Keast Named Official Ambassador

Bob Keast has been selected by Governor Don Sundquist and Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, Alex Fischer, as an Official Ambassador of the State of Tennessee. Extremely active in both the departments of tourism and economic & community development, Keast has been notably referred to as "one of Benton County and the state of Tennessee's largest promoters."

An ambassador for the state is expected to be a constant representation at any given occasion and to speak knowledgeably about Tennessee. Promotion of the state and its tourism brings revenue dollars into our budget, relieving the use of other tax dollars.

In 1993, Keast, owner of Birdsong Resort, Marina and Lakeside RV & Tent Campground on Kentucky Lake in Camden, traveled with Governor Ned R. McWherter to Japan on an economic and community development journey. This group of Tennessee ambassadors was comprised of a selection of approximately fifty Tennessee business owners. The ambassadors trekked to several locations in Japan - one of which was the Mikimoto pearl farm. Bob attributes the success of his "A Pearl Of A Tour" attraction to his attained knowledge during this '93 visit.

Birdsong is the location of America's only freshwater pearl farm. They host "A Pearl Of Tour" featuring Tennessee's official state gem - the freshwater pearl. This 3-5 hour guided tour takes the consumer on a water journey via boat to the pearl farm to meet with an aqua culturist/diver, a catered lunch at BRM's lakeview pavilion, a boat ride to the Nathan Bedford State Park Folklife Museum which houses a variety of historical information about Benton County and its mussel industry, and finally end with a stop at BRM's own freshwater pearl jewelry showroom and museum.

This attraction brings in tourists from all fifty states and six foreign countries. "A Pearl Of A Tour" combined together with the revenue of Birdsong's fishing, camping, cottage rental, bass tournaments, etc. - assists in the tourist tax dollars Benton County generates. The Tennessee Freshwater Pearl Farm, Tour and Museum is ranked at number 24 in the list of Tennessee's Top Attractions.

According to the 2000/2001 Marketing Plan published by the Tennessee Department of Tourism, Benton is ranked the 5th most-visited county in the Northwest part of the state. The state of Tennessee is number twelve in the top twenty visited states in the United States - bringing in 38.69 million people annually. Benton County took in $13.5 million in tourism dollars out of the state's $8,894.15 million... bringing Benton to rank at number 51 our of 95 counties for tourist revenue.

Keast understands that promoting Tennessee and its tourism not only benefits his business - Birdsong Resort, Marina and Lakeside RV & Tent Campground on Kentucky Lake in Camden - but Camden/Benton County, and the bigger plan - the state. Birdsong is one of Benton County and Kentucky Lake's oldest businesses still in operation - for over 50 years.

Robert Keast, Sr. and his wife Lorrine bought Birdsong 40 years ago and began promoting Birdsong and Benton County in trade shows all over the United States. The Keast family has never failed over the years to be represented at approximately fifteen shows annually - especially in the northern states. Now second-generation owned, Birdsong is still being even further solicited all over the United States. Bob notes that "just the Chicago Show alone gives me the opportunity to touch over one million people during the ten-day show - I get hoarse from talking and my arm gets tired from passing out all the printed materials..." He added, "This is certainly an honor... just to be recognized for doing what I love to do the most - promoting Benton County and Tennessee."