Executive Director's Update, Winter 2006
With elections over and a new City Council about to be installed, a new configuration of elected officials and municipal staff will now tackle the challenge of trying to run our fair City. New London Main Street's holiday wish (or is it a gift?) is to be a resource for the City in managing the downtown district.
What do we bring to the table? Our volunteer corps has grown. Since Volunteer Coordinator Joanne Gibson joined our staff in April, we have welcomed 33 new recruits to our ranks. Our strategic planning process is thoughtful and transparent. Work plans developed from the strategic plan create our marching orders for the year, giving the whole community an opportunity to see whether we've reached our targets. We successfully raise nearly $200,000 a year through grants, fundraisers, sponsorships and memberships. And we have a track record for producing quality publications, events and design enhancements for the district. Finally, we're part of a national downtown revitalization network under the National Trust for Historic Preservation that shares expertise, strategies and tactics on how to make our historic commercial districts more successful.
While our projects must be limited to our mission - to enhance, preserve and promote the district - and approved by the Board of Directors, we are ready and able to pitch in to make the Historic Waterfront District reach its potential.
During the work week you can reach Penny Parsekian at 860-444-2489 and let her know how you want to help make our Downtown Work!
