Courier Business Editor

WATERLOO - Terry Poe Buschkamp, for nine years considered by many civic leaders the unofficial "mayor" of downtown Waterloo, has resigned as executive director of Main Street Waterloo.

Buschkamp will leave Oct. 31 to take a position as Urban Neighborhood Main Street program consultant with the Iowa Department of Economic Development's Downtown Resource Center.

"I've certainly had some success here," said Buschkamp. "But it's also due to all the volunteers who are so dedicated and so passionate about downtown Waterloo."

Those who worked with Buschkamp return the praise.

"It's obviously a big loss for us, because she has been such a great asset," said David Deeds, president of Main Street Waterloo. "But let's face it: It's a promotion for her. It speaks well of our program and the community. Obviously they wouldn't have hired her away if they weren't impressed with what she did here. We have been extremely fortunate to have her lead and coordinate our downtown revitalization efforts for such a long time."

In her new job, Buschkamp will help the state's economic development agency implement its Urban Neighborhood Main Street Program across the state.

Buschkamp said being given that responsibility to consult on nearly 40 projects across Iowa reflects on the success of Waterloo's downtown revitalization.

"Downtown is very different than it was nine years ago," she said. "At that time people were afraid to come down here."

"Terry has been an excellent executive director for Main Street Waterloo and has worked to empower thousands of volunteers during her tenure," Thom Guzman, director of the IDED's Downtown Resource Center, said in a news release. "Her Waterloo experience of working with Iowans of every background will be put to good use. Many communities in Iowa will gain from Terry's experiences in downtown Waterloo."

For Main Street, there is no timetable for finding a replacement, but Buschkamp helped the organization establish some multifaceted job requirements, Deeds said.

"Having been a Main Street community for 12 years, we're a pretty mature program," Deeds said. "We'll probably be looking for somebody who has a good understanding of the concept of downtown revitalization."

"You kind of have to be a little crazy and willing to work all the time and love downtown," Buschkamp said. "There's not a degree in Main Street management."

The search won't be limited to local candidates, Deeds added.

"We'll probably look regionally, an upper-Midwest search," Deeds said. "We'll certainly encourage local applicants if they feel they're qualified. Somebody with community roots and connections would certainly be helpful."

There was no timetable for finding a replacement, he said.

"I have no idea how long it will take," he said.

Main Street Waterloo lists numerous accomplishments in downtown Waterloo. Among them were grants for beautification efforts, attaining Iowa Cultural and Entertainment District status; street and ramp improvements; rehabilitation of historic buildings; and regular downtown events.

Deeds said Buschkamp was pivotal in organizing many improvements.

"With her, the biggest thing was the intangibles that put the total package together," he said. "There are very few people who are as committed and passionate about downtown Waterloo as she is. She was often doing the work of 11/2 or two people. It's great for her and a good opportunity for us as an organization to look ahead and continue to move forward."

Buschkamp said she was both proud to have worked in Waterloo and humble to have garnered help and dedication from volunteers over the years.

"I feel the program is at a good point," she said. "Success follows success."

Contact Jim Offner at (319) 291-1598 or jim.offner@wcfcourier.com.