Taylor Sigler ready to make her mark as HDM director

The new face of the Historic Downtown Millersburg executive director role is an old face to most Holmes County citizens.

In making the move to her new office digs in the HDM office behind Hotel Millersburg, Taylor Sigler didn’t have to move her belongings far, having served as part of the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau staff directed by Tiffany Gerber, chamber executive director, for several years just a block away.

Sigler takes on the role of Judy Lamp, who retired a month ago, with her official first day of serving in this new capacity taking place March 5.

Sigler said that in tackling this new challenge and opportunity, there isn’t as much anxiety as there is excitement for all of the possibilities involved with making the move.

“I loved everything I did at the chamber,” Sigler said. “I learned so much there and grew so much, and I am grateful to Tiffany and everyone there for making that such a wonderful experience.

“Now I am excited to take on this new role, and I don’t think there is much anxiety, but a lot of anticipation of taking this role and making it my own, bringing in my new ideas and taking everything great Judy did and continuing to grow this role and develop Historic Downtown Millersburg and making it even better. I couldn’t be any more grateful for the opportunity to serve the community and for the many people who helped me along the way.”

Sigler said she was very comfortable in working with Gerber and the staff in her role at the chamber, but when the job of executive director of HDM came available, she looked at it as a challenge and a time to push herself into something new.

She spoke with mentors who encouraged her to dive into the unknown, and she took the plunge.

Gerber said seeing someone with Sigler’s abilities leave is always sad, but she said she will be excited to watch Sigler soar in her new role and added seeing her personnel branching out, spreading their wings in new roles and continuing to help the area grow is special.

Born and raised in Wooster, Sigler has lived on the outskirts of Millersburg for several years and now considers herself a member of Millersburg.

“I love Millersburg,” Sigler said. “I really enjoy the historic downtown atmosphere here, and I’m excited about preserving the history while moving the downtown area forward to even greater places. We’ve got some great businesses downtown, and the shopping and dining experience here is incredible, and it’s got such a neat aura to it.”

Sigler said everything she has done at the chamber has been critical in helping her prepare for this role, noting Gerber was instrumental in mentoring her and in allowing her to explore new ideas in promoting Holmes County through a variety of projects and marketing.

She said that experience set her up to feel confident in taking the leap.

“I feel really good about where Judy has taken this role, and I’m also confident that I can continue to grow this position and add to what she and others have created,” Sigler said. “I love the challenge of coming up with new ideas, creating new programs and helping all of the businesses and members of HDM grow and succeed.

“There’s no other way to put it than I’m very excited about the future and what we can accomplish together in downtown Millersburg.”

Sigler said above all she wants to be accessible to the people of Millersburg and Holmes County. She said she is blessed with the “gift of gab,” and she enjoys talking to people and hearing what they think about how HDM can blossom.

“I want people to recognize one thing,” Sigler said. “My door is always open to people coming in to talk about any concerns or ideas they might have. Whether it’s our board members, merchants or community residents, I’m willing to listen and hear people and consider ideas. People’s input is invaluable to me.”

Even after just a few days in her new role, Sigler’s energy and excitement about what she brings to promote Historic Downtown Millersburg and its many businesses is evident, and her previous experience with the chamber has placed her in a good place to succeed.

Sigler can be called at 330-674-2412. She also created a new Facebook page that can be found on Facebook at Historic Downtown Millersburg.