East Town Executive Director, Kate Borders accepts new position in Fresno, CA

July 25, 2011

Dear East Town members, colleagues, vendors, and friends,

It is with conflicting emotions that I share this news. I have accepted the President/CEO position for the newly formed Business Improvement District for downtown Fresno, CA. While I have always known that I wanted my next step to be as a BID Director, I have simultaneously never looked forward to leaving the East Town Association and the Milwaukee community that I now call home.

The pros for accepting this challenge are that personally I will be moving my family to within 2 1/2 hours of both of my sisters and it is priceless for me to imagine my daughters growing up with their aunts a short drive away. Additionally, the timing is good personally and professionally as we are nearing the end of our intense event season and my oldest daughter is still a year away from school age. I am also thrilled to have the opportunity to start a BID from scratch. This is a once in a lifetime chance to build a BID from the ground up. Fresno is a city on the verge of growth. It is being led by a new energetic administration and was recently named one of Obama’s six focus cities in the federal program dubbed Strong Cities, Strong Communities. It will definitely be a challenging endeavor, but I am excited to be part of the transition team.

However, as with any life-changing decision, there are of course many drawbacks to this choice. My life in Milwaukee has meant more to me than I ever anticipated. The East Town Association has given me the chance to grow tremendously. It has introduced me to a career path that is ideal for me and I have worked with the greatest professional community I could imagine. The board of directors has been phenomenal in the trust and autonomy that they have given me. The members of the Association have been a growing treasure, and the clients and vendors that I have worked with are top-notch professionals. And, of course, my staff and close colleagues have made every day a pleasure. I know I will look back on my seven years as the Executive Director of the East Town Association as an amazing period of time in my life, full of wonderful people and fruitful experiences. More than anything, I am grateful to everyone for allowing me to join this community and embracing me so graciously. I hope to remain in contact with everyone throughout the years and possibly return to the Milwaukee area with even more to offer.

Warmly,

Kate

EASTTOWN FACTS

The East Town Association was officially incorporated in 1983, although it began in the early 1960’s.

The first Bastille Days took place July 17 & 18 in 1982 and we celebrate the 30th anniversary in 2011.

East Town Market celebrates 15 years in 2011 and over 80 vendors participate annually.

Jazz in the Park started in 1991, 21 years later we have over 8,000 weekly attendees.

The Storm the Bastille started in 1985. Today, over 5000 runners and walkers participate.

November through May, check out the East Town Market at Discovery World on the 2nd Saturdays from 10am to 2pm.

The first Bastille Days was located on Jefferson Street directly in front of George Watts & Son, today Bastille Days has four stages and occupies eight city blocks.

Beginning in 2009, we no longer allow guests to carry in their own alcoholic beverages to any of our events, including Jazz in the Park. Support these free events and buy a glass of wine!

Over 200 businesses and 100 individuals are members of the East Town Association, see why!

Did you know you can get your knives sharpened at the East Town Market?