New DBA President Rose Through Ranks By Enjoying The Ride
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Many people would look at this as just a great business story – which it is – and leave it alone.
But I have no intention of just leaving this one alone. No, no no. For this is a story with so much more.
It’s a great people story.
A great success story.
It is, ultimately, no hyperbole to call it a great American story. Or, at least, the way we would like America to be.
And the best part is – most of the chapters of this story have yet to be written.
Maddy Zanetti. A lifer here in zip code 12866, save for going to obtain a 4-year business degree at SUNY Geneseo, which the Planet Arthur research department has confirmed she achieved in 3.
Some people go to college to try to find out what they want to be. Others graduate and spend years trying to find themselves, if indeed they ever do. Not Maddie. Long before she became a Saratoga Springs H.S. Blue Streak graduate, she knew.
“Oh, yes – she knew,” said Marianne (“Mare”) Barker, co-owner of landmark downtown Saratoga Springs’ Impressions of Saratoga (368 Broadway, visit Their Website). “She started working here at age 14, and came into the store after school even before.”
Like a snug puzzle piece, Maddy and Impressions were a perfect fit. “She had a love of horses, which is a great start here,” Mare continued. “But from the beginning, we could see how hard-working she was, and able to grasp the nuances of business. Our customers loved her enthusiasm, and we all were of the fact that she was a nice, polished person.”
“She knew that she wanted to be a business owner right away. It was an obvious move to bring her into the fold after college as a partner with me and (husband) Dave.” Mare concluded. “Its a great opportunity for someone so young, and I have every reason to expect she will make the most of it.”
Maddy’s rise at Impressions is mirrored by her elevation to newly-elected President of Saratoga Springs’ vital and vibrant Downtown Business Association (DBA – visit The DBA Website). She was active at their monthly meetings from the beginning when she joined Impressions in 2005, and become a member of the DBA Board of Directors in 2012. She was assigned the task of leading the effort to elevate the DBA’s Fall Festival committee. From there, she served as Secretary on the DBA Executive Committee, then was elected Vice President.
When Tim Holmes of WOW Restaurants (Wheatfields/2 West/BWP) decided not to continue as President, it was obvious who would be elected to take the wheel. To be sure, Saratoga Springs’ Downtown and its activities are heralded internationally, the result of many years of hard work, and caring by many people. It takes a steady hand, a firm grasp and a diverse skillset to steer a luxury liner like this. The DBA membership had no doubt who was up to the task.
“It’s an interesting group,” Maddy noted when we sat down this week. “First of all, there are the sheer numbers – the DBA has over 240 members. Every one of them is used to being the boss. And they have many great ideas. My job is to channel those ideas, and the enthusiasm about them, into a force that can execute them.”
Part of doing this is marshalling the resources available. A case in point is the DBA’s monthly member meeting, which occurs on the third Wednesday of the month except during the deep summer season. Each meeting has a featured speaker and/or focus.The next one, Maddy’s first as President, will be hosted at Northshire Bookstore on April 19 at 6:30, by Northshire Owner Chris Morrow, who will present on the topic of techniques to work together and the synergistic benefits that can be derived from this.
Because of the DBA’s 30+ years of hard work, they have quite an arsenal of resources:
“A great Board first of all,” Maddy begins, “Very experienced, very helpful.” This includes Officers Joyce Ure, Vice President – from Cudney’s Cleaners, Rich Richbart, Treasurer – from SpaNet, and Heidi Owen West, Secretary – from Lifestyles. “I’m very proud of our new logo and re-designed website, which was designed by Sharon Dwyer-Bolton and has interesting features that are written by Tonya Pellegrini-Lawrence. These features keep the website fresh.” For instance, this month’s “Featured Member” is the Patient Experience Project, a dynamic organization that shows the inherent strength of the DBA: Their membership extends far beyond traditional retail and restaurants. Other web features include “On the Street” which are newsy features, and “Downtown Icons” (Caffe’ Lena and Gaffney’s have been spotlighted recently).
“Our gift certificate program continues to grow (a single certificate, purchased at Adirondack Trust, can be redeemed at a large number of participating DBA merchants and restaurants),” Maddy noted, “and i have high hopes to expand our NYRA rewards participation.” This NYRA program began during the 2016 Saratoga Racecourse meet. One of the ‘perks’ people who bought a season pass received was a complimentary 10 percent discount at participating members. “In the first year, we had 40 members sign up. I’d like to make it significantly higher.”
When you feel her enthusiasm for something, well, let’s just say I like Maddy’s chances here. And with anything she decides to focus on.
“She’s fantastic. I love working with her!” Waxing enthusiastic is Tonya Pellegrini-Lawrence, the DBA’s Director of Promotion and Marketing. “Maddy’s a terrific leader, well-spoken – just importantly, she’s a kind person with a positive aura – overall, a perfect face for the DBA.”
“You know,” Tonya continued, “it’s an interesting thing. I’m the new one here (Tonya succeeded Susan Farnsworth, who had this position at the DBA since the organization began over three decades ago.), Maddy’s the experienced one – she has the perspective and is open to discussing anything we might face as an organization.” she said. This is high praise, indeed, for Tonya brings a wealth of broad marketing experience to the table.
Tonya, the members of the DBA, and involved citizens like myself, are well-aware that building upon a foundation of success is often times as hard, if not harder than pouring the concrete of that foundation. It is obvious to everyone that Maddy Zanetti possesses every requisite skill to be the architect of an award-winning downtown that will reach even higher into the sky.
I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Arthur Gonick
April 7, 2017
