AL – Gadsden: Tena King

As a former educator and current small business owner, Tena King brings a unique perspective to creating a destination business.  She opened her business in late 2013, heard Jon Schallert in early 2014, and knew she had to learn more.  As a result, she attended Destination Bootcamp in May 2014.  From that point forward, she has built her business, located in Gadsden, Alabama, as a destination place.

Her background in business, education, and nonprofits allows her to understand budget constraints and the day-to-day challenges of being a business owner in today’s competitive climate.  She has helped many people write business plans, marketing plans, and has provided mentoring for other small business owners.  Tena is excited to become a certified trainer and offer the information of Destination Creation in the southeast.

AZ – Apache Junction: Linda Sutton-Nutsch
Also in NE – Chester

Linda Sutton-Nutsch has been helping small businesses for over 30 years. She grew up in a rural entrepreneurial family. Linda’s experience includes being a financial analyst and controller for various corporations. Linda worked for the Kansas Small Business Development Center for over 12 years providing consulting and training seminars before taking her own business, LRS Consulting Inc, full time. She has her teaching certificate, MBA and CVA. Helping thousands of businesses, Linda specializes in startups, growth, expansion, and exit planning. She teaches numerous small business training seminars in her business. Linda is excited to add the Destination Creation Course to her offerings.

Linda has a passion for teaching business owners and offering small business solutions throughout their business life cycle. She is a Nebraska native but spends winters in Arizona with her husband.

CA – Los Banos: Rhonda Lowe

Rhonda Lowe has 30+ years as a retailer and marketing consultant. Her passion for retailing comes through as she works with independent retailers to find their “sweet spot” to help them grow their business.

She believes in being a participant in her community and has been active with the Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Association and Economic Development Commission. Her expertise lies in helping both the individual retailer, and the community as a whole, find what sets them apart from others around them.

She launched her coaching business to help others learn from her wins and losses. She is passionate about doing whatever it takes to preserve the great American dream of being able to own your own business and compete effectively against the big box stores and online giants.

CO – La Junta: Cynthia Nieb

Economic development, historic preservation, grant administration, grant writing, non-profit management, project administration, seminar development and presentation, community development, and business coaching have been her focus.  Her most recent positions were as the Director of the State Historical Fund, and she is currently engaged by the City of La Junta as the Director of Development, Main Street, and the Urban Renewal Authority.  She likes to help people.

Cynthia believes: “Jon Schallert’s Destination Creation Course is a game changer.  All participants learn so much that they can apply in their businesses, well, they can draw from that bounty for years.”

CO – Lamar: Cheryl Sanchez

Cheryl is the Project Coordinator for Prowers Economic Prosperity, Baca County Economic Development Coordinator and Business Consultant for Southeast Colorado Small Business Development Center.  Cheryl is a native of southeast Colorado and has a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management. She understands rural communities and small business operations with her expertise is in leadership, management and planning. Through her experience in the banking industry, small business ownership, community college business education and leadership roles, she has the business experience and skills that makes her a great fit for business consulting and economic development.  She looks forward to helping people achieve their business dreams and be a part of encouraging economic growth by leading participants in the Destination Creation Course.

CO – Limon: Raejean Palko

Raejean Palko is a Colorado Native, now settled in Limon, Colorado.  Raejean earned her BA in Humanities and an AA in Agriculture at Fort Lewis College. She has continuously found herself working among small businesses and local non-profits within the communities. She has successfully maintained a mobile mechanic business for 20 years and managed Honeyville’s retail and holiday store for 25+ years.

Now a Small Business Development Center consultant, Raejean can share her business skills with others. Raejean is eager to work with you and your business to explore and implement new strategies to improve your bottom line and utilize the Destination Creation Course to grow her region’s small businesses.

FL – Orlando: Pauline Eaton

Pauline Eaton has served as the City Administrator for Orlando Main Streets since 2008. She developed the framework of Orlando’s original Main Street districts. The success of Orlando Main Streets have been frequently recognized in national and international publications such as The Boston Globe, The Toronto Sun, USA Today, New York Times and National Geographic. Pauline came to the City of Orlando in 2007 from Ohio where she presided as the Interim Executive Director and Director of Downtown Revitalization for Heritage Ohio.  She served as the State Coordinator for the Ohio Main Street Program for nearly six years. Pauline began her involvement in the historic preservation movement in 1993, and is certified as a Main Street Management Professional from the National Main Street Center. Pauline has also been a downtown business and property owner.  She and her husband owned and operated Checker’s Pizza in Uptowne Galion for six years. 

IA – Des Moines: Robin Bostrom

Robin Bostrom serves as a Business Specialist with the Iowa Economic Development Authority, working with the Downtown Resource Center and the Main Street Iowa team.  Prior to joining IEDA she served as a local program director for West Union, Iowa, a nationally accredited Main Street program in Northeast Iowa.  She has also worked for numerous non-profit organizations, served as Executive Director for Fayette County Economic Development, and is a small business owner.  She earned a BA from the University of Northern Iowa and is a graduate of the Heartland Economic Development Course. While in West Union, Robin assisted in the planning and development of a $10 million streetscape project in the historic downtown district which won numerous awards for sustainable design and storm water management practices. She enjoys working with Iowa communities and small business owners to help them develop their full potential.

