Celebrating Progress and Partnerships at the 2025 Annual Meeting

In August we celebrated the strength, spirit, and progress of McMinn County at our Annual Meeting! We were honored to gather with community leaders, partners, and supporters to reflect on the past year’s achievements and look ahead to the exciting work still to come. The event featured an inspiring program, including an award ceremony recognizing outstanding contributions to our community.

This memorable gathering would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and partners: McMinn County, the City of Athens, the City of Etowah, Athens Utilities Board, Etowah Utilities Board, Adman Electric, DENSO Manufacturing, Starr Regional Medical Center, Old National Bank, SouthEast Bank, Peoples Bank, Simmons Bank, and Waste Connections. Your commitment to our region is deeply appreciated.

In addition to recognizing sponsors, board transitions, and community collaborators, we proudly presented awards to individuals and organizations whose contributions have made a lasting impact on economic development and tourism in our region in 2025.

• Community Revitalization Award: Hiwassee Builders Supply
• Tourism Impact Award: Friendly City Festivals / Meredith Willson
• Destination Development Award: Mayfield Dairy Farm Visitors Center
• Catalyst Project of the Year: Midway Mini Golf / Scott Cass
• Community Spirit and Engagement Award: Gidget Walden

These honorees exemplify the innovation, dedication, and community pride that drive McMinn County forward.

We also celebrated board transitions and honored individuals who have served McMinn County with distinction. Phil Tuggle was recognized for his dedicated service on the Industrial Development Board from 2014 to 2025. Outgoing McMinn County Economic Development Authority Board members—Will Estes, John McClain, Shayne Whaley, and Connor Zabo—were presented with plaques in appreciation of their leadership and commitment. A special highlight of the afternoon was the ceremonial passing of the gavel from Past President Randy Dunlop to Drew Holbrook, who now serves as our new board president. We are excited for the future under Drew’s leadership and grateful for Randy’s years of service.

Celebrate Manufacturing Month with Us

October is Manufacturing Month, and we're inviting our members to help spotlight the incredible manufacturers that power McMinn County. Want to show your support? Display a "We Love McMinn Manufacturers" yard sign at your business. Email us today to request your sign and join the celebration of local innovation, craftsmanship, and economic impact.

McMinn County Economic Development Authority Membership

Are you interested in becoming a member of the McMinn County Economic Development Authority? We warmly invite and encourage all companies and individuals to join our dynamic community. Whether you're a large corporation, a small business, or an individual, there's a membership level perfectly suited for you! Don't miss out on these fantastic opportunities to connect, grow, and contribute to our community. Click the link to learn more about our membership options and apply today!

Tennessee Ranked #5 for Best Business Climate

We’re proud to share that Tennessee has been named the #5 state for Best Business Climate in Business Facilities’ 2025 State Rankings. This recognition reflects our state’s commitment to fostering growth through pro-business policies, a skilled workforce, and robust infrastructure. McMinn County is proud to contribute to this momentum, offering a thriving environment for industries to grow and succeed.

Tourism Growth Fuels McMinn County's Economy

McMinn County is celebrating a strong year for tourism in 2024, with visitor spending reaching $76.76 million, a 3.32% increase over the previous year. According to the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, this growth elevated McMinn County’s rank to 27th out of 95 counties statewide. Tourism supported 612 local jobs, generated $17.12 million in labor income, and contributed $7.74 million in state and local tax revenues—translating to an average of $210,297 in daily visitor spending that helps fund essential services and infrastructure.

The county welcomed 263,404 visitors, whose spending resulted in an estimated $360 in tax savings per household. “Tourism continues to be a powerful economic driver for McMinn County,” said Lindsey Ferguson, Director of the McMinn County Economic Development Authority. “These numbers reflect the growing appeal of our community and the hard work of our local businesses and attractions.

Heil Trailer International Named One of the Coolest Things Made in Tennessee

We're proud to share that Heil Trailer International earned a spot in the Top 16 of the statewide Coolest Thing Made in Tennessee competition! Their Petroleum Tank Trailer, known for its durability, innovation, and engineering excellence, stood out among hundreds of entries from across the state. This recognition highlights not only Heil’s commitment to quality and safety but also the strength of McMinn County’s manufacturing sector.

Vote Crescent Sock Company as Best Manufacturer in Tennessee

Crescent Sock Company is nominated for Best Manufacturer in the Guide to Tennessee’s Best of Tennessee Awards! Known for its innovation, craftsmanship, and commitment to community, Crescent represents the very best of Tennessee manufacturing. Let’s show our support and help them bring home the win—cast your vote today!

Evonik Corporation- They Make It In McMinn

Did you know one of the key ingredients behind your healthy, radiant smile is made right here in McMinn County? Since 1963, Evonik Corporation’s Etowah facility has been producing high-quality silica — a vital component in toothpaste that helps keep our teeth clean, bright, and strong.

