(Dec. 4, 2014) Just over a year after she took over as Main Street coordinator in Berlin, Megan Houston is moving on.
New Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells will take on Main Street duties, and the town will look to fill Houston’s role as coordinator of the Visitor’s Center in the coming weeks.
Houston, 25, began working as a part-time employee in Berlin last December. In July, the town hired her on a full time basis with benefits.
The town’s previous Economic and Community Development Director, Michael Day, also acted as Main Street Coordinator before Houston was hired.
“I think the role kind of evolved into its own thing,” she said. “It was so cool coming in and working under [Day]. I definitely came into Berlin at a really interesting time. My first project, honestly, was the Coolest Small Town thing, and that was awesome to jump right into. It got me really interested in the position and the job.”
As tourism in the town flourished, Houston said, the need for a stronger presence in the Visitor’s Center quickly became evident.
“We needed more volunteers and needed the help of the ambassador program, so it’s really evolved a lot,” she said.
Last year, the Visitor’s Center functioned chiefly as a chamber of commerce location, with a few additional rooms rented as artist’s studios. Today the building acts as an information hub for tourism. A table just inside the right of the door displays brochures for nearly every shop on Main Street, and posters touting town events line the walls.
“It makes me feel good to be able to leave it in a way better place than it was when I first got here,” Houston said. “It’s now fully staffed Monday through Saturday by volunteers. We have our own phone line instead of using the chamber’s, and that’s been put on all our promotional materials. And the interior itself just looks more friendly and welcoming and homey – more Berlin. I think the businesses appreciate that they’re given a front and center table, and the atmosphere is just much more welcoming.”
Houston said she’s “moving in a different direction,” but hopes to continue to contribute to Berlin on a volunteer level. Her last day is Dec. 26.
“I do love the town,” she said. “Another opportunity came up and I didn’t want to turn it down, but I’m here if they need me. I’m just a phone call away, and I’m still willing to help out.”
Day, who is still very much active in Berlin, said he expects Houston to excel wherever she goes next.
“Megan did a fantastic job for the town,” he said. “I’m sorry that she’s leaving us, but we all wish her the best.”
New Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells will take on Main Street duties, and the town will look to fill Houston’s role as coordinator of the Visitor’s Center in the coming weeks.
Houston, 25, began working as a part-time employee in Berlin last December. In July, the town hired her on a full time basis with benefits.
The town’s previous Economic and Community Development Director, Michael Day, also acted as Main Street Coordinator before Houston was hired.
“I think the role kind of evolved into its own thing,” she said. “It was so cool coming in and working under [Day]. I definitely came into Berlin at a really interesting time. My first project, honestly, was the Coolest Small Town thing, and that was awesome to jump right into. It got me really interested in the position and the job.”
As tourism in the town flourished, Houston said, the need for a stronger presence in the Visitor’s Center quickly became evident.
“We needed more volunteers and needed the help of the ambassador program, so it’s really evolved a lot,” she said.
Last year, the Visitor’s Center functioned chiefly as a chamber of commerce location, with a few additional rooms rented as artist’s studios. Today the building acts as an information hub for tourism. A table just inside the right of the door displays brochures for nearly every shop on Main Street, and posters touting town events line the walls.
“It makes me feel good to be able to leave it in a way better place than it was when I first got here,” Houston said. “It’s now fully staffed Monday through Saturday by volunteers. We have our own phone line instead of using the chamber’s, and that’s been put on all our promotional materials. And the interior itself just looks more friendly and welcoming and homey – more Berlin. I think the businesses appreciate that they’re given a front and center table, and the atmosphere is just much more welcoming.”
Houston said she’s “moving in a different direction,” but hopes to continue to contribute to Berlin on a volunteer level. Her last day is Dec. 26.
“I do love the town,” she said. “Another opportunity came up and I didn’t want to turn it down, but I’m here if they need me. I’m just a phone call away, and I’m still willing to help out.”
Day, who is still very much active in Berlin, said he expects Houston to excel wherever she goes next.
“Megan did a fantastic job for the town,” he said. “I’m sorry that she’s leaving us, but we all wish her the best.”