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About Mission Statement. The Heart of Biddeford in partnership with the City of Biddeford, the business community, property owners, and residents, fosters economic development and improves the downtown and quality of life within its boundaries by supporting existing businesses, attracting new business, promoting the downtown through events and working to beautify the urban core. Our Executive Director Rachael Weyand, a Kennebunk native and graduate of the College of Charleston in SC, was hired on Jan. 5, 2005 as the first Executive Director of the Heart of Biddeford. Weyand's degree is in historic preservation and community planning. She describes Charleston as the birthplace of the urban revitalization movement making it the perfect setting to pursue her degree. Weyand is very familiar with Biddeford. Her grandmother was born and raised here. She is excited to pursue her career in a place with which she shares an intimate connection. “You always care the most about the place where you grew up." says Weyand, "There’s a huge amount of personal relevance and importance.” She recognized Biddeford’s potential as a vital downtown while still in high school. “My friends and I would go to Portland to hang out in coffee shops and the like, I always though Biddeford had the potential to be the same kind of destination.” The Heart of Biddeford is modeled on the Main Street Maine program seeks to present the downtown itself as a destination, rather than any one single business, creating a friendly, safe, clean environment for people to come and enjoy themselves. The Heart of Biddeford received its Main Street Maine designation in the summer of 2006, one of 8 other Maine communities to receive such a coveted designation. Weyand sees Biddeford as well-positioned to benefit from the Main Street Maine program. “The mayor and city council are really supportive, the town is beautiful and in great shape and the Heart of Biddeford is well organized and funded. We have all the ingredients,” she said. Weyand welcomes anyone interested in the Heart of Biddeford to visit her at the HOB office, located next to the City Theater. Our Board
Tammy Ackerman, Design Committee Chair. (North 40 Creative)
Chris Bailey, Treasurer. (Biddeford Savings)
John Bubier, (City of Biddeford) David Flood, President. (City of Biddeford)
Eileen Foley, Promotions Committee Chair.
Bob Martin, Economic Restructuring Chair. (Island Point)
Renee O'neil, Secretary. (JPOS)
Megan Rochello (University of New England)
Wayne Sherman (Biddeford Savings)
Collectively, the Board of Directors assumes legal and philosophical responsibility for Heart of Biddeford's program activities. The board is responsible for policy, planning, committee oversight, funding and financial management, advocacy, evaluation, and personnel. Ultimately, the board has the accountability for the results and effectiveness of the Heart of Biddeford.
The Heart of Biddeford bylaws allow for up to 15 board members. This allows the board to be small enough to achieve results, yet provides a good cross section of stakeholders. Board terms range from 1 to 3 years.
Committees: where the real work of Heart of Biddeford happens. Design: Enhances the physical appearance of the downtown by developing projects and programs that educate the public and facilitate improvements to public and private buildings, storefronts, signs, public spaces, landscaping, merchandising and displays. Typical Responsibilities:
Organization: Builds consensus and cooperation among the many groups and individuals who have a role in the revitalization process. Volunteer recruitment & orientation and creating long-term sustainable funding for the program are also the responsibilities of this committee. Typical Responsibilities:
Economic Restructuring: Strengthens the district's existing businesses while diversifying its economic base with new business recruits and converting underutilized space to productive use. Typical Responsibilities:
Promotion: Establishes retail sales events and festivals to create a positive image of downtown to rekindle community pride, attract investors, developers and new businesses. Typical Responsibilities:
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