The Downtown Association of Yakima has selected a full-time Executive Director to head up the organization, the Board of Directors announced Tuesday. After a thorough selection process, the board has hired Andrew Holt, who currently serves as the Executive Director of the Dayton Chamber of Commerce.
During his three years in Dayton, he also served as the Main Street Director and has solid experience in the Main Street 4-Point Approach and strong ties with the Washington State Main Street Program. He has helped oversee a façade improvement grant program, Main Street beautification, a tourism survey, and the monthly Cup of Joe program. He also helped spearhead the Main Street Tax Credit Program and presented to state legislators on behalf of the state Main Street program
“I am extremely excited about the opportunity, here, with DAY,” says Holt. “This organization has already done some incredible things and I look forward to working with the board, the local businesses, and the community, in general, to build on the momentum already underway.”
“I am very passionate about maintaining and growing our historic downtowns, “Holt adds. “It is imperative that we have a thriving downtown, providing a place for people to do business, meet and socialize, and most of all, continue our legacy. Downtowns are the heart of a community.”
Holt was born and raised just south of Los Angeles, California but moved to this region in the mid ‘90s for his radio career. After transitioning out of radio while in Walla Walla, he served as the Tourism Service Manager for Visit Walla Walla and in the athletic department at Whitman College before joining the Dayton Chamber of Commerce.
“This is a great next step in the evolution of DAY,” said Victor De Long, president of the organization. “We are fortunate in that we have forged a strong bond with the City of Yakima. Our mission is to make Downtown Yakima a great place to work, play and live, and Andrew, with his Main Street, Chamber and Tourism experience, will be a great addition to our team.”
Holt will begin his duties in Yakima on May 1.
Posted April 06, 2017
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