Category: Press Release

Tweetsie Railroad has announced the promotion of Stephanie Robinett to General Manager, recognizing her leadership, professionalism, and extensive experience in human resources and operations management. Robinett joined Tweetsie Railroad in June 2022 as Human Resources Director, quickly becoming an integral part of the leadership team. With more than 25 years of administrative and management experience, she brings a strong background in staff development, safety, and organizational operations. In her new role, she will oversee park operations and guest experience, helping ensure that Tweetsie Railroad continues to deliver exceptional family-friendly entertainment and service. “We are excited to have Stephanie step into the General Manager role,” said Chris Robbins, President of Tweetsie Railroad. “Her professionalism, attention to detail, and ability to lead with both empathy and efficiency make her the perfect choice to guide our team and operations.” “We are thrilled to have Stephanie take on the General Manager position,” added Cathy Robbins, Vice President of Tweetsie Railroad. “From day one, she’s been a great team player who connects easily with everyone around her. The staff respect her professionalism and appreciate her approachable, down-to-earth style. She brings great energy to everything she does, and we know she’ll help ensure that Tweetsie continues to provide the welcoming, family-friendly environment it’s been known for generations.” Her career includes a decade as Assistant General Manager for an international retail company, followed by roles as IT Administrator for a North Carolina-based home furnishings company and Human Resources Manager for a 200-employee contract manufacturer.   Outside of work, Robinett enjoys spending time with her blended family and volunteering for her children’s sports and school activities. She is an avid reader and lover of the outdoors; she brings the same passion and energy to her professional life. “I am honored to serve as General Manager of Tweetsie Railroad,” said Robinett. “This park holds special memories for me from childhood and family visits. I look forward to helping others create their own unforgettable experiences here.” About Tweetsie RailroadSince 1957, Tweetsie Railroad has been North Carolina’s first theme park, offering families unforgettable Wild West adventures. Guests can enjoy an interactive three-mile train journey aboard a historic narrow-gauge steam locomotive, live shows, classic amusement rides, the Deer Park Zoo, panning for gold and more. For more information visit tweetsie.com or call 877-893-3874.

As a 20-year Blowing Rock resident and lifelong hospitality aficionado, Meris Gantt is joining the team at Chetola Resort as their Senior Manager of Catered Events, overseeing their wedding and social events department. With over 16 years of experience planning weddings across the North Carolina High Country, including many at Chetola, Meris brings a unique perspective to her new role.  Meris is focused on elevating the catered events experience through crafting thoughtful client journeys, reimagining catered events’ structure, and focusing on delivering smooth and seamless event days that leave a lasting impression.  Chetola Resort offers impeccable event spaces, both indoor and outdoor, for events of all sizes, and is continuing to elevate their offerings.  Having spent years immersed in the rhythm of weddings and events across the High Country, Meris understands that the magic of a celebration often comes from what guests don’t see: the flawless timing of service, the perfectly set room, and the seamless collaboration between teams. In her new role, she’s focused on refining those details behind the scenes, from catering operations to venue logistics, ensuring every event at Chetola Resort feels effortless and memorable. With the vision of General Manager Albert Mertz, Gantt is inspired by the commitment to preserving Chetola’s spirit while continuing to evolve. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside such dedicated leaders as we invest in Chetola’s bright future. This feels like a legacy project, an opportunity to honor what has made Chetola so beloved, while helping it grow into what’s next.”   Meris looks forward to strengthening relationships with local vendors and event partners, continuing Chetola’s tradition of collaboration across the NC High Country’s hospitality community. To learn more about weddings and events at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, or to connect with Meris and her team, visit the link here. Top photo: A fall celebration at Chetola Resort in the Lakeside Tent, Photo by Megan Sheppard Photography. Bottom photo: Meris Gantt, Sr. Director of Catered Events, Photo by Chetola Resort

The Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority (BRTDA) invited several local stakeholders to take part in a series of focus groups and interviews last week. Over four dozen participated, comprising a diverse group of hoteliers, property managers, retailers, real estate agents, artists, volunteers, restauranteurs, municipal leaders, and non-profit representatives. This was the first step in the BRTDA’s current branding development project, a major initiative for its 2025/2026 fiscal year. Through this work, the BRTDA seeks to refine their promotions to build more effective campaigns and programs. The timing isn’t coincidental. From sharply-increased visitation post-Covid to financial losses due to Helene, local tourism and its related impacts have become a focal point for economic health. Additionally, the BRTDA’s campaigns have more visibility than ever. As the tourism marketing organization for Blowing Rock, the BRTDA must have a strong understanding of Blowing Rock’s identity to be able to connect with potential visitors. “We are all in the hospitality industry, here,” says Tracy Brown, Executive Director of the BRTDA. “We’re a community and everyone has a vested interest. So, it’s not about what I think, or what our board thinks, when it comes to telling the Blowing Rock story. To remain  authentic and protect what we have, we need to take a step back and listen, maybe make some adjustments. This isn’t a rebrand, it’s about gaining clarity to continue to move forward.” The organization knew that expansive research and evaluation had to be at the core of this effort. To that end, the BRTDA sought out the assistance of a research-based branding company to guide a deep dive into Blowing Rock’s identity and distill fundamental elements for strong promotion. Chandlerthinks LLC of Nashville, TN was selected to conduct this work. The company also prioritizes community engagement to help destinations understand what makes them truly unique to visitors. “Blowing Rock is already an amazing destination,” says Steve Chandler, owner and brand strategist at Chandlerthinks. “This branding process is as much about preserving its great story as anything else. This allows tourism marketing to be a reflection of the Blowing Rock community. Its people and the character of the place matter, which is why we first placed an emphasis on listening to what the community has to say.” More work remaining In addition to conducting focus groups and interviews last week, the team from Chandlerthinks also enjoyed an immersion into Blowing Rock. A tour of town and the local area, and lots of impromptu conversations with everyone they met along the way, was part of the process. A Resident Sentiment survey will follow soon, so all Blowing Rock residents  should keep an eye out for that in September. Additionally, Chandlerthinks will conduct a visitor study and a digital audit to examine perceptions and representation of Blowing Rock. These research elements are expected to be completed by the end of the calendar year. From there, the BRTDA and Chandlerthinks will use the results to build strategies for the Blowing Rock promotional brand. The BRTDA would like to thank all of the stakeholders and partners who have given their time and insights to assist in this process so far. About Chandlerthinks Founded in 2010 in historic Franklin, TN, Chandlerthinks LLC is a destination place marketing firm known for providing cities, regions, communities and tourism destinations with marketing based solutions that create a strong identity and a purposeful, sustainable direction. Having worked collectively on more than 200 place marketing initiatives, their team of highly experienced professionals specialize and excel in research, strategic brand positioning, place marketing, creative development and direction, design, marketing plan development, media strategy and digital marketing. About the Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority The Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority is the official tourism department for Blowing Rock, NC. The BRTDA provides leadership and primary funding for marketing, developing, and supporting year-round travel and tourism to and within the town of Blowing Rock, to increase lodging sales and visitor spending. Connect with them on social media and visit blowingrock.com to view their promotions and explore exciting travel opportunities in and around Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Photo above: Greg Fuson of Chandlerthinks leads a group discussion about tourism assets in Blowing Rock.