WATERLOO, ON | May 29, 2023 — The Uptown Waterloo Business Improvement Area (BIA) Executive Director Tracy Van Kalsbeek has announced she will be leaving the BIA after five years with the organization.

Van Kalsbeek joined the Uptown Waterloo BIA in April 2018 after working as Executive Director at the Stratford Perth Community Foundation for several years. During her time at the BIA, she endeavored to add vibrancy to Uptown through programming and placemaking and helped main street businesses continue to thrive through difficult years of construction, COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns and economic recovery. Van Kalsbeek also led the organization through various governance practices including: updating strategic plans and governance policies, helping the Board transition from operating to governing, enhancing marketing, social media strategies and campaigns, improving beautification and placemaking initiatives and providing stronger advocacy for the BIA’s members. 

“I have really enjoyed my time at the BIA and I am proud of all that we have accomplished on behalf of Uptown and our businesses,” shares Van Kalsbeek. “I am grateful to have a fantastic Board and team and know that the BIA is on a great path and in good hands. And, I definitely won’t be a stranger to visiting our fantastic Uptown establishments.”

Van Kalsbeek will work closely with staff and the Uptown Waterloo BIA Board of Directors over the next few weeks, to ensure a seamless transition. 

“Tracy’s leadership has been invaluable for our organization over the past five years,” says Melissa Durrell, who serves as Chair of the BIA’s Board of Directors and owns Durrell Communications, a Public Relations firm operating in the heart of Uptown Waterloo. “The pandemic was a difficult time for many businesses in our community and we’re all so thankful for Tracy’s work to help guide us into post-pandemic recovery.”

Thanks to Van Kalsbeek, Uptown Waterloo will continue to serve as a major economic and community hub for the city. 

“Uptown Waterloo is a vibrant area of our city with some of the best businesses, services, cultural and shopping experiences our community has to offer,” Waterloo Mayor Dorothy McCabe added. “I’m grateful to Tracy and thank her for her leadership and vision, which has greatly improved and revitalized our Uptown. I wish her continued success as she transitions to the next stage of her career.” 

The Uptown Waterloo BIA will be searching for a new Executive Director in the coming weeks, and is pleased to have Van Kalsbeek’s support through the transition. Her final day as Executive Director of the Uptown Waterloo BIA is July 4, 2023. Interested persons can view the job posting HERE.