Million people can be reached in 12 hours
Holiday Tourism Will Boost McMinn County This December and Beyond
27 Nov 2024
News
The McMinn County Economic Development Authority (EDA) is investing significantly in tourism development in 2025. This is part of a larger tourism strategic plan to support existing businesses and bring new recreation and hospitality companies to the region. However, business owners don’t have to wait for this new tourism push to benefit from the upcoming initiatives. December is a wonderful time for residents to attend holiday events while bringing their families and friends to Southeast Tennessee.
“We want businesses to get the most out of December because this month is essential for so many retail, food service, and entertainment companies,” says Lindsey Ferguson, Executive Director of the McMinn County EDA. “Some businesses make half of their annual revenue during the holiday season.”
If your company caters directly to holiday shoppers or notices a bump in sales at the end of the year, the EDA is here to help. Here’s how you can make the most of December and grow your business.
Follow the Tourism Page for Holiday Events and Updates
The first place to look for events and activities in McMinn County is the Tourism page on the EDA website. We have curated dozens of events happening throughout the month of December, many of which provide opportunities for local businesses to get involved. For example, local crafters and vendors can set up at the Christmas Market at the Cove or participate in the Old Fashioned Downtown Christmas by Main Street Athens.
Many local organizations are still searching for vendors, sponsors, or local businesses that want to participate. They may have a few open spots or opportunities left in December.
If you aren’t able to participate as a business owner this year, mark your calendar to reach out in October 2025. This is when many local event planners start organizing. For now, enjoy the events as a participant and celebrate the season with your family and friends.
Develop Promotions and Events to Bring in New Business
There is still plenty of time to develop seasonal promotions that will attract new customers while encouraging existing clients to remember your company. Here are a few promotional ideas that can boost sales and promote goodwill so your customers keep coming back in the new year:
- Create in-store holiday events: Consider adjusting your operating hours a few nights this month to accommodate after-work shoppers. Host events with cocoa, carols, and even special visits from Santa.
- Encourage customers to buy gift cards: It’s okay if your customers can’t use your products or services right now. Develop holiday packages and gift cards so your business gets sales and keeps customers returning in the coming year.
- Tie your products to the holiday season: Almost every business, from plumbers to flooring companies, can make its messaging relevant to the holidays. Develop captivating marketing messages that reach your audiences.
The McMinn County EDA can also help with your business strategy, marketing, and brand messaging. Let us connect you with local business resources that support regional companies. You can also attend our education and networking events throughout the year in 2025 to learn how to promote your business and meet organizations who can support your marketing efforts.
Consider How the EDA’s Tourism Investment Can Help Your Company
Along with developing holiday promotions, think about your marketing strategy for 2025 and how the McMinn County EDA’s tourism investment will help your organization. Service and hospitality companies can benefit directly from these initiatives, but other industries will see growth as well. B2B brands can adjust their service offerings to support tourism growth. An increase in tourists can also lead to population growth as more people fall in love with this corner of Tennessee.
“Local companies often share their recruitment and workforce development pain points with the EDA,” says Ferguson. “Our tourism initiative is meant to support that. When people visit someplace they love, they consider living there. If we can bring people to McMinn County, we can grow the local hiring pool.”
Your business doesn’t have to be part of the tourism industry to benefit from more people visiting McMinn County. This investment could make the holiday season brighter for years to come.
Become a Member of the EDA to Stay on Top of New Initiatives
Make 2025 the year you invest in your business by becoming a member of the McMinn EDA. Explore membership benefits like event opportunities, business promotion, and local support. You can grow your customer base and prepare your business for the future with your EDA investment.
When we work together, businesses of all sizes and industries can Make It in McMinn. Let our initiatives support your growth and help you prosper.
More Topics
When companies look to expand or relocate, workforce development is no longer an afterthought—it’s a primary factor in site selection. The days of simply considering grants or tax breaks are gone. For many businesses, especially in sectors like manufacturing and advanced technologies, the question is: Can you provide the skilled...
Various entities around McMinn County, Tennessee, have received grants to improve their parks and recreation facilities. Applications for these grants were developed and submitted in the past year but were just recently approved.“Improving local parks and supporting the natural resources of McMinn County is beneficial in multiple ways,” says Lindsey...
Industrial automation and robotics offer huge benefits to manufacturing and warehouse distribution and fulfilment operations. This is not a new concept; articles going back decades have explained how these applications can improve quality and consistency, optimize productivity and throughput, increase worker safety, and reduce direct labor cost.The topic has gained...