This is a shining example from my podcast with Deron Blevins, Marketing & Communications Manager, Historic Manassas, Inc.
Suppose you work for a chamber of commerce, tourism office, municipality, Main Street organization, parks and recreation department, nonprofit, or economic development office. In that case, this is the model for how you should be interacting with Potomac Local.
Recently, I recorded a PLN Podcast with Deron Blevins of Historic Manassas, Inc. It was fun, easy, and a perfect example of how we can work together to promote your community, your businesses, and your events.
How the Podcast Came Together (and How Simple It Was)
Before we pressed record, Deron did exactly what I hope every community partner will do:
- He identified three things he wanted to talk about.
- He pitched them to me in advance so we could build a clear, focused conversation.
- Those items could be:
- Major city events and happenings
- New shops and restaurants are opening
- Special milestones and recognitions are important to the city and its small businesses
Once we started recording, we walked through each topic one by one, and I invited Deron—as the local expert—to bring:
- His insider knowledge
- His personal experience as a shop owner
- His big-picture perspective on what makes Old Town Manassas special
All he had to do was show up with three priorities. I handled the interview, the platform, and the audience. Together, we turned that into an hour of free promotion for his city and its businesses.
What We Covered in This Episode
To give you a sense of the “community service” we’re aiming for, here’s what Deron and I talked about:
1. Signature Holiday Events That Draw Thousands
We highlighted:
- Santa Lights Manassas and the Greater Manassas Christmas Parade
- The traditions, the crowds, and why these events are economic engines for downtown
- Tips for families on when to arrive, where to park, and how to make a day of it
2. The Power of Small Businesses in Old Town
Deron shared:
- How Shop Small Weekend and other events set the tone for December
- Which days bring the strongest sales, and why events matter so much
- A rapid-fire tour of local shops, restaurants, breweries, galleries, and markets that keep Old Town vibrant
This is exactly the type of promotion chambers, Main Street groups, and ED offices dream about: we literally named businesses, explained what they offer, and encouraged people to visit.
3. Public Art & Place-Making
We talked about:
- The new mural at District Hemp Botanicals and how it reflects Manassas landmarks
- Other murals and public art around town
- How these projects create a sense of place and give residents a reason to come downtown and linger
4. Winter Markets, Farmers Markets, and Year-Round Activity
Deron previewed:
- The Winter Market that keeps Old Town active after the holidays
- How farmers markets help small vendors grow into storefronts
- Why these recurring events are critical to a healthy downtown economy
Why This Matters for You
This podcast wasn’t just a casual chat. It was:
- Free, positive media for Historic Manassas and its businesses
- A clear template any community-focused organization can follow
- A service to residents who want to know where to go, what to do, and how to support local
All Deron had to do was:
- Choose three things he wanted the public to know about
- Pitch them to me before we recorded
- Show up and share his expertise
I handled the rest—hosting, questions, local context, and distribution to a regional audience that already trusts Potomac Local.
If You Serve a Community, Let’s Talk
If you’re:
- Promoting non-profit events
- Supporting small businesses
- Launching new initiatives
- Celebrating milestones or anniversaries
- Trying to get people to visit, shop, dine, or explore your town
…I want to hear from you.
Contact me today at [email protected]
Tell me three things you’d like people to know about what you’re doing to make our community a better place to live.
We’ll take it from there—and, just like with Deron, it’s free.
