By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
“What I enjoy most about Decatur is how connected and supportive the community is,” says Taylor Braun, the new director of Decatur Main Street, a volunteer organization.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back to the place that shaped me and look forward to helping Decatur continue to grow as a great place to live, work, and visit.”
Braun is the first salaried member of Decatur Main Street, a position needed to enable it to gain a higher status in the state organization and then seek grant funds.
Braun – who is not to be confused with the young woman of the same name who formerly was marketing director for the Adams County Economic Development Corp. – begins in her new position on January 7.
“I’m excited to work alongside local businesses, volunteers, and community leaders to support downtown growth, promote events, and help to continue to create a welcoming and vibrant downtown experience,” Braun said.
She recently graduated from Purdue University Fort Wayne, where she studied marketing and gained experience in community outreach, event planning, and strategic communication through coursework and local internships.
The new Main Street director says she is “passionate about supporting small businesses and finding creative ways to bring people together.”
Braun grew up in the Decatur area, the daughter of Jason and Julie Braun. The family later moved to Berne and Taylor graduated from South Adams High School.
Growing up in Decatur, Taylor commented, helped her to “have always appreciated the strong sense of community and local pride that makes the city so special.”
Although Braun will be working out of an office in City Hall, city officials stress that the director’s post is not a part of city government.
The local Main Street organization said the director will serve as the key advocate for the downtown district, working with business owners, local government, volunteers, and community partners to foster economic growth, preserve historic character, and create a vibrant, welcoming destination for residents and visitors.
Decatur Main Street is a volunteer group of local residents who promote the downtown area and organize and hold numerous events, such as Downtown Decatur Day.
The group is responsible for the holiday lighted additions currently situated on the Madison St. Plaza and is also working on setting up an entertainment alley downtown.
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