IL – Silvis: Amanda Sherwood

Amanda Sherwood is the Director of Silvis Main Street in Silvis, Illinois and has served in this role since 2018.  Amanda previously working in various management roles for the Walgreens Corporation for 25 years, gaining great experience in operations, marketing, leadership and other managerial skills.

Amanda is the first Facilitator of the Destination Creation Course in the State of Illinois. She loves her community and the chance to work with businesses throughout all of Illinois and her area..  She finds it fascinating and fulfilling to watch the success of all the area’s businesses, and enjoys helping promote them, recruiting new businesses to her community and watching her city grow.

Amanda became a Facilitator for the Destination Creation Course in 2020.

IN – Frankfort: Kim Stevens

Kim Stevens is the Executive Director of Frankfort Main Street, Inc.  She has been the director for the past eighteen years.  Kim is a certified speaker, teacher and coach with the John Maxwell organization and most recently became a Certified Facilitator for Jon Schallert’s Destination Creation Course.

Kim is a frequent speaker for the Indiana State Festivals Association, Indiana Main Street Programs, Indiana Arts Commission, Indiana Municipal Power Association as well as, communities, churches and events across the state of Indiana.  Kim’s passion to add value to people keeps her motivated to turn perspective problems into opportunities.

KS – Burlington: JoAnn Harritos

JoAnn has been the Executive Director of the Coffey County Chamber of Commerce, Burlington, KS, since February 2019. She has 35+ years of marketing and management in various fields.

As a small business owner of a quarterly publication for 10 years in home state of Ohio that she sold in 2017, JoAnn developed a passion for mom and pop businesses in mid 80’s after watching a client lose their family owned grocery store to a Walmart that opened up one block away.

In May 2019, she was invited to hear Jon speak and knew she needed to hear more!

KS – Colby: Vernon Hurd

Vernon Hurd has been helping business owners develop unique solutions to the issues they face for the last 18 years.  He is the Executive Director for Thomas County Economic Development Alliance in Kansas and has taught and facilitated classes across the United States for small and large businesses alike.

His methodical, yet out-of-the box approach has helped countless business owners see opportunities that were just waiting to be plucked from the crowd.  He’s also a much sought after Santa Claus!

KS – Council Grove: Tracy Henry

Tracy Henry is the Executive Director of the Greater Morris County Development Corporation located in Council Grove, KS.  She focuses on working in rural and remote communities in an effort to help them not only continue to survive, but also to thrive.  Business retention and focusing on entrepreneurship are goals that she strives to maintain in rural Kansas.

She has served on numerous boards for both profit and non-profit entities and believes that having a seat at the table is key to having voices heard that may not otherwise be.  In addition, she serves on the Kansas Economic Development Alliance Board of Directors as a representative for the North Central Region of Kansas.

KS – Garnett: Julie Turnipseed

Julie Turnipseed has 30+ of executive non-profit experience with a proven track record of developing, directing and motivating organizations from small operations to thriving, successful and sustainable entities. She has extensive experience working with small businesses on Main Street.  As a director of two accredited Main Street Programs she has helped to coordinate and oversee growth and development of many small businesses. Julie is currently Executive Director of Anderson County Kansas Economic Development in Southeast Kansas where she works with small and large businesses, and has started programs to develop the workforce such as ACT Work Ready Community, brought the Kansas Works Mobile Unit to Garnett, created Morning Mingle a business networking group as well as spearheaded a local campaign to promote keeping dollars local.

KS – Hanston: Lea Ann Seiler

Lea Ann Seiler, Economic Development and Tourism Director for Hodgeman County, is a native Kansan with a passion for rural entrepreneurship and innovation.

She believes that her experience as an ELI entrepreneurial mindset facilitator and MakerSpace creator – as well as B&B owner –  provide valuable insight for her role as a Destination Creation Course Facilitator.

A little-known fact about Lea Ann is that she is a “real-life zombie” for the local Agritourism site every October!

KS – Larned: Alex Filbert

Alex Filbert is the Executive Director for the Larned Area Chamber of Commerce and Pawnee County Economic Development Commission since April 2017. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, and an outside concentration in Hospitality Management from Kansas State University.

Alex is a rural Kansas native with a passion for giving back. She brings a creative outlook to the table, along with plenty of enthusiasm and energy.

KS – Liberal: Raquel Arellano

I am the Spanish Business Outreach Coordinator for the Seward Co. Development Corporation in Liberal, KS. My job is to match entrepreneurs with the resources they need to succeed as business owners. I am a native of Liberal, KS and have owned and worked in small businesses in my community. So, I know what it means to need someone in your corner who values the hustle in every entrepreneur.

I believe leaders are learners, which is why I spend time coaching and arming entrepreneurs with valuable content they can implement into their business right away.

