Photo / Courtesy The Augusta Downtown Alliance
Jeremy Ashlock
June 4, 2024
Augusta Downtown Alliance appoints its next director
The Augusta Downtown Alliance, whose mission is to enhance the economic vitality and cultural vibrancy of downtown Augusta, has hired Jeremy Ashlock as its new executive director.
He fills a role held by Michael Hall, who resigned last fall.
The role entails extensive community organizing efforts, including large events like the Kickoff to Fall Fair in September at Mill Park and Augusta's Trick or Treat on Water Street event. It also requires continued stakeholder engagement.
“Above all else, the role is about making downtown Augusta a unique and distinct place. I have been on the board since the end of 2021, so the subject matter is not necessarily new, just the workflow.” Ashlock told Mainebiz.
Prior work experience
The Augusta resident brings retail experience to his new role, having been a downtown business owner himself. He has operated a smoothie and juice bar, Juiced, in Hallowell since 2014.
“In 2014, my mom had just retired and I was eager to make a mark in the business world,” said Ashlock. “With her interest in healthy options and a lack thereof in the central Maine area, I pitched to her that we start a juice and smoothie bar. I got her ear on the concept; we got a small loan from a regional bank.
"I do feel I bring an ownership perspective to this position that will add strength to my ability to make a unique and positive impact," he continued.
In 2021, Ashlock began consulting for the Maine Space Grant Consortium in its effort to establish a Maine Space Complex. He co-authored the strategic plan with his colleague Emily Dwinnells, primarily conducting deep research and industry analysis for the efforts under her direction.
“Establishing the Maine Space Corp., the public-private quasi-state entity envisioned actually to build the Maine Space Complex in April of 2022, our project moved more into the realm of workforce development to support the envisioned industry here in Maine, as well as implementation and business unit planning for the corporation,” Ashlock said.
A resident of Augusta with roots in nearby Monmouth, Ashlock holds a bachelor's degree in financial economics and an MBA from the University of Maine.
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