NORWICH – Long-time executive director of the Norwich Business Improvement District Pegi LoPresti officially resigned Friday, and the organization’s board of directors is hoping to fill the position by the end of October.
According to BID Board of Directors President Tom Sutton, he and his fellow board members are currently in the process of reviewing a number of applications for the position. He added they’ve received “a healthy supply” of applications and are sorting through a strong pool of candidates.
“It’s such a unique position,” said Sutton. “It’s classified as part-time, but it’s so much more than that.”
LoPresti has agreed to coordinate this year’s 13th annual Pumpkin Festival, which she’s overseen the past four years, as well as a third round of Main Street Grant funding. The $500,000 grant has already been awarded to the BID, said LoPresti, who’s hoping to have the money distributed and put to good use by the end of August.
Interested property owners are currently in the process of signing agreements for allocation of the funds, she added, and the BID will continue to work with them through the completion of their proposed projects.
Transitioning someone into the role LoPresti has left behind, said Sutton, will not be easy.
“While we’re looking forward to bringing in a fresh set of eyes and continuing to move the organization forward, Pegi will be sorely missed by the BID,” he added. “Her impact, her fingerprints, will remain on downtown for generations to come.”
People can still call the BID office for information at 336-1811, reported Sutton, and someone from within the organization will be in contact as soon as possible. For more information, visit www.norwichbid.org.
“It’s been a good ride ... it’s been great,” said LoPresti of her nine-plus years at the BID. “I’ve had an opportunity to work with so many good people along the way.”