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Cherokee County TDA unanimously approves trail repairs, event sponsorships and advertising buys
Summary
At its April 14 meeting, the Cherokee County Tourism Development Authority approved $19,615 for Piney Knob Trail repairs and a series of event sponsorships and advertising purchases — including $5,000 for Juneteenth and $15,000 for Visit NC cooperative marketing — all by unanimous vote.
The Cherokee County Tourism Development Authority met April 14, 2025, at the Murphy Visitor Center and unanimously approved a package of funding and promotional actions aimed at supporting local events, trail maintenance and regional marketing. The measures included a $19,615 allocation for trail repairs, event sponsorships, advertising buys and a $15,000 commitment to Visit North Carolina’s cooperative programs for 2025–26.
The meeting was called to order by Sandra Daley, who led a moment of silence and the Pledge of Allegiance. The board first approved the March 10 agenda and the March 10 minutes. All subsequent motions listed below passed unanimously.
Key approvals and motions
- Piney Knob Trail maintenance: Cal Stiles moved to allocate $19,615 (described as half of the quoted cost) from the outdoor adventure budget to support maintenance and repair of the Piney Knob Trail System and to help pursue a more permanent maintenance solution; the motion was seconded by Hank Parker Jr. and approved.
- Cherokee Clay Tomato Fest sponsorship: Cal Stiles moved to approve $750 to support the Cherokee Clay Food Alliance’s Tomato Fest; the motion was seconded by Sandra Daley and approved.
- Juneteenth support: Cal Stiles moved to fund the Texana Community Center’s Juneteenth event at the same level as the prior year, $5,000; the motion was seconded by Joan Posey and approved.
- Boardroom furnishings: Cal Stiles moved to buy eight new boardroom chairs at $191.51 each (total $1,639.26); the motion was seconded by Mike Sheidy and approved.
- John C. Campbell Fall Festival sponsorship: Sandra Daley moved to provide a $2,500 “Folk School Supporter” sponsorship for the John C. Campbell Fall Festival; the motion was seconded by Joan Posey and approved.
- Advertising and printing: The board approved a combined summer and fall quarter-page ad package in Blue Ridge Digest with an upfront payment and discounted banner web ad for $1,350; separately, the board approved $579.85 to Fromax Printing Solutions for tear of maps; and approved a Cherokee Scout full-page ad for $949. The motions were made and seconded as recorded and approved.
- Visit NC cooperative program: Cal Stiles moved to allocate $15,000 to Visit NC Co-Op Programs for the 2025–26 program year; the motion was seconded by Mike Sheidy and approved.
The meeting adjourned after the votes. Joan L. Posey, Clerk to the Board, certified the minutes and dated them May 12, 2025.
Why it matters
The votes reflect the TDA’s short-term priorities: maintaining outdoor recreation assets that support tourism and continuing paid promotions and partnerships with regional outlets and Visit North Carolina to attract visitors. The allocation to Piney Knob Trail aims to stabilize trail upkeep while staff seek a long-term maintenance approach. Funding for Juneteenth and local festivals supports community events that draw out-of-area visitors and local engagement.
What’s next
No projects were tabled; implementation and procurement steps (trail work contracts, ad placements, sponsorship payments) were approved and are expected to proceed under staff direction. The board adjourned with no further business recorded.
