The mission of the Centralia Downtown Association (CDA), is to unite and empower residents, merchants and civic leaders to promote, beautify, and develop a vibrant and prosperous downtown that celebrates its history and preserves its historic charm for all Centralians and visitors. The Centralia Downtown Association is a member of Main Street America, which counts as its members organizations across the country dedicated to the preservation of historic downtown commercial districts.
The Centralian best equipped for this challenge is the newly appointed Executive Director of the CDA, Centralia native MacKenzie McGee. McGee was born and raised in Centralia, graduated from Centralia High School and studied business at Centralia College. After living in Seattle for 2 years, she moved back to Centralia, married her now husband Cameron McGee, and in 2010 they started their business Calypso Window Washing. MacKenzie, Cameron and partner Naomi have 6 beautiful children together, ages 5,7,9,10,10 and 12.
year ago McGee launched Calypso Productions and Marketing, and her first project was helping to revitalize Pine Street Plaza. After that, other business owners started approaching her to help promote their businesses. This past Spring her non-profit ‘Kiddin’ Around’ was born which focuses on bringing fun, free events to the families of Lewis County, which has already seen a handful of successful, kid-friendly events.
McGee has been serving as the interim Executive Director for the CDA this past year and is now excited to be the permanent Executive Director. “There are a lot of great projects and seeing them come to fruition is exciting.” McGee added that she looks forward to partnering with a variety of organizations, “especially working with entities like the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Alliance of Lewis County. I’m very excited to be collaborating and working with Experience Chehalis and bringing our communities together.” She has already been involved with many local organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Alliance of Lewis County, the Fox Theater, United Way of Lewis County, and the Centralia Christian School.
During this strategic planning time the CDA is working on finalizing the Lighted Tractor Parade, updating furniture in Pine Street Plaza, and getting ready for fall clean up in preparation for the holiday season. We are all excited to see what 2023 holds for the CDA and its new Executive Director.
The CDA also recently elected new board members and officers. Josh Gering, minister of Downtown Bethel Church, joins the board and will serve a three-year term. Rebecca Staebler was elected President; Jan Nontell will serve as Vice-President, Nina Skol as Secretary/Treasurer, and Jennifer Krueger as Immediate Past-President.
For information about the CDA, email [email protected] and follow on Facebook and Instagram.
