Former concert promoter has a love of Youngstown

Dennis Roller, president of the Youngstown Arts and Entertainment District and president and CEO of The Youngstown Channel, wants to make downtown Youngstown a destination place for Mahoning Valley residents. With a little help from government and area businesses, Roller and his team have a vision of bringing the best restaurants, sports and entertainment to the area. We talked with him about:
What has been the most significant accomplishment of YAEDA? Definitely, assisting in bringing downtown entertainment district to Youngstown. Another accomplishment is the founding of the Youngstown Channel. We put up all the city council meetings and other events so people can watch them when they're out of town. My siblings who live in Albuquerque and Phoenix keep track of what's going on in Youngstown by watching the channel. This is just the first step -- we can do a lot with the channel.
What is one thing people don't know about downtown? There's virtually no crime in downtown Youngstown. People can come here with their families and feel safe.
What would you like to see in downtown Youngstown 10 years from now? We want to make downtown a place people want to come to. I'd like to see a couple of department stores, top-flight restaurants and attractions. I want it to be a top recreational place. Also for the people who live downtown, I'd like to see a couple of grocery stores and a drugstore.
How did you meet your wife, Marie? I was working as a security at the place Marie worked. She had four children of her own.
What is your favorite room in your house? I built the house 19 years ago in Liberty. I built all of the rooms to be very large -- I don't like to be closed in. My wife's favorite room is the garden room where we have a 20-foot tree that my wife planted. She recently planted an orange tree with my grandson, who lives with us. My favorite room is the downstairs where I've got a big screen TV.
What was your favorite concert that you brought to Youngstown area? I brought the Impressions to Girard several years ago. Every lady got a rose at the door. It was my thank you to the people of Youngstown for being good to me.
What is the best advice that anyone ever gave you? My father always said, "Stay out of trouble, and keep your nose clean."
About Dennis
* Age: In his 60s
* Married to his wife, Marie, for 26 years.
* Used to be a Youngstown concert promoter.
* Enjoys refurbishing and selling classic cars.
* Has two children, seven stepchildren and 12 grandchildren.
* During time off, Roller and his wife enjoy biking up to 50 miles a day.
* Retired from General Motors in 1999 after 32 years.
* Graduated from North High School and Choffin Vocational School for Business in 1962.
* Joined the Navy in 1962. Personally chosen by President Kennedy for staff duty.
* Lifetime member of VFW Lodge 6488 in Youngstown.