UPTOWN CROSSING BID 16 HIRES ITS FIRST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
For the first time in BID 16’s history, it has an Executive Director. Tracy Staedter, who has served as a volunteer board member of the BID since January 2020, stepped into the role in January 2022.
“It became apparent that we needed a person to manage our communication through our website, media blasts and be a liaison to our businesses,” says Chris Hau, the board’s president.
“Tracy was serving as a board member and demonstrated her skills and talents. The amount of work she was putting in on a volunteer basis did not go unnoticed by our board,” he says.
Staedter, who lives in Uptown Crossing, is the founder of TAS Media, LLC, has a background in journalism and communication, and currently works as an editor and writer at Marquette University.
“I’m excited to undertake new projects for the BID, which is seeing a resurgence in new businesses and is becoming a destination,” says Staedter.
In the last few years, the business corridor, which runs along North Avenue between 60th Street and Sherman Boulevard, has become the site of new bars and restaurants, such as Whiskey Haze, Vennture Brew, Paloma and Heaven’s Table and is welcoming North Avenue Market, scheduled to open later this year. It’s also home to anchor businesses, including McBob’s, Sho N Out, Mr. Dexter’s, Atomic Tattoo and more.
Among several projects Staedter will undertake this year is the BID 16’s annual meeting, which has been moved from March to June.
Hau says that “Due to the pandemic, last year we held our meeting via zoom. We did not feel that this venue allowed for networking and open dialogue. We want to meet in person this year and having an outdoor event seemed like a great way to meet.”
Other initiatives underway in 2022 that Staedter will help coordinate include:
Improvements to the pocket park on 56th and North Ave.
Potential upgrades to the street calming measures implemented on North Avenue.
Continued maintenance of the current street improvements, artwork, banner replacement.
Using the social media platforms to highlight current businesses within our BID
Soliciting feedback on current needs and future needs
Continuing support of the City of Milwaukee façade grant and signage grant programs. A link to these programs can be found here: https://www.uptowncrossing.com/resources.
Hau says, “We are currently in the planning process for the annual board meeting, scheduled for June 13, and look forward to seeing you there!”