DUBOIS – The Downtown DuBois Revitalization Group has hired a downtown manager. The group recently announced the hiring of Julie Stewart of DuBois to run the downtown program. The group has been conducting town meetings to gather input, working on action plans and applying for state grant funding through the “Main Street” program for the last 2 years. The grant funding is administered through the Department of Community and Economic Development and hinges on historic preservation, but is only part of the overall concept. The Downtown Manager will coordinate all aspects of the downtown environment including promotions, economic restructuring, design issues and organization.
Stewart is a former board member and part of the original steering committee. “Julie has been the catalyst of our Main Street (Downtown) Program well before our committee began formally meeting over two years ago,” said Jim Papp, President of the Downtown DuBois Revitalization Group. “Without her vision for our downtown, her hard work and personal charisma in aligning so many others from diverse backgrounds and interests, we would have never been able to come this far, this quickly, as a totally volunteer effort”.
Stewart has lived in DuBois for 10 years, is married with 3 children and has a diverse background. She feels her expertise in hospitality, healthcare, human resources, chamber of commerce, retail and military service uniquely qualify her for the diversity of downtown.
The new Downtown Revitalization Groups offices are located at 109 N. Brady Street on the 2nd floor. The phone number is 371-3064 and e-mail is downtowndubois@verizon.net. Anyone with input on downtown issues is encouraged to contact the office.