KS – Liberal: Eli Svaty

Eli Svaty is the executive director for the Seward County Development Corporation, a community development organization serving Southwest Kansas. Prior to this role, Eli spent fourteen years teaching English and College Composition at the high school and junior college levels. He holds a BA in Language and Literature and an MA in English.  He is a certified Strategic Doing Practitioner, a certified Ice-House Entrepreneurial Mindset Facilitator, and now a certified Destination Creation Facilitator.

Eli is passionate about the history of the Great Plains and serving the communities within this region. While he is no longer in a classroom every day, he loves the opportunity to teach through one-on-one sessions and group classes. Eli completed the Destination Creation workshop in January of 2021 and the Destination Bootcamp in February 2021.

KS – Mound City: Mat Casner

Mat’s experience as an entrepreneur and business coach spans over 25 years. He has helped small businesses grow and compete in a global market using leading-edge marketing and communication strategies. Over the past 15 years, he has grown his marketing consulting business, Redlogic Communications, Inc. from the small, rural town of Mound City, Kanas (pop. 650).

A former mayor and chamber of commerce president in Mound City, Casner has an acute understanding of the unique challenges common to business owners in small, rural communities. A certified Destination Creation Course facilitator, Casner uses his own personal experience and Jon Schallert’s proven training to help businesses expand their reach and find new horizons of business growth.

KS – Paola: Janet McRae

Janet McRae has served as economic development director of Miami County, Kansas, for almost 15 years. Prior to that, she worked more than a decade at the community level leading a combined chamber of commerce/economic development organization. Her efforts focus on helping existing businesses thrive, supporting new businesses and attracting new investment to the county and its five communities. In addition to being certified as an Economic Development Finance Professional, Janet has a marketing background and loves to engage technology.

Her interest in overall community development lends itself toward creating public-private partnerships that help sustain business growth.

KS – Stockton: Jayne Prockish

Jayne has been the Executive Director of the Stockton Area Chamber of Commerce since 2017 and strongly believes that communities are stronger together. She has been involved in the business community the past 20 years as a small business owner and community volunteer. As a massage therapist and artist at heart, she recognizes the need now more than ever to focus on creating a unique destination approach for small business survival in the rural area she serves.

Jayne has attended the Destination Bootcamp in 2019, Graduate Bootcamp in 2020 and became a Destination Creation Facilitator in 2021. The success of small businesses is a priority for her and she looks forward to helping them learn the foundations of creating a destination business.

KS – WaKeeney: Lynelle Shubert

Lynelle Shubert is a business owner and rural living advocate.  Raised in Fort Collins, CO, she has made her home in Western Kansas for over 20 years.  Lynelle has a passion for strengthening individual businesses, services, attractions and communities.

Lynelle has been a Destination Creation Facilitator since 2019 and has been a student of the Jon Schallert method since 2016.  She has experience facilitating this course in-person and via Zoom.  Lynelle prefers to tailor her workshops to fit the needs of her attendees, so if you are interested in attending or hosting a Destination Creation Course, feel free to reach out to her directly.

KS – Wathena: Teresa McAnerney

Teresa McAnerney is the facilitator of Northeast Kansas Enterprise Facilitation, along with being a business coach and entrepreneur.  She has a passion for helping others reach their goals by assisting them in developing strategies and tactics. Using a person-centered approach, she helps small businesses put together a success plan based on the unique strengths of each team member. During college Teresa founded an event promotions company that she eventually sold.  She went on to start a global corporate packaging supply company that catered to retail and the advertising specialty industry.  This real-life experience gives her a unique perspective in business consulting; She has walked in her clients’ shoes!  Teresa holds a B.S. in Social Psychology and is Certified as an ELI – Ice House Entrepreneurship Mindset Program facilitator through the Kauffman Foundation, is a Certified Community Coach through KSU, and Destination BootCamp alum.

KS – Winfield: Kerri Falletti

Kerri Falletti works for the Kansas Dept. of Commerce, serving communities across the state. Previously she worked for Cowley First – Cowley County Economic Development Partnership,  for nearly 18 years, serving as director for over 11 years. Cowley First is a countywide partnership dedicated to provide services and program creation to support of local entrepreneurs and small businesses, in expansion and retention of existing businesses, workforce development services, and attraction of new businesses and industries. She is a Certified Economic Developer, has experience as a Consultant with the Kansas Small Business Development Center as well as an adjunct Entrepreneurship Instructor for Cowley College. Throughout her experiences, Kerri has been passionate about providing assistance to businesses starting and growing throughout Cowley County. She believes getting to know business owners and working one-on-one helps build the relationships that strengthen our communities.

KY – Tompkinsville: Beverly Murphy

I am a mother of two sons, one here and one in heaven. I have an associate degree in Business management and worked as a Territory Supervisor for Hallmark for 16 years and oversaw 55 stores. I owned my own business for 25 years, Tan All U Can.

