Ottawa Main Street director resigns
By JODIE GARCIA, Herald Staff Writer
|
|
A search is under way for a new Ottawa Main Street Association director, following the resignation of P.J. Stephenson.
Stephenson announced his resignation Thursday, which is effective July 31.
He said he’s returning to school at Emporia State University to obtain a bachelor’s degree in music.
Stephenson said when he took the position with Ottawa Main Street in 2006, he planned to continue coursework at the same time.
“Everything took off so fast,” he said. “There was no way I was going to be able to do both.”
When he was hired, board members touted Stephenson’s experience in fundraising and memberships.
“Main Street is very sorry to have P.J. leave but understands he wants to finish his education and we wish him the very best of luck,” board member Cathy Sutton said in a Thursday news release.
Stephenson said he enjoyed working on new events and growing the Main Street program.
“It’s been a fantastic two years,” he said. “I think we’ve accomplished a lot.”
During his time with the Ottawa Main Street Association, some of Stephenson’s projects and accomplishments included Haleystock, Main Street Mingles and a friendlier Web site, the release said.
Stephenson also moved the Main Street office to the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce’s building, worked with several business owners to secure funding for renovations and brought new businesses to town, the release said.
Stephenson said he’ll miss Ottawa business owners.
“Everyone was so friendly and easy to work with,” he said, adding that Ottawa has a positive energy.
“I’m going to miss that positive energy.”
Herald staff writer Jodie Garcia can be e-mailed at jgarcia@ottawaherald.com.
|
|
