August 2010 – What makes the Downtown Encinitas Mainstreet Association tick? How do decisions get made that impact the landscape of downtown Encinitas? Behind the well-oiled machine that is comprised of the professional and creative staff, DEMA is guided by a group of dedicated merchants and downtown residents who serve on the Board of Directors.
Each year there is an opportunity to elect new board members and that time is just around the corner. You can make a contribution to the community by joining the DEMA Board of Directors. In September, candidates will be elected to three year terms and join a group of dedicated people who work largely behind the scenes to ensure the success of downtown Encinitas.
Current board Secretary Nancy Nelson, owner of Common Threads, is serving her second term. After being in business for 16 years, Nelson has seen numerous changes in the downtown area. Having served on previous boards of other organizations, she was familiar with the expectations of members.
Yet, the idea of adding more responsibilities to an already long list can seem daunting at first glance. “For many of us I think part of the problem is committing to the time necessary,” she said. Interested applicants can expect to attend a monthly board meeting, as well as committee meetings. The ongoing service includes serving as a liaison to the community.
The board consists of people from various backgrounds who contribute to maintaining a vibrant downtown community. “From architects to commercial property managers, even residents of the downtown area are eligible to be a board member,” Nelson said. “I’m very, very fortunate to be a part of that group. Everyone’s got their own unique history in the area that contributes to the make up of the board,” according to Nelson.
So what’s in it for you? There are several benefits to serving on a board of directors, especially one that is so innovative and instrumental in the city of Encinitas as a whole. “We wouldn’t be the city we are without DEMA. A lot of what DEMA does goes unnoticed. Once you get involved you become aware of how much the group actually does for the entire city,” Nelson said.
Some of the reasons people join a board include the desire to effect change in the community, collaborating with others who share a common interest and to have fun. Yes, being a board member is an enjoyable experience! It’s not just all meetings and minutes, but rather an evolving relationship with the merchants and residents.
Bobby Virk, who bought the Moonlight Beach 7-Eleven in 2006, decided to join the board after becoming friends with many of the existing members. As the current Vice-President, Virk said he’s glad he made the decision to join. “I was seeing the needs of the merchants and residents,” he said. “It was actually because of the other board members that I ran.”
Who is the best board candidate? According to Virk, prior board experience isn’t a must-have, but rather a willingness to immerse yourself in the inner-workings of the area. “It’s a very vocal and involved community of business owners,” Virk said referring to the downtown merchants and residents. “This is the first board I’ve served on, said the 28 year-old. “It’s really about community involvement,” he said. “It’s also beneficial for your own business.”
“The board flourishes when there’s a diversity of opinions and ideas,” according to Virk. “It’s a very dynamic board with mutual respect between the board members,” he said. It’s also really important to recruit people from all walks of life to serve on the board.”
So, what are you waiting for? If it’s an invitation, then consider yourselves formally invited to submit a candidate declaration by calling the DEMA office at 760-943-1950 by August 20.
