Josh Drake resigned recently from the Tourism Development Authority (TDA) board. According to Town Manager Amie Owens, the Town of Franklin will advertise for applicants and take applications for membership for 30 days. The appointment could be determined at the Jan. 6, 2025 meeting of the Franklin Town Council.
TDA meetings are held the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the Town Hall board room, 95 East Main Street, Franklin. The next scheduled meeting is Dec. 9.
Franklin’s Tourism Development Authority launches updated website
Through its newly rebranded tourism website, www.experiencefranklinnc.com, travelers are invited to “experience” Franklin’s outdoor activities and attractions and its mélange of cuisine and small business options.
The goal of the new brand is to reintroduce Franklin as the perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and budget-conscious travelers. The Franklin Tourism Development Authority (TDA) also reaches across the generations by offering experiences only found in the Smoky Mountains and providing opportunities for “values-based” tourism.
Now, more than ever, the Western North Carolina Smoky Mountain region needs tourism to help small, family-owned businesses survive, while also supporting our neighbors who were devastated by Hurricane Helene.
The TDA is the legislatively mandated entity responsible for overseeing how room occupancy tax dollars are spent to drive travel and tourism to the Town of Franklin. The board consists of nine citizen members who work to advance Franklin’s reputation as a beautiful small mountain town that is authentic, welcoming, and affordable.
Recount requested in judge race
Judge Jefferson Griffin, a candidate for Seat 6 of the Supreme Court of North Carolina, has requested a recount of all 100 counties. The vote margin with his opponent Associate Justice Allison Riggs, stands at 623 votes, which is within the 0.5% of the total votes cast in the race required for a mandatory recount.
The recount began in Macon County on Wednesday, Nov. 20, in the Macon County Board of Elections office. Director Melanie Thibault said that the count could go into Thursday.