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Downtown Encinitas MainStreet Association (DEMA)
DEMA is proud of our leadership role, working as partners with the city of Encinitas, property owners, merchants, residents and other Encinitas stakeholders to restore a National historic treasure -- Hwy 101, and preserve the uniqueness of a true Southern California beach town. DEMA was established in 1988 and is governed by an elected 13 member Board of Directors. Peder Norby, Executive Director of DEMA quotes, “Our Board of Directors, representing the stakeholders of Downtown Encinitas have worked tirelessly with devotion and love for the town and without financial compensation to make downtown Encinitas a great “place.” They have succeeded and deserve the lion's share of the credit. Each and every person who has volunteered for DEMA, served on a committee, or as a board member or staff, deserves and shares in the credit for this award. Norby also believes, “A sapling was planted 17 years ago, it was been watered and nourished for those years and today bears a bounty of fruit. Prior Executive Directors of DEMA, Cindy Fargo, Nancy Hickman and Dan Trifone share equally in this honor for without their leadership, Downtown Encinitas would not be the success that it is.” The elected leaders of the city of Encinitas have fostered a stakeholder driven process in which the stakeholders of the district guide and move forward on programs and projects in the downtown area. They are to be congratulated for their vision and leadership fostering this approach. The city staff can take great pride in the accomplishments of the numerous public and private programs and projects in the downtown area. Norby says, “Every city staff person has in someway or another, both great and small, contributed and worked to make downtown Encinitas the great place that it is. Without them it would not be possible.” President Bev Whalin: “The development of a Great Main Street downtown takes a combination of a cooperative board, a special director and a good relationship with the city.” Vice President Steve Aceti: “Partnerships are what makes a town successful. The City, Encinitas Chamber of Commerce, and other Encinitas organizations have all contributed greatly to the success of downtown.” Treasurer Dody Tucker: “ ‘It can't be done’ does not exist in DEMA lexicon.” Past President Bart Smith: “This award is the result of a concerted team effort. All the players have worked hard to take Encinitas to this level. Everyone involved; dedicated volunteers, the DEMA board and staff, the city of Encinitas should be proud of this accomplishment.” Last year DEMA mourned the loss of two of its longest serving board members. Lynne Love and Gary Taylor who both contributed immeasurably to the success of downtown and their efforts continue to share in the success of downtown Encinitas. Established in 1980, the National Trust's National Main Street Center helps communities of all sizes revitalize their older and historic commercial districts. Active in over 1,700 downtowns and urban neighborhoods, the Main Street program has generated more than $16.1 billion in new investment. Participating communities have created 226,000 net new jobs, 56,300 net new businesses, and rehabilitated more than 88,700 buildings, leveraging an average of $39.93 in new investment for every dollar spent on main street district revitalization effort. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to protecting the irreplaceable. The Trust provides leadership, education and advocacy to save America's diverse historic places and revitalizes communities. Its Washington, DC staff, regional offices and 25 historic sites work with the Trust's members and thousands of local community groups in every state. For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org. For more information, contact the DEMA office at 760-943-1950 |