Who You Gonna Call? ( Bernie, Joy or Dan?)

Did you know that there are now 3 staff members dedicated to the supporting the District and our businesses?  

Bernie LeBel - Downtown Manager (she/her)
Bernie is the newly hired Downtown Manager. Bernie is an employee of the District and works approximately 20 hours per week. Bernie supports the Board of Commissioners by overseeing the daily operations of the District.

If you are ever unsure who to contact, start with Bernie and she will direct you! You can always reach Bernie using the "Contact Us" feature of this website or by calling 860-647-5276 or by email at dmssd@manchesterct.gov.

Contact Bernie if you have questions about the Parking Program (permits, tickets, etc.), Board Meetings / Topics, Maintenance/Landscaping...or any other general question!

Joy Press - Marketing Assistant (She/Her)
You already know Joy, as she has served as our Downtown Manager for the past 2 years. She will remain an employee of the District, but is now taking on a reduced role for aproximately 10 hours per week. 

Contact Joy if you have questions about utilizing the Local Connections Tools on our website, about Sponsorship Opportunities, or about participating in Downtown Events.  

Be sure to drop Joy an email if you have exciting news to share! She will still be helping to write Press Releases, Blog Articles, and Social Media posts!

You can reach Joy at jpress@manchesterct.gov or texting 860-704-9687.

Dan Pesce, Downtown Development Specialist (he/him)
Dan Pesce is a full-time employee of the Town of Manchester's Planning & Economic Development Department. While he is an employee of the Town, Dan's job is primarily focused on supporting the economic development of the Downtown District.  

Dan works hard to recruit businesses and property developers to Downtown. Dan also oversees programs like Project 2020 and the Town's 2020 Loan Program.

Contact Dan when you have a vacancy on your property or when you know someone looking to relocate to Downtown.  Dan is also an excellent resource for support seeking or applying to local and national loan or grant programs.

You can reach Dan at dpesce@manchesterct.gov or 860-647-6021.