The new North Battleford business improvement district now has an executive director.
Lisa McEachern has been named to the newly-created position. She started work July 2.
Her appointment was announced Thursday afternoon. McEachern was introduced along with existing BID board members Beth Walls and Elaine Bendel, as well as board chair Derek Schmidt.
Schmidt, who had taken on a role as unofficial spokesperson for the BID during its initial startup stage joked to reporters that he no longer had to answer questions.
Instead McEachern takes on that role as executive director - a paid position which will make her the leading spokesperson for the BID and their efforts to revive downtown North Battleford.
"I believe there is strong potential to make this a very thriving downtown," said McEachern "I see a lot of new development, I see a lot of events, a lot of people coming downtown. I am very excited about all the things the BID has thought of prior to me getting here and I'm very excited about all of the things we have planned for the future."
McEachern is born and raised in North Battleford and ran a fitness club in the community before selling it in February of this year.
"I truly believe in the Battlefords. I live here with my young son and husband and we are true North Battlefordians."
As for how the BID plans to turn around the downtown core, McEachern says the board intends to hold a strategic planning session where they will be outlining their goals and deadlines over the coming months.
A website is also planned, with the BID to be branded as "Downtown North Battleford."
As for their immediate efforts, they plan a launch event on Wednesday, July 31. McEachern said it will be in Central Park during the noon hour featuring a local entertainer.
Local businesses downtown will be encouraged to take part with some sidewalk sales and also takeout specials for lunch. McEachern adds more events are planned by the end of the year.
