Interactions + Attractions

Join us as we explore the inspiring story of STARworks, an organization dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation in rural North Carolina through ceramics, glass, and metal arts.

Our guests are Dr. David Jones and Nancy Gottovi. Nancy, the Executive Director of STARworks, holds a PhD in Cultural Anthropology and has been recognized for her leadership in sustainable business and creative place-making. David, a seasoned veterinarian and zoologist, has led the North Carolina Zoological Park and the Zoological Society of London, has worked globally in wildlife conservation and rural development, and is on the advisory board at STARworks.

Discover how STARworks has revitalized its community and learn from David and Nancy's insights on innovative rural development and the power of arts in creating vibrant communities.

To learn more about STARworks visit: https://www.starworksnc.org/ and be sure to stay updated on what UPLIFT is doing: https://www.uplifttourism.com/.

Join us as we talk with Thomas Salley! Thomas is the tourism director for Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Prior to his career in tourism with the Town of Wilkesboro, Mr. Salley worked for 12 years at Raffaldini Vineyards, managing the tasting room and marketing. Mr. Salley has had the privilege of serving more than twenty years in the customer service industry, from the bathroom to the board room, in theaters, concert and event venues, wine, and tourism. Mr. Salley also serves as the marketing chair of the NC Wine and Grape Council, and on the High Country Host Executive Board, Yadkin Valley Heritage Corridor Board, and Wilkes Healthy Action Team, Wilkes County Library Endowment Board, Wilkes Youth Life Development board, Wilkes Chamber of commerce board, among others. Check out what’s going on in Wilkesboro here https://www.wilkescountytourism.com/, and be sure to stay updated on what UPLIFT is doing here: https://www.uplifttourism.com/.

Join us as we chat with Sheila Barefoot! Sheila’s expertise lies in team management and customer relations with over 30 years of experience in office management, business development, marketing strategy, and revenue growth. As the Executive Director of the Sampson County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Sheila leverages her diverse background to promote Sampson County as a destination for meetings, events, and tourism related endeavors. In her role she also handles media inquiries and collaborates with local businesses to develop programs to support their business and grow the travel industry in Sampson County. To learn more about Sampson County (AKA The Barn Quilt Capital of North Carolina®) visit https://www.visitsampsonnc.com/ and be sure to stay updated on what UPLIFT is doing here: https://www.uplifttourism.com/.

Join us as we talk to Jennifer Everett! Jennifer is a professional runway and published print model, author of the self love book “I Choose Me: The Ultimate Act of Self Love”, minister and founder of Culture Queens amongst many other things. Culture Queens is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring women of color have access and enjoy all things arts, culture and outdoor activities. Jennifer works to create opportunities for members to showcase their talents, experience the therapeutic qualities of the outdoors and build a strong community celebrating their authenticity and culture. Today Jennifer had a very special announcement on her partnership with Tough Cutie at REI where a percentage from each purchase supports the Culture Queens mission. This partnership lasts until the end up May, so check it out here: https://www.groflo.io/tc-cqo/tc-15-cqo?dm_i=7K22,AXTC,4ZGTR9,1LDS3,1 and be sure to follow Culture Queens on social media @culturequeens_clt and @culturequeensoutdoors!

Join us this week as we talk with Susan Dosier! Susan is the President of DK Communications Group, a marketing and content company with a focus on food, film agriculture and tourism. With a background as a journalist and publishing executive for 18 years, she seamlessly transitioned into marketing, bringing a unique perspective to her work. Since 2011, when Susan and her partner, Desmond, created DK Communications Group, they have been using words and pictures, marketing, PR and digital strategies to help their publication and marketing clients reach their business goals. To learn more about DK Communications Group visit: https://www.dkcommunicationsgroup.com/ and be sure to stay updated on what UPLIFT is doing: https://www.uplifttourism.com/.

Join us as we get to talk with Haley Overturf! Haley is the Branding Content Coordinator for Visit High Point. Her role is primarily managing the digital content, which includes the website, newsletter, and social media. She also works with the Vice President of Branding on the point collateral, which is where she gets to connect the most with local partners. She spends a lot of time communicating with partners about exciting events they are hosting or updates they're making to their offerings. She loves getting to know Visit High Point's partners and seeing their passion for the community! To learn more about Visit High Point you can go here: https://visithighpoint.com/ and be sure to stay updated on what UPLIFT is doing here: https://www.uplifttourism.com/.

Join us as we talk with Adam Stoker! Adam is the co-founder, president and CEO of Relic, a full-service destination marketing agency. For over 15 years, Adam has excelled in the travel, stakeholder engagement, and destination branding spheres. He is a frequent speaker and collaborator at industry events nationwide, speaking at the Utah Tourism Conference, Texas Travel Summit, several Destinations International events, and more. A passionate thought leader in the world of owned media, Adam speaks on the power of branded content and the success his clients have seen with this bold strategy. Be sure to check out the Destination Marketing Podcast that Adam hosts here: https://destinationmarketingpodcast.com/, Relic Agency here: https://relicagency.com/about/, and watch the 'Traveling the Spectrum' trailer that Adam mentioned here: https://travelingthespectrumshow.com/. Also stay updated on what UPLIFT is doing at https://www.uplifttourism.com/.

Join us as we talk to innovative Founder, esteemed Career Basketball Coach, and former Professional Basketball Player, Marquetta “Coach Q” Dickens! Marquetta has devoted her career to fostering growth and development in value-aligned environments. Dickens is steadfast in her mission to generate opportunities that nurture personal growth, driven by her commitment to empower each individual to realize their potential and contribute meaningfully to society. Dickens is the driving force behind Freedom Org, a Community Development Corporation, which is committed to devising comprehensive, holistic solutions for traditionally under-resourced communities. Driven by her commitment to living faithfully and uphold her family’s legacy of societal transformation, she founded the organization to foster economic development, equitable educational alternatives, agricultural independence, and the preservation of heritage within these communities. To learn more visit https://www.freedomorg.org/.

Join us as we talk with Amanda Lugenbell! Amanda is the Assistant Director at the Blowing Rock Tourism Development Authority, a role she’s been adapting to since 2007. She's the go-to gal for communications and media relations, along with content strategy and website management. She graduated from Appstate’s Hospitality & Tourism Management program and started her hospitality career in local restaurants before taking on new challenges in the destination marketing realm. It’s a field she finds endlessly engaging because she believes in the transformative impact tourism has on small businesses and communities. On this episode we got to speak with her about itinerary building for both marketing and leisure travel! Be sure to explore the Blowing Rock website at https://blowingrock.com/ where you can see some of the itineraries that they have put together! Also stay updated on what UPLIFT is doing at https://www.uplifttourism.com/.

Join us this week as we talk to Lisa Rueh! Lisa serves as the Main Street Grants Administrator for the North Carolina Main Street Rural Planning Center at the North Carolina Department of Commerce, where she manages the Downtown Revitalization and Rural Community Capacity categories of the Rural Transformation Grant Fund. Prior to her current position, Lisa worked for Downtown Morehead City as Executive Director. She appreciates seeing transformational grant projects come to fruition, likes traveling the state, and enjoys exploring her hometown in the Southern Outer Banks. Please be sure to check out https://www.ncmainstreetandplanning.com/organization where you can find the link to the Resource & Funding Guide! Also, be sure to stay updated on what's happening at UPLIFT: https://www.uplifttourism.com/.