Press release from Haywood County TDA:
Big John was employed with the Haywood County TDA Visitor Center for 8 years. He started out at the Canton Visitor Center, then moved with us to Main Street in Waynesville and then to our current location in Maggie Valley.
John had a huge following both with our industry partners and with our visitors. We have visitors that come back year after year to see John, say hello and find out what’s new to do in the area. He was great at giving information for people who were interested in relocating to the area. John always started out with the story of how he & Eleanor came to make their home in Haywood County. He joked about how he wished he got commission on all of the relocations he had initiated. John had a warm welcome and a smile for everyone and was passionate about talking fishing to anyone who would listen. His popularity soared when we featured him as the star of promotional videos we did for the “Fresh from the North Carolina Smokies” marketing campaign. After the campaign launched there were some days when we didn’t think his head would fit through the door because it had gotten so big!
The entire TDA staff was genuinely fond of John and his larger than life personality. There is a huge void at the TDA Visitor Center, one not likely to be filled. We will miss you Big John.
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