The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has been without a director since May 16, 2022, but that will all change when Stephanie Sprecker takes over on Sept. 12.
Sprecker hopes for a long, prosperous career with the city she was born and raised in.
“Our community requires stability in the downtown region and I am here to give them that,” Sprecker said. “Our downtown is unique in its history. My goal is to maintain the city’s rich historical culture, but use it to leverage existing assets for continued revitalization.”
While building on all the Sault has to offer, Sprecker seeks to attract more visitors and increase business profits.
She said continued emphasis on the Sault Ste. Marie Main Street program would help transform the downtown into a welcoming commercial district all year round.
First thing is first, Sprecker will get to know the city's many business owners.
“I want to get them excited and hopeful for our future,” she said. “I want them to feel like they can trust me.”
Sprecker met many community leaders and business owners during her eight-year career with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Most recently, she worked in the tribe’s economic development office as its business manager. During the pandemic, she acted as the Sault Tribe COVID-19 Task Force Manager. Prior to this, Sprecker served as the tribe's administrative manager and executive administrative assistant.
“In my role as administrative manager, I was involved in management at every division of governmental services,” Sprecker said. “I had the passion to make a difference. I grew this passion for helping and being involved in governmental operations."
Sprecker grew to develop big dreams for the city as a whole.
"I shifted my masters to a program that met my career goals," she said.
Sprecker obtained her Master of Public Administration from Northern Michigan University earlier this year.
“I am a single mom with two kids, so I fast tracked it online,” she said. “I am so glad to get it done. I was interested in this position prior to the previous director's hire. I didn’t apply because I was still getting my masters degree. I wanted to fully commit to it.”
Interviews for a new DDA director were conducted by the agency's board on July 20. During a board meeting on Aug. 10, members approved an employment agreement with Sprecker.
As the governing board that created the DDA, the city unanimously approved Sprecker’s employment during its regular city commission meeting on Aug. 15.
“She is going to be great,” said Commissioner Ray Bauer, who sat in on Sprecker's job interview. “She is very qualified; she has a decent amount of experience; she is well spoken; she is likeable and everything you want for this position.”
Bauer reminded the public there would be a learning curve involved in Sprecker's new role as DDA director.
"She is not going to be able to work miracles," he said.
Sprecker agreed, eager to learn the duties of her new role in order to best meet the needs of downtown business owners and grow the Sault.
