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Houston named Berlin Main Street coordinator

BERLIN—The Town of Berlin’s first ever Main Street Coordinator will have a rare opportunity to help define the new, multifaceted position, which began Dec. 2, with fresh eyes and an energetic attitude.
Megan Houston will report directly to Economic Development Director Michael Day, who said he was thrilled with the choice of Houston. Once she is up to speed, the 24-year-old from Rockville will manage administration and logistics of town-approved events. She will also coordinate Berlin Visitors Center activities, the Ambassador Program and the Berlin Main Street Program.
With Houston focusing her attention on marketing businesses along the Main Street district, Day said he would have more time to expand his economic development activities to commercial business sectors beyond downtown.
Even as she was still cleaning off her desk in her new office in the Visitor Center, Houston agreed to a quick interview. Her excitement was evident as she prepared to get started on her first career job after receiving a certification from Montgomery College in event management. She graduated from Salisbury University with a degree in fine arts and graphic design, she said.
While she is not a native, Houston is very familiar with the Eastern Shore from the many summers she has lived and worked here. This past summer, she gained experience in the field by planning events like theme parties and weddings as an intern at Macky’s Bayside Bar & Grill.
Her graphic arts skills will likely play a role in helping develop marketing pamphlets and a sign board for the Visitor Center, Day said. He said the department might also make her available to lend assistance with creating signs for businesses that receive façade grants, depending on her schedule.
Among Houston’s other duties will be working closely with event organizers and other town departments to coordinate town-approved events, including planning and layouts, idea development, and even helping to close down events when needed.
She will also be tasked with keeping the town Web site’s event schedule up to date, promoting events through traditional media as well as online social media and the Berlin Main Street Web site. Not only will Houston be the department’s point person on Berlin Main Street committees, she will serve as rental agent/manager for the Visitors Center and will help coordinate volunteers to staff the Visitors Center and Ambassador Program.
“I’m meeting a lot of people. Everyone is so nice and so positive about having me come on board,” Houston said. She also figured out that she would be taking a lot of projects off the plates of some of her new co-workers, who have been pitching in on several duties, and she seemed happy to do so.
Asked how she felt about her role in helping to shape a brand new position, Houston said, “I was really excited to learn that it was a new position, because I’m new to the industry.”
She recognized that it presented a rare chance to put her own personal stamp on a fresh new concept. To contact Houston, e-mail her at mhouston@berlinmd.gov.