Claim Your Complimentary Tickets to the McMinn EDA Annual Meeting

Members of the McMinn County Economic Development Agency (EDA) can register for the annual meeting and luncheon on Tuesday, July 21, at 12:00 PM at the Tennessee Wesleyan University Colloms Campus Center. The luncheon kicks off at noon and includes an award ceremony celebrating local businesses for their economic, workforce, and tourism contributions to the community.

“Our annual meeting is evolving to create a fun afternoon for attendees that also recognizes the hard work of everyone in the community,” says Lindsey Ferguson, Executive Director of the McMinn County EDA. “The luncheon format allows for networking and socializing while the meeting agenda shows how we have a clear path forward.”

Each member receives at least one complimentary ticket, with members at higher tiers receiving additional tickets to the annual event. Attendees are asked to register in advance to provide the EDA with an accurate headcount. Advanced registration also allows members to check how many complimentary tickets their organization has. Extra tickets are available for purchase.

See How McMinn County Has Grown This Year

The annual meeting is a great opportunity to learn what projects the EDA has worked on throughout the year and how this organization benefits the county. One of the biggest focus areas was MADE Camp, which offered a free summer camp for middle school students and helped them explore potential careers in manufacturing and engineering. The luncheon will debut the recap video of MADE Camp and discuss its future goals and ways for businesses to get involved.    

Beyond demonstrating the EDA's hard work, the annual meeting also recognizes local businesses and their major milestones. This luncheon will celebrate the 60-year anniversary of ABB Installation Products and the 20-year anniversary of Maxwell Industries.

“These legacy companies provide stable employment to residents of McMinn County and allow people to turn jobs into lasting careers,” says Ferguson. “We want to recognize the employers who serve our community and choose to grow here.”

The Luncheon Includes the Second-Annual Award Ceremony

Along with showcasing the EDA's hard work, the annual luncheon also celebrates community businesses and individuals through an award ceremony. The seven awards issued this year include:

• Community Revitalization 
• Business Expansion and Investment 
• Catalyst Project of the Year
• Community Spirit and Engagement
• Destination Development 
• Tourism Impact
• Workforce Excellence Award

The EDA will also use the annual meeting to recognize board members who are ending their tenure, thanking them for their support, insight, and hard work in making the EDA more effective. Some are stepping into retirement while others are looking to serve their community in different ways. 

Non-Members Can Attend the EDA Luncheon 

Business owners, community leaders, and residents of McMinn County can also attend the luncheon if they are not members. The non-member ticket is $26.50, covering the cost of the meal.

The annual meeting is a great opportunity to learn more about economic development and how the EDA helps McMinn County grow. The luncheon will highlight various programs led by the EDA and how they support residents by creating new jobs and opportunities.

“A lot of people don’t understand the role economic development plays in a community unless they are directly involved,” says Ferguson. “Well, we want to get them involved. The more people who engage in the EDA’s work, the better we can create a McMinn County that the community is proud of.”

If you are on the fence about becoming a member of the EDA, come to the luncheon and see how you can get involved, take advantage of member benefits, and have a voice in McMinn County’s future. You can also review the Member Guide for more information. 

Reserve Your Seats for the Annual Meeting Today

The McMinn County EDA’s annual meeting is going to be a fun time with networking, awards, and look-backs on the year. RSVP today and use your complimentary tickets, or purchase extra seats for your team. We can’t wait to celebrate with you and explore what next year has in store.

If you have any questions about the annual meeting or want to become a member, contact us or reach out to Aryn Stewart at aryn@makeitinmcminn.org.