Staff reports 9:06 a.m.
Monday, May 1, 2017 9:07 am
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ROCHESTER - Rochester's Main Street Director for the past eight years announced his retirement today.
Mike Provost, whose made a career of working on downtown revitalization projects, said his retirement would become effective on Sept. 1.
"Retiring in the early fall allows me time to thoroughly enjoy my favorite time of the year and to take a long-anticipated journey to explore my family's original roots in Eastern Europe," Provost said in a press release today.
Provost also noted, "It is with mixed emotions that I make this announcement as it has been an honor to work on revitalizing downtowns over the past years, and I have met so many people that it has been a privilege to work alongside.
"In my time in Rochester I have seen many changes such as increased housing, new destination businesses opening, new buildings, a refurbished Central Square, signature special events, Factory Court, Wyandotte Walkway improvements, perennial gardens in downtown, a weekly Main Street Matters e-newsletter, and more than $11,000,000 in private investments in the downtown district just to name a few. This has all been accomplished through the work of many partnerships and a great corps of dedicated volunteers to work with."
According to Provost, the Main Street Board of Directors has established a quality transition team to ensure a new person will be in place to help guide the ongoing work of revitalizing downtown, and to bring new ideas and experiences to the program.
"I have loved my time here working with all of you, and Rochester is indeed fortunate to have such generous and dedicated residents, organizations, institutions, and businesses," he said. "Now it is time for me to spend time with family, travel, and explore the next chapter in life. I will always keep a keen interest in what is happening here in downtown Rochester and I am sure that you will all continue the work and continued success. For now, thank you all for being a part of this journey, and I hope to continue to see you all soon downtown!"