McMinn County EDA Introduces Tourism Coordinator as Part of Larger Visitor Push

The McMinn County Economic Development Association (EDA) recently hired Brianna Baker to fill the role of Tourism Coordinator. This position was created to support the local hospitality industry and drive visitors to the region. Baker was hired as part of a larger Tourism Strategic Plan that is funded by the county-wide hotel/motel tax. In the coming years, Baker will develop a tourism website to support McMinn County and launch an extensive marketing plan to attract visitors to the area.

“I’m excited,” says Baker. “I have been part of the Tourism Strategic Plan since we decided to develop one. I am thrilled to take the lead in its execution.”

Get to know Baker and her role within the EDA. Learn how you can support her efforts and why the creation of her position will benefit business owners throughout McMinn County. 

Baker Comes to the McMinn County EDA from Visit Athens

Baker is a good fit for the EDA because she already has both in-depth knowledge of McMinn County and experience working in the tourism industry. She moved to Tennessee from Wisconsin in 2011 and immediately found a home in McMinn County.

“The attractions and assets of McMinn kept me here,” says Baker. “I want to keep moving the county forward and get our name out there.”

Baker’s most recent position was with the City of Athens as the Communications Coordinator. Her job focused on marketing and public relations, promoting the city to visitors across the country and launching the Visit Athens initiative. This position was her first tourism-centric role. While the main goal was to drive people to Athens, Baker learned a lot about McMinn County. Someone who stays in Athens and enjoys the restaurants and stores in the town will also likely explore the other activities in the area.  

“I was on the front line of building the City of Athens tourism efforts and growing its website,” says Baker. “Now I get to expand my scope to McMinn County as a whole.” 

Baker Plans to Immediately Get Involved With the Business Community

Baker started at the McMinn County EDA in August 2024 but quickly jumped into her role, making a difference in local tourism efforts. She has met with different agencies that support the EDA and will soon attend tourism council meetings. Her biggest project will involve building the McMinn County tourism website, which will share events, restaurants, lodging, stores, and other activities with visitors.

Baker’s day-to-day work will involve meeting with hospitality industry business owners. She will get to know the owners and employees of various attractions and learn about the needs of restaurants and hotels in the area. She will also attend festivals and events to continue learning about the McMinn community.

“I want people to know they can trust me with their thoughts and concerns, and that I will do my best in promoting them” says Baker. “I can help promote their companies and drive tourists to their storefronts. I want to share their events and details and help us all grow.” 

Baker Brings a Passion for Travel and Community to the EDA

Before launching her career in tourism, Baker worked for the City of Athens Parks and Recreation Department and the E. G. Fisher Public Library. She has always been interested in community work and supporting her neighbors. This excitement about McMinn County pairs with her love of travel. Baker says she always wanted to be a tourist, and gets to be one every day as she supports the region.  

Business owners can support the McMinn County EDA by welcoming Brianna Baker to the organization. The more information you share with her about your business, the better she can promote it to tourists. Business owners can also help by joining the McMinn EDA and making their voices heard through their membership. You can have a say in how McMinn County grows and ensure it has a brighter future.

Follow the McMinn EDA to learn more about its Tourism Strategic Plan and how the local hospitality economy is poised to grow.