Matuszak, ext. 105
Area Consultant
jim@gatlinburg.com
Emily Kelling, ext. 108
Finance Administrative Intern
emily@gatlinburg.com
Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce
Ethics Committee Report
Complaints for YTD
February 2008
Hotel/Motel
Overnight Rentals
Bed & Breakfasts/Inns/Lodges
Timeshares
Attractions
Shops
Dining & Entertainment
Services
Campgrounds
6
8
0
4
1
1
0
1
1
Mark Your
Calendar
Dine & Discover
April 7
Calhoun’s
Hospitality Seminars
April 16 & 17
Convention Center
Earth Day Festival
April 22
Mynatt Park
Business After Hours
May 22
Smoky Mountain Illuminations
Annual Golf Tournament
May 29
Bent Creek Golf Course
Upcoming Events
April 17
Ribfest & Wings
River Rd
April 23-27
58th Annual
Wildflower Pilgrimage
GSMNP
May 16 - 18
Scottish Festival & Games
Mills Park
May 17 & 18
Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival
Ripley’s Plaza / River Rd
May 23 & 24
Gatlinburg’s MountainFest
Downtown Gatlinburg
March Business During Hours Provided Saint Patrick’s Day Fun!
T
here was a great big touch of green on Monday, March 17,
2008 as Mountain Vista Luxury Rentals hosted Business
During Hours! Guests arriving clad in green enjoyed the
mid-day fun at this beautiful establishment and were treated
to a scrumptious Sandwich Bar catered by Collier Food Group.
Thanks to Marcie Acor, Dave Acor, Brad Walters, Bobby
Dickerson, Leah Christensen and Vickie Blake for coordinating
all the fun. Thanks to our door prize sponsors: Mountain Vista
Luxury Rentals/Baskins Square Condos, Tennessee State Bank,
Ripley’s Aquarium, Rafting In The Smokies, Hard Rock Café,
Collier Food Group, Dixie Stampede, and Wonderworks.
want to win a million dollars in guest satisfaction?!
go gatlinburg undercover!
Pat Richardson of
Santa’s Claus-et
M
ake plans to attend the newest in the B.E.A.R. Hospitality
Training Sessions April 17, 2008 at the Gatlinburg
Convention Center. A refresher of previous courses is being
offered as well on April 16th and all wishing to attend Session 5 are
strongly encouraged to attend the previous sessions. Instructor Joe
Combs of Walters State Community College returns with another
great concept in conveying the message of delivering exceptional customer service.
This session promises to be action-packed with a fun game show format that will
force you to think on your feet and rely heavily on teamwork. For your convenience
a Spanish led course is available for Session 5 that will put your Spanish speaking
employees at ease. Cost of each course per person is $20. Call 436.4178 to register or
register online.
The Green Corner
G
ATLINBURG GOES GREEN was launched
to membership in February and has already
received positive attention from people
across the country. This program is designed for
each business to take a look at their environmental
footprints. It is hoped that all Chamber members
will sign the commitment to make even the smallest
of steps towards greening of their businesses. If
you have not turned in your Gatlinburg Goes Green
Checklist to the Chamber please do so. If you did not receive a Gatlinburg Goes
Green Checklist please contact Connie at 436.4178 ext 113.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
GATLINBURG GOES GREEN PARTICIPANTS:
Greenbrier Inc.- Jim Gray Galleries
Cupid Petals
Park Grill Steakhouse
Peddler Steakhouse
ROADS AND RIVERS COMMUNITY CLEAN UP
will be April 5, 2008 from 9am to noon
beginning at the Spur Welcome Center.
For additional information contact Janice Hendrix
at Keep Sevier Beautiful 774.6677.
9th Annual Golf Tournament May 29th – Save The Date!
BB&T Makes Large Donation for Chamber’s Teacher Supply Closet!
T
hursday, May 29, 2008 will mark the 9th Annual Gatlinburg Chamber of
Commerce Golf Tournament to be held at Bent Creek Golf Course. All proceeds
will benefit the Chamber Education Fund from which donations to Gatlinburg’s
schools are made, Traditional and Non-Traditional Scholarships are awarded, plus
educational seminars. This will be a fun and exciting tournament with 2 Starts (am and pm), Silent Auction, possible
Hole In One winners, lunch and dinner, team awards, plus door prizes and each participant will receive a goody bag
including a fabulous Golf Shirt courtesy of Americomm. Team and Hole Sponsorships are on a first come first serve
basis. Space will fill up fast so call 436.4178 to make your reservations now or register online! Our premier sponsor is
Americomm, Inc. Event sponsors are Citizens National Bank, Food City, & Ripley’s Gatlinburg. Mountain National
Bank is the Hole In One Cash Prize Sponsor & McNelly-Whaley Ford Motor Company is the Hole In One Car Sponsor.
