Wright-Dunbar Business Village News

Idotha 'Bootsie' Neal Returns to the Wright-Dunbar Area as Executive Director of Wright Dunbar, Inc.
Judge Walter H. Rice will introduce Idotha 'Bootsie' Neal to the community as Executive Director of Wright Dunbar, Inc. at a press conference held March 14th at 10:30am at 1109 W. Third Street (parking is available in front of the building on W. Third Street). Neal was instrumental in beginning the revitalization efforts in the Wright-Dunbar Village.

"I'm excited to return to the Wright-Dunbar Village and to have the opportunity to continue work that is very important to Dayton. I'm excited to have the opportunity to rekindle, renovate, and revitalize a nationally significant neighborhood," said Bootsie Neal.

Neal views the Wright-Dunbar Business Village revitalization as both an economic development project and an historic preservation project and says that it is critical that the Dayton community approaches the revitalization of the area from both of these perspectives.

As a former Dayton City Commissioner, Idotha 'Bootsie' Neal has been integral to several development projects in and around the Wright-Dunbar area. During her tenure, she was involved in several development projects, including ISUS, Ecumenical Development Corporation, City of Dayton Rehabarama, and the Zion Cultural Center rehabilitation. She also served as Director of Central State University West, and was an employee at CSU for 18 years.

At the press conference, Judge Walter H. Rice will officially introduce Neal as Executive Director, where she will share her vision for the redevelopment of the commercial district. The media will have an opportunity to ask questions and take a tour of the Wright-Dunbar Business Village at the close of the press conference. For more information, please call Wright Dunbar, Inc.