I currently work with the Clay County Chamber of Commerce in Celina, TN as a Director of Tourism and admistrator assistant. I took this class to help others learn how to better themselves and their businesses. I want to do all I can for my community and anyone needing these skills. I feel that I am succesful if I am helping others. When one excels, several do.

LA – New Orleans: Tawanna Hardy

Tawanna Hardy has been in the financial industry for over ten years. Her career started in 1999 as a loan processor in the mortgage industry. A year later, she became a licensed loan originator in the State of Louisiana. After two years originating loans, Tawanna decided to move into the community relations fields. The field lead Tawanna to a career with LiftFund. LiftFund provided loans to small business owners who did not had access to loans from commercial sources. Tawanna’s time with LiftFund helped her build strong relationships with many organizations before coming to work at Go.Be.

MA – Peabody: Dee Healey

Deanne brings a varied background as a facilitator for the Destination Creation program having spent 15 years in the hospitality industry as Director of Marketing & Electronic Distribution for Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, 15 years as Executive Director of the Peabody Area Chamber of Commerce as well as VP Market Manager at Salem Five Bank.  She was instrumental in establishing the Peabody Main Streets program, serving as President for 4 years, helping to revitalize and rebrand the downtown district of Peabody, MA.

Deanne holds the distinguished IOM designation, having been certified by the Institute for Organization Management after completing 96 hours of coursework designed to enhance individual performance, elevate professional standards, and recognize association, chamber of commerce, and other nonprofit professionals who demonstrate the knowledge essential to the practice of nonprofit management.

ME – Brunswick: Lori Allen

 Lori Allen has over 20 years of experience helping small businesses and communities grow and thrive.  She is the owner of Opt Forward LLC, a consulting firm based in Brunswick, Maine providing services across New England.  She has previously served as a small business advisor for the Maine Small Business Development Center, the director of the Central Massachusetts Women’s Business Center at the Center for Women & Enterprise, and the director of the Maine Downtown Center at the Maine Development Foundation, which runs the Main Street Maine program.  She has worked with hundreds of small business owners over the years to support all aspects of their businesses, from financing and marketing to pricing and customer service.  One of her most favorite past projects was getting a grant to bring Jon to the state of Maine for on-the-ground training in several of Maine’s downtown districts, and she is delighted to now be able to bring the Destination Creation Course here as a facilitator herself.    

MI – Charlevoix: Lindsey Dotson

Lindsey Dotson is the Main Street DDA Director in Charlevoix, Michigan – a summer tourist destination with a year-round population of 2,500. She has a Masters in Historic Preservation and is a certified Main Street America Revitalization Professional. She has over 9 years of experience in downtown management. Lindsey has a passion for downtown walkability/accessibility, public engagement, and the historic built environment. She volunteers as a member of the Charlevoix Historical Society Board and serves as the Buildings and Grounds chair. She also serves as the staff liaison for the City of Charlevoix’s Historic District Commission. She loves living “up north” with her husband, their toddler son, chihuahua, and two cats. Hobbies include enjoying the outdoors and doing hands-on restoration work with historic masonry and wood windows.

MO – Excelsior Springs: Keith Winge

Keith Winge is the Community Development Director for Missouri Main Street Connection.  He has been working to revitalize downtown communities since the mid-1990s. Prior to his role as Executive Director for Downtown Excelsior Partnership, a Main Street program in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, he served as a board member and officer from 2006 to 2010. Keith also has over 20 years of experience in the hotel/hospitality industry which included managing two historic hotels. His Main Street experience encompasses commercial district revitalization, grant writing, funding strategies, project management, tourism marketing, customer service, and community engagement. While in Excelsior Springs, Keith helped lead the effort to create a Community Improvement District to aid in the further expansion of tourism marketing and economic development in the Main Street district. 

MO – North Kansas City: Richard Groves

Rich Groves is in his eleventh year as Executive Director of the North Kansas City Business Council in North Kansas City, MO. Prior to that he was the first Manager of Liberty, Missouri’s Main Street program, Historic Downtown Liberty, Inc. (HDLI) and was a member of the Missouri Main Street Board of Directors. While with HDLI he earned accreditation as a Certified Main Street Manager. During that time Rich became an enthusiastic devotee of Jon’s Destination principles and signed on to become a facilitator of the Destination Creation Course. As Executive Director of the North Kansas City Business Council, Rich leads the organization’s actions to Support, Inform and Connect the 900+ businesses of North Kansas City. Rich uses the skills obtained through the National Main Street program, the Jon Schallert facilitation course and the leadership and facilitation experiences he had in the years he worked for large Kansas City-based corporations.

NC – Flat Rock: Sherry Adams

Sherry Adams has been on the State coordinating staff for the NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center since 2008. Prior to joining the State staff, Sherry was one of the first 50 in the US to become a Certified Main Street Manager and spent 18 years on the local level as a Main Street director or working on a contractual basis with NC downtown organizations.

