DRI hires new director.
Downtown Roanoke, Inc. has hired a new Executive Director. Bill Carder, who has served both as a Councilman, Vice Mayor for Roanoke City, and Chairman of DRI’s board, will begin his new position on November 12th. Not only has Carder worked in politics, but he’s done consulting as well. Most recently he’s consulted for two local restaurants, 202 Market and Trio. Carder was endorsed for the position by a group of downtown business owners including Gary Crowder, owner of Wertz’s Restaurant. Gary feels he’s the perfect match for the Roanoke City Market. Public comment relays that Carder is a very “street level” kind of guy who will actually take time to spend on the Market, see what it needs, and get to know the vendors. Further, because of his background in politics, he is well liked by the city, including City Manager Darlene Burcham. As a result, Carder whould be able to work with the city to actually get things done unlike the former Director, David Diaz, who was constantly butting heads with Burcham and other city officials. And, now that DRI has it’s new Executive Director, a new Market Manager shouldn’t be far behind.
