DANDRIDGE MERCHANT & PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 1297
Dandridge, TN 37725
865-397-2616

As our mission statement states, the DMPA is dedicated to the promotion of the Historic Town of Dandridge by encouraging its preservation and the development of a strong economy for the community.  Our motto is “Proud of Our History, Improving Our Present, Planning for Our Future.” Besides acting on legislative issues that affect our members -it was instrumental in defeating the increase in hotel/motel tax that would have affected the lodging industry throughout Jefferson County- it also works to help promote the Town and its members in different ways.  In an effort to stretch advertising dollars the members of the DMPA and the Town of Dandridge advertise together to attract visitors to the area and promote the local businesses.

To promote tourism to the area and help those moving to the 37725 area, the DMPA opened the Dandridge Visitors Center in 2004. It designed and printed a brochure that lists all of its members and their location on the local map.  The brochure is placed in all the Tennessee Welcome Centers and it is included in the welcome/newcomer packet distributed by the Chamber of Commerce.  Brochures, rack cards or business cards are placed by our members at the Dandridge Visitors Center to provide more exposure for their businesses.

The DMPA encourages local businesses and professionals to get involved in their community and help organize community based events.  Our members help with Christmas in Dandridge by fluffing wreaths, adding bows and purchasing new wreaths to embellish the Town.  It works with the Ministerial Association promoting Christmas events and services at the local churches.  The DMPA organizes and promotes “Music on the Town,” “Halloween Trick or Treat” in Historic downtown Dandridge, and “Candlelight Dining and Shopping in Dandridge” during the Christmas Holiday Season.

The DMPA is a member of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, the Middle East Tennessee Tourism Council and the Dandridge Community Trust – A Main Street Program.  It received the Pinnacle Award for Excellence in Tourism from the Chamber in 2006.