Senate Joint Resolution 7109, sponsored by Southerland, honors Alayna Smith, the tourism director of Greene County Partnership, for receiving the Rising Star Award from the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association. This recognition was presented at the 26th Annual Pinnacle Awards, which celebrate excellence in the tourism industry across Northeast Tennessee. Ms. Smith was acknowledged for her significant contributions to the organization since joining in February 2022, as well as her dedication and professionalism in promoting tourism in the region.

The resolution emphasizes Ms. Smith's recent graduation from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she studied outdoor recreation and tourism management. It commends her as a representative of the spirit and commitment of Tennesseans and expresses best wishes for her future endeavors. The resolution concludes with a directive to prepare an appropriate copy for presentation, omitting specific legislative designations.