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ISSUE NO. 7 • February 19, 2026 • RutherfordWeekly.com • 828-248-1408
Cason now leads tourism and economic development efforts Story by Scott Carpenter.
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on rebuilding.” Cason hopes to create a master Don Cason loves Rutherford County, and economic development plan for Rutherford is now heading two organizations that are County similar to the Rutherford Bound working to improve the lives of the people plan. He expects this will be in place by the who live here. He has served as director of end if this year or early 2027. the Tourism Development Authority (TDA) “This will take a lot of work, for the past ten years. And starting this cooperation, trust, and relationship-building month, (February 2026), he is also leading among many partners in order to be Rutherford County Economic Development successful,” Cason added. (RCED). The position became available Cason and his wife Kim once owned upon the retirement of Birgit Dilgert. the historic Esmeralda Inn in Chimney “The process of being named Economic Rock. After they sold it, Kim continues Development Director, was the most to manage the Inn which is now housing humbling experience in my 30 plus years workers connected to hurricane recovery. of community service,” Cason commented. Cason has the backing of county “County leaders were impressed with leadership including County Commission the progress that TDA has made over Chairman Bryan King. the past eight years. Therefore, when the “Don Cason not only has the RCED director position opened up, county experience for this new role, but he also leadership approached me, and asked me has the confidence of the RCED board, the to consider directing both entities.” Don Cason is now leading economic development and tourism efforts TDA board, and our community leaders,” Cason was grateful for the opportunity. King stated. “I look forward to the new path, in Rutherford County. “I always felt there was an appreciation the new plan, that Don Cason and his team for the accomplishments that the TDA has partner with many stakeholders to help grow tourism, will develop RCED.” made in Rutherford County, but not to this degree that industry, and our overall economy.” Cason is excited about the future of Rutherford they would ask me to consider leading both of these Prior to Hurricane Helene in September, 2024, County, he says, “...because of the drive and important departments,” Cason continued. “I am tourism and economic activity in Rutherford County determination the people here have, to make honored, and I feel blessed, to have this opportunity. I was in the midst of robust growth, in the Lake Lure/ Rutherford County a better place to live, work, play, definitely feel appreciated.” Chimney Rock/Hickory Nut Gorge area, and also and visit.” Cason understands that tourism development in the downtowns of Rutherfordton, Spindale, and King has also taken on an additional role besides efforts, translate into economic development. TDA Forest City. being county commission chairman. Following the support and coordination of a variety of capital “Hurricane Helene set our tourism back, but we are departure of former County Manager Steve Garrison, projects through the comprehensive Rutherford doing what we do best, and that is, to collaborate, the commissioners appointed King as interim county Bound program not only enhance quality of life and work together,” Cason explained. “The Main Streets manager. opportunity for those who live in Rutherford County, are off and running again and Lake Lure and Chimney This action is not without precedent in Rutherford but they attract visitors to this area who spend their Rock are in the process of coming back stronger County, and is authorized by state law. dollars in Rutherford County businesses. every day. The Lake should be back to full pond this “North Carolina General Statute 153A-84 provides Before moving to Rutherford County, Cason served spring or early summer, and Chimney Rock is open for the board chairman to be appointed interim county as both an economic and tourism director in east with a master plan, ‘Raise the Rock,’ that is focused manager,” King explained. “In recent Rutherford Tennessee. County history, Commission Chairman Bill Eckler “Tourism is economic development,” Cason said. became interim county manager, when that position “They complement each other.” became vacant.” The two entities will eventually operate out of one “Our board’s initial focus is to maintain the continuity office. Currently the TDA office is in Rutherfordton, of government, to allow for our essential county and the RCED office is in Forest City. Jessica government services to operate without interruption,” Keever of RCED, and Taylor Hardin of TDA, now have King stated. “That is one of my main roles as interim added responsibilities and their positions have been county manager.” elevated. King says he is well aware of the challenges and “The TDA and EDA have good and dedicated opportunities among the various county departments. staff that are wholeheartedly committed to success,” He expressed faith and confidence in the county Cason commented. “If the staff commitment was not departments, and said their confidence in him will be there, this program, this new combination, would not essential during this interim period. be possible. More importantly if the vision of the TDA “As soon as we have the county budget in a firm board and the RCED boards did not have the same place, we will begin the search process to hire a commitment to Rutherford County, this transition county manager,” King said. would not be possible.” “I would like to thank everyone for their supportive Cason continued, “RCED will continue to work with phone calls and messages,” King added. “I would also our communities, industry, community services, and like to thank our leadership team for their service to Don Cason is pictured at the ribbon cutting for businesses to be the best we can be. We will work to our community and support during this time.” Morse Park in Lake Lure.