Howdy, all! It’s great to be back in Dublin .. and fun to be working with the Dublin Chamber of Commerce as Interim Executive Director. Thank you, Dublin, for allowing me this opportunity to serve you. Who knew that my dream job for 2021 would be using my experience in public relations, event planning, community leadership, promotion and agriculture to promote my favorite small town? … the place where my kids (Seth and Wyatt) grew up; that supported me during the deployment of my husband and after a life-altering (horse-related) head injury; and that allowed me to run my own marketing communications business for 20+ years.
Each week, I’ll share with you some of the happenings down at the Chamber and in our business community. Hopefully, you will get as excited as I am about the future opportunities for area businesses.
Past
Years ago, community business leaders recognized the need for the Chamber to serve area businesses by helping them succeed. Previous executive directors have done just that … promoting the community as the Irish Capital of Texas; the original home of the world championship rodeo; the historic five-museum community; the (former) home of Dublin Dr Pepper and current home of Dublin Bottling Works; the hometown of Ben Hogan; and much more. We have promoted our western heritage, our soda loyalty, our dairy pride, our Hispanic influence, our UFO history and our origin of legendary people and products. Our town is known for an eccentric combination of reasons. This “branding” (as we in the marketing communications business call it) presents a challenge. How do we say it all in one, short statement?
Present
Now, we have the opportunity to use the Chamber of Commerce to somehow meld all these “branding” efforts into one cohesive message with one goal-oriented vision: To Promote Business in Dublin. Whether that is through increased foot traffic and events, through paid promotion via media, or by strengthening our local businesses with education and assistance in helping them be more profitable and reaching their own independent business goals -- the Chamber is ready to pave the path to prosperity.
This past week, we welcomed visitors to town for the Dublin Area Reunion, Dublin Market Days, running events and bike races. It was a terrific example of many area organizations celebrating Dublin. The Chamber provided fliers showing what activities were available and open to visitors, as well as listing places to grab a bite to eat. Chamber members, let me know if you saw an increase in sales. By objectively evaluating what we do right or wrong, we can find a way to do it better.
Future
What will the future hold for Dublin? Next week I will discuss upcoming events for Dublin, and how the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is motivated to help Dublin businesses succeed. Please start by marking your calendar for Saturday, June 26: Military Vehicle Show on Grafton (11 a.m. - 4 p.m.). Brought to Dublin by the “Frontline Heroes Museum,” we expect many visitors to town that weekend.
My purpose is to renew focus on the business community of Dublin. How do the Chamber best serve our businesses and help them succeed? As always, I thrive off good feedback from which we can grow and improve, so please reach out to me and let’s hear it. I’m at 110 S. Patrick and 254/300-6263.