August 4th through August 9th, 2013, Alabama Veterans’ Museum Director, Sandy Thompson, and I attended Marketing College in Dahlonega, Georgia. We had 6 fantastic days of training and some great experiences.
Classes were held from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM at the beautiful North Georgia College & State University. The topics ranged from Public Relations, Research, Branding, Brochures, and Social Media Integration, to Festival & Event Planning, and even Highlighting Top Trends in Travel & Tourism.
But as expected, it wasn’t all work! On our first night, we embarked on a secluded walk to the local wine trails for a fabulous dinner, where we had the pleasure of taking in the ever-impressive view of the Blue Ridge Mountains about which the late John Denver spoke so eloquently. Before we said goodbye to the beautiful town of Dahlonega, we were invited to a picnic at a massive 800 acre estate, and mingled with our new found tourism companions. We dined at unique and colorful restaurants, shopped the downtown square, and enjoyed their stunning mountain scenery. Their gracious hospitality was very impressive.
One week each year, tourism industry professionals from the Southeast meet at the University of North Georgia for the Southeast Tourism Society Marketing College. Students experience a broad-based curriculum of courses designed to teach marketing techniques from all facets of the tourism industry.
Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association granted Sandy and me scholarships for this ongoing education. In two years we will receive our certification as a TMP – Travel Marketing Professional. Thanks to Tami Reist and Dana Lee Jennings of AMLA for this opportunity to continue our training, and this unforgettable experience.
Till next year!
Take a look at what’s coming up the next couple of weeks:
Singing on the Square, sponsored by Champion Chevrolet on Aug 16 at 6:00 PM, will feature the Athens State Community Band. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy this free concert. Call 256-232-5411.
Midnight Madness – day/night disc golf tournament Aug 17 at 5:30 PM – Sponsored by the Athens State University Alumni Association, benefitting the American Cancer Society. Contact 256-990-1254 or Bill_Bullington@yahoo.com.
Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation Luncheon on August 21st at 11:45 AM at the Limestone County Event Center. Purchase your tickets online at www.alhfevents.org, or call 256-233-9236.
Summer Art Strolls in Athens Aug 23 from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Over 20 visual artists on the Courthouse Lawn on The Square. Contact athensartsleague@gmail.com.
Miss Crape Myrtle Pageants – Aug 23 – Young ladies ages 1 day – 19 years and gentlemen 1 day – 5 years are invited to participate at the Ardmore, TN Annex building. www.ardmorealtnchamber.org or call Tonya 256-777-6621.
Athens State Zumba Fundraiser Aug 24 at 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM in the ballroom of Sandridge Student Center at ASU for $10 per person. The proceeds benefit Sarah’s Helping Hands. Contact Hannah (256) 749-5485 or hesch1@my.athens.edu.
Ladies Tea and Fashion Show at Creekside Plantation Aug 25 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM in Mooresville, AL. Tickets are $20. Call Holly Carpenter at 256-479-1429.
Ardmore Crape Myrtle Festival on Aug 31 is held at the Ardmore, TN John Barnes Park located on Ardmore Ridge Road.
Alabama Veterans Museum Coffee Call Sep 7 at 8:00 AM. Contact Sandy at 256-771-7578.
Athens Cruise In on the Square, Sep 7 from 3:00 -8:00 PM. Contact Tom at 256-457-9179.
By: Teresa Todd, Athens-Limestone County Tourism President
