A familiar face has stepped up as interim executive director for the Dublin Chamber of Commerce, using years of experience to help the community that welcomed her and her family.
“This is a passion project for me,” said Amy McDonald, who started in the interim position on April 26.”I care so deeply about this community.”
McDonald moved to Dublin in 1999 and immediately began working as consultant and owner for McDonald Marketing Communications from her home. She staffed up to 18 employees in the business as they served regional, national, and international clients with marketing communication services, event management and strategic planning.
The other part of her busy schedule was spent getting involved with the Dublin community as she worked with the late Dublin Goodfellow Rella Nelson, joined and served as president of Rotary Club, served as president of the Dublin Rodeo Heritage Association, served on the Dublin Chamber of Commerce and more.
This work included creating an organization called “Ante Up for Dublin Order Adults” to save the Dublin Senior Citizens Center, working with the Dublin Rodeo Heritage Association, and beginning a dog show during the St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
Her roles also included activities with the Dublin Cub Scouts, various sports groups, Dublin Band Boosters and 4-H – all so she could stay involved with her sons, Seth and Wyatt, who attended kindergarten to 12th grade at Dublin.
“They had such a tremendous experience in so many ways,” McDonald said of her sons’ Dublin upbringing.
McDonald holds a lot of love for Dublin so it practically felt like fate when the position of executive director came open just as she was looking to get active in the community again.
She discussed the position with her husband James Elliott, a Comanche native, who serves law enforcement agencies around the state. Together, they decided it was the right time and the right role.
“I’m really enjoying reconnecting with old friends,” said McDonald. “I’ve encountered several organizations and people that want to make Dublin better for its businesses and residents.”
According to McDonald, it’s the perfect storm of an opportunity for Dublin. “It’s unprecedented, really- the opportunities that are hitting Dublin hard and fast right now. Between the post-Covid transitions, the proven success of marketing Dublin businesses around the country using social media and other promotional methods, and the great number of people relocating and seeking a different kind of lifestyle than offered in their previous communities … Dublin is in a perfect position to take advantage of these opportunities.”
“I predict a measurable increase in opportunities for Dublin businesses in the years to come,” she continued.
However, McDonald says that improvement will take a revitalized Chamber of Commerce. “How can we help you, as a business owner, succeed?” She looks forward to learning just how she can work to serve the Chamber Board of Directors and to help local businesses grow.
This year’s “Bloomin’ Business Banquet’, an outdoor awards picnic, is the perfect launch. The familyfriendly banquet will take place on May 14 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Dublin City Park.
“It really is about helping Dublin bloom,” McDonald said. “Dublin is like a beautiful flower, just waiting for the perfect conditions to grow, flourish and yes, bloom. I hope business owners in Dublin will share with me what they need to succeed, or blossom,” she continued.
McDonald and Elliott share their family life with a total of five children. Seth McDonald-Rodriguez graduated from Dublin in 2019 and is serving in the United States Navy as he prepares for a career in nuclear engineering.
Son Wyatt Keith Rodriguez is still living in Dublin after graduating in 2020, is buying a home here and works at City Electric in Stephenville.
Bonus children include Ryland and John Ryder Elliott, who attend high school in Stephenville, and Allycenn Elliott-Lys and her husband Michael Lys of Navasota. Both work in law enforcement there.
For more information or to welcome McDonald, call the Dublin Chamber of Commerce at (254) 300-3263 or visit the office at 110 S. Patrick, Suite B.