The Dublin Chamber of Commerce has a new but familiar face at the helm along with a new location.
Jennifer Hayes has recently been hired as the executive director for the chamber, and the chamber and visitor’s center has relocated to the Blackjack Office Center located in downtown Dublin at 126 E. Blackjack Street.
Hayes may be a new face to some, but she originally moved to Dublin 20 years ago and worked for the bottling plant.
She volunteered with the chamber and Relay for Life back then.
Hayes said her kids went to school here and, as a single mom, so many people stepped up to help her.
Relocating to Stephenville, Hayes recently returned to Dublin and became involved with the chamber once again.
“I want to give back to a community who gave so much to me,” she said.
She was appointed to the Chamber of Commerce board as Secretary and kept finding jobs needing to be done.
Finally, someone told her that those jobs are supposed to be done by an executive director the chamber was hiring for and she was encouraged to apply.
“It wasn’t as simple as that. I had to apply and go through the interview process just like everyone else,” she said. “I also had to resign from the board.”
As new executive director, Hayes is looking forward on ways to improve communication between their members, the community and the chamber.
One of those ways being discussed is to repair or replace the digital sign on the corner lot and to discuss on a face-to-face basis what their members need.
The chamber of commerce currently has a full board of 11 individuals including President Stephen McNutt, Vice President Nancy Williams, Treasurer Shannon Cline, Secretary Mindy Gardner, Membership Director Derris Lueck, Grants and Donation Liaison Nocona Estes, Dairy and Livestock Liaison Rod McNeal, Sound System Specialist and Operations Freddy Acosta, Director Blanca Martineau, Operations Curtis Lewis and Pageant Ambassador Sarah Weaver.
“We want to draw people in to shop and stay in Dublin,” Hayes said. “We have great events but we want to build that and bring even more tourism back. I want to help create memories for families in this town.” Hayes said not only will she be focusing on those efforts but also membership satisfaction.
The chamber office will be open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“I keep those hours but you can also find me around town,” she said.
For those interested in joining the chamber, basic business memberships are $150 a year or $50 for individuals. You can join the chamber by going online to https://www. dublintxchamber.com or stop by the office.
Currently, the chamber is hard at work at two upcoming events – the fourth annual Hispanic Heritage event, which will be held Saturday, Sept. 21 in the Dublin City Park and the 2nd Annual Central Texas Professional Business Women Summit Thursday, Oct. 10 at Dove Creek Ranch.
For the annual Hispanic Heritage Festival, the chamber is currently seeking vendors and sponsors. Information regarding both of those opportunities can be found on the chamber’s website.
Vendors must be set up by 9 a.m. and booths will close at 10 p.m.
The preliminary schedule of events has been released and includes: 7-9 a.m. Vendor set up 8-10 a.m. Boxing weigh-in at Grafton Market 10-11 a.m. Vendor booths and food trucks open, bounce houses and car show Noon – Lights Out boxing tournament 2 p.m. Cabalgata Trail Ride from Hwy. 847 to Park 3 p.m. Live music/ Musical Performances and entertainment 4 p.m. arrival of Cabalgata 5-8 p.m. bucking broncs, mutton busting, calf scramble and Escaramuzas perform!
8-11 p.m. Dance with live music For the Professional Business Women Summit, sponsorship opportunities are also available by contacting the chamber at 254-445-3422 or emailing events@ dublintxchamber. com.
This event boasts a roster of speakers including opening speaker Tracy King with King Law Firm, a panel discussion, and breakfast and lunch.
Entry to the event is $20 for chamber members and $30 for non-chamber members.