The Downtown Berlin Revitalization Corp met Tuesday, July 23 for its monthly meeting at The Vault to discuss its continued effort to redevelop the downtown area, while also welcoming a special guest speaker.
Admissions and Public Relations Director of Camden County Technical Schools Suzanne Golt visited the nonprofit group to discuss intern programming, while also giving a brief dos and don’ts list from her personal experience of how to more easily promote and plan events. Additionally, Golt worked with a team of people during her time as the marketing and membership director with the Mullica Hill Merchants for nearly 20 years.
The DBRC welcomed Golt to discuss her previous experience, while also taking a look at practices and plans currently in place. Golt was able to help efficiently run both new and recurring events with the Mullica Hill Merchants, combining multiple aspects of the town.
“Any successful event is all in the planning – you end up planning at least three times longer than the event lasts. [From what I’ve seen], the DBRC is absolutely doing everything they need to do according to strategic planning,” said Golt. “I was very impressed with the ideas that they have to bring the community together to promote the historical district and revitalize different areas.”
Speaking from past experience, Golt said that the community in which revitalization attempts take place is often key in its success down the road.
“I think what any town needs is a steady group of volunteers so there’s not burnout,” said Golt. “There’s always different ways people can volunteer, whether it be for two hours a year or five hours a month, there’s plenty of opportunity.”
According to Golt, CCTS students work with nonprofits and organizations during their senior year to complete projects through internships and other various programs. The DBRC is interested in such a potential partnership, according to Program Director Cindy Williams, with a local organization to potentially assist with the future renovation of the Dill House to complete a special project.
“We love to partner with nonprofits in Camden County towns and help them when we can,” said Golt.
There have been no formal discussions between the two organizations at this time to create such a partnership, however both individuals have said independently that such a program would be beneficial.
Also at the meeting, the DBRC stated it has formed committees with each working toward establishing and creating events, such as one that meets monthly regarding a potential Berlin-Opoly board game and another that meets in hopes of creating a sustainable program and arts and garden tour.
