To My Fellow EPIC
Toledo
Members or Interested New Members,
We have a very appropriate challenge in front of us today…the image of our community. It is appropriate for us because we are our own worst critics. Why are we the first to put ourselves down? Why do we choose to point out what is wrong? Why do we struggle with our reputation of the greater
Toledo
? The truth is we don’t. I have seen it first hand in this amazing group ironically named EPIC TOLEDO. There is a reason we choose to be called ENGAGING PEOPLE INSPIRING CHANGE…because we don’t believe our community is an awful place to call home. We love it here. We love the people around us, our natural resources, and our very eager-to-grow business community. This may come as news to many people but “The challenge of our image will not change because of the words or actions of people in
Chicago
, or
Atlanta
, or
Sandusky
… our image is solely dependent on us”
I am proud to be a part of a group choosing to take on that responsibility. In the past couple years we have turned the image of
Toledo
on its side. Who would think of
Toledo
as a fashion hub, an exemplary volunteer community, forerunner of alternative energies markets, and epicenter of youthful entrepreneurs? You should…because we are. And in 2010, I am inviting you to dismantle your old humdrum image of YOUR community and help me, and the rest of the eager EPIC
Toledo
members, brand the TRUTH OF TOLEDO.
What we will do in 2010:
- Continue to promote the Signature events including The EPIC Race, EPIC Rocks Fashion, the EPIC
Summit
, the EPIC Birthday Bash, and several more.
- Continue working with our impressive list of area marketing firms so we can project a cohesive, positive image of the TOLEDO BRAND
- Look for new opportunities to utilize our creative talent pool of marketers, artists, and graphic designers to bolster our community image
- Work with the other committees to help market the impressive Social/Networking events, Community Involvement Opportunities, Public Affairs, Professional Development offerings, etc
- Strengthen our “That’s My EPIC” campaign to highlight the successful and brilliant people of EPIC
Toledo
Whether you are a marketing professional by day or simply eager to learn more about our marketing community, this group and committee are the perfect outlets to focus your creative interests. I look forward to 2010 because of you. Thank you once again for sharing your inspiring talents and creativity.
Matt Yarder – EPIC Marketing and Public Relations Chair 2010