Greenham will be going into business with her fiance, Otto Bohn, as they open Spoken Bicycles at 1201 Central Ave.
The new business is a full-service bike shop and craft beer bar.
“Although my time as Executive Director of DMI is coming to a close, I do not feel like my work here in Middletown is ending,” Greenham said. “I see it as a different, more hands-on approach to downtown revitalization and I plan to stay very active and involved with the organization and downtown happenings.”
In addition to working part-time at Spoken Bicycles, Greenham will also be growing her own small business consulting company. She also said she would be assisting family with management and operations at several local businesses.
After Greenham was hired as DMI executive director, the 2002 Madison High School graduate said, “(T)he number one problem in Middletown is that people don’t realize how much potential there is and how good that is. … I feel that there is more happening in downtown than what people realize.”
Greenham, who had worked with the Marietta (Ohio) Main Street program for two years, was confident that Middletown could achieve the same designation. That came to fruition late last year as Middletown was designated as Ohio’s newest Main Street community. At the time, she said it had to be “a community effort,” and her goal was to show people that it’s possible and help lead the way.
She has also been assisting with Franklin’s efforts to become a Main Street community and assisted with the Downtown Assessment Resource Team visit in mid-March.
Philip Harrison, DMI president said the search for Greenham’s replacement was to have started late this week.
“Mallory has had a positive influence on Downtown Middletown Inc. as the executive director,” said Rick Pearce, president and CEO of The Chamber serving Middletown, Monroe and Trenton. “Under her guidance, the various committees have been able to increase awareness and attendance at events, along with increasing the number of businesses in downtown Middletown, obtaining Main Street status, and completing a strategic plan. The organization has worked diligently since her arrival and they should be commended. I wish Mallory all the best in her new venture.”
Linda Moorman of BeauVerre Riordian Studios, said Greenham “did a good job” as DMI’s executive director.
“I’m sad to see her go but she’ll be just down the street and said she’ll still be able to help us when needed,” Moorman said. “I’m happy for her and I’m sure she’ll have a good business.”
Moorman said competition is good because it means things are happening and keeps businesses to survive.
Downtown Middletown Inc. is a non-profit organization focused on improving the overall quality of life in Middletown through downtown revitalization. Their comprehensive revitalization efforts include downtown design and beautification work, business assistance and recruitment, organization of the district as well as hosting multiple events and district wide promotions.
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