The Downtown Branson Main Street Association’s (DBMA) director for the past year has resigned.
Dawn Erickson will become a consultant and volunteer for the organization, according to DBMA President Jeff Justus. Erickson will continue to produce reports for DBMA’s government-related economic development projects, supervise the national marketing program, and assist with upcoming special events such as Plumb Nellie Days and the annual fiddle contest.
“We are sorry to see Dawn leave the organization, but she has assured us that she will remain involved,” said DBMA Chairman Jeff Justus. “She said she plans to return to free-lance communications and economic development projects.”
Responsibilities handled by Erickson will be covered by DBMA’s board members and staff. The director’s position will be left open at this time, Justus said.
“Over the past year, we have done our best to adapt to a changing economy,” Justus said. “Non-profit organizations are going to take a beating in this recession, and we have made significant changes in how we spend a shrinking supply of investment dollars.”
For more than 20 years, DBMA has provided revitalization opportunities for the downtown business community through government grants and programs. It conducts an effective annual national marketing campaign to attract visitors to Historic Downtown Branson. It hosts several tourism-related special events each year, and creates strategic partnerships among government entities, business organizations and private enterprise to achieve the goals of the community. DBMA also provides administrative service for the Community Improvement District which operates a free public trolley service in the historic district.
“By operating DBMA as tightly as we can during these tough times, we will survive for the long haul as an organization,” said Shawn Pingleton, a member of the Board of Directors.
Additional information about DBMA is available by contacting Jeff Justus, 417-334-3107.