Sherry is one of two Coordinators for Downtown Programming & Technical Assistance where she facilitates, as the saying goes in North Carolina, from Murphy to Manteo, covering the entire state. Her focus areas include strategic planning, vision forums and training in Main Street best practices, training the 88 Main Street, Small Town Main Street and Downtown Associate Community programs she currently serves. Sherry is also a regular session speaker at the NC Main Street annual conference.

NC – Fuquay-Varina: Naomi Riley

Naomi Riley has worked in downtown revitalization and rural economic development for over 10 years.  She serves as the coordinator of downtown services of the NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center at the North Carolina Department of Commerce, where she works with programs within the North Carolina Main Street, Small Town Main Street and the Downtown Associate Community programs.  Her key functions within Commerce include managing state-wide trainings, the NC Main Street Conference, communications, and program development.  Prior to her current position, she worked for Fuquay-Varina Downtown in Fuquay-Varina, NC, the nonprofit organization that manages the NC Main Street program at the local level.  Naomi has a passion for downtown revitalization, small businesses, community engagement, and how each plays a crucial role in rural North Carolina.

NC – Greenville: Charles Halsall

Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Charles relocated to NC in 1999 after graduation from Indiana University of PA, with a BS in Regional Planning. He has worked in various roles in the planning realm at the local and state level since. Charles has been with the NC Department of Commerce since 2006 and currently serves as a Coordinator for Downtown Programing and Technical Assistance with the NC Main Street Center.

NC – Hillsborough: Liz Parham

Liz Parham has worked for more than 33 years in the field of downtown revitalization and rural economic development. She serves as the director of the NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center at the North Carolina Department of Commerce, where she manages the North Carolina Main Street, Small Town Main Street and the Downtown Associate Community programs, Rural Planning, Main Street Solutions Fund, and local capacity building initiatives.  Prior to her current position, she worked for downtown revitalization nonprofit organizations in Sumter, South Carolina, and in Chapel Hill, Greensboro, Lenoir and Lexington, North Carolina.  Liz has a passion for downtown commercial architecture, small businesses and the assets of rural North Carolina.

NC – Marion: Freddie Killough

Freddie has been with Marion Business Association of Marion, North Carolina since 1990.  In that capacity, Freddie works with new & expanding businesses in the Economic Development office for the City of Marion.

With local partners, Freddie spearheaded the award winning Growing Entrepreneurs Marion (GEM) course for local entrepreneurial training.  With more than $600,000.00 GEM business investment and 90 plus graduates, GEM has played a major role revitalizing Downtown Marion.

Freddie was also recognized as the 2017 Rural Leader of the Year from the North Carolina Rural Center.

Freddie and her husband have owned and operated Killough’s Music in Downtown Marion since 1988.

NE – Alliance: Allie Tyree

Allie currently serves as the Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce in Alliance and is deeply involved in her community.

She is passionate about the success of her rural area and wants to help business owners be successful.”

NE – Bayard: Michelle Coolidge

Michelle Coolidge is the Director of her community consulting business, BB Associates based in Bayard, Nebraska. In her role with BB Associates, she works with communities and businesses in the region to increase access to tools and resources for building economic development foundations that lead to growth. A self-proclaimed “doer”, Michelle’s passion is to take an expressed need and identify the necessary steps that lead to successful completion of a project.

Through her former role as Mayor of the rural community of Bayard, Nebraska, Michelle recognized the need for a champion for the “little guys” and benefit of a regional approach in growing rural America. She continues to use this approach in her endeavors and looks forward to incorporating the expertise of Jon’s course into her efforts to connect businesses to their local communities and beyond.

NE – Chester: Linda Sutton-Nutsch
Also in AZ – Apache Junction

Linda Sutton-Nutsch has been helping small businesses for over 30 years. She grew up in a rural entrepreneurial family. Linda’s experience includes being a financial analyst and controller for various corporations. Linda worked for the Kansas Small Business Development Center for over 12 years providing consulting and training seminars before taking her own business, LRS Consulting Inc, full time. She has her teaching certificate, MBA and CVA. Helping thousands of businesses, Linda specializes in startups, growth, expansion, and exit planning. She teaches numerous small business training seminars in her business. Linda is excited to add the Destination Creation Course to her offerings.

Linda has a passion for teaching business owners and offering small business solutions throughout their business life cycle. She is a Nebraska native but spends winters in Arizona with her husband.

NH – Hooksett: Robbie Grady

Robbie Grady has been working with small business owners for over 20 years.  She recognized the importance of training and collaboration for owners early on when she developed a pilot program for the Department of Defense to encourage, train, and support military spouses who were or wanted to become entrepreneurs.  A Certified Main Street Manager, Robbie has worked with retail, professional and personal services, as well as hospitality owners in two New Hampshire communities.

Currently, she is a consultant with a non-profit group providing support to a regional economic development agency.  She’s been a Jon Schallert fan for many years, and has used his recommendations with her clients over and over again.

NY – Avon: Maureen Wheeler

Maureen Wheeler is the Deputy Director of Economic Development for Livingston County in Western New York State.  She has worked with the county for nine years focusing on business retention and expansion, downtown revitalization, grant writing, and project management.  Livingston County has been acknowledged as a leader in downtown revitalization projects in New York State.

