Board of Directors Featuring Angie Richards and Jeanine Gangeness
Part of a diverse and eclectic group, RDA Board Members Jeanine Gangeness and Angie Richards share their point of view into the RDA’s values, mission, and strategic priorities .
Which of the RDA values resonates the most with you and why?
Jeanine Gangeness: The value that most resonates with me is the focus on striving for excellence. Accessibility is essential to downtown programming for Rochester residents and visitors. Focusing on providing great events, programs and services for everyone who wants to have fun is why this value resonates with me. Similar to the work with students, staff and faculty at WSU-Rochester, accessibility and quality are essential! We have a lot of fun too!!
Angie Richards: Strive For Excellence is the core belief that resonates with personally. By facilitating engaging, fun and family-friendly programs and events downtown, this excellence creates an environment and feeling unique to Rochester. Our downtown area has an important role in economic and social development and I take pride that as we Strive for Excellence each and every day that the RDA promotes a foundation that is welcoming, accessible and approachable.
Which strategic priority is most important to you and why?
JG: The two strategic priorities that are the most important to me are the RDA’s work with multiple partners through collaboration and use of data (downtown experts). I respect the work that the RDA has done to revitalize downtown Rochester and track the impact through well managed data. Ms. Bowman has transformed the organization through effective use of data which is reflected in the increased funding over the past few years. The RDA has a small, and mighty, staff who collaborates and uses data effectively.
Why do you feel it’s important for the RDA to provide benefits, opportunities, and support for downtown Rochester?
JG: The benefits of the RDA benefits, opportunities and support has resulted in revitalization of downtown. Selfishly, I live downtown, so I love the energy of downtown Rochester, which is due to the great activities the RDA programs. Rochester is a great place to live and have fun!!
AR: Igniting downtown Rochester as a central gathering space has transformed our community, and by building upon that innovation will continue to do so in the years to come. By leading with an authentic passion for downtown, the Rochester Downtown Alliance creates a central space where business, community and cultural activities are concentrated. Where people and places have memorable experiences while at the same time growing our local economy.
Why do you feel a vibrant downtown is important?
JG: A vibrant downtown is essential to business viability and resident livability.
AR: Downtowns are iconic and powerful symbols for a city and often contain the most historic landmarks and distinctive features. A vibrant downtown, full of activity and life, is the heart of our city and having a healthy heart is essential to having a strong city. Vibrancy downtown sets the tone for investment, new business opportunities, as well as, being a place to live and visit.