Dan Slagle looking for consistency at Rehoboth Main Street

A few weeks into his new role as Rehoboth Beach Main Street executive director, Dan Slagle said for now, he’s focused on meeting business owners, finding out their concerns and letting them know Main Street is here for them.

“I’m willing to help. I’m willing to listen to help promote downtown businesses,” said Slagle, sitting in the Rehoboth Beach Main Street office off Rehoboth Avenue, between Rehoboth Beach Museum and Grove Park. “It’s important for any thriving downtown to have a Main Street organization to help generate business. I want them to believe in Main Street.”

Rehoboth Beach Main Street announced the hiring of Slagle in August. He is replacing Karen Falk, who stepped down as executive director in March. She was hired in August 2018.

Slagle said over the past year Main Street hosted the Community Unity Dinner in December, the Cottage and Town Awards in May and also installed new Rehoboth Avenue banners. He said he’s looking forward to continuing those successes and making more.

As for his impromptu discussions with Rehoboth business owners, Slagle said many of the business owners and managers said empty storefronts, parking, and a need for signage directing visitors to parking were some of the issues they found most concerning.

“Rehoboth Beach Main Street is moving forward,” he said. “There’s a full agenda, and I’m ready to tackle it.”

Immediately prior to Rehoboth Beach Main Street, Slagle was store manager for Spice & Tea Exchange for six years. Before that, he owned a Long Neck bed and breakfast, and was store manager at Harry & David.

Slagle said his business background helps him understand the issues downtown Rehoboth business owners will tell him about. Many of those people he knows through his experience with Spice & Tea Exchange.

Falk’s short tenure was the latest in a years-long roller coaster ride for the organization. Founded in 1996, Rehoboth Beach Main Street disbanded in May 2016. In March 2017, a new board of directors organized. Later that year, in November, the city commissioners gave Main Street $20,000 in temporary funding and use of city-owned office space near Rehoboth Beach Museum. The organization received $50,000 in funding from the city in 2018 and, earlier this year, another $50,000 for 2019.

In both instances of looking for an executive director, Lorraine Dion, a veteran of Main Street in Dover and Middletown, was appointed as interim director.

“I’m excited to get a chance to help tackle issues,” said Slagle. “The phone has been ringing. People have been walking in. It’s been really exciting.”