Tressa Bush built a successful career in broadcasting and media production, using her storytelling skills to connect communities.
At Wilson County Television (WCTV) in Lebanon, Tennessee, she played a major role in producing, writing, filming, and editing content. She developed original programming like Walking Through Wilson and Talkin’ With Tatum, bringing local stories to life. Her job also required strong communication skills, as she worked closely with county officials and cable providers to ensure seamless media coverage.
Beyond television, she adapted to digital media by managing WCTV’s social media and YouTube presence, ensuring Wilson County’s news and stories reached a broader audience.
In addition to her work at WCTV, Tressa founded Misspelled Productions and Media, where she continued to develop high-quality content. The name itself comes from a personal story—her parents intended to name her Teresa, but a typo on her birth certificate led to a different spelling.
When they tried to correct it, another mistake resulted in the name Tressa, which ultimately stuck. This amusing mix-up became the inspiration for her company’s name, reflecting her unique approach to storytelling.
As a producer, editor, and creative director, Tressa offered a range of services, from video production to proofreading and editing press releases.
She had a keen eye for detail, capturing compelling still photography and crafting narratives that resonated with audiences.
Her ability to bring stories to life made her a sought-after media producer, helping businesses, organizations, and individuals share their messages effectively across multiple platforms.
Whether through television, social media, or print, her work remained focused on engaging storytelling and professional quality.
This article explores her role in the community, her achievements in journalism, and her work in preserving Smith County’s history.
A Community Leader in Chestnut Mound
Tressa Bush has built a reputation as a community leader in Chestnut Mound, Tennessee, using her skills as an award-winning journalist and media producer to preserve and promote local history. She has a deep appreciation for storytelling, which she channels into her leadership role with the Smith County Historical Tourism Society (SCHTS).
Through this organization, she works to keep history alive, ensuring that future generations understand the significance of the past.
One of her most impactful initiatives is organizing living history events, which bring historical moments to life through reenactments, guided tours, and interactive exhibits.
These events, which have drawn visitors from across the country, highlight Tennessee’s role in the World War II U.S. Army field training exercises, known as the Tennessee Maneuvers. By showcasing the strategies and daily life of soldiers who trained in the region, these events offer a unique way for people to connect with history beyond books or museums.
Tressa Bush’s leadership extends beyond event planning.
She actively works with local historians, educators, and community members to document and share historical narratives. As a media producer, she uses her storytelling expertise to capture the voices of those who lived through significant moments in Smith County’s past. Whether through interviews, historical documentaries, or newspaper features, she ensures that these stories reach a broad audience.
Her efforts have had a lasting impact on Chestnut Mound and the surrounding areas. She has helped foster a renewed interest in historical preservation, bringing together volunteers and experts who share her vision.
Recognized for Excellence in Journalism
Tressa Bush earned a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications from Middle Tennessee State University after completing an associate degree at Cumberland University.
Her studies in broadcast journalism, psychology, and sociology gave her a deep understanding of audience engagement and effective storytelling. These skills have played a major role in her success as a journalist, especially in bringing attention to local culture, historical tourism, and community development.
She began her career as a general assignment reporter at WBBJ-TV 7 in Jackson, TN, covering everything from breaking news to human interest stories. Her ability to turn everyday events into compelling narratives set her apart early on.
Over time, she transitioned into a morning anchor role, becoming a familiar and trusted voice for viewers in Tennessee. Her talent for delivering news in a clear and relatable way made her a household name in local journalism.
Tressa later joined the Carthage Courier as a feature writer, where she showcased the people and places that define Smith County.
Her full-page feature stories won two Tennessee State Press Awards, a recognition of her ability to make local stories resonate on a larger scale. Her passion for storytelling led her to Tennessee Crossroads on WNPT-TV8 in Nashville, where she produced, wrote, and voiced feature stories. Her work on the show celebrated Tennessee’s unique destinations and personalities, making history and culture more accessible to audiences across the state.
Five of her stories rank among the Top 26 Most Viewed on Tennessee Crossroads’ YouTube channel, proving her ability to connect with audiences in a meaningful way.
