Cartwright Is Alliance’s Tourism Ambassador

By REBECCA HAZEN
News Editor

When stopping by the Alliance for Dade’s Welcome Center on South Main Street, whether for information about the county, to check out the rotating artwork, or to become an investor, you will most likely see Titus Cartwright, the Alliance’s Tourism Ambassador.

Titus Cartwright, who started working at the Alliance last fall, is settling nicely into his role, as well as his new home, Dade County.

Cartwright was born in Los Angeles, Calif., in 1995.

“I traveled from state to state as a child due to the instability of my biological parents,” Cartwright said. I suffered from poverty, homelessness, and physical abuse, due to the inexperience of my parents. I experienced life in large cities and small rural towns.”

He was adopted by a family at the age of 16, whom he calls “his forever family.”

“Since they adopted me, of course life has changed,” Cartwright said.

After he was adopted, he graduated from Valencia College in Florida with honors in 2016. He graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts.

Cartwright and his family were living in Florida, when they decided to move to Trenton.

“My family wanted to get away from the city life. The population was growing, and we wanted our own little slice of the country,” Cartwright said.

Cartwright says that he really likes Trenton and does not miss the city life. He enjoys Dade County because it is full of history and the scenery is beautiful.

“The people here make me feel like this is my hometown,” Cartwright said.

Cartwright was working at a local retail store when he was approached by an Alliance board director. She liked how he interacted and how approachable he was with the customers. She wanted him to come aboard.

As Tourism Ambassador, Cartwright maintains day to day operations at the Welcome Center, which includes Alliance business and tourism. He also works in a support capacity for the Alliance investors by sharing information and working on events that promote the community.

“I love interacting with the members of the Alliance and the community. I enjoy feeling that what I do makes a difference in their lives and makes their lives easier,” Cartwright said.

He also considers himself an artist, and you can see some of his artwork hanging in the Welcome Center.

“The artwork I make is drawn from my past experiences before I was adopted,” Cartwright said.

There is also artwork on display at the Welcome Center by members of the Tristate Heritage Arts and Culture Coalition, and the former Trenton Arts Council, as well as other local artists. The artwork rotates on a regular basis.
According to Cartwright, the community can support Alliance for Dade by becoming an investor. Their contributions help bring more programs and events to the county. The Alliance is also looking for volunteers to get involved in its committees.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 has put a damper on in-person events. However, the Alliance is optimistic about the future.
“We hope to soon have business after hours programs. We will also do the second annual Light up Trenton event. We are also making plans for the Christmas Business Expo, which will help small businesses,” Cartwright said.

Alliance for Dade will also continue to improve their website, so it becomes a resource for everyone in the county. Visit the website at Alliancefordade.com.

“We are taking over the last Chamber of Commerce,” Cartwright explained. “We are coming up from the ashes. We are trying to rebuild those relationships with the businesses.”

Cartwright continued, “The Alliance for Dade serves as an umbrella organization. We bring together the interests of business, education, tourism, and the arts so that we can all benefit. This organization helps the community grow, promote tourism and boost the economy. All of these things help us have a better Dade County.

Stop by and say hello to Cartwright, and get information and support the Alliance for Dade by visiting the Welcome Center at 12362 S Main Street, Suite A in Trenton. The Welcome Center is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. You can also reach the Alliance by calling (706) 657-4488.