FNC Downtown Manager

Welcome to the Friends of Norwood Center website!

We're delighted you found us and are looking forward to posting all the exciting goings-on of our active organization. 

One of the first things the Board of Friends of Norwood Center set to accomplish was hiring a Downtown Manager, and I was hired December, 2011 and have been diligently working to get FNC systems up and running. 

The Norwood Record profiled me as the Downtown Manager in their December 8, 2011 edition:

(Article quoted below as it appears in the Norwood Record)

Friends of Center introduces new downtown manager

Dan Kobialka, Staff Reporter, Norwood Record

     New Friends of Norwood Downtown Manager Kim Weineck outlined the group's goals and objectives at the Downtown Steering Committee's Dec. 1 meeting.
     Weineck noted her primary focus remains helping the Friends develop a mission statement. 

     "Basically, the priority is getting a nice, cohesive vision so we can answer the question "what is the Friends of Norwood Center about?" Weineck said.

     Weineck, a North Attleborough resident, was named the Friend's Downtown Manager last month. She has served as Gallery Director of Norwood's Custom Art Framing & Gallery 9 for the past three years. 

     The downtown manager's job description emphasized the applicant would be 'responsible for promoting  enhancing, strengthening, and improving the economic vitality, visual appearance of Norwood Center as designated in the Downtown Norwood Master Plan."

     Weineck has worked as a freelance artist, designer and instructor in North Attleborough, launched her own art gallery  in Walpole and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Massachusetts College of Art.

     "Being a merchant herself, she understands that mentality,' Friends President Jeanne Babel said, referring to Weineck's experience as a vendor. 

     The Friends have hired Weineck to work on a part time basis, and she will work 15 to 20 hours weekly. 

Weineck said she intends to remain accessible to Norwood residents and merchants, working at least one full day in public areas while hitting the towns' streets as well.

     "I'll be a connecting possibility for people," Weineck told the Downtown Steering Committee.

Babel said at least 10 candidates interviewed for the position.
     Weineck said she interviewed three times with the Friends before being offered the position. 

Downtown Steering Committee Chairman Jean Taylor said she was thrilled with the Friends' downtown manager hiring.

     "I think you're going to be fantastic," Taylor told Weineck at Thursday's Downtown Steering committee meeting.

     Weineck noted the Friends will continue fundraising efforts as the group continues to grow. In addition, the Friends plan to host a launch event, possibly in April.

     Babel noted Weineck boasts extensive event planning and social media experience to help her succeed as the group's downtown manager. 

     The Friends will continue to listen to views and opinions from the local community as it attempts to help the downtown area flourish.

     "We're open to any ideas that anyone has, " Babel said.
     The Friends have followed the example set by the Dedham Square Circle, a Dedham non-profit organization created in 2006 to preserve the town's history while rejuvenating its business and economic development.

     Babel said the Friends, a five member group, will meet at least once a month.

     Babel noted the Friends have been approved by the Commonwealth as a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization. The group has set up a bank account to receive donations, and continues to make strides within the local community. 

     "We've set up some of the organization things so we can move on," Babel said.

     Babel noted the Friends will need a group effort to continue to be successful, and encouraged downtown vendors to work together to remain viable.

     "We want them to all be on the same side," Babel said, referring to the downtown merchants. 

     Babel said the Friends had received at least $13,000 in donations to date. The town has matched the group's donations.
     In addition, the Friends have launched a website and a Facebook page featuring information about their organization. 

For up-to-date information on FNC, please check here as well as on our Facebook page here. 

We welcome your ideas and commentary! Please feel free to email norwoodcenter@gmail.com or leave a comment here on this site after each post. We'll get back to you quickly!

Thanks for your interest in Norwood Center. We're glad you have found us and hope you'll check back often!