CEO's Comments, Fall 2007
At the July Board of Directors meeting, the torch was passed in the top echelons of our organization. After three years under the leadership of Barun Basu, the Board elected Frank McLaughlin as President. Barun leaves a legacy of accomplishments that contributed to the significant growth of the organization. Under Barun's leadership, New London Main Street tackled its largest projects ever: the installation of the heritage trail of bronze plaques in the downtown sidewalks and the creation of the Courtyard Café at Union Plaza. Without Barun's expertise as an architect, these projects could not have been done. Main Street also initiated two new waterfront festivals and expanded its revitalization activities across the board. Everything got bigger and better under Barun! So we are terribly indebted to him.
Community leaders such as Barun move us forward. President Frank brings a lot to the table, which makes us hopeful about the future. A closer relationship with City Council is one of his and the Board's priorities, and already we have begun to make regular presentations at Council meetings to inform members about our activities. To thank the City for its role in our continued success, we presented Councilor Kevin Cavanagh, as a representative of the City, with one of Carey Williams' beautiful posters of the Whaling Wall at our annual meeting in May.
As our program has grown, one of our biggest challenges is meeting the expectations of those who want us to tackle even more. In the first six months of 2007, 185 volunteers contributed over 3,000 hours to help us complete 16 projects, from Spring Food Stroll, the shopping guide, and light pole banners to merchant meetings and cruise ship passenger orientation.
How much more can we do? As I write this, it is 8:45 PM on a Friday night, and I have house guests arriving at 9 PM! One thing would help: the names you see in this newsletter are the people and businesses that are making this "fast forward" revitalization happen. If you're not here, shouldn't you be? Then maybe more would be possible.
