Blair Goodgame is selected as the new County Tourism Coordinator with the St. Clair Economic Development Council. Photo by U. Glidewell

The St. Clair County Economic Development Council (EDC) announced the selection of Blair Goodgame of Pell City to lead the new countywide tourism effort. Goodgame has been a lifelong resident of St. Clair County, local business owner, and heavily involved in promoting events on Lake Logan Martin.

“Almost everyone knows about the different activities and beauty of Lake Logan Martin, but not everyone knows about the other gems we have in our county like Lake Neely Henry, music festivals at Horse Pens 40, the Homestead Hollow Arts and Crafts Festival, Oktoberfest in Moody, the indoor area in Odenville, kayaking in Ashville, and countless other outdoor activities available. I want to make sure everyone is aware of the opportunities we have in St. Clair County,” said Blair Goodgame.

A graduate of Auburn University and Leadership St. Clair County, Goodgame has also been involved in a leadership role with the YWCA Purse and Passion annual fundraiser and the Pell City Rotary Club the last five years.

“Blair had everything we were looking for in this newly created position. She had the educational and technical experience, she had the outgoing personality, and she had already worked with so many different people throughout our entire county. She really has the heart to make this entire community a better place,” said Joe Kelly, EDC Chairman.

The newly created position was part of the EDC’s 5-Year Plan that added tourism as part of their focus in the future. The 5-Year Plan was created with the input of hundreds of community leaders, business owners, and elected officials last year.

The EDC will continue to have a focus on workforce development, industrial and retail recruitment, and leadership development, but the county leaders felt that promoting the outdoor activities in St. Clair County was an untapped sector that would increase quality of life and revenues.

“We were amazed by the number of incredible candidates that applied for this new position. You could tell this was something that was close to the hearts of many in our community. I would say we had at least six finalists that could successfully lead most tourism or marketing efforts but when it came to our program and its specific requirements, I believe Blair was a perfect fit,” said Don Smith, Executive Director of the EDC. “She will do a great job working with the leaders in St. Clair County and also with our regional tourism partners.”