From Tracy Island's New Community Manager - Brian Schilling

Hello Tracy Island!!! =)

It has been just over 1 week since the Founder of TracyIslandOnline.com, Joleen Ruffin, announced her departure and sale of the website. Her departure was met with numerous well-wishes and farewells - but the legacy of what she built will live on.

So, you might be wondering.....what is the future of Tracy Island? What will happen to the site next? Will there be big changes?

First of all, I wanted to introduce myself to you, since I am sure most of you do not know who I am. My name is Brian Schilling. I am a resident of Tracy, along with my wonderful wife Lisa, and my awesome kids Adrianna and Xavion. Lisa is the one I credit with introducing the website to me, having seen it on Facebook a bit more than a year ago.

I have a background in marketing and internet technology, having worked in the online space for over 10 years in email marketing, online advertising, and client retention management (CRM for short). Recently, I have been getting more active in the community, networking with many business owners and meeting more fellow Tracyites.

So why did I buy Tracy Island? I knew Joleen personally, and highly respected her internet savvy. I envisioned Tracy needing a community-based website, where locals could share news, information, and events, and instead of creating one myself, opportunity arose when Joleen and her husband Quincy, decided to move to my Alma Mater, UC Berkeley, where Quincy is a member of UCPD. 

I could not bear seeing Tracy Island fall to the wayside, so I got in touch with Joleen and negotiated a deal to acquire the website from her. I am happy to say, the site WILL live on! :)

What's in the future? TI is famous for having random contests and membership drive events. I plan on continuing those - so keep your eyes tuned to the site, as well as on Facebook! I am also planning on improving the advertising on the website to provide more useful ads to you, as well as coupons to some of your favorite local merchants. 

Most importantly, I want your input. This is Tracy's website - not mine. Tell me what YOU want to see from the website. Tell me what would be useful to you, to keep you coming back to the website. I cannot do this alone - so shoot me an email to TracyIslandOnline@yahoo.com, with your suggestions!

One plan I have is to re-introduce the Classified Listings page once housed here on the website. On this page, you will be able to post items for sale, for free, post wanted ads, post lost/found pets, and much more. Look for this to be coming real soon, within the next month. I anticipate this to be a free service; pages like job postings and garage sales might incur a very small fee, as we can send out targeted emails to users interested in hearing about these topics.

Until next time.....thanks for visiting Tracy Island! Make sure you post your blogs, tell us about your events. Make TI Tracy's one-stop shop for happenings here in town!! :)

Warm regards,

Brian Schilling

Community Manager

TracyIslandOnline.com