Olney Chamber of Commerce Deidra Choat-Brown
In Jan. 2021, the Olney Chamber of Commerce hired Deidre Choat-Brown as the new executive director. Chamber Board President Anna Rogers said they hired Choat-Brown for many reasons, and they were especially convinced when she said she was willing to put in the work to excel on the job. “Deidre has a lot of passion for everything that she does. And she is very detail-oriented, a great communicator, and we believe she will do a great job of being that liaison between the board and the community,” Rogers said. “Deidre told us in her first email inquiring about the job that even if she needed to train for some of the tasks required for the job, she was willing to put in that time and effort. We are excited to have her.”
Choat-Brown was born in Olney and moved back in June 2020, stating that she is equally excited to start her new position. “I like being back in this community and getting to know all of the business owners and what they have to offer. It is exciting to be a part of supporting the local economy and helping the town of Olney blossom,” Choat-Brown said.
The Texas Christian University graduate will have her hands full of the events and the new Chamber structure they have implemented upon her arrival. One of the first projects Choat-Brown has been busy with is restructuring the business promotion packages and the sponsorship program.
“This approach we’re taking by collecting money upfront will allow us to pay for the events that we’re going to be hosting and will ensure that local businesses will have the chance to show their involvement with the community hrough our various events “ Choat-Brown said.
The Chamber mailed informational packages to the existing members, and they plan to target new businesses, too. The annual membership dues are as follows:
- Nonprofit/Individuals $50
- Community Partner $100
- Silver Community Investor $300
- Gold Community Investor $750
- Platinum Community Investor $1,500
- Second Business $35
One of the promotional packages’ main features is the new marquee sign, which the Chamber touts as “a great opportunity for our members and community to convey important events, announcements, and personalized messages.” The spots are limited and are on a first-come-firstserved basis, with priority given to Chamber members.
Two additional features that may appeal to Chamber members are the training, marketing consultation services, and the networking events hosted by local businesses each month.
“We are looking for people to come in and host seminars and classes. I have someone lined up from Midwestern State University’s (MSU’s) Small Business Developement Center,” said Choat-Brown. “We plan to incorporate them into our Quarterly Luncheons. These lunches are designed to build community and to bring people together to share lunch and resources.”
Since COVID has impacted the annual chamber events, they are proceeding cautiously with rescheduling some of the events beginning in April 2021.There will be a golf tournament on May 1st, followed by The 4th of July parade which is scheduled for July 1st. Subsequently, an event named 4th of July Fest, also on the 1st, will include live music, vendors, and a fantastic fireworks display at the Olney Country Club. You may contact the Chamber for a full list of the annual events.
In addition to overseeing the Chamber activities, Choat-Brown will keep busy with her five children, ages 4 to 11: Kaelyn, Kolton, Carson, Pamela and Pearson.
The Olney Chamber board members are Anna Rogers (President), Tammy Montgomery (Vice president), Lyndsey Miller (VP Finance), Chad Edgington (Secretary), Sammy Livingston, Will Dinwiddie, Jason Pack, Tatum Wiley and Dan Branum. Visit the Chamber’s Facebook page or website to learn more. Phone 940.564.5445 email: <mailto:-chamber@brazosnet.com> chamber@brazosnet.com.