Ann Burke Email and Phone Number

Vibrant downtowns make healthy communities. For over 20 years I have consulted with communities on how to make socially and economically successful downtowns. I specialize in the development of downtown management districts and helping communities create the organizational capacity and sustainable resources to make downtowns a destination for businesses, visitors and residents .

As vice president of the EDC, I am responsible for our Home Field Advantage regional business retention and industry sector initiative. Through this program, we assist businesses with strategic planning, access to capital, workforce, real estate and marketing. We are particularly interested in supporting innovation in industry sectors in manufacturing, IT, life sciences, creative economy, and clean tech. I also manage the EDC efforts to grow the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem and support the development of business mentoring programs and expand investment in entrepreneurship in the region.. Additionally, I work with communities on the development of Business Improvement Districts and other downtown management programs to create healthy downtowns, facilitate community engagement, marketing and project management. I manage the Economic Development Partners, a regional group of economic development professionals and organizations to address common regional economic development issues and best practices, coordinate lead management and work collaboratively on economic development events.

Responsibilities included feasibility and design studies of various real estate development projects including a Public Market /Boathouse, reuse of former jail, project management for the building and the exhibit design, construction and installation, and operations plan for the Visitors Information Center.Initiated and managed all facets of the development of the Springfield Business Improvement District, the first BID in MA, including program development, budgeting, petition campaign, legislative approval , staffing and initiation of services. Served as first Executive Director.

Responsible for startup and management of downtown organization in Holyoke, MA . Highlights included development of a Greater Holyoke Foundation and Community Development Corporation, development of a downtown Master Plan, creation of a $14.2 million dollar Greater Holyoke Inc Mortgage Pool for downtown real estate development, peer to peer lending programs, redevelopment of downtown housing, establishment of a community based public safety AmeriCorps program and execution of large scale art and cultural events including production of the Armand Hammer "5 Centuries of Masterpieces".

Responsibilities included participation in real estate and economic development analysis, master plans and event execution.