Preserving Smith County’s History
Tressa Bush’s passion for historical tourism is evident in her work with the Smith County Historical Tourism Society (SCHTS). She understands the importance of preserving the past while making history accessible and engaging for today’s audience.
Her expertise in tourism development, refined during her time as Assistant to the Director at the Wilson County Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, has been instrumental in shaping Smith County’s historical tourism efforts.
At the visitors’ bureau, she played a key role in creating press releases, promotional materials, and video content that showcased the county’s attractions. She also coordinated media tours, ensuring that the region’s rich history and cultural sites reached a broader audience.
Now, as the founder of SCHTS, Tressa applies her experience in public relations, event planning, and community engagement to promote Smith County’s historical heritage. She works on initiatives that bring the county’s past to life, from historical reenactments and educational programs to storytelling projects that make history more accessible online. Her work ensures that Smith County’s landmarks, traditions, and untold stories continue to inspire both locals and visitors.
Through her dedication, Smith County has gained recognition as a historical tourism destination. Her storytelling, both in person and through her blog, makes history feel personal and relevant. Whether she’s leading a walking tour, organizing an event, or sharing stories from the past,
Tressa Bush has a unique ability to bridge the gap between history and modern life. Her efforts make Smith County not just a place with a rich past, but a living, breathing example of how history shapes communities today.
Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered
The Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered event, organized by the Smith County Historical Tourism Society (SCHTS), is a tribute to one of the most significant World War II training exercises held in the United States.
From 1941 to 1944, more than 850,000 soldiers trained across Middle Tennessee, turning rural landscapes into simulated battle zones. Smith County, along with several surrounding areas, played a crucial role in preparing U.S. forces for combat.
This premier annual event, scheduled for May 3, 2025, will bring history to life through immersive experiences designed to educate and engage visitors of all ages.
Led by Tressa Bush, SCHTS has worked tirelessly to preserve the stories of local residents who lived through the maneuvers.
During the war, families across Smith County found their fields filled with tanks and troops, their roads overtaken by military convoys, and their daily lives forever changed by the presence of the U.S. Army.
Some residents even welcomed soldiers into their homes for meals, creating bonds that would last a lifetime. The event will highlight these personal accounts, offering a glimpse into how the maneuvers affected both the military and the local community.
The Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered event will feature live reenactments, expert-led discussions, and interactive displays that showcase the military strategies used during the war.
A self-guided driving tour is in the works that will allow visitors to explore key sites where training exercises took place, with historical markers explaining the significance of each location. The event will also focus on the homefront experience, demonstrating how families adapted to wartime rationing, salvage programs, and civil defense efforts.
Tennessee media outlets will provide special event coverage, sharing interviews with historians, veterans, and community members who continue to honor this chapter of history.
As interest in historical tourism grows, the Smith County Historical Tourism Society hopes to attract more visitors and preserve this important legacy for future generations. By remembering the Tennessee Maneuvers, Smith County not only honors the past but also strengthens its place in America’s military history.
Conclusion
Tressa Bush’s impact stretches far beyond reporting the news. She is a dedicated journalist, a passionate historian, and a true community leader. Her work tells the stories of Smith County, bringing its past to life while keeping the present connected. She ensures that important traditions and stories are passed down to future generations through her involvement in historical preservation and local events.
Her journalism stands out because of its clarity and relatability. She takes complex issues and makes them easy to understand for a general audience. Whether she’s covering local news, historical events, or stories of everyday people, her approach is always thoughtful and engaging. Her ability to connect with her audience has made her a trusted voice in Chestnut Mound and beyond.
Tressa Bush also plays a vital role in preserving the history of Smith County. She works closely with the Smith County Historical Tourism Society, supporting efforts to protect and promote the area’s rich heritage. Events like Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered highlight her commitment to keeping history alive. By covering these stories, she helps more people appreciate the significance of the past and how it shapes the present.
Her dedication to journalism and community engagement has made a lasting impact on Chestnut Mound, Smith County, and Tennessee as a whole. Through her storytelling and leadership, she continues to inspire others to take pride in their local history and traditions. Tressa Bush proves that one person’s passion and dedication can truly make a difference.