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WEAR BRINGS DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE TO POST AS VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS AT THE ISLAND IN PIGEON FORGE

August 19, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug. 19, 2014

For more information,
Contact:
Cynthia Moxley
Moxley Carmichael
865-544-0088

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David Wear, the mayor of Pigeon Forge and an experienced economic development professional, has been named head of operations at The Island in Pigeon Forge, a massive retail and entertainment center in the heart of this tourist town.

David Wear

David Wear

“We specifically sought out David due to his experience with city government and his knowledge of business recruitment and tourism,” said Bob McManus, president of LeConte Village LLC, the owner of The Island in Pigeon Forge.

“David’s job will be to help recruit, grow, market and build The Island in Pigeon Forge,” McManus said. “These are natural skills that David has and will apply to his job as vice president of operations. He’s a perfect fit.”

Prior to joining The Island at Pigeon Forge, Wear was assistant director of the Sevier County Economic Development Council, where his duties included recruiting new business to Sevier County and helping existing businesses thrive.

The mayorship of Pigeon Forge is a part-time position. The city commissioner who receives the largest number of votes in the previous election is designated as mayor. It pays $450 per month.

Wear, 40, is a lifelong resident of Pigeon Forge. He graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a major in criminal justice. Wear has served as a city commissioner in Pigeon Forge for six years and has been mayor for four.

“I am excited about the opportunity to be here and to use my experience and skills to bring even more economic prosperity to this community, which I love,” Wear said.

Wear and his wife, Keesha, a teacher at Pigeon Forge Middle School, have two children, 6-year-old Addison and 8-year-old Grayden, both of whom attend public school in Pigeon Forge.

The Island in Pigeon Forge is a new retail and entertainment center in the heart of the town. It features restaurants, shopping, attractions and a 200-foot-high observation wheel, The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, offering spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains. The stunning Island Fountains dazzle guests, especially at night when they feature beautiful light shows. There is live entertainment daily.

The Island offers eateries, attractions and shops such as: Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville, Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery, Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, Build-A-Bear, Sweet Candy Shop, Auntie Anne’s, Cinnabon, Island Yogurt, The Fudgery, Poynor’s Pommes Frites, Timberwood Grill, Mellow Mushroom Express, Dude’s Daiquiris, Arcade City, The Flying Horse Carousel, The Euro-Bungy Jump, The Island Trading Post and Miner’s Gems & Fine Jewelry. The Margaritaville Island Hotel, a 132-room, four-star property, is set to open in October.

The Island in Pigeon Forge is open from 10 a.m. to midnight daily. Store hours vary by business.