Citing her inability to move from Lincoln to Beatrice as the reason, Main Street Executive Director Marilyn Stadler is resigning.
Her last day will be Friday, although Stadler said she will help when needed during the transition months.
“It was not possible for me to move to Beatrice, and I feel, and the board agrees, that the director needs to live in town,” Stadler said. “I’ve enjoyed it, and I hope I’ve made a contribution.”
Main Street Board Chairman Steve Hovendick said he thought Stadler has made a positive impact on the organization and the community.
Hovendick said she has increased ways of communicating with Main Street members, while projects such as the Farmers Market and Main Street events during Homestead Days have grown significantly.
Stadler is the fourth director to head Main Street, an organization formed 12 years ago with the focus of attracting new businesses, promoting existing businesses and developing downtown aesthetics to ensure a pleasurable shopping experience in the 16-block Main Street district.
Stadler praised the Beatrice people, many of whom volunteered their time to projects and programs that moved Main Street ahead during her tenure. She is especially proud that this year Beatrice received National Main Street status, an honor shared by only 18 Nebraska communities.
Stadler said she doesn’t have any immediate plans except to see her grandchildren in Des Moines and will decide later what she wishes to do. Hovendick said the Stadler has agreed to help when needed.
“That’s the type of person she is, she sees projects through,” he said.
In the meantime, Hovendick and other members of the Main Street board will share organizational duties until a new director is named.