New members join continuing Advisory Council members in providing critical guidance to MDC’s work in communities across Maine
AUGUSTA — The Maine Downtown Center, a program of Maine Development Foundation, is pleased to announce five new members will be joining our Advisory Council. MDC’s Advisory Council is an engaged, critical partner in our work as the state coordinator in Maine for the National Main Street Center, utilizing the Four-Point Approach® to help communities statewide revitalize their historic downtowns.
MDC welcomes Mike Hori, Maine Department of Transportation, and Jacob Baker, Bangor Savings Bank, both of whom began their terms in August; Ross Cunningham, Town of Lisbon, James Rather, Southern Maine Planning and Development Corporation, and Tamara Whitmore, Gardiner Main Street, all starting terms in January.
“I am honored to join this great team that provides leadership and guidance to Maine’s vitally important downtown organizations,” says newly appointed member Ross Cunningham. “The work that local organizations and volunteers are doing on a daily basis is truly weaving the fabric of our communities.”
The MDC Advisory Council plays an important role in downtown revitalization statewide. They bring expertise that helps guide the work of the Maine Downtown Center. They help solve problems and identify opportunities for our work. They also actively participate in the annual process of certifying communities who are part of MDC’s Nationally Accredited Main Street program.
“New Advisory Council members bring new energy, expertise and perspectives to the work of the Maine Downtown Center,” says Anne Ball, senior program director for MDC. “We look forward to working with all of them and having them share their expertise while visiting our downtown communities.”
MDC is grateful to our continuing Advisory Council members: Scott Berk, Norway Downtown; Mac Collins, Licensed Historic Architect; Amanda Cunningham, Our Town Belfast; Sarah Hansen, Maine Semi-quincentennial Commission; TerryAnn Holden, Maine Department of Economic and Community Development; Tara Kelly, Maine Preservation; CJ Opperthauser, Friends of Congress Square Park; Brett Richardson, Town of Freeport; Megan Rideout, Maine Historic Preservation Commission; and Cary Tyson, Portland Downtown.
MDC owes special gratitude and recognition to our outgoing Advisory Council members: Abbe Levin, Maine Office of Tourism, and Amy Grommes-Pulaski, Discover Downtown Westbrook.
