Batavia MainStreet executive director resigns

Batavia MainStreet Executive Director Joi Cuartero has resigned her post effective the end of June, officials said Friday.

In a letter to the MainStreet board, Cuartero said it was a bittersweet departure and that it offered her an opportunity "to be a catalyst for positive change in downtown Batavia."

"I love this town and the people in this community," she wrote. "My experience as executive director has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life - Batavia will always hold a very special place in my heart."

Kurt Hagemann, Batavia MainStreet board president, commended Cuartero for elevating the organization's programming and its value to the community.

"She has worked tirelessly to lead economic development and revitalization efforts in downtown Batavia and has been a key contributor toward MainStreet's efforts to retain and recruit businesses, decrease downtown vacancy rates, and bring bigger and better community events to downtown," Hagemann said.

The nonprofit Batavia MainStreet organizes yearly community events, such as the Batavia Farmers' Market, Block Party-Taste of Batavia, Batavia House Walk, Cocktails in the Park, Artisan Collective, BatFest, and Art in Your Eye.

During Cuartero's more than four years at the helm she helped implement up to 27 action plans, run up to 74 events, and bring more than 60,000 people to downtown Batavia each year, Hagemann said.

"Joi will be missed," Hagemann said, "but we look forward to finding a successor that will bring their own strengths to Batavia MainStreet and help us continue to be a valuable asset to the Batavia community."

For more information, visit DowntownBatavia.com or call (630) 761-3528.