Evonik’s innovative silica formulations support a wide range of oral care needs, from whitening to sensitivity relief, all while ensuring a smooth and satisfying brushing experience. Their work not only contributes to better dental health but also reflects the strength and versatility of McMinn County’s industrial sector.

We’re proud to have Evonik as part of our local manufacturing community — helping the world smile a little brighter, one brush at a time!

Crescent Sock Company- They Make It In McMinn

In Niota, Tennessee, Crescent Sock Company has been producing high-quality socks for 122 years — from everyday comfort to tactical gear trusted by elite units of the U.S. military. Their brands, including Hiwassee Trading Co., Omni Wool, and World's Softest Sock, are sold across the country and known for durability, comfort, and innovation.



Crescent is proudly woman-owned and led by CEO Cathy Allen, alongside her sisters Sandra Boyd and Pat Cotton. Their leadership continues a powerful legacy — their great-grandmother, Febb Burn, helped secure the ratification of the 19th Amendment with a single letter that changed history.

Through wars, recessions, and a global pandemic, Crescent has never stopped production — and never laid off a single employee during COVID. That’s resilience, leadership, and community pride stitched into every pair.

Crescent Sock Company is more than a manufacturer — it’s a living story of American industry, women’s history, and McMinn County pride.

"Make It in McMinn"- A Celebration of Local Industry

The McMinn Economic Development Authority is excited to launch our new social media series, “Make It in McMinn”! Each month, we’ll spotlight the incredible manufacturers right here in McMinn County and the innovative products they create.

Want to be featured?

If your organization manufactures in McMinn and would like to be highlighted, we’d love to hear from you! Just send us an email with information about your company by clicking the button below.

Workforce Development Month: Building Talent for the Next Generation

September marks Workforce Development Month, and McMinn County Economic Development Authority is proud to celebrate the incredible efforts of our local education and training partners who are preparing the next generation to meet the demands of a changing workforce. As experienced workers retire, it’s more important than ever to ensure our students are equipped with the skills and confidence to step into high-demand careers. Institutions like TCAT Athens, Tennessee Wesleyan University, and Cleveland State Community College offer career-focused programs that align with industry needs, while the McMinn Higher Education Facility serves as a central hub for accessible, high-quality education. Additionally, McMinn County Schools’ Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs are giving students early exposure to real-world skills and career pathways, helping build a strong pipeline of talent ready to power our local economy for years to come.

Hands-On Career Exploration Inspires McMinn County’s Future Workforce

The McMinn County Education Foundation recently hosted its annual 8th Grade Career Day at the National Guard Armory in Athens, welcoming around 600 students from nine schools across the county, including Athens City Middle School and Etowah City School. This immersive event gave students the opportunity to explore a wide range of local career paths through hands-on activities and engaging exhibits. From utilities and healthcare to law enforcement, government, manufacturing, accounting, and animal care, students connected with professionals across diverse industries. They also got a firsthand look at the many Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways offered at McMinn County’s high schools, helping them envision future opportunities right here at home.

TCAT- Athens Earns National Recognition

We’re proud to share that TCAT Athens has been named one of America’s Top 250 Vocational Schools by USA Today. This honor places TCAT Athens among 17 Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology recognized for excellence in career and technical education. Tennessee ranked 4th nationally for the number of schools included—highlighting our state’s commitment to workforce readiness and skills-based training. Congratulations to TCAT Athens for representing McMinn County on the national stage!

TDub Takeoff Pancake Breakfast

Discover McMinn recently partnered with Tennessee Wesleyan University to cohost the TDub Takeoff Pancake Breakfast, a welcoming event to kick off the 2025–2026 academic year. Free and open to both students and community members, the breakfast served as a warm introduction to McMinn County for new and returning students. Attendees enjoyed a lively morning thanks to generous sponsorships from Walmart–Athens and Mayfield Dairy Farms, with Mayfield hosting a crowd-favorite milk chugging and ice cream eating contest. As part of the event, Discover McMinn provided Tennessee Wesleyan with a custom brochure to distribute to students. The brochure highlighted local businesses within walking distance of campus, including boutiques, barbers and beauty salons, restaurants and coffee spots, and information on festivals and upcoming events. It also featured details on which businesses offer student discounts and extended hours, helping students feel more connected to the community from day one.

Travel Writers Discover the Heart of the Overhill—Right Here in McMinn County

McMinn County proudly served as the home base for a recent familiarization (FAM) tour hosted for travel writers from the Outdoor Writers Association of America. As part of a regional showcase of the Overhill area, guests stayed at the beautiful Hiwassee Acres and enjoyed a curated McMinn County itinerary that included guided kayak tours to the Hiwassee Hidden Meadows led by Sheriff Joe Guy and Calhoun City Manager Joe Bryan, snorkeling in the Hiwassee River, dinner at Silver Springs Vineyard, and breakfast at Scottie’s Diner.

