MEET OUR BOARD MEMBERS & STAFF
david england
president
“As a Guthrie City councilman I had the privilege of watching the program evolve from Silver Triangle to Guthrie Main Street. I have always liked the purpose of the program. The leadership of my friend, Bill Longhurst, inspired the strong passion of the progressive members, past and present. Many back yard talks with Mr. Bill led him to ask me to become part of the program. It was an easy decision for me. Guthrie Main Street helps to define/redefine a glorious history as well as build a united vision for the future of Guthrie.”
JULIE PERELL
VICE PRESIDENT
“The best part of being a board member for Guthrie Main Street is that I am part of the solution. There is nothing better than being part of something GOOD! Deep down, everyone wants to be involved with their community and Guthrie Main Street sets the perfect example of how. As much as progress is important, so is the heritage of our small town. I believe we can move forward and preserve the past at the same time.”
ray wheeler, secretary
“Making home a place that people want to be doesn’t just happen, it takes deliberate effort. I want my children and grandchildren, and yours, to want to come to Guthrie and help to make it better. The best part about being a Guthrie Main Street board member is working with other people that want to be part of the solution.”
TODD THOMAS, BOARD MEMBER
“Guthrie Main Street is forward thinking as to the possibilities and the future of the community. This program wants to preserve history and develop community feelings, without politics involved. I got involved for several reasons - growth of downtown, to change local community options, promote preservation of history and buildings, and for the social bond of other forward thinking people. Big ideas seem more feasible when others share the passion. It is fun to see projects grow - nothing is impossible!”
RUSS LONGHURST, BOARD MEMBER
“Guthrie Main Street provides leadership and vision for the downtown district which is vital for a vibrant community. I got involved with the program because Guthrie is my hometown and I want it to thrive for generations. The best part about being a board member for Guthrie Main Street is being involved with fellow citizens who are united in Guthrie’s success.”
Mary Petrie posey
treasurer
“I love history and Guthrie Main Street is about preserving the history of small towns - in this case, our small town. I had been interested in this program for a long time. Soon after my retirement, I was approached by Boogie Oliver and the late Bill Longhurst to fill out the term of a previous board member who had resigned because of her job. I jumped at the chance! I enjoy being a part of the planning of ways to achieve the preservation of the history and the downtown area of Guthrie. I also enjoy working with the people who make up the board.”
TERRI R. DOUGLAS, BOARD MEMBER
“Main Street programs are important because they keep “life” in small town America. Local businesses, events, and service providers are what provide for families - not big corporations. Growing up, I remember my parents putting in tireless hours in PTO events, basketball boosters, band boosters, and haunted houses. Those events were so that we all could have something or somewhere to go and be a part of “something”. The sense of unity was immeasurable. It is time for us, our generation, to do the same for the next. If we don’t, who will? The best part about being a Guthrie Main Street board member is being on a team where everyone has the same outlook and a common goal.”
Tracy robinson, kcmm
executive manager
“I got involved with the Main Street program for one simple reason - to make a difference in the community that I love. Downtown is the heart of the community and the most visible indicator of community pride - it is either an asset or a liability. Quality of life is what separates the successful communities from the declining ones. Having a group of people dedicated to success of downtown benefits both residents and businesses. The best part of being the manager of Guthrie Main Street is working with some really cool people who prove to me consistently that they can do anything they set their minds to doing. They continue to inspire me every day!”