Publisher Insights: Exciting Changes Coming for EverythingBrevard

Trusting the magic of new beginnings can be intimidating, and even paralyzing if you’re resistant to change. Admittedly, I resist change, especially when it involves technology. It’s my weakest link, which is why I’ve partnered with some of the best people and organizations to help me launch, grow, and maintain my business.

Recently, I was faced with the reality that our current website was on its last leg, and we needed to move to a new platform. Imagine if you will, moving 14 years of content, 25,000+ links, hundreds of business listings and the most robust events calendar on Florida’s Space Coast and knowing nothing about the process. I freaked out. This, on top of having my business Facebook page hacked, has been near debilitating. I’ve had to rethink everything. I wanted to throw in the towel and quit. It felt too hard. The dream to build a business and legacy that could one day possibly be passed on to my family or sold no longer mattered. 

Our current site is 14 years old, and although it is functioning as intended, websites are not built to last forever. It’s a constant evolution and investment of time and money. As I pondered these feelings, I realized that this was just a season. 

Although I was freaked out about the changes, the road of life was giving me an opportunity to take all that I’ve learned these past 14 years and elevate what already existed. It was a new beginning that I could embrace for the EverythingBrevard.com team and community. I began to feel empowered and excited to create a new experience for everyone. It was time to lean in. 

In March of 2023, we made the shift to publishing a monthly digital magazine. That was an exercise in faith. I wasn’t 100% sure but I trusted the process but I believed it was the next right step. We have exceeded a 35% growth rate. Going digital gives both our advertisers and readers instant access to information, from any location at any time. Plus, an online publication has further reach, stories can trend in nanoseconds and be shared through countless digital channels. 

Coming full circle is exciting and challenging at the same time. Here’s a short summary of what you can expect to see in the coming weeks and months.

• The launch of our new Facebook page has already happened. If you’re a fan please like, follow and share the page. We need to rebuild and would love your support. Look for username EverythingBrevardFL, not the old one EverythingBrevard.com, as well as this new profile logo:
  
  
• A new website with enhanced tools and functionality will launch in the coming months. Then, over the next year, we will begin to launch new features to our advertisers. For up-to-date information, click here to receive our monthly newsletter.
• An annual “print publication” is launching July 2024. Yes, that’s right! Due to popular demand, a printed magazine will launch this summer. This publication will feature local stories on business, wellness, community, and culture. All the things that make Florida’s Space Coast so special. If you’ve got a story to tell or would like to feature your business in this premiere good living publication, reach out to me at info@EverythingBrevard.com. You can download the rate card here.  
• I’m launching a podcast. It will feature unscripted conversations with local entrepreneurs and thought leaders. I will share personal business insights, life lessons, tips, trends, and event updates. Stay tuned for the name and launch details!

Connect

Tracy@everythingbrevard.com
Facebook: /tracy.stroderd
Instagram: @tracystroderd
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tracy-stroderd-1aa36437/

Meet Our Publisher/CEO

Tracy Stroderd embodies the ultimate success story as an entrepreneur who brings consumers and businesses together. She is a speaker, business strategist and consultant who uses her unique combination of real-world entrepreneurial experience and formal business education to champion small-business success. Her love for working with entrepreneurs and making an impact in her community stems from growing up in a small town where she was born into the world of entrepreneurship.

Tracy earned a master of arts in administration from Barry University, where she has taught services marketing. She is a trained facilitator and mentor for the IGNITE 360 Mentoring Program at weVENTURE Women’s Business Center powered by Florida Institute of Technology. She has taught in the entrepreneurship program at Eastern Florida State College. Tracy has served on the executive committee/board of directors at the Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce. She has served on this board since 2017 and was the chairwoman from 2018-2020.

In 2022, Tracy launched a Toastmasters International Club at the Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce and was recognized with a Club President Award in recognition of dedicated service and outstanding leadership.