Dublin EDC members accepted the resignations of Executive Director Karen Wright and board member Dr. Joe Cannon during the regular EDC meeting on Tuesday, June 22.
Board members present unanimously approved Lanora Davidson to fill the unexpired seat left by Cannon. Davidson has been filling in as an interim for several months while Cannon dealt with personal issues.
Cannon decided to formally resign after selling Greens Creek Veterinary Clinic and moving from the area.
“Let me be clear that I am not retiring,” said Wright in her letter of resignation. “I will be setting up an office in the Ben Hogan Museum to work with a new organization to help market all four of Dublin’s museums and other aspects of tourism in a cohesive, mutuallybeneficial package. We will work together, pooling resources and manpower, to strengthen tourism, which this board knows so well, is a vital tool of economic development.”
Wright said organizing the museums and other tourist resources and destinations “has never been this important, particularly when we have the enthusiasm out of the Frontline Heroes for doing very unusual and large events.”
She explained that although she is proud of the accomplishments of the EDC in the 12 years as the executive director and 12 plus years as a board member, she would be unable to handle the EDC position and the new post as both will require a lot of attention.
Wright’s resignation will be effective by the end of 2021 or sooner, depending on the acceptance of a viable candidate to the ED position.
The board members present also unanimously approved $5,000 Commercial Building Improvement Grants to: Robert Blair for labor and the installation of new windows at the old Sheehan building by Dublin City Hall; and Teresa Marquez for enclosing the dining area at Market Latina in response to customer demand.
The board also approved a $500 grant to Eddy Weiss in marketing events he has planned for September in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. In addition to special guests throughout the month for the Frontline Heroes Museum (136 E. Blackjack), there will also be a one-of-a-kind exhibit on “Marcelino Serna-War Hero” and an appearance of the travelling exhibit, “Latinos and Latinas of WWII.”
These events will be presented in conjunction with the Hispanic Heritage Festival being planned by the Dublin Chamber of Commerce.