DeKalb County recently served as host for the Upper Cumberland Chamber Executives Association (UCCEA) meeting held at the Appalachian Center for Craft. After a welcome from Craft Center Director Debra Ruzinsky and County Mayor Tim Stribling, the day’s speakers included Melanie Beauchamp, Director of Outreach and Engagement for the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development; Cara Ince, Partnership Director for the Tennessee State Parks; Dennis Tennant, Director of Extended Programs and Regional Development at Tennessee Tech University; and Sam Stout, Smithville Jamboree President and Granville’s Sutton Old Time Music Hour Host. After a delicious lunch at the Blue Water Grill on the Hill (located inside the Craft Center), Debra Ruzinsky gave a guided tour of the Appalachian Center for Craft.
The UCCEA is an organization composed of the leadership of the Chambers of Commerce that serve the 14-county Upper Cumberland area. The organization’s mission is to support the Upper Cumberland’s economic development as well as provide the opportunity to speak as a regional entity with the potential to benefit each county. It also serves as a forum for chamber directors to discuss best practices, challenges, and ideas. Chamber Director Suzanne Williams currently serves as UCCEA chairperson.
