New downtown leader named

"It was a loss on one hand, but on the other hand it was a gift," Mitter said of having to close his store.

Mitter became an active member of the association during the five years he operated the store at the corner of Third Avenue and B Street. He hopes his understanding of small business will help him communicate better with the nearly 800 business owners in the association. Communication is Mitter's number one priority. Owners who pay the annual fee as part of their business license renewal often overlook the association and don't even know what it is, Mitter said.

He hopes to get the word out to businesses that there's more to the association than the major wine walk fund-raiser.

The association communicates the needs of downtown businesses to City Hall. From parking to advertising to retail strategies - the association covers it all, Mitter said.

The association is also trying to start another fund-raiser on the same level as the wine walk, but hasn't decided exactly what it will be, Mitter said.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the wine walk. Each year, stores open their doors at night and serve wine and snacks to thousands of people who buy a commemorative wine glass. This time around the wine walk is going to be a little different.

"It's going to the next level," Mitter said.

Between 25 and 35 wineries will be represented and have employees situated in nearly 75 stores. There will also a "wine boutique" where people can spend a few extra dollars to taste wines only produced in small batches. The association will also provide a park and ride service to shuttle people from parking lots to the center of downtown.

The wine walk is June 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and commemorative glasses will sell for $25. For more information contact www.winewalk.org