Blake's Beat

On January 28, 2021, the Greater Ardmore Chamber of Commerce revealed its new logo and brand identity. The logo was developed through a partnership with Blake Williams Communications (BWC), a local full-service marketing and public relations consulting firm. The development process of the Chamber’s logo took several months of meetings and discussions on how the logo should be designed to complement the chamber’s tagline. The four counties are

Blake's Beat Greater Ardmore Chamber Of Commerce’s New Logo

by Blake Williams

showcased in the oval. The two states and one community are displayed in the banner and flag artwork. The flags are an iconic landmark on the state line in Ardmore and the crape myrtles account for the Chamber’s premier annual festival that draws hundreds of attendees to the community each August. “My graphic designer, Ellen Hunter, incorporated the chamber’s tagline of ‘four counties, two states, and one community’ exceptionally well throughout the logo,” said BWC President and CEO, Blake Williams. Yolandia Eubanks, director of the Greater Ardmore Chamber of Commerce, gave BWC high praise for their work. “The Greater Ardmore Chamber has greatly profited from working with Blake Williams Communications on our logo,” said Eubanks. “The chamber will benefit significantly from our new and innovative logo.” For more information regarding the Greater Ardmore Chamber of Commerce visitwww.greaterardmorechamber. com.

Athens Trio Purchases Historic Downtown Building

by Blake Williams

A prime storefront in downtown Athens sold after being on the market for only one day. Danny Whitfield, David Gregory, and Stephen Ryberg purchased the vacant, historic 8 Balls Billiards building located at 100 W. Market Street. The trio graduated from Athens High School together in 1982 and has major plans for the 2800 square foot building. The group of friends, now business partners, are not ready to announce exactly what they plan to do; however, they have the passion to enhance the downtown district. Athens Main Street Executive Director Tere Richardson is excited to partner with the trio to welcome them to downtown Athens. “Seeing new life brought to a downtown building long vacant is one of the most exciting and gratifying components of the revitalization process,” said Richardson. “You get to see buildings come back to life right before your eyes.” Richardson wishes them well in their renovations and will be there to offer help along the way. Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks said of the venture, "This is another exciting project for Athens, and I look forward to seeing this building repurposed into an asset for the downtown area.” “We have enjoyed seeing the excitement of the community on the possibilities of this project,” said Ryberg. “Stay tuned for future announcements regarding this establishment very soon.”

Elkmont Volunteer Fire Dept. News

by Blake Williams

The Elkmont Police Department donated PPE supplies (gloves, masks, hand sanitizer, and a fogging machine plus gallons of disinfectant) to the Elkmont Volunteer Fire Dept. The Town of Elkmont donated two AEDs (automated external defibrillator) and two aspirated suction pumps to the Volunteer Dept.