As the relatively new Tourism and Marketing Director for North Augusta, Randy DuTeau has big plans for the area. He’s been on the job for six months and came out of the gate in the “flow.”
He has been a competitive cyclist for much of his life where “flow” is imperative. It involves being in the right zone and rolling with your squad. It’s the experience that should serve him well in his latest journey.
“I see this position as a great opportunity. It’s like being handed a blank canvas and being allowed to paint outside the lines,” said DuTeau.
The picture for boosting tourism involves building relationships, identifying local, state, and national partnerships to highlight the merits of North Augusta, and building the infrastructure to accomplish those goals.
“North Augusta is a small town with good stuff,” he said. “I’m in the process of developing marketing collateral to help others realize just how good. We are designing a tourism-specific logo, setting ourselves up as a premier destination, and determining the best way to track the impact of our plans.”
DuTeau moved to Augusta after retiring from elite cycling. He has worked in the sports, tourism, and hospitality industries for 30 years, serving with the Augusta Sports Council, the Columbia County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and as VP of Sports Strategies.
Sport is a draw for tourism and economic development. Rick Meyer, the Director of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism for the city, knows that.
“Randy DuTeau’s experience and background of working major events make him a homerun hire. We now have the right team at the right time,” says Meyer.
Terra Carroll, CEO of the North Augusta Chamber, agrees with Meyer.
“The position Randy is in is long overdue,” Carroll said. “People rely on the Chamber for knowing what to do in North Augusta. His hiring will allow us to focus on business growth and development. I’m excited to have him on board.”
Look for successful and profitable events including the Nike Peach Jam and the Jack O’Lantern Jubilee to continue to grow with DuTeau at the helm.
“We are hosting the summer meeting of the South Carolina Sports Alliance in July which brings us a captive audience for showing what North Augusta can bring to the table,” said DuTeau.
He is also looking at ways to piggyback off other major events, including the Ironman in Augusta and The Masters. This year North Augusta hosted golfers from Augusta National Women’s Tour at the Crowne Plaza.
Based on his passion for cycling, DuTeau will put the pedal to the metal for helping build the future of North Augusta.
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means!
If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
