Meet Lauren Hayes | Associate Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Hayes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren, how does your business help the community?
Action Brown County is like a chamber of commerce. We help support economic growth for our small town by planning events, supporting other businesses and organizations, opening volunteer opportunities, and running programs that help support those in need.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am not joking when I say, “I went from teeth, to toilets, to town!”
I started out as a hygienist for almost 7 years. It was there I learned how to connect to people, and I also became a wife and mother during that time.
The need for the ability to create my own schedule for the freedom to be with my family arose.
That’s when I started my own residential and commercial cleaning business and took on over 20 clients. It was fulfilling to help other families in need of my services.
Then I was finding myself right where I started. I still wasn’t as available to my family as I wanted to be.

Ask and you shall receive! It was then Action Brown County was looking for an Associate Director. I have never done anything of that magnitude before, but I knew with my experience ranging from organizing treatment plans to pantries, I could find my footing! My love for my hometown and passion for its history had always been within me. And better yet, I would be both with my family and working to make it an even better place to live. A place so welcoming to those who want to live and work here. A place my daughter would hopefully want to live in when she’s an adult as well.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My friends from out of town love coming here! If we had a few days to dedicate to the Mount Sterling experience, it would be so delightful!
We have delicious food varieties for all of your meal needs. Renee’s Place breakfasts are legendary. Hagel 1891 is not only wonderful place for brunch, lunch, or dinner, but a beautiful high end dining experience. It is nestled in a delightfully restored historical building with photos and memorabilia of our town. We are fortunate to have places for pizza, Mexican cuisine, and craving crushers within a 5 minute drive. And we can’t forget to pick up a lemon ice cream cone from the Tastee Treet!

We also have one of a kind, locally owned shops for an array needs. If you need a nice outfit, antique decor, furniture, collectibles, or even a bike! We have you covered.

Aside from it all, our area truly comes down to the beauty of the country side in the Midwest. You can easily find a serene landscape or a night sky decorated with stars. Take a kayak on the lake, catch a few fish, go hunting or trapping. While the big city pride in a small town destination is evident, what matters most to our community is the ability to slow down and be present in nature, family, and friends.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate this to my amazingly supportive family and friends. I am so fortunate that list is a long one!

Website: http://actionbrowncounty.org/

Image Credits
I took all of these photos aside from the googled image of the aerial view!