Press release from the Downtown Improvement District:
Fort Wayne Downtown Improvement District Introduces Marketing & Events Director
(July 9, 2010) – The Fort Wayne Downtown Improvement District (DID) today announced the appointment of Ms Kari Huston as its new Marketing and Events Director. In her new role, Huston will promote the special qualities of Downtown to sustain its economic well-being.
“Downtown doesn’t develop only by putting up new bricks and mortar,” says Huston. “It’s about building relationships and creating a community that sets higher standards for enterprise, cleanliness, excitement, and friendliness in Fort Wayne.”
Ms Huston has launched successful marketing campaigns for top-tier Indiana companies, most recently Electric Motors Corporation in Wakarusa, Indiana. She is also an award-winning journalist who spent more than four years as a news reporter/anchor for WNDU, the NBC affiliate in South Bend.
“The Downtown Improvement District is very pleased to have found Kari through an extensive search and interview process,” said Rich Davis, Downtown Improvement District President. ‘We believe Kari brings to our organization a unique mix of talent, experience, and enthusiasm that will make her a valuable member of the Downtown team—and of the Fort Wayne community.” Davis cited Huston’s private sector experience in creating marketing strategies for three start-up companies and multiple media skills as the strongest elements supporting her candidacy.
Kari Huston was recognized as the “Volunteer of the Year” of Northern Indiana for doubling the volunteer base of Real Services, Indiana’s Agency on Aging. A graduate of Bowling Green State University, Ms Huston earned Summa Cum Laude honors in the journalism program. She is a native of Van Wert, Ohio.
About the Downtown Improvement District:
The Fort Wayne Downtown Improvement District, designated formally as the Economic Improvement District of the Downtown Area of the City of Fort Wayne, is responsible within its 91-block, 445-acre downtown area for marketing, environmental management, promotion, event planning, and advocacy. Its “Clean & Green” program is responsible for overseeing maintenance for 40 miles of downtown streets, alleys, and sidewalks. In recent years, the Downtown Improvement District, or “DID” as it is known, has advocated a two-hour passenger rail link between downtown Fort Wayne and downtown Chicago, and has supported and produced events that bring revenues to participating businesses and organizations. The DID and the Fort Wayne / Allen County Economic Development Alliance have partnered to create a Downtown Development Trust with the intent of assembling private investment to stimulate new downtown development.