HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2021
BUNCOMBE COUNTY TDA ANNUAL MEETING

After what's been one of the most challenging years on record, we're grateful to the more than 175 business and community leaders who joined us on Sept. 15 at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium for the Buncombe County TDA's 2021 Annual Meeting, where we gathered safely to recognize Asheville and Buncombe County’s heart, hospitality, fortitude and resilience. Thank you for celebrating with us our collective contributions to the local community.

In this special edition newsletter, find highlights of the event, including – for a limited time only – exclusive access to the recording of our dynamic keynote speaker, Kevin Brown. His talk brought laughter, tears, inspiration and motivation and we're pleased to be able to bring this premium content to you!

WHERE WE'VE BEEN, WHERE WE'RE GOING

In her presentation, Explore Asheville and Buncombe County TDA President & CEO Vic Isley provided an overview of the year's lodging performance and impacts of the pandemic on jobs in leisure and hospitality. She also outlined the path for tourism going forward, based on community values and priorities.

INSPIRATION FROM KEYNOTE KEVIN BROWN

Renowned motivational speaker Kevin Brown, author of the best-selling book The HERO Effect® - Being Your Best When It Matters the Most, understands what drives organizational excellence and customer loyalty. He shared his perspective in an inspirational, entertaining and memorable talk.

SPECIAL ACCESS: A recording of Kevin's presentation at the Annual Meeting is now available online, only through Oct. 6. Use the password AVLBCTDA21. INSIDER'S TIP: Even if you saw Kevin live and in person, his talk is worth a second look! And after you've viewed the video, you may be interested in his latest book, Unleashing Your Hero, due out this fall and available to pre-order.

HEARTS OF HOSPITALITY

The Hearts of Hospitality in our community include a local chef, a retired postal worker-turned-tourism-business entrepreneur, a hotel manager, a multi-media artist, and a local vacation rental owner named Airbnb’s “Most Hospitable” in the U.S. Hear their stories!

2021 WILLIAM A.V. CECIL AWARD

Hearty congratulations to Bob Patel, a self-described “accidental hotelier” and President Emeritus of Virtelle Hospitality, who was presented with the 2021 William A.V. Cecil Tourism Leadership Award for his commitment and contributions to the tourism sector and the community over the past 40 years in Asheville.

THANKS TO OUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS

Members of the Buncombe County TDA Board carry on a long and proud legacy that started in 1983 and has inspired economic growth in Asheville, Buncombe County and Western North Carolina for nearly 40 years. BCTDA Board Chair Kathleen Mosher recognized the dedication of all members of the BCTDA board; in particular, the following who completed their collective 28 years of service (from left): Immediate Past Vice Chair and former Chair Gary Froeba, Immediate Past Chair Himanshu Karvir, John Luckett, John McKibbon, and James Poole.

She also welcomed new members recently appointed by Asheville City Council (from left): Larry Crosby of The Foundry Hotel, Matthew Lehman of The Grand Bohemian Hotel, and Michael Lusick of FIRC Group.

MORE SCENES FROM THE ANNUAL MEETING

There were plenty of smiles and lots of hugs as members of the tourism community safely networked at the outdoor reception following the program. We are grateful to our venue partners at Harrah's Cherokee Center Asheville for the safety protocols and for the compliance by all who attended – presenting evidence of full vaccination status or results of a recent negative COVID test – allowing this opportunity to reconnect after such a challenging year.

THANKS TO THESE CREATIVE SPIRITS!

Asheville's creative spirit was evident at this event! Singer/songwriter/rapper Virtuous provided opening entertainment while DJ Nex Millen, poet Ryan Ashley along with local caterer The Food Experience made the reception extra fun (and delicious). 

WORDS TO REMEMBER

Vic closed the program with these poignant thoughts from celebrated chef, author and world traveler Anthony Bourdain: "Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable.Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind."