New Tourism Campaign Puts Overton County Small Businesses in the Spotlight

A new tourism marketing effort in Overton County is aiming to bring more visitors into local communities while creating additional opportunities for small businesses, restaurants and other local employers.

The Livingston-Overton County Chamber of Commerce has received $30,000 from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development to launch its new tourism brand, Visit Historic Livingston Square. The initiative encourages visitors to begin their trip in downtown Livingston before exploring attractions and communities throughout the rest of Overton County.

The campaign will highlight destinations including Dale Hollow Lake, Standing Stone State Park, local rural communities and the backroads that connect them. Rather than focusing solely on the historic Livingston Square, the effort is designed to encourage visitors to explore more of the county and discover the businesses and experiences along the way.

For local businesses, increased tourism can mean more customers walking through the doors. Restaurants, shops, outdoor recreation businesses, lodging providers and other small businesses all play a role in creating the visitor experience, while the spending generated by those visitors can support local jobs and economic activity.

The Chamber emphasized that tourism dollars can bring more customers to local shops and restaurants while providing additional opportunities for the people who live and work in Overton County.

That connection between economic growth and workforce development is important for communities throughout the Upper Cumberland. When local businesses grow, they often need additional employees, stronger skills and new ways to develop their existing workforce.

Workforce Connections supports employers across the region through services designed to help businesses build and maintain a strong workforce. Business Services can assist employers with recruitment, workforce training, Incumbent Worker Training and Registered Apprenticeship opportunities, helping businesses develop the talent they need as their operations grow.

For small businesses, workforce development can be especially important. A growing customer base creates opportunities, but having employees with the right skills to serve those customers is an essential part of turning increased economic activity into sustainable growth.

The Visit Historic Livingston Square initiative demonstrates how tourism promotion, small-business development and workforce needs can intersect. As more visitors explore Overton County, local businesses will have an opportunity to introduce those visitors to the people, products and experiences that make the community unique.

For employers looking to take advantage of new opportunities and strengthen their workforce, Workforce Connections is available to help connect businesses with the training and talent resources they need.