Prior to working in Livingston County, Maureen worked as a community developer running the New York Main Street program in the Western New York and Finger Lakes Regions.

Maureen completed the Train-the-Trainer Course with Jon Schallert in May 2020.

NY – Geneseo: Louise Wadsworth

Louise Wadsworth is the Downtown Coordinator for the nine villages in Livingston County, Western New York State.  Working with the Livingston County Economic Development team for the last 15 years, she has administered business development programs, historic renovation incentives, and marketing initiatives, all geared toward creating destination businesses. In her previous career Louise owned and operated several retail stores on “Main Street” in different parts of the country, so she understands the challenges these businesses face.

When Louise first heard Jon Schallert in 2006 at a National Main Street Conference and realized the importance of Destination Creation, she knew it was critical to bring this information to a wider audience.  Louise is a Destination Bootcamp graduate who completed the Train-the-Trainer Course in May 2020.

OH – Heritage: Frances Jo Hamilton

Frances lives by the statement that if your admin piece is not together your stuff is just not going to work. Finding her way in the non-profit world at the beginning of her career, serving as a volunteer, committee chairperson, board member, and community organizer, she learned the importance of a strong board that supports the health of its volunteers. She took the job as Executive Director of her communities’ Main Street program. Frances founded two other non-profit organizations and currently works with over 70 communities in Ohio to provide strategic planning, work planning, board development, committee training, leadership training, and overall organizational structure. Frances thrives in situations where there is a need for all parties to be heard but also helps to move groups toward a common goal. She prides herself on giving concrete next steps and providing ways for these communities to do, rather than talk about, what needs to happen.

OH – Richmond Heights: Brianna Dennis

Brianna Dennis is a Senior Business Development Specialist with the Community Development Department of Great Lakes Community Action Partnership. She has been doing community work since early 2013. She graduated from Berea College in Kentucky and went on to pursue her masters at Case Western Reserve University. Her formal training is in social work but she has found a way to incorporate her love of serving people and her love of building community through her work with small businesses. She has been working with small businesses to fill their labor shortages as well as creating and implementing training programs for new employees. Brianna successfully founded her own full spectrum Doula business serving the state of Ohio.  She has also trained new doulas and assisted them in starting their own businesses. Brianna also co-founded two other small businesses which operate in Cleveland, Ohio.

OK – Mustang: Kelli Payne

Kelli Payne is a fifth-generation farmer and rancher from Mustang, Oklahoma. A graduate of Oklahoma State University, she began her professional career working for former Congressman Wes Watkins. She has since held a variety of economic development positions with an emphasis on agriculture and rural communities, including previously serving as the first-ever female President of the Oklahoma National Stockyards. She currently serves as North Central District Vice President for the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association and was recently appointed as Chairperson of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation. She is an entrepreneur with diverse experiences serving agriculture in many capacities including her family’s agritourism venture.

OK – Norman: Crystal Romanyszyn

Crystal is the Senior Vice President with the Norman Economic Development Coalition in Norman, Oklahoma. She has an extensive background in marketing, event planning, communications, economic development, transportation, and business operations with Chambers of Commerce and cultural non-profit organizations.

Crystal is skilled at working effectively with internal and external teams, community partners, and investors to foster growth and promote businesses in her region. She has a track record of exceeding organizational objectives through innovative methods and the ability to put the right combination of people together to work collaboratively towards strategic goals. As an economic development professional, she has supported hundreds of individuals with the creation, retention, and expansion of their businesses.

OR – Albany: Nate Conroy

Nate Conroy is the Linn-Benton Venture Catalyst with RAIN in Oregon (the Regional Accelerator & Innovation Network). Nate grew up in unincorporated Benton County, before starting a teaching career in the Portland area, and later in rural Honduras. Nate currently lives with his partner Theresa and two young children in Albany, Oregon. While in graduate school he started STEMhero, a mission-driven company with the goal of closing the STEM gap by making data relevant for students and showcasing the real STEM role models (heroes) who work in local utilities. The company does this through a web-based curriculum enhancement, MeterHero (MeterHero.com), which empowers students to collect, analyze and act upon their own granular utility data for authentic, uncanned, and rigorous learning.  To support local entrepreneurs, Nate draws upon his own experience graduating from reputable startup accelerators run by The Water Council, the Midwest Energy Research Consortium, and 4.0 Schools.

OR – Bandon: Margaret Pounder

I’m currently working as President/CEO of the Bandon Chamber.  I’ve owned and operated a travel management company (leisure and corporate travel arrangements), travel training school, and an inbound tour operator in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.   My husband and I owned and operated agricultural entities in Central Idaho, and from there we moved to Bandon, OR about 20 years ago.  Here we owned and operated both the Bandon Fish Market, and the Bandon Coffee Cafe.  

For years Jon has been a major mentor for me; with my business background, I am constantly wanting to learn more, and do all things business better.  He speaks my language.  I look forward to working with businesses and communities, who are striving to become destinations. 

