CANDIDATES FOR ELECTION
The 2008 election of the Downtown Loveland Association Board of Directors will be held on March 20, 2008, from 5:30 to 7 PM at Consistent Accounting Solutions.
Three positions on the Board are open, all for three (3) year terms. Four candidates have stepped forward to run for the board. Please read their statements below for some background about each person.
Biographies of Board Members
Karen Boyes
I am a Colorado native and have been a Loveland resident for 12 years. My father was a small business owner in Loveland for 15 years, until he sold the business and retired in 2001. After seeing how hard my father had to work to keep his small business going, I know that in order for any small business to make it, it takes a tremendous amount of time and energy.
I have been in he banking industry for 25 years and a Business Lender for the past 15 years. I currently work for Home State Bank as Vice President/Business Lender and have been with them for almost 5 years. I have numerous customers located in Downtown Loveland and would like to see them prosper. I think Loveland is a great place to live, work and raise a family.
I have been involved in various groups in Loveland over the years:
* Previously an Ambassador for the Loveland Chamber.
* Completed the Leadership Loveland program 2001-2003 through the Chamber.
* A Committee Member of the Loveland Micro Loan Program through the Loveland Center for Business Development for the past four years.
* A Charter Member of the Loveland Mountain View Rotary.
* Currently chairing the "Heroes Among Us" even to be held in April.
* Volunteered at the Relay for Life event, Corn Roast Festival, Governor's Art Show, Vacation Bible School and am currently the Secretary for the finance committee at First United Methodist Church for the past 2-½ years.
Rachel Lane, CFP
Education, Experience, and Qualifications
I am interested in becoming a DLA Board Member. I own a business here in Loveland - LL Financial Group, located on the south side of the lake.
I also opened Sarasvati Fine Arts Gallery on 5th Street downtown.
I have been a Loveland resident (currently live downtown) for over 20 years and have a strong
desire and interest in growing and developing Downtown Loveland.
Brief bio:
Rachel Lane, CFP (Certified Financial Planner) has over 10 years of financial planning experience and is owner of LL Financial Group in Loveland. Among other accomplishments, Rachel has been an adjunct professor with the College For Financial Planning, has taught at Colorado State University and is often asked to participate in the 9News MoneyLine 9 Denver television program to answer questions for the general public. She is also a student of the Institute for Life Coach Training.
Strengths: entrepreneurial skills and managing small businesses for over 20 years, financial planning expertise, teaching experience and public and human
relations.
Rachel Lane, CFP
LL Financial Group/FNIC
504 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Suite 101
Loveland, CO 80537
(970) 613-1553
ELECTION AND NETWORKING PARTY: THURSDAY March 20th
Consistent Accounting Solutions
350 E. 7th Street, #11, Loveland
5:30pm-7pm
See the Events page for details.
Mission of the Downtown Loveland Association
Downtown Loveland Association is a volunteer, non-profit community association that is committed to revitalizing the heart of Loveland.
The mission of the Downtown Loveland Association is to redevelop downtown Loveland, promote a sense of community
and provide a unified voice.
Our Committees
Donald J. Reilly
My interests in being a DLA Board Member:
Represent the Loveland Photographic Society who has, as a member, a strong interest in downtown Loveland's vitality.
Help further the DLA's mission for promotion of Loveland as a center for the arts and to enhance the awareness of the growing photographic arts community in Loveland, both in the Loveland Photographic Society and with other local photographer artists.
A personal enthusiasm for the entrepreneurial business owners, artists and photographers who make a community great.
My background:
Cummins Engine Company - 29 years; manufacturing, design, international business administration, marketing and sales for this leading manufacturer of diesel engines.
American Express Financial Advisors - 13 years; owner and operator of a franchise with AEFA providing financial planning, investment, insurance and estate planning services to private clients and small business clients.
Summit County Colorado Chamber of Commerce Board Member - 2 years; member for 6 years in this dynamic chamber organization.
Chico California Chamber of Commerce - 2 years; Active member.
Rotary Club of Summit County - 4 years; Secretary and Board member.
Loveland Photographic Society - 1 year; Vice President and member for 4 years.
Donald J. Reilly, 5440 Janna Drive, Loveland, CO 80538,
970-744-0176, Email; djr@frii.com
Linda Larsen
My name is Linda Larsen. I've been the Marketing and Community Relations Manager for the Loveland Reporter-Herald for about two years and truly enjoy what I do. Each day is a new opportunity to meet people.
I grew up in Cheyenne, Wyoming, which had a magical downtown! It had a formality and elegance that the other parts of town didn't have. It holds the history, mystery and romance of the past. It was great to watch the revitalization of downtown over the years. It used to be a place to go for new school shoes, church on Sunday and an occasional visit to the train depot. Careful thinkers have embraced the western heritage and ties to the importance of the Union Pacific Railroad and have turned downtown into a destination.
After graduating from the University of Wyoming in Laramie, I worked as the Publicist and Large Events Coordinator for the Chamber of Commerce there. The DDA shared the same building. In addition to sharing office space, we shared the belief that the preservation of the downtown buildings and businesses were vital to Laramie's success. Efforts were made to preserve historic buildings, bring in attractive and "current trend" businesses and create parking opportunities to draw foot traffic.
An opportunity to work in the mountains of Colorado presented itself, so I couldn't pass it up. I ended up in Estes Park working for the Town as Conference Services Coordinator. This position also had strong ties to the Chamber. Although downtown Estes Park does not have railroad history as Cheyenne and Laramie do, the main street downtown core is still a vital part of what the town really is. If you simply drive through on your way to the National Park, you are missing out on a great experience of walking through the history of the town.
I believe every town has a downtown. It is not just a place - it is a feeling. It is where you will find the greatest sense of pride in any community. Perhaps this is why so many places use the "heart of downtown" in their ads. Every building has a story, every street has a past, every person has a desire to preserve it and keep it special. I'd be honored to have the opportunity to work with the DLA to preserve and promote the wonderful treasure of downtown.
Linda Larsen
llarsen@reporter-herald.com