After months of part-time work and my graduation from UT Southern in December, I was eagerly anticipating stepping back into a full time role with the team. January proved to be a shining example of all the best parts of being a full-time SCTTA employee. I was lucky enough to spend a lot of time in the field and in some of the most exciting strategy sessions I’ve been a part of to date!
This month alone, I spent time with the DMOs of our western counties, visited several up-and-coming businesses in the region, planned our yearly media campaigns, helped onboard a new intern, and launched our 2025 Influencer and Ambassador program. As a recent college grad and a 22-year-old stepping into the industry for the first time, I am so profoundly grateful for the abundance of opportunities for leadership and creativity that this position allows me access to. I feel uniquely lucky to be a part of a team that encourages each member to step out of the box and take charge of the initiatives that matter most to them.
My office looked a little different throughout the month- some days, it was my desk in Lynchburg, others, my desk in Pulaski, and most often, it was on the road. I sat down with several of our DMOs in person, discussing our exciting plans for what 2025 holds across the region. I spent time with the Lawrence County Chamber team and Charity Toombs with the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, touring the stunning Gobbler Springs Distillery. Along with the exceptional team at the Caverns in Pelham, TN, I organized our first Ambassador/Influencer call of the new year- a perfect day consisting of lunch from Mountain Goat Market, a tour of their famous underground music venue, and my first ever crawling cave tour (one of the best experiences I’ve ever had). Amanda, our Associate Director of Operations, and I even made the trip up to Nashville to take care of some business at the Tennessee Tower. I have always said that I am happiest out on the road, and fortunately, my role allows me these kinds of adventures.
In the coming months, I’m looking forward to even more time spent out in our region: building relationships, connecting with our partners, and learning everything I can about the tourism industry. I’m eager to find new and effective ways to share the compelling stories South Central Tennessee has to offer. Just from the beginnings of plans introduced this month, I know that we are in for a stellar year- I can only hope to live up to the other powerhouse team members and colleagues I am privileged to work with each and every day.
Let’s make 2025 one to remember, folks!
-Sophia Posey
Comments