Newton City Administrator Bob Knabel announced today that former Iowa Speedway executive Craig Armstrong has been hired to assist with the development of the City’s retail business and expansion of the residential real estate market, as well as promote Newton through the community’s new ‘Get To Know Newton’ branding campaign.
In keeping with the recommendations for the City’s Buxton Report, Newton’s City Council approved the addition of a Development Specialist to the City’s staff on February 3rd and, through an extensive interview process, Armstrong was appointed to the new position.
“We were fortunate to have some outstanding candidates for this new position of Development Specialist,” said Knabel. “It was a tough decision, but I am delighted that Craig accepted our offer and will be joining our Staff next week. We have a number of exciting projects that we’re about to undertake, and I am confident that Craig will help us foster community growth and development in a very positive way.”
Among many community development-related functions, Armstrong’s responsibilities will include developing guidelines and overseeing incentives for buyers, builders and property owners for housing development, targeting and soliciting potential retail businesses for Newton, creating marketing materials for the City, and coordinating development activities with the Chamber of Commerce, Newton Development Corporation and other community stakeholders.
“I am both honored and thrilled to be entrusted with carrying out Newton’s development initiatives,” Armstrong said. “I’ve been in love with this community from the first day I arrived here in the spring of 2006, and I am so proud of what this City has accomplished in the eight years since. The future for our community is very bright, and I look forward to making a positive contribution for many years to come.”
Armstrong is scheduled to assume his new position on Thursday, February 27, and will report to the City’s Director of Finance and Development, Bryan Friedman.
