Melissa Smith, owner of 1820 Co., will be replacing Tommy Povenski of Tapco and a Village Council member on the board of directors for The East Palestine Community Improvement Corporation (EPCIC). Mr. Povenski will be stepping down from this position to devote more time to his business and young family.
The EPCIC is a 501(c)(3)-charitable non-profit corporation created by the Village of East Palestine to lead economic development efforts for the community. The focus of EPCIC activities is to share positive messaging through the epohio.org website and EP Progress newsletter and promote the economic recovery, downtown revitalization and develop locations for business growth.
Missy noted, “As a lifelong resident and business owner with 20 years of experience, 14 of which have been downtown, I believe that it is important to support efforts to promote growth. I am committed to the economic development of the village and am happy to join the EPCIC with our shared goals of fostering community development and economic vitality. I look forward to working together to make a meaningful difference in our community.”
The EPCIC is governed by a five-member board of directors who must either live or work in the Village of East Palestine. By law, the EPCIC must have members of the Village government on its board. Members are appointed to a three-year term and serve as unpaid volunteers.
Missy joins the current board members: Chris Page, CEO of Threshold Residential Services; Tom Brittain of Brittain Motors; and Village Council Members Dr. Jessica Rocco of a Well Adjusted Chiropractic & Wellness and Linda May. The EPCIC meets monthly at 10:00 a.m. on the last Tuesday of the month and EPCIC board meetings are open to the public.