Sources |
- [S23] Atchley Funeral Home, (http://www.atchleyfuneralhome.com/), 1 Jan 2004.
Kitty Price Watson obituary
- [S106] The Mountain Press, 31 Oct 2007.
Powell retiring from PF tourism position
By: J.J. KINDRED Staff Writer
October 31, 2007
PIGEON FORGE - Pigeon Forge's assistant director of tourism, Kay Powell, has been asked a lot of stupid questions during the 19 years in her position.
Caller: How much is it to get into Pigeon Forge? (The caller meant to ask an admission price for Dollywood.)
Caller: How do I get into the Great Smoky Mountains Park?
Powell: Where are you?
Caller: In my car!
Despite the ineptness of some, Powell wouldn't have it any other way if it means bringing in tourists to the city.
However, her reign as a key figure in bringing in more tourist business will come to an end. She announced her retirement, effective Dec. 31.
"People look at me and don't believe that I'm my age, but I am," Powell said. "I'm just blessed because I'm healthy and whatever. I looked around and thought how many people would be working when they're (my age)?"
Born on her grandfather's farm in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park area, Powell lived in Tifton, Ga., and moved back to East Tennessee after her husband passed away. Her parents had lived in the area, and after they passed on in 2004 and 2005 respectively, it led to the fact that it might be time for a change.
"While I have relatives here, I don't have anyone like my children," Powell said. "I thought about my age and I would like to be where my grandchildren are. It has not been easy task for me, because I'm leaving my comfort zone and this is where I've worked for so long. I put all my breaking hours into this job. It's very difficult for me, but on the other hand I'm looking forward to it."
Powell will immediately move to Louisville, Ky., to be near her daughter, son-in-law and two granddaughters.
"It's going to be a new phase in my life," she said. "I want to do volunteer work and end up with some little job. Everyone's been giving me CVB (Convention and Visitors Bureau) and Chamber of Commerce (telephone) numbers up there, and I said if I was going to be doing that tourism kind of work, I would stay right where I am, because I have the best job in the city."
Powell said getting her driver's license renewed was the start of her Pigeon Forge career.
"When I looked at this building, I said - or God said - wouldn't that be a good place for you to work?" Powell said. "I turned around and came in the door, and David Fox was here. I said, 'I would like to work here.' He said OK, and I met Veta Wilson and she said they were looking for somebody. I met Dave McCarty and he said, 'When can you start?' I said, 'Tomorrow.'
"I felt that God opened this door for me here, and when I first started I was just a part-timer working in the welcome center," Powell said. "I worked in special events and used to do everything in this building. I became Welcome Center supervisor and got a full-time job here. When (Director of Tourism) Leon (Downey) came and Veta was leaving, Leon came to be the executive director and he asked me to be the assistant director. That's how it's been for 19 years."
There will not be an individual replacement for Powell. Due to her departure and others, the city's tourism department will be restructured, where her position will be split three ways.
Special events manager Lila Wilson will conduct the communications and public relations part of Powell's job, while a new operations manager will be hired to do personnel, taxes and revenue. Long-time tourism employee Sue Carr will be the new marketing manager, responsible for advertising sales. "I'm like a ball player - my number's been retired," Powell said with a laugh. "This position has grown. It's not like they can go out on the street and get someone to do what I do. It's not like I started off doing this - it developed. It's been the most amazing job and I will miss all the people and the staff here. I've felt like this is my city. It's like a big family."
Downey expressed his appreciation for his relationship with Powell.
"She's been with me for almost 20 years," he said. "We sort of finish each other's thoughts and sentences because we work so well together. We won't be able to replace her. With all her experience and knowledge, she's been my right hand. Without her, it's going to be a challenge for all of us."
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