City of Prescott, Prescott Chamber, Prescott Downtown Partnership and APS to host “Flip This Town” consultant Ron Drake
The City of Prescott, Prescott Chamber of Commerce, Prescott Downtown Partnership (PDP) and Arizona Public Service (APS) will host Ron Drake, author and podcast personality of Flip This Town, in Prescott January 28-30, 2019. Drake is a nationally known downtown revitalization expert and speaker, often teaching what he calls “Practical Preservation.”
His mission is simple; to Inspire-Equip-Restore the Heart of America, one downtown at a time. He is best known as a community connector with great achievements in creating housing within the downtown core. “The best way to bring life downtown is to bring lives downtown,” says Drake, “and people living downtown is quite possibly the most successful means to giving the heart of your community a healthy life.”
The organizations have partnered to hire Drake to facilitate connections, problem-solve challenges and help create a workable plan for the future.
“Our downtown is a real gem, with tremendous potential,” said Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli, “The City is working on some exciting projects, including the Granite Creek Corridor. It’s smart to bring in Ron, with his diverse background, and track record of success across the country.”
“I have worked with Ron in other communities. The time is right to bring his expertise to Prescott. Ron will be impressed with our amazing community, and will have a lot to share about moving downtown forward,” said Sheri Heiney, President of the Prescott Chamber of Commerce.
“It is all about creating successful partnerships” said Darla DeVille, APS Community Affairs Manager. “Together, we can plan for and create a thriving downtown entertainment district; one that supports businesses while engaging locals and visitors alike”.
“While Prescott already has a very vibrant downtown, we are always looking for new and innovative ways to keep it fresh and relevant,” said Sheri Shaw, downtown business owner and member of the PDP Board. “This includes ways to help support small business, utilize vacant spaces, bring more housing downtown, drive tourism, and ultimately make everybody’s hometown the best it can be.”
“I’m super excited about this trip to Prescott,” said Drake. “I love a community that doesn’t want to get complacent after already having some great successes. Hopefully when I leave, we will have identified new opportunities and will have created a clear unified vision for the community moving forward.”
The steering committee is seeking public involvement to make this a successful visit.
“Ron has a very hands-on style of consulting, and would like to talk with and meet as many people as possible, especially those who have interest,” said Heiney.
During his three-day visit, Drake will be meeting with City leaders, business groups, investors, students and supporters of the community.
Drake will conduct a Community Vision Session on Tuesday, January 29 at 5:30 p.m. at Yavapai College, and the public is invited to attend. Please RSVP at sheri@prescott.org. Seating is limited, first come first served. To learn more, contact the Chamber at 928-445-2000, ext 115.
To learn more about Ron Drake and his work, go to Flip This Town on Facebook and Instagram or www.RonDrakeConsulting.com .
You can also search for the Flip This Town podcast anywhere your favorite podcasts can be found. On the final day of the consultation Drake will be recording a podcast with local downtown stakeholders discussing the outcome of the consultation.
This is a great opportunity for the community to come together to help build a stronger Prescott!