CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce has set its September Community Luncheon for Friday, Sept. 12, at 11:30 a.m. at All Steak Restaurant. The program, sponsored by Cullman Electric Cooperative, will feature Harmony Heard, executive director of the Cullman County Tourism Bureau, who will discuss the critical role tourism plays in supporting Cullman’s economy and community. Tickets for the luncheon are $25 for Chamber members and $30 for non-members.
“Participants will gain an inside look at how tourism operates in Cullman,” Heard said. “The presentation will cover how a destination organization works, the role of the Cullman County Tourism Bureau, the impact of tourism on local businesses and the economy and how marketing and sales efforts bring visitors here. It will also highlight Cullman’s festivals, attractions and experiences that make our community such a desirable destination.”
Heard’s experience in the tourism industry gives her a unique perspective on these topics. As the county’s tourism director, Heard oversees Cullman’s marketing and promotional efforts and has elevated the community’s profile statewide. She was recently honored as the Tourism Industry Employee of the Year at the 2025 Alabama Governor’s Conference on Tourism. She will soon be inducted into the Alabama Travel Council, ensuring Cullman’s voice is represented at the state level.
While her role often focuses on bringing visitors in, Heard emphasized that the benefits of tourism extend outward to every part of the Cullman community. “Tourism is one of Cullman’s most powerful economic drivers and many people don’t realize just how much visitor spending supports local jobs, small businesses and community projects,” she said. “This luncheon is a chance to see those connections clearly: how a family visiting for a tournament, a couple coming for a weekend getaway or friends attending a festival all contribute to Cullman’s growth and vitality.”
Registration is available at https://business.cullmanchamber.org/events/details/september-community-luncheon-tourism-23250.
For more information, contact the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce at 256-734-0454 or info@cullmanchamber.org. The All Steak Restaurant is located at 323 Third Ave. SE, Cullman.
