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Connie Reilley is promoted to Downtown Auburn BID Executive Director
Connie Reilley, who worked as an administrative assistant to outgoing Executive Director Dan Schuster for two years, was appointed in mid November to succeed Schuster.
Paul Ringwood, president of the BID board, said in a release that Reilley was an easy choice because she has already forged strong relationships with organization members and the downtown community. "Ms. Reilley is the person most qualified and best able to move the organization forward. She will also be able to keep operations moving smoothly without missing a beat,'' Ringwood said in the release.
Past Assistant Director Connie Reilley shares the story of how her background and skill sets that enabled her to advance into the BID’s Executive Director position.
“I was born in Auburn and had the good fortune to grow up on a farm in Aurelius where I was instilled with a stable work ethic, which has served me well in my life. I lived away for two years and when I returned with a new perspective, I realized how great the Auburn area is and how lucky we all are to have such a collection of well-preserved historical sites, which I had taken for granted before.”
“Moving into the Directorship position of Downtown Auburn BID is a-dream-come-true for me. It was not handed to me, I had to prove myself to be capable, business-people oriented, organized and up to the challenge of helping move Downtown Auburn BID forward during an era of difficult economic reality.”
“This is a roll up your sleeves, get things done position, all of which I welcome. We are incredibly fortunate to be the home of some very unique businesses that offer services that other communities would be very happy to host. Along with these businesses, which form a solid community base, there are several brave entrepreneurs who have established new businesses in the Downtown BID District during an unusually challenging time, and I applaud all of them.”
“Auburn’s city streetscape has improved greatly with the cooperation of several organizations working with the City. Auburn’s DPW Department is always striving to maintain their activity while improving services to everyone. The Cayuga County Office of Tourism has developed a very effective, ongoing marketing campaign that highlights Cayuga County and Auburn in the very best light possible to regional, national and international audiences, which brings many visitors to this area.”
“The Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce is always reaching out to businesses to encourage and promote them. The Historical & Cultural Sites Commission draws all of our local historic treasures to work together and just facilitated the creation of the City’s new brand, Auburn: History’s Hometown.”
“The City and County governments are cognizant of the fact that working together is the path to success for everyone. The stars and new energy are aligned to take Downtown Auburn into a new phase of arts & cultural as exampled by Angela Daddabbo and Carey Eidel. Their leap of faith in purchasing the former W.T. Grant building and recruitment of enthusiastic partners to help create the flagship of Downtown’s cultural center, in Auburn Public Theater, is an inspiration to other people who have hopes and dreams that they want to carry out in Auburn because it is a great place to raise children and is a close knit community.”
“As a small business owner for 17 years, and the co-founder of a small business organization, which is responsible for establishing the ‘50-Mile Long Garage Sale’ and is one of the largest tourism draws in the County, along with my experience at Fingerlakes Mall as the Tourism and Special Events Coordinator, I have had valuable opportunities to soak up knowledge while knowing that I will never stop learning and that is the fun opportunity inherent in this position.”
“I plan to help Auburn honor its amazing history while always forging a new future for the betterment of people and businesses alike. Auburn needs to think well of itself while moving forward with purpose and confidence. I plan to help make that happen with lots of help from the community.”
The BID organization works to promote downtown businesses, sponsors activities like the annual holiday parade on Nov. 28 and a summer concert series, and helps with beautification and snow removal projects. |
