Think Local First hires new Executive Director
The Think Local First Board of Directors welcomes Ingrid Ault as their new Executive Director. She will be starting in the position June 2nd, 2008. Think Local First is a not-for-profit business network whose mission is to support and cultivate locally owned, independent businesses that are committed to making our community a healthier and more vibrant place to live.
Ms. Ault is an Ann Arbor native who brings a lifetime of community knowledge and passion for promoting the Washtenaw County community to the organization. Ault is finishing her Master’s in Urban Planning at Eastern Michigan University this spring. She served as the Interim Director for the Ypsilanti and Depot Town Downtown Development Authorities in 2006, and her work experience is varied and includes over ten years in management, five years in the construction industry, and service on various community boards.
“We are excited to welcome Ingrid Ault as our new Executive Director. We had a very competitive selection process, and Ms. Ault stood out because of her enthusiasm and knowledge about locally owned businesses. We look forward to continuing to grow and expand with Ms. Ault as our Executive Director,” says Rich Bellas, Board chair of Think Local First.
Ault believes that Michigan’s economic condition is ripe for the message of this movement.
“Folks are beginning to understand the implications of how their dollars are spent in the market place,” Ault stated. “They are looking beyond the buy American car’s approach, and seeing that supporting your local merchants makes a difference in how we all live and thrive in a community. I would like to thank the board of directors for their warm welcome and faith and confidence in hiring me as the new Executive Director of Think Local First. I am thrilled to be taking on such a crucial role in our community’s development.”
Ault is a life long member of the community and ardent supporter of small businesses. She is completing her Master’s degree in Urban Planning from Eastern Michigan University in June of 2008 and excited to be working with community members promoting Think Local First ideals.
The founder and previous Executive Director of Think Local First, Lisa Dugdale, has left Think Local First to pursue new career opportunities. The Board released this statement about Ms. Dugdale: “We accept Lisa's resignation with both reluctance and appreciation, for under Lisa’s leadership, Think Local First has gone from 0 to 150 members, achieved a high profile in the community and successfully supported the goal of a healthy local economy with a year-round program of events and programs. Lisa has graciously agreed to continue on with Think Local First as a Board member. Lisa's many friends in Think Local First and the community thank her for her innumerable contributions to our success and look forward to continuing to benefit from her experience, energy and visionary leadership.”
If you would like more information on this topic, or to schedule and interview with Ingrid Ault, please call her at (734) 730–6905, or email her at Ingrid@thinklocalfirst.net or Rich Bellas can be reached at (734) 665-7240 or vbshoes@att.net.
Ms. Ault is an Ann Arbor native who brings a lifetime of community knowledge and passion for promoting the Washtenaw County community to the organization. Ault is finishing her Master’s in Urban Planning at Eastern Michigan University this spring. She served as the Interim Director for the Ypsilanti and Depot Town Downtown Development Authorities in 2006, and her work experience is varied and includes over ten years in management, five years in the construction industry, and service on various community boards.
“We are excited to welcome Ingrid Ault as our new Executive Director. We had a very competitive selection process, and Ms. Ault stood out because of her enthusiasm and knowledge about locally owned businesses. We look forward to continuing to grow and expand with Ms. Ault as our Executive Director,” says Rich Bellas, Board chair of Think Local First.
Ault believes that Michigan’s economic condition is ripe for the message of this movement.
“Folks are beginning to understand the implications of how their dollars are spent in the market place,” Ault stated. “They are looking beyond the buy American car’s approach, and seeing that supporting your local merchants makes a difference in how we all live and thrive in a community. I would like to thank the board of directors for their warm welcome and faith and confidence in hiring me as the new Executive Director of Think Local First. I am thrilled to be taking on such a crucial role in our community’s development.”
Ault is a life long member of the community and ardent supporter of small businesses. She is completing her Master’s degree in Urban Planning from Eastern Michigan University in June of 2008 and excited to be working with community members promoting Think Local First ideals.
The founder and previous Executive Director of Think Local First, Lisa Dugdale, has left Think Local First to pursue new career opportunities. The Board released this statement about Ms. Dugdale: “We accept Lisa's resignation with both reluctance and appreciation, for under Lisa’s leadership, Think Local First has gone from 0 to 150 members, achieved a high profile in the community and successfully supported the goal of a healthy local economy with a year-round program of events and programs. Lisa has graciously agreed to continue on with Think Local First as a Board member. Lisa's many friends in Think Local First and the community thank her for her innumerable contributions to our success and look forward to continuing to benefit from her experience, energy and visionary leadership.”
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If you would like more information on this topic, or to schedule and interview with Ingrid Ault, please call her at (734) 730–6905, or email her at Ingrid@thinklocalfirst.net or Rich Bellas can be reached at (734) 665-7240 or vbshoes@att.net.
