The Downtown Janesville BID (Business Improvement District) is thrilled to welcome Lawan Glasscock as the organization’s first Executive Director. Lawan brings over 25 years of experience in both for-profit and nonprofit business, and will officially step into the position in mid-April.
The Downtown Janesville BID was established in 2017 to support, revitalize, and grow downtown Janesville businesses. The organization’s goal is to foster property enhancements, business growth, and support the ongoing development and collaboration of a healthy downtown. BID officials say Lawan will be an advocate for the downtown, and a source for information, resources, and activities related to downtown revitalization, and a key spokesperson for the BID and its efforts on behalf of downtown property owners and businesses.
Lawan shared that she is delighted to take on the responsibilities of this new position and looks
forward to working together with downtown business owners towards improving Janesville’s exciting future.
“Building resilient communities that positively impact the overall quality of life has always been a deep passion for me. I’m thrilled that I will now be able to do that in my own backyard,” said Lawan.
Most recently, Lawan served as the Executive Director of a 45-year-old international arts nonprofit.
Her leadership skills coupled with advanced social science degrees uniquely position her to step into this new position. Her background also includes successful grant writing, diversity outreach, professional development programming, and innovative curation of cultural experiences that engaged multi-generational audiences at all levels.
“Lawan will be an amazing ambassador for downtown property and business owners. Her past experience in non-profit, the arts, and consulting have prepared her to build on the momentum our downtown has shown since the incorporation of the Arise Plan,” shared Matt Kealy, downtown business owner of drafthouse and BID Board Vice Chair.
This new role is made possible through a grant from the Forward Foundation, the charitable arm of Forward Janesville, the city’s main chamber of commerce.
About BID
The Downtown Janesville BID was established in 2017 to support, revitalize, and grow downtown Janesville businesses. A vibrant downtown is key for a successful city and BID views downtown Janesville as the heart of this community. The organization’s goal is to foster property enhancements, business growth, and support the ongoing development and collaboration of a healthy downtown. BID, along with partners, aspires for downtown Janesville to be the chosen place to live, work, and play.