Tourism Authority Reappoints Local Business Owners; Commission Confirms Joy Carver and Chad Rochelle
September 17, 2026 | Blount County, Tennessee
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The commission confirmed reappointments to the Smoky Mountain Tourism Development Authority (SMTDA), including Joy Carver (owner of Dandelion's Gifts) and Chad Rochelle (owner of Dogwood Cabins).
Both nominees described their local business experience and their view that the SMTDA's role is to support events and local merchants, not to run events. Carver said the board acts as a ‘cheerleader’ for organizations that host events and described routine public meetings and outreach. Rochelle said the SMTDA aims for “healthy growth” that balances residents’ quality of life with business needs.
Commissioners asked about funding and oversight; Carver said the authority’s grant dollars come from hotel‑motel tax receipts and are redistributed to support events, not general county operations. The commission confirmed the reappointments (clerk recorded 15 yes and 3 no votes).
Both nominees described their local business experience and their view that the SMTDA's role is to support events and local merchants, not to run events. Carver said the board acts as a ‘cheerleader’ for organizations that host events and described routine public meetings and outreach. Rochelle said the SMTDA aims for “healthy growth” that balances residents’ quality of life with business needs.
Commissioners asked about funding and oversight; Carver said the authority’s grant dollars come from hotel‑motel tax receipts and are redistributed to support events, not general county operations. The commission confirmed the reappointments (clerk recorded 15 yes and 3 no votes).
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