Sheppard-Decius is nationally and locally known for her proven track record of revitalizing Downtown Ferndale and Downtown Dearborn, Michigan, during her tenure as the Executive Director of the Ferndale Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Manager of the Dearborn Downtown Development Authorities (DDDA). With almost 25 years in downtown management, business and economic development experience, as well as 30 years of public relations, marketing, organizational restructuring, non-profit and volunteer management, she provides insights and know-how to grow others. Recognized as one of Crain’s Detroit Business 40 Under 40 in 2009, Sheppard-Decius holds a B.A. in Public Relations with a Journalism minor from Western Michigan University and is a Certified Main Street Manager (CMSM) (2005) of the National Main Street Center.

Under her leadership, Downtown Ferndale transformed into a thriving downtown in the Metro Detroit area and experienced tremendous growth with over 175 building improvements and $80 million in reinvestment as part of Main Street Oakland County. Downtown Ferndale was honored as one of five Great American Main Streets in the nation by the National Trust Main Street Center in 2010 due to her tenacity and innovation. Through Sheppard-Decius’ efforts, Downtown Ferndale received over $2.1 million in grants and in-kind services, including Federal TEA-21/TAP grants for streetscape improvements, a Preserve 

a Preserve America grant, Main Street Oakland County designation in 2001, National Main Street Certification for 8 consecutive years and Cool Cities grants.

To achieve these results, Sheppard-Decius established and implemented a strategic plan that brought about over $4 million in public improvement projects, renewals of the Downtown Development and Tax Increment Financing Plans in 2007 and 2012; design guidelines and ordinances improving the overall aesthetics for the downtown; creation of numerous public policies and ordinances necessary to improve the business economy; rebranding of the downtown, promotions, communications, social media and marketing to grow the local economy; creation and implementation of business recruitment, retention and incentive programs with an all-time high occupancy 2004-2007 with 99% occupied; conducted market analysis, parking studies, parking financial and management restructuring, site feasibilities, corridor, multi-modal and wayfinding plans; provided business start-up and venture planning consultation and evaluation services; management of over 50 volunteers annually and an annual budget of $650,000.

While in Dearborn, a community over 110,00 people with two downtown districts, Sheppard-Decius grew the DDA taxable value by 30%, increasing the annual budget to over $2 million between the two DDDAs. The goal to transform Downtown Dearborn started with reorganizing all management and operations under one framework including: staff; office and accounting; district operations and maintenance; events, marketing and promotion of districts; and consolidation of social media and online presence. She also provided oversight and direction to new public infrastructure including over $11 million in streetscapes and roads, landscaping, maintenance, and parking deck improvements. She also developed and implemented a volunteer man­agement program of over 40 volunteers including two 11-member Board of Directors and multiple committees; implemented a bike share system and other multi-modal improvements throughout downtown; increased occupancy by 30% with a business recruitment and retention strategy; and initiated a new brand identity, website, social media, media relations, advertising/ marketing campaigns, and over 60 special events and retail promotions annually.

Sheppard-Decius actively serves as the Chairperson of the Michigan Downtown Association (MDA), and previously served on the P3 Committee of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Michigan Alliance. Because of her experience with DDAs in the State of Michigan, she is regularly called upon by local communities for brief consultations on best practices and DDA law. As an MDA Executive Board member, she has also led legislative policy reviews and advocacy efforts on behalf of the MDA, representing hundreds of DDAs across the State of Michigan. On numerous occasions she provides training for downtown and economic professionals both nationally and regionally through the National Main Street Conferences, International Council of Shopping Centers, Southeast Michigan Council of Governments, Michigan Economic Development Association, Michigan Downtown Association and other local and state economic development agencies.

Steve Deisler brings over 42 years of experience in urban planning and design, community development and zoning, economic development, strategic market studies, brownfield redevelopment, and downtown development. He currently serves as a project manager and small business consultant with POW Strategies Inc. for the Dearborn DDA, and recently served as the Planning, Zoning and Development Administrator for the Charter Township of Texas in Kalamazoo County.

Previously, he was president of Downtown Kalamazoo Inc. and Economic Development Project Coordinator for the City of Kalamazoo where he assisted in securing over $2.5 million in Federal, State, and local grants for the communities he served. Deisler served for 12 years as a former board member of the Michigan Downtown Association and a 25-year member of the Michigan Association of Planning / American Planning Association. Deisler received his American Institute of Certified Planners accreditation in 1997. He was the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award from Western Michigan University in 2008.

Deisler brings his expert advice and direction in economic growth and business development by utilizing his urban planning background and hands-on experience in turning around and managing downtowns.

Social media and marketing guru, Helen Lambrix will bring her cutting-edge experience in marketing and communications to assess and recommend a successful strategy for your downtown. Lambrix is currently running all 9 social media channels for Downtown Dearborn, event and promotional content and development, and has over 20 years of experience in marketing and project management. She spent time in the non-profit world coordinating funding engagement, stakeholder relations, and event marketing and logistics support for large scale events like the Detroit Superbowl XL, Detroit Thanksgiving Parade, and the North American International Auto Show, before turning toward small-business management and consulting in aspects such as marketing, website management, content creation, and events management. Lambrix has also worked in corporate marketing for national brands like Lexus, Toyota, and Nissan/Infiniti, and for Volkswagen of America as administrator of their North American company car benefits program.

Over the last 12 years, Lambrix has utilized her skill set to assist others and support her local school district, doing everything from managing events and taking up leadership roles to large scale fundraising initiatives. Lambrix has a BA in Communications from Western Michigan University.

*POW! Strategies will also partner with other highly qualified contractors to provide the exact services necessary to meet your goals.