A week after she spoke at Main Street Winter Haven’s City Works (X)po, Lake Wales Main Street Executive Director Karen Thompson is bidding farewell to her position in Lake Wales – both as the Assistant CRA Director and the Lake Wales Main Street executive director – to take on a new opportunity – which has not yet been announced – in Lakeland.
“She has been the backbone of our organization and we will greatly miss her,” said Ryan Buskirk, Immediate Past President, in a media release issued last week.
Thompson was hired in October 2017 to fill both roles and notable accomplishments include the award-winning Lake Wales Connected plan, a 2019 Main Street initiative.
“Although we are saddened by Karen’s departure to Lakeland, we are happy for her and this new opportunity,” said Scott Crews, Vice President and incoming President of Lake Wales Main Street. “She leaves Lake Wales Main Street healthier than ever and with a strong vision for the future,” said Scott Crews.
Phase I Park Avenue and Market Plaza Streetscape are underway. The $14 million public investment is the stimulus for private investment, which is already evident and just the beginning.
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