This immersive experience was made possible through a strong partnership between Discover McMinn, Visit Monroe, Tennessee Overhill, and the Polk County Chamber of Commerce—all working together to ensure the writers experienced the very best of the region. While the tour explored the broader Overhill area, McMinn County’s hospitality and outdoor offerings left a lasting impression. We look forward to seeing how these writers share our story with the world!

Downtown Athens Welcomes TWU Students

Discover McMinn continued the initiative, TDub Takeoff, sponsored by Athens Insurance to provide downtown business storefronts with Tennessee Wesleyan University themed window art. This initiative aims to enhance the welcoming of McMinn County and attract new and returning students to enjoy the downtown area.

The Weekly Scoop

Stay connected with all the latest happenings in McMinn County! Like and follow Discover McMinn County on Facebook to keep up with the Weekly Scoop. Each week, the Weekly Scoop provides detailed updates on events and activities happening throughout McMinn County. Don't miss out on the exciting news and opportunities in our community!

McMinn County on Display at the Tennesse State Fair

Discover McMinn and Tennessee Overhill proudly represented McMinn County at the Tennessee State Fair in Lebanon, where all 95 counties showcased what makes their communities unique. The McMinn County booth featured contributions from each of our cities, celebrating our rich railroad heritage, vibrant arts scene, and iconic local treasures like Mayfield Dairy Farms. The display offered fairgoers a glimpse into the heart of our region — where history, creativity, and community pride come together.

Support Mayfield Farm Park in the 2025 Best of Tennessee Awards

We’re excited to share that Mayfield Farm Park has been nominated for Best in Arts & Entertainment in the 2025 Best of Tennessee voting by Guide to Tennessee. This recognition celebrates the park’s commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for families across our region. Help us bring home the win by casting your vote and sharing with friends and neighbors who love Mayfield Farm Park as much as we do!

Plan Ahead for Fall & Holiday Fun In McMinn!

With autumn festivities and holiday celebrations just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start planning your seasonal outings. From local festivals and community events to cozy dining spots and unique shopping experiences, McMinn County has something for everyone.

Click the link below to explore the Discover McMinn Calendar of Events and make the most of the season!

Bicentennial Park Completes Turf Enhancements Across Entire Complex

McMinn County’s Bicentennial Park is making exciting progress in its athletic facility upgrades. The two remaining half-turf fields have now received turf outfields, bringing the total to four fully multi-purpose fields across the complex. This expansion enhances the park’s versatility and playability for a variety of sports and events.

Notably, the two newly turfed fields feature soccer field lines, opening up opportunities to host soccer tournaments in addition to baseball and softball. While the full upgrade is not yet complete, the county anticipates finalizing improvements by January 2026.

These enhancements reflect McMinn County’s ongoing commitment to investing in recreational spaces that serve local families, athletes, and visitors—rain or shine.

Athens Gets a Taste of Biskit NV at the Food Hub

Athens welcomes a delicious new addition to its local food scene—Biskit NV, now open at the Food Hub! Known for their hearty, southern-style biscuits and creative flavor combinations, Biskit NV brings comfort food with a twist to downtown. They’ll be serving up their signature dishes Thursday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, making it the perfect spot for breakfast, brunch, or a midday bite. Whether you're craving classic biscuits and gravy or something bold and savory, Biskit NV is ready to satisfy your biscuit envy.

Tennessee Wesleyan University Celebrates Record Enrollment

Tennessee Wesleyan University is celebrating a historic milestone with its highest enrollment in the institution’s 168-year history. This fall, the university welcomed 1,398 students, marking the third consecutive semester of record-breaking enrollment. Growth has been especially strong in dual enrollment programs (up 96%), graduate programs (up 59%), and 4+1 programs (up 27%). Overall, enrollment has increased by 19% from 2024 to 2025 across all academic offerings. This continued momentum reflects the university’s commitment to academic excellence, student success, and a forward-focused vision for the future.

Athens Regional Park Set for Turf Transformation

Exciting improvements are coming to Athens Regional Park! The City of Athens has approved a $1.42 million project to install artificial turf on all five baseball infields. In addition to the turf installation, basepaths will be extended from 70 to 90 feet, and Field 4 will undergo grading to resolve long-standing drainage issues. These upgrades are designed to enhance local play, attract high school and collegiate-level tournaments, and boost sports tourism in the region. Construction is set to begin in October 2025, with completion expected by February 2026.

Marshalls Grand Opening

We’re thrilled to welcome Marshalls to Athens! The new store, located at 1629 Decatur Pike, officially opened its doors on Thursday, September 25, 2025. Shoppers can expect an exciting selection of brand-name fashion, home décor, beauty products, and more—all at prices that thrill. Whether you're refreshing your wardrobe or hunting for stylish home finds, Marshalls offers a treasure hunt shopping experience you won’t want to miss. Stop by and celebrate this exciting addition to our local retail scene!

Discover What's Happening in McMinn County

Looking for weekend plans, family-friendly fun, or seasonal celebrations? Our Calendar of Events is your go-to guide for everything happening across McMinn County — from festivals and parades to concerts, markets, and more!