OR – Central Point: Tom Humphrey

Nationally certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners in 1993, Tom has over thirty years of professional planning experience in city and regional government.  Since becoming Central Point’s Community Development Director in January 1998 Tom has initiated a Downtown Revitalization program and assisted in the formation of an urban renewal agency. He has overseen the City’s Comprehensive Plan review and strategic plan implementation processes, facilitated mixed-use development, assisted the Central Point school district with facilities planning and participated in local and area-wide transportation funding efforts. Tom is a proponent of creating ‘Destination Businesses’ in Southern Oregon. He has personally introduced over 25 business owners to Jon Schallert’s Destination Business BootCamp® and then helped them implement its fundamental principles.

OR – Enterprise: Lisa Dawson

Lisa Dawson has worked in economic development, serving both organizations and businesses, since 1989. She has provided technical assistance to non-profit organizations and community groups throughout northeast Oregon. Lisa also enjoys working with entrepreneurs and business owners and appreciates their role in growing the region’s economy.  She is proud to be part of a collaborative effort to increase technical assistance, networking, skill-building and financing for entrepreneurs. She teaches business planning classes and helps organize business networking and learning events.

Lisa has served as the Executive Director of the Northeast Oregon Economic Development District since 1993. A graduate from the University of Puget Sound, she grew up on a farm in the Wallowa Valley and enjoys working with the people and communities that define her home’s rural region.

PA – Orrtanna: John Kramb

John Kramb has taught leadership to military officer candidates, college undergraduates, and graduate students in a variety of topics such as leadership, planning, change management, and management.  John has served on the planning commission for Franklin Township, the Gettysburg (PA) Chamber Board of Directors, and the Destination Gettysburg Board of Directors.  John is active in Rotary International and has served as district governor, foundation chair for south-central Pennsylvania, End Polio Coordinator for the Northeast United States and as a facilitator for the Leadership Institute and the President-Elect Training.  John and his wife, Katherine, have owned the Adams County Winery near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania since 1998 and have increased the company’s wine production over thirteen fold.  John looks forward to your increased success as a Facilitator of the Destination Creation Course.

TN – Lebanon: Kim Parks

Kim Parks has served as executive director for Historic Lebanon since 2012.  Under her leadership, Historic Lebanon was accepted into the Tennessee Main Street program in September 2013.  Under Parks leadership in 2018, Historic Lebanon opened the Cumberland Ignite Lab for entrepreneur training and support in the Lebanon Main Street District.

In 2020, Parks completed training for Historic Lebanon to become an official Tennessee SmartStart™ Community partner. As a SmartStart™ Community, the organization will strive to increase community collaboration and support a thriving small business and entrepreneurial environment. Parks holds a Bachelor of Science in Design with an emphasis in Historic Preservation. Parks is a 2014 graduate of Leadership Middle Tennessee and served four years on the Lebanon/Wilson County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

TX – Beeville: Michelle Clark Trevino

Michelle Clark Trevino in the Main Street Director for the City of Beeville.  She has worked for the Beeville Main Street for 5 years.  Michelle directs downtown revitalization projects and activities and assists with quality of life projects within the City.  Beeville Main Street was recognized as an accredited program in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 by National Main Street America.

Michelle is a member of the Texas Economic Development Council and is the liaison for the Beeville Economic Improvement Corporation for the City.  She has assisted businesses with community grant programs/incentives and promoted historic preservation.  Michelle completed the Train-the-Trainer Course with Jon Schallert in April 2020.

TX – Decatur: Frieda Lasater

Frieda Lasater is the Main Street Manager and Visitor Center Director for the City of Decatur, Texas.  A graduate of Decatur High School she attended nearby University of North Texas earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design.  Lasater received her Certified Main Street Manager certification from the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Main Street Center in 2007 serving as one of only 3 in the State of Texas.  She has served on the board of directors and is a past president of the Texas Downtown Association.

Lasater has served as the Manager of the Decatur Main Street Program for 22 years working with downtown partners and community leaders to bring business and tourism back to the heart of the town, and making Downtown Decatur the place to be.

TX – Denison: Donna Dow

Donna has served as Main Street Director for Denison, Texas since October 2010. She has over 22 years of Main Street management and has been a Certified Main Street Manager since 2002. Dow has served on resources teams, written for the National Main Street newsletter, and spoke at National Main Street conferences and Statewide Historic Preservation conferences throughout the United States. Annual national conferences and quarterly statewide trainings keep her abreast of current trends and solutions, along with enhancing her advanced tools and problem-solving skills.  Dow’s latest quest for in-depth knowledge began in 1998 when she heard Jon Schallert speak.  After taking local businesses to Destination BootCamp, Dow was excited to become a Certified Facilitator who can teach the Destination Creation Course.

