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New Main Street director named

A Marietta native will soon be planning First Fridays, overseeing the Farmers Market on Front Street and working with volunteers and businesses on downtown beautification and economic development efforts as the new executive director of Marietta Main Street.

Sam Tuten, 30, of Devola, will begin his post with the nonprofit organization on Wednesday, filling the position left vacant by Cristie Thomas, now working at Buckeye Hills Regional Council.

“I really want to thank Cristie for leaving me in a position to succeed,” Tuten said. “I have really big shoes to fill.”

Question: You’re coming into this job after serving as the city planner in Parkersburg. How long were you there? What does that job entail?

Answer: I’ve been there for the last two and a half years, which is when I moved back to the area (from South Carolina). It’s really a wide variety of things. One of the main roles is to facilitate and help administrate any applications to the planning commission. That goes along with any land use in the city, whether it’s a major subdivision or simply changing an aspect of someone’s property. We also deal with re-zoning and we have a comprehensive plan for the city. In our office we also go after grants.

Q: What made you interested in the Main Street position?

A: I’m originally from the area and since I’ve been back, I’ve seen the things that are going on in Marietta. A big part of that was Cristie and her leadership and the board. As just someone who lives here, I’ve been excited to go to First Fridays. I know they’re doing the community plan with OHM and city leaders and I’m excited to be a part of that. Marietta for me has always been very special.

Q: From your viewpoint, what are some of the best things Marietta has to offer? Are there things that we take for granted living here everyday, that we just don’t see anymore?

A: Well, I think people do take full advantage of the rivers and I’ve seen such a positive transformation with the River Trail and the Broughton trails. A lot of people are taking advantage of the recreation opportunities we have here. Going back to downtown, the walkability is something we may not think about but that’s really incredible. It’s easy for almost anyone to do and we have beautiful streets.

Q: How do you see the current downtown? Are there areas where we could improvement and where do you think we excel?

A: I think we’re getting people downtown and businesses are doing well in conjunction with events. We have some staple businesses that have been around for as long as I can remember and that kind of stability is what we want. From my perspective, I’d like to see Main Street work on the historical preservation side of it, making sure the buildings are in good order and helping the property owners with that. I think we should be ahead of it, not reacting.

Q: Is that something Marietta Main Street is doing at all right now?

A: We do have our Build Up Marietta program, which is a facade grant program awarded to property owners. It doesn’t target big infrastructure needs and concerns but does add to the value of buildings, through awnings, signs, paint…I think it’s a great program.

Q: So, you see that as a first step and you’d like to do more in that area?

A: Yes, exactly.

Q: What do you think are the most important projects Main Street is working on right now?

A: I think every project we’re doing is really important. We’ve got Hometown Holidays coming up and we just had a very successful fundraiser for that in July. The Christmas parade, the tree in the armory, those are all coming up. Our Build Up Marietta grant cycle just ended and we’ll be going through those.

Q: What are some of the first things you want to do once you get started, the little goals as you settle in?

A: The little goals are definitely meeting people. I’ve been lucky to meet some people already, but I just really want to get out on the ground and dive into everything. I not only want to build those relationships but new relationships, too.

Q: Main Street recently expanded over into a chapter on the west side. Is that something you think is important?

A: Absolutely. That’s something I’m happy to be a part of. I’ve met with (Fourth Ward Councilman) Geoff Schenkel and Jackson Patterson, they’ve got two good leaders there and I’m excited for what they’re doing. I went to Harmar Elementary and that area is very special to me.

Q: What are some things that you like to do in your down time–any hobbies?

A: I’m a member of the Marietta Boat Club. I enjoy being out on the water. I like to run, I have a dog named Cooper who I spend time with, and hanging out with my family and my fiancee, Maggie.

Q: Are you already brainstorming new ideas for events and activities or is it too early for that?

A: I definitely have some ideas that I haven’t shared with the board yet. I’ll be getting in, evaluating events, making sure they appeal to people who come downtown and to the business owners. We want to make sure we’re not overloaded and that we’re not complacent. Everything has an opportunity for growth.

Q: What are you most looking forward to about the job?

A: I just look at it as a large-scale thing. I have the opportunity to make an impact on Marietta. Whether I leave tomorrow or am here forever, that’s something to be proud of. Main Street has a mission and a goal that I can really champion and get behind.

Kate York conducted this interview.

Sam Tuten

¯ Age: 30.

¯ Residence: Devola.

¯ Occupation: Outgoing Parkersburg city planner; incoming executive director of Marietta Main Street.

¯ Education: 2007 Marietta High School graduate; bachelors degree from The Ohio State University in Regional Planning;masters degree in public administration from College of Charleston.

¯ Family: Fiancee, Maggie; Parents Keith and Tami Tuten, of Marietta; Siblings Tim Tuten, of Marietta, Tara Owens of Massillon and Jana Beardmore, of Marietta.

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