Venture Lititz Welcomes New Director
Rebecca Branle developed her love of small-town architecture and community when she spent summers with her grandparents in Doylestown as a child. Now, the area resident has a special appreciation for the planning that has gone into preserving the quaint appearance and strong community of Lititz.
Rebecca, who owns Lititz Bikeworks with her husband, Mark, was recently named executive director of Venture Lititz, working her first full day on Aug. 9. When Rebecca learned the position was open, she felt strongly it would be a good fit for her. "Bikeworks was my husband's dream," she noted. "I was passionate about organizing community events through the bike shop. When I saw this listing, it was tailor made to what I care about." With a background in marketing, advertising, and writing and a passion for coordinating events and helping preserve downtown while building community, Rebecca thought, "This is it. It feels really good," she said.
Raised in New Holland, Rebecca graduated from Garden Spot High School and then attended Ursinus College in Collegeville. "I have always been a writer," said Rebecca, who studied literature and communications before going to work for QVC, where she helped create the company's online shopping platform. Moving into advertising, she became a creative director, living on the East Coast, but traveling west regularly. Then she and Mark decided to start a family. "I had children, and I didn't want to be getting on airplanes anymore," recalled Rebecca, who noted that her husband's work in publishing was taking him to the Middle East. It was time for a change, and the pair opened their first bike shop in Intercourse, followed by the Lititz location.
"We have a pretty great town," said Rebecca, who noted she has felt the same magic in Lititz that she experienced in Doylestown. She noted that the area merchants are a cornerstone of the town, but that she is also passionate about maintaining community and neighborhoods - "Everything that makes downtown great," she noted. Rebecca added that keeping lines of communication open and working well between Venture Lititz, the borough, the township, and large businesses that support Venture Lititz initiatives is essential. She believes the key is being aware of local concerns. "I want to listen to what the residents want and where they think improvements need to be made and then prioritize those needs to take action," said Rebecca. She also plans to add a dash of fun to the Downtown Lititz social media channels.
Beginning her journey with Venture Lititz, Rebecca assessed the strengths of the organization. "We have a strong board of directors," she noted. "These folks are super passionate about Lititz, and they work professionally and seriously." Rebecca added that she is grateful for the guidance of the board as well as the many volunteers who make Venture Lititz events happen. "None of this would work without people donating their time," she pointed out. "It speaks highly of the pride of place that we have in Lititz."
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