Coral Gables Business Improvement District bids farewell to Executive Director
Search for replacement begins immediately
November 11, 2013, Coral Gables, Florida—The Business Improvement District (BID) of Coral Gables says farewell to Executive Director, Mari Gallet, after nine years in the post. Ms. Gallet will depart in January, having started her own business consulting firm.
The BID was founded in 1997 as a vehicle for marketing and advocacy on behalf of the property owners and merchants in downtown Coral Gables. As Executive Director since 2004, Ms. Gallet has directed those efforts successfully during some of the most transformative years for the district.
Over the last nine years, she has led the branding efforts for “Downtown Coral Gables & Miracle Mile” as an upscale, sophisticated dining and shopping destination, attracting the best restaurants and retailers and a larger customer base to support those establishments. She created iconic events and programs that are now part of the Downtown Coral Gables fabric including Coral Gables Restaurant Week, Taste of the Gables, Battle of the Chefs, Giralda under the Stars, and Wine, Walk & Shop on the Mile. Her leadership was instrumental in establishing the public/private partnership that created the centralized valet parking system in Downtown Coral Gables, now copied by many other cities as a model program. She led the BID through two re-elections, in 2005 and 2012, re-establishing the special assessment district only through a majority of property owners’ support. Under her leadership, the BID of Coral Gables became a model BID program, replicated by other areas in Miami trying to achieve the same success. She helped the Coral Gables BID move the Downtown Coral Gables Streetscape project to the top of the City of Coral Gables’ priorities for the central business district, organizing teams of volunteer professionals from UM and the broader community for both the Streetscape initiative and the new Downtown Overlay Study.
Ms. Gallet reports to a Board of Directors made up of property owners and merchants. Burton Hersh, president of the Board stated, “We will miss Ms. Gallet’s leadership and dedication to our downtown, but we wish her well in her endeavors. She has been extremely successful in leading and growing our district; her creativity and vision will be missed. Now, our focus turns to finding someone to fill her shoes and continue to promote and support business in Downtown Coral Gables and Miracle Mile.”
The BID is accepting resumes for the position. They seek an individual with executive management experience and a bachelor’s degree, with strong communication and project management skills. The individual should be familiar with economic development, public relations, experienced in special taxing districts or downtown areas, and fluent in both English and Spanish. The BID Board is seeking someone with proven experience as a visionary and leader – the ability to see beyond today – to lead in both the development and implementation of a long-term strategy for the Coral Gables BID. Candidates interested in the position can visit www.shopcoralgables.com for a more detailed job description and instructions on how to apply.
About the Business Improvement District of Coral Gables
Created in 1997, the Business Improvement District of Coral Gables’ (BID-CG) mission is to promote commercial vitality for Miracle Mile and Downtown Coral Gables, and to act as a strategic catalyst for the overall improvement of the area. Downtown Coral Gables’ Miracle Mile is a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood with more than 160 retailers and over 70 restaurants. Infused with a chic European feel, tree-lined streets and Mediterranean architecture, the historic area boasts some of Miami’s finest boutiques, acclaimed restaurants and lively cultural venues. Downtown Coral Gables, with its Miracle Mile, is an elegant and sophisticated destination to live, shop, play and work. It is Miami’s charming gem that locals like to keep secret and visitors fall in love with when they find it. For more information and a directory, visit www.shopcoralgables.com, become a fan www.facebook.com/ShopCoralGables or follow us on Twitter @ShopCoralGables