Reporter staff

Barbara Atrops is the new executive director of the Auburn Downtown Association, the organization’s board announced this week.

Atrops succeeds Laura Westergard, who has moved on to other opportunities.

Atrops, an Auburnite for 15 years, brings a diverse background to the position. For the past year, she volunteered at the City of Auburn in the Economic Development Department, promoting the Innovation Partnership Zone (IPZ).

The Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce experienced growth when she was on board as its business solutions specialist in 2013.

“Working with the Innovation Partnership Zone this past year taught me the importance of fresh new ideas to spark our economy,” Atrops said. “It takes cooperation and vision from many groups to truly make a difference. I am so thankful to be a part of a community that is growing and changing to meet the needs of a City in transition.”

In addition to sales and marketing experience, Atrops is a certified project management professional. She has managed commercial and residential construction projects, planned fundraising events for nonprofit organizations and managed volunteers.

An avid entrepreneur, Atrops has started and developed numerous businesses, including vinyl repair, personal care products, property management and currently short-term rentals. She brings a wealth of ideas and experience to support the small business owner in downtown Auburn.

Atrops plans to attract new businesses to Auburn while encouraging existing businesses to grow. She is looking forward to building strong partnerships with business owners, service organizations and government agencies to promote downtown Auburn.

“I have a passion to develop small businesses into thriving ventures,” Atrops said. “Over the years, I have helped small business owners promote their businesses through marketing and advertising that makes sense for their business. In my current position, I hope to bring together businesses, the City of Auburn and other organizations to promote ‘One Auburn,’ a quote that many locals use to describe the direction we are going as a community.”

To learn more about the ADA, call the office at 253-939-3982, or email Atrops at director@auburndt.org, or visit www.auburndt.org.