BERKLEY DDA NAMES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Berkley resident Jennifer Finney begins position April 27

 BERKLEY, Mich. – The Berkley Downtown Development Authority (DDA) today announced that it has named Jennifer Finney as Executive Director. The announcement was made by DDA Board Chair Andy Gilbert.

“Jennifer is a terrific asset to our downtown and the businesses, residents, and friends of Berkley. We’re excited with how our relationship has evolved during the past three years she’s generously volunteered her time for the greater good of our downtown and we’re very pleased she has decided to take this next step in working with our community,” said Gilbert.

 “Through her roles as DDA board member at large and chair of the marketing promotions committee and the Berkley Nights Out events, she brings to the job a tremendous passion for Berkley, relationships with business owners and property owners, a strong understanding of our community, its opportunities and needs, as well as its challenges.”

 As Executive Director, Finney will be responsible for coordinating downtown revitalization activities at the direction of the DDA board of directors, and in collaboration with City administration and officials, using the Main Street Four-Point Approach: Design, Promotion, Business Development, and Organization. She will serve as an advocate for the DDA District and act as a liaison to businesses, volunteers, property owners, governmental officials, community organizations, and others.

 “It’s undoubtedly a challenging time for our region and others, but we’ll navigate this together. This is our community–my community­–and I’m up for it,” said Finney. “Downtown Berkley has one of the largest collections of independently-owned small businesses, many of which have been around for decades, and other new businesses that are preparing to open following the stay-at-home order. Through continued cooperation from the DDA, City and the community, we will support and help our small businesses to become ready for residents and visitors to shop, eat and play in our bustling town again.”

 A 3-year resident of Berkley, Finney previously served in marketing and communications roles with H.J. Oldenkamp Co., a wholesale cabinet and countertop distributor, in Royal Oak, Michigan, as well as with Synectics Media, an inbound marketing agency in Ferndale, Michigan. Advising clients on brand strategy, she worked to motivate clients to elevate their brands on regional and national stages. Finney also has held positions in real estate development, working to create strategies for the launch of both new and existing residential communities.

 A member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority, Finney holds a Bachelor of Science in marketing from Miami University in Ohio and resides with her husband in Berkley, Michigan.

 About Downtown Berkley
The Berkley Downtown Development Authority is a community-driven organization striving to enhance the shopping experience, economic vitality and physical appearance of Coolidge Highway and Twelve Mile Road — Berkley’s traditional commercial districts. The organization strives to achieve its mission by being creative, focused, transparent, forward-thinking and engaged with its Downtown stakeholders and community. For more information, visit DowntownBerkley.com.

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