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February 01, 2010

Julie Townsend: EMERGE Member Spotlight

Julie Townsend
Executive director, Downtown Lakeland Partnership

Q: How did you come to live/work in Lakeland?

A: We moved to Lakeland because of a job opportunity for my husband Billy at The Ledger. He was a reporter for a sister paper in Palatka, FL and applied for a position at The Ledger in 1999.

Q: If you could have any talent in the world, what would it be and why?

A: That's a hard one. I would probably want to be able to play a musical instrument. I attended the Harrison School for the Arts Orchestra concert a while back and it was fantastic. I am just amazed by anyone who can play. The music was so powerful it brought me to tears. I would love to be able to experience it from the creative side.

Q: What would you change/add regarding EMERGE to enhance your experience?

A: It is difficult to say, since I am so new to the organization. We are all so busy, I think it is hard to take advantage of the great activities already offered.

Q: Name one pet peeve.

A: Mediocrity. I always try to beat expectations and not just do the minimum required. I get peeved by others who do not give 110 percent.

Q: How has your EMERGE Lakeland membership been beneficial to you?

A: Already I have met some great people. It keeps me connected with the community in a way that is different from my job.

Q: If you could serve on any organization's board in Lakeland, which would it be and why?

A: Another hard one! I work for an organization with a board so I understand board dynamics well. With that said, the one I chose would have to be an organization I had a passion for and one that I had time to give 110 percent. All my passion for now is tied up in Downtown, so perhaps the Historic Lakeland board.

Q: If you could ask one question of an EMERGE Spotlight member, what would it be?

A: I would selfishly ask, "How much time and money do you think you spend in Downtown Lakeland?"

Q: What is the worst job you've ever had?

A: I have worked since I was 15, so you can imagine I've had lots of random retail jobs. But really all of them were great. Why a job is bad depends on your perspective. I am the kind of person who needs flexibility in schedule, constant changes and new stimuli. I thought I wanted to be a teacher early on, but soon learned that I was not cut out for the rigidity of the schedule and confinement of the workplace. I lasted only 2 years. I have a huge amount of respect for teachers after walking in their shoes. It takes a very special person.

Q: What upcoming Lakeland event are you looking forward to attending?

A: I am really excited about the upcoming Brewz Crewz Craft Beer Festival. Of course I am a bit biased, since I am organizing the event for the DLP, but I think it will be a fabulous event. We do not have a craft beer event in Lakeland that is to the caliber that we are planning, so I am excited to see how the public reacts to it.

Posted by Emerge Lakeland at February 1, 2010 10:44 AM

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