SALEM — Jennifer Bell, the manager of Salem Main Streets, is leaving to take a similar post in Virginia.
In her five years in Salem, Bell focused on downtown revitalization, helping to recruit and support new businesses and promote special events.
She spearheaded the development of the Salem Farmers’ Market, which has grown each year and draws up to 4,000 shoppers to the downtown every week. It expanded last year to include a winter market.
“Jennifer will be missed,” said Rinus Oosthoek, executive director of the Salem Chamber of Commerce. “She’s been the glue for a big chunk of (the businesses in) this city.”
Bell has been named downtown manager for Winchester, Va., a city of 26,000 in northwest Virginia. She is scheduled to start her new job Jan. 3.
She is moving to be closer to family, Oosthoek said.
The city is expected to begin a search for a new Main Streets manager.
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