Holly DDA Welcomes New Board Member, Thanks Rossell for Service
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Oct. 17, 2021)
Holly, MI – After over a decade of service as Chairperson of the Downtown Development Authority, Dick Rossell is turning over the reins.  Rossell, co-owner of Holly Homestead Primitives with his wife Dawn, was an active volunteer long before taking on a leadership role in the organization, helping with cleanup efforts and events like the Holly Dickens Festival.
Bob Hoffman moved up from Vice Chair to Chair, and businessperson Linda Stouffer – owner of Battle Alley Coffee – has been appointed to the board after Rossell’s term expired.

At the DDA’s October Board Meeting, Rossell was presented with proclamations honoring his efforts, including the recent social district that allows communities to set up areas for outside alcohol consumption from local establishments.
Rossell acknowledged the efforts by many volunteers that go into an organization like the DDA.  “I’m proudest of the team we built and the many things we accomplished as a result. All of the accolades I just received were because of their efforts. We brought the occupancy rate downtown from 50% to 100% with a waiting list. We had beautiful welcome signs installed at each village entrance, many flowers and trees planted, and a complete transformation of Battle Alley into a social district. We should all be proud of those accomplishments and more.”
Hoffman is excited about the path the DDA is on.  “This village has come a long way in the past 10 or 15 years, but you know who we have to give the credit to, the people on the front lines, other people who invest their money, The people who have a vision, and they want to follow the American dream. With a little hard work and a little luck we believe they can accomplish anything they want to accomplish so this is a good place to do it. Holly is last frontier in Oakland County.   What we started here a few years ago is continuing to evolve, like the Christmas light project or closing Battle Alley to vehicle traffic.  The business owners just find ways to make it happen.”

Stouffer is looking forward to doing more.  “ I put my name forward because I felt that my vast experience in marketing and promotions could add to the talent of the board. Also, I have been able to take a small coffee shop and grow it tremendously, even during a pandemic. And, if the local coffee shop does not have its finger on the pulse of downtown, I don’t know what does,” she said.
Downtown Holly is preparing for the holiday shopping season, with decorations and events including Ladies Night Out Nov. 12 and the Holly Dickens Festival.  Learn more about Downtown Holly at https://www.mainstreetholly.com.