That Marks the Spot: Ayden Unveils New Marketing Campaign | Local news
AYDEN – The town brand committee went all out with a barbecue theme to help Ayden’s marketing efforts.
Committee members unveiled a campaign plan for the city at the Council of Commissioners meeting on December 13. Gwendolyn Yiznitsky, owner of Gwendy’s Goodies, and Holly Akin, executive director of the Ayden Chamber of Commerce, led the presentation.
Yiznitsky revealed that the name of the campaign is “‘That Marks the Spot”. The committee consulted with Ayden residents, business owners, and Michael Rudd, a public communications specialist and professor at East Carolina University, to come up with the idea.
“It started when we polled the community and got people to tell us what they thought of Ayden and what they liked about Ayden,” Yiznitsky said. “We have understood that barbecue is our roots and we have a lot of things to be really proud of.
“We took a lot of time exchanging ideas and the one we enjoyed the most because we can do so much is ‘Que Marks the Spot’,” she said. “Where our roots are in barbecue, ‘What marks the place for so many beautiful qualities and attributes that have arisen through the barbecue heritage. “
“That marks the place of the world famous smoked pork, but it also marks the place of a welcoming community, a great place to raise a family, crafts, quilting and so much more,” Yiznitsky said.
Akin developed the idea of the committee.
“We have a lot of exciting plans to roll it out over the next few months,” she said. “Be on the lookout for several things that we have planned for the next quarter.
“The chamber plans to host a banquet in late February to make a smooth launch, leading to a big reveal at the barbecue festival in May,” Akin said.
At the last meeting of the year, the council sworn in the current commissioners and a newly elected commissioner, Sarah Conner.
Conner beat Phyllis Ross, who has served as commissioner for the past eight years. Before Conner was sworn in, Mayor Steve Tripp recognized Ross, saying, “She always put the citizens of Ayden first.”
Ross said it has been a privilege to serve.
“Keep moving forward and thank you for the opportunity,” said Ross.
After the swearing-in ceremony, Ivory Mewborn was chosen to continue serving as deputy mayor. Tripp has appointed the following members to the city’s advisory boards:
- Library Board of Directors: Mewborn
- Planning Council: Commissioner Raymond Langley
- Arts and Entertainment: Curator Johnny Davis
- Fire Department Advisory Council: Commissioner Cindy Goff
No action was taken on the request of the Main Street Committee to designate a city street as the main street. A public hearing will be held on the matter at the January council meeting.
