Pat Wyatt, who along with his wife Cathy are owners of Carpe Diem, one of downtown Canton's longest-running small businesses since the city's resurgence, is now leading Canton's Special Improvement District. In addition to Wyatt, the SID announced the hiring of the Leonard Resource Group, Inc. (LRG) and its Canton-based employee, Todd Herberghs.
The Wyatts were the first residents to take up living space in the Historic Onesto Lofts, developed by Steve Coon.
Wyatt is interim director acting as president. He replaces Mike Gill, who was the SID's previous president.
"Wyatt's intense desire to see downtown Canton flourish will bring new enthusiasm to the Downtown Canton SID," according to the release.
"We are thrilled to be working with Pat and LRG," said Jon Jacob, Downtown Canton Special Improvement District's chairman. "The team brings a wide range of experience working in communities like ours to increase community engagement and build upon the strengths in downtown Canton."
Wyatt will lead the day-to-day operations of the SID to include creating new partnerships with stakeholders to leverage downtown's strengths, while LRG and Herberghs will enhance communications to ensure that all downtown businesses have a voice.
Canton's Special Improvement District was formed in 1997 and, according to the release, represents downtown property owners and businesses with the purpose of improving downtown and increasing property.
Expansion of the SID's efforts are more important now than ever. Centennial Plaza, a $12.3 million development and paid for mostly with tax money, is set to open in September to celebrate the NFL's Centennial and founding in Canton in September.
New social media outreach is expected to be rolled out in the coming weeks.