Recently, the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority ushered in new leadership as Allen Muldrew was named the organization's executive director. A seasoned small business owner and political consultant, Muldrew brings a unique set of skills to his new role.
"I became interested in this position several months ago when I was looking at a redevelopment project in downtown Statesboro," Muldrew said. "There was a specific piece of property that I thought could be redeveloped, and I began to look at how other communities the size of Statesboro had approached a similar type of project. I became so interested in it that someone said I ought to think about applying for this job, and I did."
Muldrew was chosen from a pool of candidates, and the organization's board is very pleased with their choice.
"Our board is very excited about having Allen as the new director," said Jayme Cartee, chairman of the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority board. "Having a local person with small business experience is such an asset to our downtown."
Muldrew owned Great Discoveries, a clothing store with locations in Athens, Ga. and Statesboro, from 1989 through 2001. Muldrew then served as a field director and later campaign director for U.S. congressman Max Burns. Since Burns's last campaign and prior to taking this position, Muldrew was business research director for ECR Biodiesel Atlanta, LLC.
"My wife Lisa teaches at the high school and we have three children, Alyssa, Juliet, and Amanda," Muldrew said. "It just seemed like a great opportunity to work in a role to improve and help the community that we live in. I am very excited."
Muldrew said he intends to focus on redevelopment and bringing more businesses and shoppers to downtown.
"There are a number of underdeveloped or blighted type properties in the vicinity of downtown," he said. "I really think that we need to begin to work in earnest on trying to do something with those. We need to work with the owners and see if there is something that can be done whether it is with government grants or private enterprise, we need to be proactive."
Muldrew said he knows that merchants would like increased shopping traffic downtown.
"There seems to be a perception in the community that parking is an issue here, and it really isn't," he said. "We just need to do a better of job of letting people know that. In addition, we need to encourage unique and creative businesses to locate downtown, businesses that would thrive in this environment. Not every business needs to be located in a mall or strip center to be successful."
Cartee said he feels that Muldrew is on the right track. "Especially in these tough economic times, we have got to promote downtown, and get people to come downtown as a destination to eat and shop," he said. "Continuing to bring interesting and unique businesses will only help do that."
Muldrew said his political connections should be a plus. "We will need to examine every avenue that we have for funding and attracting businesses and property redevelopment," he said. "We will need to solicit grants, and hopefully some of our elected officials to the legislature can help as well. You have to work every connection that you have, and that is what I intend to do."
"I think this is a great time to be in this position. We have so much positive to build on here. I just hope that all of our local officials see how important it is to have a solid, thriving downtown. It benefits everyone, regardless of where you may live in Bulloch County. I am very excited about this opportunity."
"I became interested in this position several months ago when I was looking at a redevelopment project in downtown Statesboro," Muldrew said. "There was a specific piece of property that I thought could be redeveloped, and I began to look at how other communities the size of Statesboro had approached a similar type of project. I became so interested in it that someone said I ought to think about applying for this job, and I did."
Muldrew was chosen from a pool of candidates, and the organization's board is very pleased with their choice.
"Our board is very excited about having Allen as the new director," said Jayme Cartee, chairman of the Downtown Statesboro Development Authority board. "Having a local person with small business experience is such an asset to our downtown."
Muldrew owned Great Discoveries, a clothing store with locations in Athens, Ga. and Statesboro, from 1989 through 2001. Muldrew then served as a field director and later campaign director for U.S. congressman Max Burns. Since Burns's last campaign and prior to taking this position, Muldrew was business research director for ECR Biodiesel Atlanta, LLC.
"My wife Lisa teaches at the high school and we have three children, Alyssa, Juliet, and Amanda," Muldrew said. "It just seemed like a great opportunity to work in a role to improve and help the community that we live in. I am very excited."
Muldrew said he intends to focus on redevelopment and bringing more businesses and shoppers to downtown.
"There are a number of underdeveloped or blighted type properties in the vicinity of downtown," he said. "I really think that we need to begin to work in earnest on trying to do something with those. We need to work with the owners and see if there is something that can be done whether it is with government grants or private enterprise, we need to be proactive."
Muldrew said he knows that merchants would like increased shopping traffic downtown.
"There seems to be a perception in the community that parking is an issue here, and it really isn't," he said. "We just need to do a better of job of letting people know that. In addition, we need to encourage unique and creative businesses to locate downtown, businesses that would thrive in this environment. Not every business needs to be located in a mall or strip center to be successful."
Cartee said he feels that Muldrew is on the right track. "Especially in these tough economic times, we have got to promote downtown, and get people to come downtown as a destination to eat and shop," he said. "Continuing to bring interesting and unique businesses will only help do that."
Muldrew said his political connections should be a plus. "We will need to examine every avenue that we have for funding and attracting businesses and property redevelopment," he said. "We will need to solicit grants, and hopefully some of our elected officials to the legislature can help as well. You have to work every connection that you have, and that is what I intend to do."
"I think this is a great time to be in this position. We have so much positive to build on here. I just hope that all of our local officials see how important it is to have a solid, thriving downtown. It benefits everyone, regardless of where you may live in Bulloch County. I am very excited about this opportunity."