Celina-Clay Chamber Receives Grant To Add New Tourism Director

The Clay County Chamber of Commerce has a new full-time tourism director, Beverly Murphy.

The chamber received a grant from the state to fund the new position. Murphy said her main objective is to get local businesses recognized beyond the Celina community.

“There’s ways for them to learn to reach out on social media,” Murphy said. “There’s ways for them to get noticed in other areas. There are ways we can help them at the chamber to advertise, and it is really starting to trickle down. A lot of them are starting to get excited.”

Murphy said beyond business, she wants to better incorporate the river and lakes in tourism efforts. Murphy said she sees Celina as a river town that can target travelers looking for a serene get away.

“There were years where this town was flooded with music, and there is nothing like singing near the water,” Murphy said. “That’s something to me to bring that back to the community and us becoming known again as a river town. Capturing our river and lakes to benefit all tourism.”

Murphy grew up in Clay County and later moved away to be a Hallmark Sales Director for 16 years. She also was a small business owner for several years. Murphy said she wanted to return to help other businesses in her home town.

“I’m just so excited about what is coming fourth for tourism in the state of Tennessee,” Murphy said. “It drives a lot and it helps every area.”