Posted: 4:51 p.m.Tuesday, March 10, 2015

New DMI director has local roots

By Ed Richter

Staff Writer

MIDDLETOWN — 

    Downtown Middletown Inc.’s new executivedirector, Mallory Greenham, said she sees a downtown that is full ofpossibilities, and it’s now her job to help more residents see it too.

    “The number one problem in Middletown is that people don’t realize howmuch potential there is and how good that is,” said Greenham, who is in themidst of her second week with DMI. “I feel that there is more happening indowntown than what people realize.”

    Greenham said she loves working onrevitalization and historic preservation projects and believes Middletown can have a thriving downtown Main Streetprogram, something she called “completely doable.” She said she would like tosee all the people in the Middletown area eatand shop locally or consider opening a downtown business instead of going toplaces in Cincinnati and Dayton.

    “This has to be a community effort, and mygoal is to show people that it’s possible and help lead the way,” she said.

    Greenham,who grew up just across the Great Miami River in Madison Township,said she’s “really excited to do this kind of work in my hometown,” anddescribed herself as being very “motivated.” She’s a 2002 graduate of Madison High Schooland a graduate of Ohio State University.

    She believes her familiarity with Middletown and her experience working with the Main Street programin Marietta fortwo years and in the private sector is what will make her successful.

    DMI President G. Roger Daniel said Middletown’s program hasnot been fully affiliated with the national Main Street program but has always beenworking toward that goal. He hopes with Greenham at the helm, that will change inthe future. The nonprofit operates with some funding from the city as well assponsorships and fundraising events.

Infact, Greenham contacted Daniel and sent her resume seeking the job which wasvacated last fall after former executive director Amanda Burkholder opted totake a position with The Chamber of Commerce serving Middletown,Monroe and Trenton.

    Daniel said Greenham’s background, relativeexperience, references and enthusiasm made it clear that she would be “a goodfit.”

    Since she started the part-time job lastweek, Greenham has been working to meet and get acquainted with people in thedowntown businesses, city officials and other stakeholders. To help let peopleknow who she is, Greenham utilized social media to introduce herself to thecommunity, complete with contact information and a photo of herself.

    “I’m excited to have this job and Iunderstand the challenges that come with it.. I’m up for it,” she said. “I knowwhat I’m getting myself into. I’m investing myself in the city in hopes thecommunity will invest in itself.”

    Greenham is in the Downtown Middletown Inc.office on Central Avenuefrom 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. To contact her, call513-217-4573 or email downtownmiddletown@gmail.com.

Factguy
Do youremember the original intent for why this money was given to MMF?
Wasn’t it to be used for the evaluation and purchase of the Sorg Opera Houseand or other property on Germantown Road?
Another perfect example of the “Old Shell Game” in action by City Hall.
This is another perfect example of why this city is going broke and why the citizens have lost all respect and trust in our local goverment.