Wilkes County tourism leaders oppose proposed changes to TDA board structure

Members of the Wilkes County Tourism Development Authority addressed the Board of Commissioners on March 18 to oppose a proposed resolution that would change the TDA's board parameters and could affect the tourism director position.

Ken Noland, speaking on behalf of the TDA, said a single countywide TDA and tax rate are more efficient than multiple authorities and highlighted statewide and county statistics, including: 267,000 overnight stays, 1.5 million tourists, 729,000 room nights sold, and $153 million in visitor spending (figures he attributed to the state tourism division). Noland said the TDA raised roughly $850,000 over a 12‑month period and that approximately $600,000 of that is generated in Wilkesboro.

Trevor Whitson, chair of the Wilkes County TDA, told commissioners the board has laid critical groundwork since the district was established in January 2024 and said it can now leverage nearly $1 million a year in visitor‑paid occupancy taxes without costing county dollars. "We are not in favor of adopting the new resolution that is on the agenda," Whitson said, asking the commissioners to allow the TDA to continue the work it began.

Daniel Isom, vice chair and president of Spectrum Hospitality Management, urged collaboration and more research if changes are to be considered, and warned the proposed amendment could effectively end the tourism director's employment.

Board members thanked the TDA representatives for their comments. The minutes record the TDA's opposition but do not show a board decision on a resolution at this meeting.