Chamber Ambassadors Breakfast Held March 19th
T
Sponsored by:
he Chamber Ambassador group met March 19, 2008 during a Breakfast catered by Absolutely
Sensational! Catering. The group has pledged to make 2008 a fantastic year! Watch for Ambassadors
to visit your business, deliver new Member packets, assist with events and attend many chamber
functions throughout the year. Our Ambassadors play a vital role in the productivity and success of
Chamber programs and events by assisting wherever needed. Ambassadors assist the Member Services
Department by visiting as many non-member businesses as possible and promote the value of becoming a
Chamber Member. Watch for your Ambassadors in Action this year and thank them for all they are doing
for the Chamber’s growth. Sherri Webb is Ambassador Chair after earning the prestigious Ambassador of
the Year award for two years running. Sherri is working along with Chamber staff to ensure the success
of the program and has been a tremendous asset during her relationship with the chamber. Tim King
and John Coleman of Brochure Distribution Services/InfoFast Mailing Service are proudly sponsoring the
Ambassador program for 2008.
Earth Day Festival April 22nd at Mynatt Park!
W
e are proud to announce our first Zero Waste Event that will take place on Earth Day April
22, 2008 at Mynatt Park from 4-7 pm. For the past few years the Chamber has held a Family
Carnival for Members and their families during May. With the focus on preserving the
environment increasing plus the Chamber’s kickoff of its Gatlinburg Goes Green program celebrating
on Earth Day made perfect sense. There will still be fun games and crafts, foods to eat, plus plenty of fun
prizes for kids to take home. Watch your mail for an invitation to this FUN FREE event for families or
register online at gatlinburg.com/chamberevents!
series
O
n March 5th, Park Vista Hotel & Convention Center hosted the first two Chamber Dine & Discover
events that have an educational focus. The first was a luncheon featuring Keynote speaker Ralph
Thompson of eBrains. Mr. Thompson’s presentation’s central theme was to help Members learn
the best ways to utilize the internet as a means of marketing to promote their businesses as well as a way to
communicate their message to their customers. He offered many great tools that businesses can use and took
questions from the audience.
Chief Brain,
Ralph Thmpson
Our second in the series was a Breakfast on March 12, 2008 sponsored by Southeastern
Paper Group titled How To Clean Green. Ed Smith delivered an extremely informative message on how
businesses of all sizes could begin using eco-friendly green practices. A product showcase followed the
presentation and the items that are available these days are astounding! Be sure not to miss our next Dine &
Discover featuring Congressman David Davis on Monday, April 7, 2008. It will be a Breakfast at Calhoun’s
Banquet Hall. Please call 436.4178 to reserve or online – cost is $10 for members, $15 for non-members.
B
usiness After Hours was held Thursday, March 13, 2008 at BB&T’s downtown location on the Parkway. 120 guests mingled
as they were treated to a variety of refreshments and beverages catered by Absolutely Sensational! Catering and Hope’s
Cheesecake. BB&T awarded great door prizes to several lucky attendees. Thanks to April Stump and Jonathan Chapman for
all their hard work in putting together this festive after hours event. The Chapman Brothers provided live entertainment plus a
special treat came when Lou Vuto performed a couple of numbers as well. There were some lively characters in the crowd, notably
Earl T. and Mama part of the Crown Park crew. BB&T announced the downtown location will be undergoing some major changes
soon and utilized the night to remember the opening of the facility in the 1950’s with many
past Board Members including Geoff Wolpert, Earl Ogle and original Board Member Muncy
Houser in attendance. The best news of the night was BB&T’s generous donation of much
needed items for the Chamber’s Teacher Supply Closet which at the half year point had
gotten pretty low. Numerous attendees donated items as well as nearly $200 which Jonathan
Chapman, Financial Center Manager of BB&T presented to Dan Booth, Chamber President
at the end of the festive evening. We appreciate BB&T’s community spirit and support of this
well needed program. Thanks to all the door prize sponsors: BB&T, Bent Creek Golf Course,
Gatlinburg Chateau Village/Memories Condos,
Park Grill, Crown Park Resort, Ole Smokey Candy
Kitchen, Hollywood Wax Museum, Midtown Lodge,
Your Team Cards & Collectibles, Hollywood Star
Cars Museum, Gabriel’s Horn, Puckers, Crawdaddy’s, Spa Sensations, Hands Around The
World, and Empire Music.
A Special Thank You goes out to the following for making donations to the Chamber’s
Teacher Supply Closet during Business After Hours at BB&T: BB&T, I Love The Smokies,
Tim and Shirley Morrison, Prudential-Financial, Grandview Cabins, Thomas Kinkade at
the Village, Citizens National Bank, Mountain Laurel Chalets, Memories Theatre, A Big
Chalet, Santa’s Claus-et, Mountain National Bank, Gatlinburg Memories Condos, Rafting
In The Smokies, and RE/MAX All Pro Realtors.
Chamber President, Dan Booth receives school supply
donations from Jonathan Chapman with BB&T.