Former Jackson County Mayor Randy Heady has been awarded the first-ever Spirit of Tourism award from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.
Gainesboro-Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Hope Vargas said the award is meant to celebrate someone who improved the visitor experience and quality of life in their region. Vargas said Heady was behind a number of key tourism efforts in the county such as the hotel-motel tax.
“He was also such a massive supporter of Granville, which is a great tourism draw, as well as Wildwood Resort and Marina and Cummins Falls State Park,” Vargas said. “You couldn’t take him far outside of Jackson County without him mentioning our fantastic restaurants and our businesses.”
Vargas said Heady often spoke about finding the balance between growing and maintaining the local identity of a small, rural town. Vargas said there are many tourism-related struggles in Jackson County but a number of people opened their businesses in that area specifically because of Heady.
“I’ve heard story after story about people taking a chance on Jackson County and opening their businesses because of Randy, because of his attitude, his enthusiasm,” Vargas said. “So honestly I believe people took a chance on him more than anything else.”
Vargas said she felt the award was intended as a kind of tribute to show gratitude and respect for Heady’s work. Vargas said Heady was so proud of Jackson County, from the community to the businesses to the momentum that it has going forward.
“Not only was he a great mayor and a great friend, but he was a stellar example of what it meant to lead with a heart for all people no matter where they came from,” Vargas said.
Vargas said tourism does not always have to look commercialized as many people initially think. Vargas said tourism provides economic benefits and the opportunity for local people to share who they are.
“I think the Spirit of Tourism award was created to honor someone who also shared that vision and then in turn kind of encouraged others to seek a similar path to help their community,” Vargas said.
Heady’s wife, Joyce Heady, and two of their children were present at the event to accept the award on Heady’s behalf.
“I know I am better because of the kindness that he showed me,” Vargas said. “And I’m sure thousands of others would say the same. We were very blessed to have him.”
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