Norton Out?

[sgrizzle]

this from batesline,com

Jim Norton leaving Downtown Tulsa Unlimited?
By Michael Bates on April 9, 2009 5:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I just received an e-mail saying that Jim Norton, president of Downtown Tulsa Unlimited, is leaving for a job in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. If I recall correctly, Norton is originally from the Tarheel State. He has been head of DTU for almost 20 years. My source says his last day on the job here is not known, but will be no later than June 1.

http://www.batesline.com/archives/2009/04/jim-norton-leaving-downtown-tuls.html


July 1 is their current contract expiration, althought it will likely get a 6 or 12 month extension

[FOTD]

Too long.....

[RecycleMichael]

I heard that too.

[patric]

I could never get him to respond to anything having to do with those gawdawful Acorn lights or his "Downtown Street Furniture Standards," so maybe this would be a good thing...   

[pmcalk]

You can take out the question mark now.

DTU's president is leaving for N.C. post

Downtown Tulsa Unlimited President Jim Norton is leaving his post to become executive director of the Chapel Hill Downtown Partnership in North Carolina.

"I believe downtown Tulsa is poised for great things in the future and I am proud to have been able to help in that progress," Norton said Thursday. "While I enjoy Tulsa, I am a native of North Carolina and am looking forward to getting back to that area of the country."

DTU Board Chairman Don Walker said that while everyone is sorry to see Norton go, "we are excited for him in his new role in North Carolina."

http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=11&articleid=20090410_11_A10_Downto440542

[YoungTulsan]

Will he still be selling Toyotas?

[PonderInc]

Downtown Tulsa is long overdue for a breath of fresh air.  Twenty years in any one job is too long for anyone in any position.

Looking forward to new possibilities for downtown leadership with energy, enthusiasm, new ideas, and a collaborative style....

Can it happen?  Or will the Ogres of Status Quo rise up out of the mud to stiffle, constrict, congeal, and exclude, as tradition requires?

Hope not.  I'm feeling optimistic and excited. 

[Wilbur]

I liked Jim and worked with him on several events for downtown.  He always tried to promote downtown even when NOBODY wanted to go there. 

[sgrizzle]

June 30 is DTU's contract end date althrough they are likely getting a 6 or 12 mo extension.

I have bee spending some time tracking down the purported "PSO/DTU Acorn Light Standard" and have trouble finding anyone at either company who claims ownership. Maybe that is why we are starting to see some new light fixtures in some areas.

[guido911]

Seriously, never heard of the guy, being a southie and all.

[Conan71]

That's okay Guido, he's not left much of a mark on downtown either.  I'm still mystified as to how he's been able to keep that job as long as he has.

[RecycleMichael]

In the Chapel Hill newspaper they gave him credit for the BokCenter, the revitalized Blue Dome district, and the new ballpark.

[carltonplace]

In the Chapel Hill newspaper they gave him credit for the BokCenter, the revitalized Blue Dome district, and the new ballpark.

Well of course they do.

[sgrizzle]

In the Chapel Hill newspaper they gave him credit for the BokCenter, the revitalized Blue Dome district, and the new ballpark.

Everyone likes to feel like they got a good deal.

[Conan71]

Sounds like they will give him a little ivory tower to hide in for the next 20 years.  *YAWN*