Today we’d like to introduce you to Christy Walcott.
Hi Christy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in Gaylord, Michigan, and still call it my home today. I’ve always been an avid animal and nature lover, along with having a passion for writing. I attended school for creative writing but couldn’t find a way to stay in my up-north hometown and make a living doing what I loved. While I wasn’t willing to give up the peaceful, natural setting I called home, I found myself leaving writing behind. I knew living in an area where I could hike, fish, kayak, view wildlife and explore was always going to be a priority for me.
Although outdoor activities were my top hobbies, I often couldn’t make time for them around work. When I decided to step out of a 13-year career in healthcare in 2017, I immediately found my calling with the Gaylord Area Convention & Tourism Bureau. I had worked in an entry-level position for the Tourism Bureau right out of college, but the organization had grown tremendously over the years. I reached out on a whim, and after a short wait and some restructuring, a marketing position became available. I often say I “won the job lottery” because this truly is a dream come true for me!
Gaylord’s tagline is “All Outdoors,” and we’re a 4-season outdoor recreation paradise. What were once simply hobbies I enjoyed when I had time are now my way of life. Some of the key elements of my position are creating content for a variety of platforms, including social media posts, e-blasts, websites, media kits and blogs. I am literally writing about nature and outdoor recreation for a living now – what more could I possibly want?!?
I can now look forward to workdays that include time out on the trails and lakes, gathering information and photos to promote the area as an ultimate travel destination. I share my love of Gaylord and everything I’ve experienced over the years with others, assisting them in creating their own memories.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My biggest struggle was having the courage to take the leap. I had a successful long-term career in healthcare, but I knew I needed a change. It was a very emotional decision to leave, and one of my worst fears was that I wouldn’t be able to find the fulfillment I received from helping others. I remember working with the elderly and listening to them talk about family vacations and the things they used to love doing when they were younger. Now my fulfillment is knowing I’ve helped inspire people to make those memories, to get out and create experiences that they’ll remember for a lifetime.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
One of the most important aspects of marketing a destination is immersing others in it. Through my personal love of the area, I’ve found my own hidden gems and can confidently venture out on my own. I love taking media or other professional guests out to experience my “backyard” and all the things I love about it. One of the most amazing places we promote is the Pigeon River Country State Forest, 114,000+ acres of state land full of winding two-tracks, sinkhole lakes, rivers, hiking trails, and wildlife. I often going trail riding in my Jeep in the Pigeon on my free time and can navigate the unmarked roads and narrow two tracks with confidence. Sharing this natural area with others has brought me so much joy, as many people have never experienced true wilderness. While I would never call myself an expert on the area (that title is reserved for the DNR officers that manage the forest!), the knowledge I have of it from simply exploring and taking advantage of all it has to offer has been extremely helpful on more than one occasion.
My proudest professional accomplishment was being honored with the Edelweiss Award through our largest community festival, Alpenfest. This award meant a great deal to me, as it is given in memory of two very special ladies, I had the honor of working with in my earlier career with the Tourism Bureau. I received the award not only for my contributions to Alpenfest (marketing the event, running the Pet Parade and Senior Bingo for many years) but also for what I do to enhance our community overall. Promoting Gaylord comes so easily to me because I truly believe this is a wonderful place, and I want to spread the word about it to others. I was beyond grateful and humbled by this recognition.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
A very large part of my marketing efforts are focused on promoting the Gaylord Golf Mecca – the nation’s second longest-running golf cooperative. While I knew our courses and could give a great deal of information about each one, until the summer of 2020, I had no idea how to swing a golf club. I was successfully promoting golf without even knowing how to the play the game! I knew the importance of educating myself on the courses since they were all unfamiliar to me, and took every opportunity I had to be on the course (although never swinging a club). In 2020, I knew it was time for golf lessons to elevate my knowledge and credibility on the subject. Today, I’m certainly not the best golfer, but I can at least say I know how to play and make it through a round!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gaylordmichigan.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaylordmichigan/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GaylordMichigan
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/GaylordMichigan
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuyKlQb4CJYIzx2I2OSIw7Q
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@visitgaylordmichigan
