(Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo) THE IRON MOUNTAIN DOWNTOWN Development Authority has brought in a couple new faces with fresh ideas. Mindy Wittock, right, joined the DDA as program director in June and Tania Mishra came on board as new event coordinator in July.

IRON MOUNTAIN — New faces are bringing fresh ideas to Iron Mountain’s downtown.

Mindy Wittock joined the Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority as program director in June, with Tania Mishra coming on board as event coordinator the next month.

Though they’ve been in their positions for several months, the duo says only now in 2022 have they been able to incorporate their ideas in making the downtown district an exciting place to live, work and enjoy.

“When Tania and I came in, everything had already been planned out, so we were just running the events,” Wittock said. “This is the first year we get to plan everything from the ground up and put in our own insight.”

They agree they share mutual visions, with a primary goal to make sure people want to come downtown. “We believe in uplifting our community and building solid relationships with our downtown businesses,” Wittock said.

The DDA’s mission is to create a vibrant downtown in Iron Mountain by promoting economic growth through organizing community events, attracting new businesses and advancing the beautification and historic preservation within the district.

“Iron Mountain offers so much in all four seasons,” Wittock said. “We have had so much economic growth and still have so much possibility and opportunity.”

With this in mind, they plan to start more “lower-key” activities, such as their recent Be Mine Campaign, to get the community involved. Another idea being discussed is a Pumpkin Walk during Halloween. “This will encourage participation by the public and businesses and get more foot traffic,” Mishra said.

The DDA will focus more on Carpenter Avenue businesses as well this year.

“It will reflect in our marketing plans and outdoor advertising as well,” said Mishra. “So it looks like one downtown area — more cohesive.”

Returning in May will be Third Thursdays. “This started before the pandemic but slowly dwindled,” Wittock said. “We are bringing it back — focusing on different areas of the downtown.”

They have also set dates for the main events: June 11 — Brew Fest; Aug. 13 — Italian Fest; Oct. 1 — Oktoberfest; Nov. 17 — Girls’ Night Out; and Dec. 9 — Christmas Walk.

Out to Lunch will continue every Thursday, starting June 9 and continuing through Aug. 11.

“We have some regulars returning, and also are bringing in some new talents like Rebel Jane,” Mishra said.

Another collective goal is to grow their social media presence, aiming for a wider audience through TikTok and Instagram posts.

Wittock and Mishra will work as well on revamping the DDA website. This includes updating their business directory to include more information.

They also will revisit Girls’ Night Out and hope to make it even better this year.

The DDA is always looking for volunteers. In addition to help needed for the festivals, the board has three sub-committees — beautification, events and business development. “It’s a low-key commitment,” Wittock said. “They meet once a month and any ideas presented go to the board.”

“We couldn’t do it without the people in the community,” Mishra stressed. “Volunteers add so much energy — we would be nothing without them.”

The local businesses have been generous in their time and support with DDA events, Wittock added. “They are a big part of it.”

Wittock, who is also a professional artist, received her bachelor of arts from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and her master of fine arts degree from Arizona State University.

She previously was an associate lecturer of art and gallery director at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and is co-founder of a collaborative, penpal embroidery project called The Wondermakers Collective. She has co-hosted “The Artist/Mother Morning Show” with the Artist/Mother podcast and is a mentor for women artists.

Wittock has an extensive exhibition record and has been shown nationally and internationally.

She believes art has the power to bring communities together and carries that passion into her job with the DDA.

“Iron Mountain is my hometown and I feel like this job is a big inspiration for my artwork. I get to be downtown every day, and walk through the neighborhood and buildings that I frequented as a kid,” Wittock said. “I have so many happy, adventurous memories of living here and I try to tap into my nostalgic heart and bring a sense of wonder to this position.”

Wittock said she loves working in the heartbeat of Iron Mountain and believes that through creativity and tangible goalsetting magic can happen.

“I’m learning every day the needs and wants of our downtown businesses and I hope to foster relationships with the community members as I continue to grow in this position,” Wittock said.

“Downtown has changed so much since I was a kid — it’s wonderful to see all the positive changes,” she said. “I love that I get to be a part of that continuing change by working with the DDA and offering grants to revitalize and restore our downtown.”

Mishra is a digital advertising professional with more than seven years of experience in project management, new business sales, and digital brand campaign planning, management and execution — on both the agency and brand side.

She completed her bachelor’s degree in economics, creative writing and English, and graduated as valedictorian of Purdue University’s Class of 2014. Mishra earned her master’s degree in integrated marketing, with a focus in marketing analytics, at New York University last May. She was awarded the Student Leader of the Year award for her commitment during a pandemic year.

Mishra works full-time at 41 Lumber as a marketing manager and spends the remainder of her time as event coordinator. She fuses her business skills and creativity with her passion for giving back to her community in her role as DDA event coordinator.

“Working as the event coordinator allows me to stay connected with and give back to our local businesses and community,” she said.

“Having moved to Iron Mountain a little over a year ago, it was a great way to familiarize myself with our community’s traditions and make new connections,” she said. “In this role, I continue to learn and re-learn ways of marketing to our audiences, and hope that I can use my skills to aid in the renaissance of Iron Mountain.”

Wittock and Mishra agree they are a great team, balancing each other out.

“Working with Tania is so much fun. She is great with marketing and event planning. I would be lost without her,” Wittock said.

“Working with Mindy is truly a rewarding experience. Her creativity and positive approach to all that we do makes work not feel like work at all,” Mishra said.