TVA Hosts Energy Forum At Mountain Cove Farms

Area Leaders Converge For Lunch To Discuss Power Rate Issues

Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Commissioner Bebe Heiskell addressing the gathered group.
Commissioner Bebe Heiskell addressing the gathered group.

Area leaders met in Walker County Monday at the historic Mountain Cove Farms to discuss upcoming energy rates and fuel costs effecting the Tennessee Valley region. 

The event was hosted by the Tennessee Valley Authority at the show barn on the Mountain Cove Farms property. The barn has recently undergone some refurbishments by Walker County forces to provide a venue to host such conferences and other events.

“Walker County was very honored that TVA chose to hold this meeting at the Mountain Cove Farm facility,” said Walker County Commissioner Bebe Heiskell. “The attendants were very impressed with the scenic beauty of the cove and with the facility itself.”

Representatives from area governmental partners attended the event including U.S. Senators Zaxby Chambliss, Johnny Isakson, and Bob Corker. Other local officials on hand included Commissioner Heiskell, Senator Jeff Mullis and several city leaders.

“We were updated on what TVA was doing concerning their energy programs,” said Senator Mullis.

Walker County partnered with the State of Georgia in 2008 to acquire the McLemore Cove property which totaled about 20,000 acres. The county was allowed to keep and control the bottom acreage of the property known by locals as Mountain Cove Farms.

On the property exists a manor house, a show barn, and several smaller barns and cabins. The county has been doing work on the structures making them suitable to rent to individuals or groups looking for a a venue to host events.

To date, the facility continues to be a popular spot for weddings. However, other events have occurred on the property as well, including outdoor concerts. Numerous events have booked the facility for the upcoming 2013 season.

“Last weekend we had a family here from Colorado that were married there,” explained Commissioner Heiskell.  “Interestingly enough, we have booked events without an aggressive marketing campaign for the property. Our only marketing has been through a Facebook page recently set up to provide  interested parties with some details about what is available there.”


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