By Penny Lynch, Communications Manager
I would like to introduce you to the face of the Chamber, Debbye Taylor. Public, meet Debbye. Debbye – meet the public.
As the face of the Chamber, and our top-notch Receptionist, Debbye is a valued member of the Chamber team. The multi-tasking that she does, and does well, requires a being able to keep her cool in the midst of being so busy it would send the average person running. Debbye’s patience and focus combined with her kind smile, make her a top-notch Receptionist and the perfect person to interface with everyone from interns to visiting CEO’s and dignitaries. Ready to learn more about Debbye? Read on!
What are some of your favorite things?
Travelling to other countries, and also visiting all the U.S. has to offer.
What do you most enjoy doing with family and friends?
Visiting museums, attending outdoor events held parks, fairs, vineyards, arboretums and gardens and listening to live music, either outdoors or indoors.
What might (someone) be surprised to know about you?
I like to ride motorcycles. No I am not a “Harley momma” but I do enjoy riding with someone, feeling the air and enjoying the beauty of nature and the scenery.
What are some common questions you get asked as the receptionist?
Hmmmmmmmm! The questions are so varying that I created a 15 page cheat sheet of responses! And it is growing. You would be surprised at the inquiries.
You’re the glue that keeps the Chamber . How would you describe the working atmosphere and the people with whom you work?
I enjoy working with all the staff. What I hear most often is laughter! I get a strong feeling of harmony among the staff. It’s a positive vibe that flows as we all collaborate our efforts in supporting our members and produce outstanding meetings and events.
What part of this job do you personally find most satisfying and most challenging?
Most satisfying would be assisting our guests. It does not matter if they are a long time resident or a visitor. I especially enjoy sharing all Dallas and the region has to offer as a good place to live with our visitors.
The most challenging would be finding an acceptable answer for telephone inquiries regarding non-related Chamber issues.
You have worked for the Chamber for a long time, what is one of your fondest memory working for the Chamber?
My favorite story involves the Chinese delegation that came to visit in 2001.
At the time I was working in our International Department, and we were hosting a large (about 15 people) delegation from a province in China. The staff person responsible for receiving the delegation had instructed me the day before that our visitors would not need lunch. The morning of the meeting, I was told to order lunch. Scrambling, I learned from another staff person that the Chinese prefer to eat food indigenous to the area they were visiting. What else is Texas but BBQ!
I placed a call to our member Eddie Deen’s restaurant. This was at 9:00 a.m. I explained my situation,that I needed to order lunch and I needed it pretty quick. I wanted to know if they could provide lunch to our office by 11:00 a.m. The staff person at Eddie Deen’s said he would call me back. Mr. Deen himself called and I apologized for the short notice in placing the order and explained my situation.
Let me tell you, Eddie Deen’s came through. They arrived before 11:00 with lots of BBQ and fixins. The delegation enjoyed the lunch. I told our staff person to have the interpreter tell the delegation that the food they were eating was food had been served to our then President, George W. Bush. This went over very well, with lots of smiles and nods of approval. Eddie Deen’s served at the George W. Bush inauguration.
It is always rewarding to know that your members support you just as you support them.
Glad to see how every member of the Chamber is appreciated, regardless of position.