Jazzilyn DuBois, a sophomore at Coldwater High School, has become the second youth representative on the Coldwater Downtown Development Authority (DDA).  Jazzilyn was sworn in by City Clerk Ruth Ann Volkmer at the DDA Board meeting Wednesday, May 6th.  Jazzilyn will sit on the DDA Board for the next three years.

Brad Rockey, DDA Board President remarked, “We are pleased to have Jazzilyn as a part of our board.  It is an exciting time to have youth sit on this board.  As we begin planning for the downtown for the next 5, 10 and 15 years, we need different perspectives.  Certainly the youth need to be heard and we need to understand their needs to keep our downtown vibrant and growing.  This is an excellent opportunity for all of us to listen and work with all the various segments of the population that make up Coldwater and Branch County.  Cody Littley was our first youth representative so Jazzilyn has big shoes to fit, but I am certain she can do just that.”

DDA Director Barb Rosene, noted “Involving youth is a priority for the HomeTown Competitiveness Program (HTC).”  (HTC is a unique approach to rural development.  Based on four pillars - entrepreneurship, charitable assets, youth and leadership, HomeTown Competitiveness is a locally-based framework built on Branch County's strengths, not someone else's idea of what we need!)  “I am pleased that the Coldwater Downtown Development Authority Board stepped up and became one of the first public boards to include youth as a partner in redevelopment activities.”

Jazzilyn DuBois is 15 years old, who moved to Coldwater at the age of three from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is a straight A student and will be a sophomore at Coldwater High School this fall.  In addition to AP courses, Jazzilyn participates in Basketball, Softball and is a proud member of the French Club.

The DDA coordinates and supports activities to promote, recruit, and retain the economic viability of the downtown area.  It also acts as an advocate for a safe, clean, and attractive central business district.  A strong downtown center is a major attraction for development and enhances the quality of life in the community.  As part of its mission, the DDA promotes economic growth by combining public and private community resources and initiatives which, together, help drive development and position Coldwater and its downtown for success.