Maurice Davis, former program coordinator for Cedar Rapids-based Jane Boyd Community House’s Empower Initiative, has been hired as executive director of 6 South Iowa City Business District. (Photo courtesy of Maurice Davis)
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IOWA CITY — Maurice A. Davis has been named the next executive director of the Iowa City Sixth Street Business District, which aims to revitalize the Pepperwood Plaza area and take advantage of newly approved economic development taxes.
Since moving to Iowa in 2013, Davis has worked as a financial advisor, runs a marketing company, worked as an entrepreneurship program coordinator at Jane Boyd Community House, hosted a podcast, and written a children’s book on entrepreneurship. I wrote it. He also taught and attended school at Kirkwood Community College.
Maurice Davis poses for a photo with his book “Jaden’s Big Day” in front of Harambee House, part of the Jane Boyd Community House Program, in Cedar Rapids on December 8, 2020. (Official Gazette)
A native of Illinois, Davis enlisted in the National Guard and served in combat units until he was discharged due to illness. He then began looking for a job where he could use the skills he learned, eventually finding a job in law enforcement.
He settled in the Corridor area because there are multiple prisons in the area. However, Davis ended up not working in law enforcement.
After he and his business partner at a marketing company parted ways and decided to pursue other opportunities, he decided to take a job in six southern states.
“Before, we were focused on, “How do we get into your business, help you build your infrastructure, and help you create opportunities to generate customers?” Davis says. “Now I’m outside of the business saying, ‘How do we create an environment that fosters a natural flow that brings more prosperity to the region?’ But in terms of how do we make sure that the environment is maintained? We have a very similar problem.” It’s economically viable. ”
Through his work at the Jane Boyd House, Davis was introduced to former South of 6 executive director Angie Jordan, and he continued to collaborate with her on various projects over the years. Mr. Jordan resigned from his position in May for health reasons.
Self-Reliant Municipal Improvement Districts (SSMIDs) are economic development tools designed to stimulate local business and support local entrepreneurs. Funds raised from the levy decided to be imposed on area businesses starting in 2022 will be used to revitalize the Pepperwood Plaza area south of Highway 6 between Broadway and Keokuk streets.
Davis has only been in his new role for about a month, so he’s still figuring out what it means. But he said he wants his work to align with South of 6’s mission: attracting people to the district, making it welcoming for visitors, residents and organizations, and providing business support.
“My power lies in bringing people together and facilitating connections, resources, and conversations, and because of the structure of SSMID, there is also an opportunity to use some of that budget to help advance projects,” he said. Said.
Davis said a key element of his job is managing resources effectively and efficiently, something he has experience with in past marketing roles.
“I think when people think about marketing, when they think about social media posts, when they think about making commercials, they often think about graphic design. My background isn’t there. That’s something I’m researching further. It’s more of a strategic development stage… and what will it look like in the long term for us to do the important things and how do we fit all those pieces together? ?” Davis said.
For the time being, he will continue to live in Cedar Rapids, but if a suitable property comes along, he will consider moving to Iowa City.
Davis earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from Upper Iowa University in 2016 and a master’s degree in business administration from Capella University in 2022.
Davis also served on the Cedar Rapids City Council ADA Committee and served on the boards of the African American Museum of Iowa and African American Professionals of Cedar Rapids.
Davis invited community members to meet at the South District Market, 947 U.S. Highway 6 in Iowa City, on Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m.
Comment: megan.woolard@thegazette.com
