Interview of Cheryl Smith, State of GA Agritourism Manager and Membership Coordinator

InPowered Women Podcast

Episode Summary:

In the latest episode of the InPowered Women's Podcast, host Sharon Lee interviews Cheryl Smith, an agritourism manager for the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Sponsored by Cantsink, the episode delves into Cheryl's 30-year career in promoting Georgia’s agritourism, including the growth of the Northeast Georgia wine industry and various farm-based attractions. Cheryl shares her journey from nursing to tourism, emphasizing her passion for working with people, her admiration for farmers, and the importance of networking. Cheryl elaborates on the Georgia Grown initiative, which connects local agricultural products with consumers and markets. She highlights the success story of Cloudland winery and discusses the broader impact of agritourism in Georgia. Additionally, Cheryl touches on the personal satisfaction derived from engaging with nature and supporting local communities, and her commitment to mentoring and the diverse career opportunities in agriculture. The episode celebrates Cheryl's significant contributions to agritourism and concludes with her encouraging listeners to explore Georgia's agritourism offerings.

Sharon Lee

Sharon Lee is an accomplished entrepreneur and marketing expert dedicated to empowering female leaders. With a diverse background in sales and marketing across industries like advertising, magazine publishing, and solar energy, Sharon's journey showcases her versatility and determination. As the principal of Pinnacle Strategic Advisors, she assists businesses in enhancing their marketing strategies. Sharon's entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish her own consulting firm, reflecting her commitment to excellence. Alongside her professional pursuits, Sharon co-founded the InPowered Women's networking group, fostering mentorship and support for women in business. Through the InPowered Women Podcast, Sharon will share stories of resilient female leaders with listeners encouraging them to pursue their aspirations fearlessly.

Cheryl Smith

Cheryl Smith is an agritourism manager for the Georgia Department of Agriculture with 30 years of experience. Originally a nurse, she shifted to tourism, significantly contributing to the Northeast Georgia wine industry and various farm attractions. A key player in the Georgia Grown initiative, Cheryl connects local agricultural products with consumers and markets. She is admired for her networking skills, mentorship, and dedication to promoting diverse career opportunities in agriculture. Cheryl's passion for nature and local communities makes her a cherished advocate for Georgia's agricultural heritage.

Insights from this episode:

• Cheryl Smith has a rich 30-year career in agritourism, marked by significant contributions to Georgia's agricultural and tourism sectors.
• Originally trained as a nurse, Cheryl found her passion in tourism and has since become a pivotal figure in promoting agritourism.
• Emphasis is placed on the key role Cheryl had in the growth of the Northeast Georgia wine industry and various farm-based attractions, showcasing her influence in the sector.
• Cheryl is deeply involved in the Georgia Grown initiative, which connects local agricultural products with consumers and markets, enhancing the agritourism community.
• Emphasis is placed on networking and how it allows for connections to be built across industries.
• Cheryl's work extends beyond promotion; she is passionate about mentoring aspiring professionals and advocating for diverse career opportunities in agriculture.
• Cloudland Winery stands as a testament to agritourism's positive impact, illustrating Cheryl's commitment to showcasing success stories in the field.
• Cheryl emphasizes the personal satisfaction derived from engaging with nature and supporting local communities through agritourism initiatives.
• Her enthusiasm and significant contributions continue to inspire many, making her a cherished advocate for Georgia's agricultural heritage.
  

Quotes from the show:

• "Things kind of come and go are circular. It's really cool how you can meet people and you don't even know anything about them and then you find out all these other things when you're working with them.” – Cheryl Smith, InPowered Women, Episode #6
• “... people think wineries are about getting drunk or drinking. It's not, it's about socializing, it's about talking with each other without the phones in your face." – Cheryl Smith, InPowered Women, Episode #6

Resources Mentioned:

• Georgia Grown
• A Fork In The Road TV
• Georgia Department of Agriculture
• Georgia Grown Innovation Center
• Cloudland Winery

Sharon Lee

Email: [e-mail]

LinkedIn: Sharon Lee

Cheryl Smith

LinkedIn: Cheryl Smith

Website: Georgia Agritourism

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This episode was produced and managed by Podcast Laundry.

Thank you to this episode's sponsor, CANTSINK: https://www.cantsink.com/.