2026 Annual Membership Breakfast Recap
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 Annual Membership Breakfast. For those unable to attend, this update provides a clear overview of leadership changes, 2025 progress, and priorities for the year ahead.
Recognition of Service
We recognized outgoing President Jim Edmonds, along with Rob Rule, Kim Pennington, and Cheryl Willhoit for their leadership and commitment.
Under Jim’s presidency, the organization maintained a strong emphasis on economic vitality, strengthening partnerships, encouraging business recruitment conversations, and positioning downtown for long-term growth. The groundwork laid over the past several years continues to shape our direction.
2026 Board & Officers
Board members were elected by the membership following submitted applications.
The full board represents business, nonprofit, finance, tourism, industry, and local government — ensuring broad perspective as we move forward.
Officers were then selected from within the newly seated board.
2026 Officers:
President – Melanie Sloan-Carr; Sequoyah Land Company
Vice President – Lisa Whittington: 2:20 Electric
Secretary – Blaina Best: Monroe County Tourism
Treasurer – Julie Turner: Keep Monroe County Beautiful
The board will reconvene in early March for orientation and committee planning, with a focus on measurable goals and active working committees.
Partnerships, Communication & Membership
Partnerships
We expressed gratitude to our many local partners, including:
- City of Madisonville Government, Police & Maintenance
- Monroe County Government & Maintenance
- Monroe County Tourism
- Safepath & Monroe Area Council for the Arts
- Sequoyah High School, Mrs. Allison Bailey
- Jr. Main Street Board Members (photo of breakfast attendees include: Emily Espinoza (President), Dalilah Lunnemann, Allie Smith, Mylee White (Vice President), Peyton Blankenship, Khole Kennedy)
Communication Structure for 2026
We are implementing a more structured communication system:
• A monthly event-focused newsletter will go to all subscribers.
• Paid members will receive ongoing blog updates as projects, planning efforts, and initiatives progress.
These updates are intended to provide transparency and deeper insight into downtown work.
Member Engagement
As a paid member, you receive:
• Voting rights and breakfast at the Annual Membership Meeting
• The ability to serve on the board and committees and recognition on our website
• The ability to present ideas to the board
• Detailed blog updates to stay informed of projects
Downtown revitalization requires engaged stakeholders. Your participation strengthens the entire district.
If you know someone who should be involved, please encourage them to join at www.visitmadisonvilletn.com/join
Upcoming Networking Meetings
May 7 – 9:00 a.m.
August 6 – 9:00 a.m.
November 5 – 9:00 a.m.
We are building on steady momentum and look forward to continued progress in 2026.
2025 Highlights
Key figures from the Annual Report:
• $1,865,530 in private building improvements
• $77,499 in public improvements
• 3 new businesses opened
• 640 jobs supported
These numbers reflect continued confidence and investment in downtown Madisonville.
Full report:
Click HERE to view the full Annual Report
Committee Work
Chairs from Promotions, Design, Economic Vitality, and Organization committees provided updates on current initiatives, including event planning, beautification efforts, strategic planning, and membership engagement.
In 2026, committees will operate with clearer expectations and defined deliverables. Chairs will be contacting members who expressed interest in serving.
If you are interested in serving on a committee please email [email protected]
