Partnership With
General Morgan Inn
A Winner For Both
In Recent Years
Representatives from two of Greeneville's top tourist destinations have created a somewhat unlikely partnership in the group travel market that has paid off for both.
And the Tennessee Motor Coach Association (TMCA) is noticing.
Vera Ann Myers, of Myers Pumpkin Patch & Family Farm, won two major awards last month at the TMCA's annual convention, as well as a coveted seat on the organization's Board of Directors.
This was the fifth Motor Coach convention attended by the General Morgan Inn, and the fourth for Myers Pumpkin Patch & Family Farm.
"We recognized early that we needed to develop strong partnerships with group travel professionals," said Bob Cantler, general manager of the General Morgan Inn, in recalling how the business relationship got started several years ago.
"For advice we approached Russell Ooten, the owner of Greene Coach Tours, who was instrumental in starting the TMCA in 1995," Cantler said in a news release.
That advice -- which has paid off for the General Morgan Inn and Myers Pumpkin Patch -- included traveling to trade shows, developing itineraries, and maintaining relationships with key operators and tour planners.
At the conventions, Cantler and Myers have met with operators and associate members of TMCA, an organization dedicated to assisting motor coach operators and tour planners, in order to promote and organize group travel in Greene County.
This year's annual convention was held in January in Louisville, Ky.
'ASSOCIATE OF YEAR'
Of all the associates attending this year's convention, none was more successful than Myers, who was named Associate of the Year.
According to the TMCA, "This award is based on overall contribution to the motor coach industry and the association, as well as the professional manner in dealing with the public and their association colleagues."
As active members of the TMCA, Myers Pumpkin Patch & Family Farm and the General Morgan Inn worked together to bring the TMCA's 2010 Summer Rodeo to Greeneville, an event that promoted Greeneville as a group travel hub.
Building on early success, Myers and the General Morgan Inn have organized numerous group visits to Greeneville.
The Associate of the Year Award recognizes contributions made throughout the year.
PREVIOUSLY WON BY GMI
The award was previously won by the General Morgan Inn in 2010.
To win this year's award, Myers surpassed heavy competition from Gaylord Opryland, Dollywood, Graceland, and Pigeon Forge, among others in the tourism industry.
"The competition at this convention is amazing," she said in a news release. "Some of our state's larger attractions have professional marketing firms and numerous sales people leading the charge.
"At every turn, I'm competing with Pigeon Forge and the TriCities to win business. It is tough, but absolutely possible," Myers said.
"We just have to be willing to take risks and do more for the customer," Myers added.
'GO-GETTER AWARD'
Myers was also awarded the "Go-Getter Award," a special award given to the associate who makes the greatest impression on operators during the week-long convention.
"The Go-Getter is an award that means a lot to associates. It's a very competitive field, and to be selected in favor of some of tourism's biggest names like Dollywood or Graceland is a great compliment," said Julia Beach, former marketing director of the General Morgan Inn.
"To win both awards is a rare accomplishment, and it is a true indication of her commitment and enthusiasm for bringing more group travel to Greeneville," Beach said.