TX – Levelland: Missy Passmore

Missy is the Main Street Manager in Levelland, Tesas.  Her career in Main Street started in 2011 when the program was under the direction of the Chamber of Commerce.  Missy moved with the program in 2016 when the Levelland Main Street Program transitioned back under the leadership of the City of Levelland.  Missy is passionate about downtown. She is a Texas native, but her experiences have taken her as far as L.A.  She may be from a small town, but her love for helping small businesses is bigger than a West Texas hair-do. Under Missy’s leadership, the Levelland Main Street Program has been recognized for state wide awards, implemented an Endowment Program, and the downtown vacancy rate has improved to less than 20%.  Missy believes in partnerships and working together for the sake of community.  She looks forward to adding your name to her network of friends!

TX – Uvalde: Susan Rios

Susan Rios has served as Main Street Manager for the Uvalde, Texas Main Street program for over 4 years. She oversees the historic preservation, economic development, tourism and overall promotion of the historic downtown district.  She has over 20 years’ experience working in economic development, tourism, hospitality management, and finance.  She has an AA in Anthropology, is an avid community volunteer, and is a frequent workshop instructor and trainer all over South Texas.

Susan completed the Destination Train-the-Trainer Facilitator course with Jon Schallert in April, 2020. 

TX – Winnsboro: Brenda Buck

Brenda Buck is the Main Street Manager and Cultural Arts District Director for the City of Winnsboro. Prior to this she was a small business owner in the 90’s, a Media Literacy educator and coalition liaison in East Texas from 2001-2013, and a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the State of Texas for three years. Her eclectic skill set has fueled her passion as a lifelong advocate to help others succeed.  Brenda believes supporting an entrepreneurial culture creates prosperity not only today, but for future generations as well, and creates a healthy and vibrant destination market place.

She heard Jon speak in 2017 and 2019, and made it her mission to connect downtown businesses to the expansive knowledge and expertise of Jon Schallert.

TX – Winnsboro: James Pickering

James Pickering has been in some aspect of business for over 25 years, be it sales, customer service, management or as an entrepreneur owning his own comic book shop. He now invests in his community as a consultant and social media manager. His focus is on sharing his accrued knowledge to local small businesses and to help them survive in the local and global economy.

VA – New Market: Amber Smoot

Amber Smoot has been serving her community since 2017, as the Events and Marketing Director for the Town of New Market. In her role she helps plan community events that increase quality of life, but also elevate the downtown with a focus on small business support. Amber looks forward to sharing the knowledge she has learned from Jon Schallert’s program to help local businesses succeed.

VA – Woodstock: Katie Mercer

Katie Mercer has worked in the field of marketing for fourteen years with the last five years in local government under the structure of the national main street program- a program built to support downtown communities with programs and initiatives that help the local economy thrive.

From event planning, to public art, to small business support and marketing, Katie’s roll is a vital piece in the success of Woodstock, Virginia.

Katie is a member of the first 2019 class of Facilitators of the Destination Creation Course and plans to fully execute this program in her area.

WA – Mount Vernon: Jonathan Eells

As an entrepreneur and former middle school teacher, Jonathan is skilled in community building and supporting small businesses. Currently contracting in a Catalyst position for RAIN Catalysts, Jonathan is passionate about promoting inclusivity and equality in business.

As an experienced entrepreneur, Jonathan has committed to creating a positive impact and supporting traditionally underrepresented business owners. “I believe in the power of business to drive social and economic progress.”

WI – Madison: Adriana Humbert

Adriana is the Downtown Development Promotions Manager at the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. She assists Main Street and Connect Communities around Wisconsin with marketing, promotions, and event evaluation.

With her background in marketing, event management and promotions she is excited to be a facilitator for the Destination Creation Course so she can help small businesses in Wisconsin Main Streets and Connect Communities become destination and tourist locations.

WI – Two Rivers: Roger Russove

Roger is the retired Executive Director of a Main Street downtown development organization who has been involved with the organization since 1996. This gave him the opportunity to work with many small business owners, helping them succeed and grow. It also gave him a passion for working with locally owned businesses that has continued into retirement.

Roger spent much of his career in advertising and marketing, both selling and buying. The experience taught him the importance of businesses setting themselves apart, and how vital that is in the success of a business. Becoming a Certified Facilitator of the Destination Creation Course felt like a natural fit for him.

Roger is also a member of the board of directors of the Wisconsin Downtown Action Council, working with communities throughout Wisconsin to help downtowns survive and thrive.

WY – Torrington: Moriah Harkins

Moriah Harkins is the Membership and Marketing Manager at Goshen Economic Development, where she works closely with local businesses and tourism entities to help them grow. She provides support and marketing strategy through her current position and promotes business throughout the area. Moriah earned a bachelor’s degree in Marketing with a concentration in Customer Experience from the University of Wyoming.

Moriah believes that small businesses are the heart and soul of the community and cannot wait to help you become a destination.

WY – Wheatland: Genia Vineyard

Genia Vineyard is a retail business owner in rural Wyoming who has been in business for over 18 years. She has a passion for learning and teaching and after taking the Destination classes herself and seeing the effects on her business she decided she wanted to help others achieve the same results! She will be offering classes both locally and thru zoom very soon! Stay tuned!