NSBNEWS.net photo by Henry Frederick.
Deborah Boyd, executive director of the Southeast Volusia Advertising Authority, is among a local contingent of business and community leaders who will attend a summit in New York City to drum up business for greater bNew Smyrna Beach.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- When Volusia County Economic Development officials asked Deborah Boyd, executive director of the Southeast Volusia Advertising Authority, to join them at the giant Manufacturing and Packing Expo in New York City, she jumped at the chance.
“It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do”, said Boyd, adding that many people who have a positive experience as a tourist later move to an area as entrepreneurs. “I thought it would be a good way to bring people here who are already looking at places to relocate their businesses”.
Problem was, while Boyd has the expertise to attract tourists, bringing new business to the area is something usually handled by the Chamber. So asking Southeast Volusia Chamber Executive Director Steve Dennis to join her was "a no-brainer," Boyd said.
The two agencies have collaborated on other projects in the past and with great success, Boyd said, noting it was through a joint effort that Radio Disney made New Smyrna Beach its official beach a few years back, something unheard of at Disney.
Dennis operates a satellite Visitors Center at the Chamber and Boyd provides relocation materials at the Visitor's Center on Statev Road 44 heading into town.
“We cover our bases," Boyd said.
While in New York, the two have planned to divide and conquer: The Ad Authority will be giving away a two-night stay via a special landing page on its Web site. The rack cards provided will encourage attendees to contact the Chamber and the Visitors Center for more information.
The Expo takes place June 8-10 at the Javitz Center in New York City.