Frankenmuth

"When you put your hand out, someone will shake it." D owntown Development Authority (DDA) Director Sheila Stamiris says this is what she learned from the friendly Frankenmuth folks she has worked with during her time with the City of Frankenmuth. The City's first and only DDA Director is retiring on June 30, 2021, after working for the City of Frankenmuth since May of 2000. The Frankenmuth Downtown Development Authority was formed in the 1980's when it was largely run by volunteers with support from City staff. Stamiris was brought to Frankenmuth to manage the large downtown streetscape project full time which the City began in 1997 as part of the Frankenmuth Hospitality Master Plan. "As skilled and committed as they were, this huge project was more than any group of volunteers could handle," explained Stamiris. She guided the City through this project and many others that came about, both by design and opportunity. Over time, Stamiris became the champion of all things "Downtown." Stamiris has been guided by a holistic approach to downtown management. "It's not just one property, or one vacant space, or any one project, event, or attraction. Success is driven by many small things that, when put together, are bigger than any one of them alone. Frankenmuth is that melting pot of great ideas, hard work, and a lot of fun." On a day-to-day basis, Stamiris can be seen working with the Chamber on community marketing, managing a current infrastructure project, meeting with a potential new business owner, or planning how to move everything from trash, to bikes, to cars, to people. "I don't forget that one of the Board's directives is to keep the Downtown stunningly beautiful." City Manager Bridget Smith commented, "Sheila clearly has a lot of talent and skill, but what I've learned from working with her these past few years is the value of trust and relationships. She knows the Downtown businesses and their challenges. She is there with them figuring out ways to make things better." 21 YEARS OF GOODNESS Current DDA Vice Chairman Al Zehnder commented, "Sheila is the consummate professional. She is widely respected throughout our business community. She is easy to work with and transparent in her process, which induces trust. Sheila created and defined the role of DDA Director in Frankenmuth." Sheila Stamiris sits beside the Cass River, the site of the Fish Passage Project. 12

• Cover