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Downtown Âé¶čAV Association's Mark Burley announces June retirement

'I’ve really enjoyed my time with the DKA'
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Downtown Âé¶čAV Association Executive Director Mark Burley is stepping down after more that six years in the lead role of the Business Improvement Association. (Contributed)

The executive director of the Downtown Âé¶čAV Association (DKA) is retiring.

Mark Burley will step down from the position in June, after more than six years in the lead role of the Business Improvement Association (BIA). It’s the second loss to the DKA in a week. On Jan. 15, Brent Lobson announced he was stepping down as the Director of Operations.

In a media release, Burley said there are still a few projects he wants to complete before he leaves.

“But I’ve really enjoyed my time with the DKA, connecting with the members, and working alongside our board of directors,” he added. “To be honest though, I’m looking forward to having more time to enjoy the Okanagan lifestyle with my family”.

During his time at the DKA, Burley said the organization expanded its On-Street Services department, introduced professional management systems and processes to those programs resulting in greater efficiencies, delivered numerous outstanding promotions and events, and marketed the downtown as a positive, safe, and welcoming destination in our city.

Burley noted that as one of the first provincial BIA’s to be established, the DKA has become a leader in programs and initiatives with other communities looking to emulate its success. 

Under his watch, the Downtown On Call and Clean Team programs expanded, the city and Uptown Rutland Business Association (URBA) sought his expertise to help establish the URBA On Call Team in 2023, and downtown “Show ‘n Shine” was established.

“Mark was the right person at the right time to help steer the DKA back to its proper course of advocating for our members and creating initiatives that benefited not only our downtown but all of Âé¶čAV,” said Renata Mills, president of the DKA Board of Directors. “We needed a person with both business savvy and the ability to build positive relationships with key stakeholders. Mark excelled in these areas and has done great work on behalf of the downtown community during his tenure.” 

Burley’s retirement takes effect following the DKA’s Annual General Meeting in June.
 



About the Author: Gary Barnes

Journalist and broadcaster for three decades.
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