Today we’d like to introduce you to Anita Simmons.
As a marketing and public relations professional for more than 14 years, Anita Simmons has been sought after to develop and guide companies, individuals and even cities in their branding and promotion.
Since 2016, Anita has been transforming the Uptown district in her role as the Director of Marketing and Communications for the public improvement company, Uptown Dallas, Inc.
Prior to that Anita worked as the Communications Specialist at Sundance Square, the privately-owned, 35-block mixed-use development of downtown Fort Worth known for being one of the most successful urban developments in the United States. She was designated part of a 4-person marketing “dream team” responsible for the opening and success of “the Plaza.” Through her communication, branding and planning efforts, the team successfully executed events such as: ESPN College GameDay(s), concerts, community fitness series, family movie nights, New Year’s Eve celebrations; generating crowds from 2,000-20,000 people.
She’s a native Texan having studied journalism and marketing at the University of North Texas where she wrote and sold advertising for the college newspaper before graduating and taking on the role of Regional Campaign Manager at Dallas’ Belo Interactive, a Dallas Morning News and (“DMN”) Media company.
In 2011, the beautiful city of Savannah, Georgia came calling and Anita took on the Executive Director role for the city’s premier tourist event the Savannah Tour of Homes and Gardens. Here she managed over 5,000 volunteers and successfully executed 15 events over a 4-day period raising a near half of a million dollars for charity.
“I love what I do. As a marketer, communicator, event planner and public relations professional, I have had the opportunity to meet and work with amazing people while tackling incredible, sometimes seemingly impossible, tasks. We are the ones behind the scenes planning, prepping, writing and testing. What we create and communicate to the public is the perception of a brand. It is a delicate responsibility that is both challenging and satisfying.”
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Has it been a smooth road? Not at all and we can never expect it to be; that would be unrealistic for life, in general. Marketing is a wonderful creative opportunity filled with diverse opinions. Finding the right branding and messaging that also has a strong awareness combined with longevity is challenging. The world, thanks to technology, changes so quickly and you must stay on your toes and on top of trends; all while being unique. Everything has a pro and a con.
As for advice for young women just starting their journey – Learn to communicate and practice it. There are many different personalities you will encounter throughout your career and you’ll need to be a Chameleon. Interact, network, find a mentor who’s good at this. The right communication helps get your foot in the door or your foot out of your mouth.
Please tell us about Uptown Dallas Inc.
Uptown Dallas Inc. is an incredible company/organization. It’s a public improvement district meaning it’s an extension of city services, like an HOA. Uptown Dallas Inc. provides property owners with premier services like clean streets, beautiful landscaping, tree-lined streets, marketing of local businesses, community events, public art, supplemental public safety services, and capital improvements. Uptown Dallas Inc. is a competitive advantage that set’s us apart.
We work on behalf of the Uptown community to give Uptown a voice in Dallas’ planning all while developing and designing an incredible lifestyle district.
The Uptown district is less than 1-square mile but has over 19,000 residents. The daytime population jumps to more than 30,000 during the workweek and is the most sought after district in Dallas with over $6.2 billion in total property value.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
To do my best in life, as cliche as it sounds, takes work/life balance. Personally, I do creative writing and take Italian lessons during my downtimes.
I’m a book reader and there’s a great read called Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott that demonstrates how to transform your words at work and home for positive outcomes.
My best advice of all is to jump into networking events and meet new people. Interrupt and introduce yourself – just do it/don’t be shy.
Contact Info:
- Address: Uptown Dallas Inc.
3600 McKinney Ave, Ste 210
Dallas, TX 75204 - Website: http://uptowndallas.net/
- Phone: 214-871-2825
- Email: anita@uptowndallas.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uptowndallas/ Anita: https://www.instagram.com/theanitasimmons/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uptowndallasinc/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/UptownDallasInc
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