APPLIANCE REPAIR

Kelly Appliance & Vacuum 931-244-7200

AIR CONDITIONING

D.E. Hill & Son 762-9584

ASSISTED LIVING

Summit of Lawrenceburg 762-3524

 

AUTO REPAIR

Chapman Tire 931-829-2155
J & G Tire Center 931-762-0078

 

BANKS

Bank of Frankewing 762-6800
Lawrenceburg Federal Bank 931-762-7571

 

CINEMAS

Crockett Cinemas 931-762-6821

 

CLINICS

One Stop Medical 762-9797
Seven Springs Orthopaedics 244-7181

 

COMPUTER REPAIR

Nerd's Computer Repair

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The Hidden Garden 762-9799

ELECTRICAL & PLUMBING

Rick's Electrical & Plumbing 931-242-5325

 

ELECTRONICS

Lynn Electronics 762-0401

E CIGARETTES

Sterling Vapor 931-231-5422

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Lawrenceburg Florist 762-3722
McKelvey's Flowers 762-4511

FUNERAL HOMES

Pettus-Turnbo Funeral Home 762-3291

FURNITURE

Green's Furniture
Swap & Shop Center

GLASS REPAIR

Lawrenceburg Glass 766-1004

 

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True Value Hardware 762-7516

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Salt Glow 931-279-4780

 

HOBBY

Adventure Off Road 852-5445

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Aarons Insurance 931-629-8065
Baker Agency 762-4550
Markus Insurance 762-9401
Wall-Modrall Insurance 762-6528

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Dixon's Fine Jewelry 762-9979

 

LAWN CARE

Dustin's Lawn Care 242-4414

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Seven Springs Orthopaedics 244-7181

NATURAL FOODSNature's Nuggests 762-2895

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Randy's Cycle & ATV 762-2450

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The Mad Hatter's Party Wonderland 931-244-7222

 

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Mo's Pawn Shop 762-2529

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By Pass Pools 931-762-7904
Diamond Pools & Spas 762-7189

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Hood-Flora Realty 762-4247

 

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Rent Right 762-8187

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Sue Sue's Sandwich Shop 762-8879

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Fox Sporting Goods 931-766-0313

TIRES

Groucho's Tires 931-762-1707

TRAVEL

First Class Charter 762-5778

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Chamber Moves Ahead With Tourism Efforts

Tennessee Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Kevin Triplett announced last week that tourism generated a record-breaking $17.7 billion in the state last year.

He also unveiled the Tennessee Music Pathway, which will take visitors on a driving tour that connects the state’s music history, venues and legendary performers. Promotion of this rough “unbroken circle” that crosses every area of the state will be launched this coming spring.

Why should we be concerned about that? As the designated birthplace of Southern Gospel Music, Lawrence County is a stop along the circle. Tourists following the route will arrive from the west or east on Highway 64, and we are situated equally well from other directions. Nashville and Muscle Shoals have always attracted visitors, but the television series Nashville and movie Muscle Shoals are bringing even more people to this region.

The volunteers who organized Lawrence County’s tourism efforts in the past have done a good job. A report from the state shows that in 2013 visitors generated $37.91 million here, reducing the amount of local and state taxes each household pays by $198.89. Local hotel/motel taxes in 2014 generated $85,000, which was reinvested in economic and community development and tourism efforts.

Because we are so well positioned for growth in this area, County Commissioners and I have named the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce our official representative in all matters related to tourism. They will be working with our tourist sites to create a focused and deliberate approach to tourism development on a regional and statewide basis. To that end, the Chamber has already launched a website, SeeLawCo.com, which features a short film about the great things we offer visitors. Next steps include the buildout of this website and the creation of a comprehensive community guide publication in 2016.

State officials are definitely in our corner. Commissioner Triplett will be here this month to meet with officials and tour a few of our attractions. “Tourism is Tennessee's No. 2 industry, delivering $17.7 billion in economic impact to the state," the Commissioner said in an e-mail to my office.  "We're excited to work with our tourism partners in Lawrence County as they increase focus on this important industry and help grow their share of tourism dollars to the county."

Regional efforts include a partnership with the South Central Tennessee Tourism Association. We see through promotions like the Tennessee Music Pathway that our work must include neighboring areas. Someone’s day trip to Jack Daniels’ Distillery in Moore County or Maury County’s antebellum homes, for instance, could easily include a visit to Amish Country in Ethridge.

Just imagine the benefits of doubling the number of visitors who come to our county, a goal that is definitely within reach. Sales tax revenue would help county and city programs without any additional burden on taxpayers. Hotel/motel tax proceeds would enhance our economic development efforts, and increased tourism would in itself create jobs. Businesses that serve visitors, like restaurants and retail, would grow and make Lawrence County a better place for us all.

This year’s Babe Ruth World Series Tournament is a great example of what Lawrence Countians can accomplish when a project is approached in a systematic, organized manner. Visitors sang our praises then; a focused effort will put our county in the best light for those who arrive in the days to come.

 

 

 

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