Downtown events director Kidd resigns, but stays involved

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Phil Kidd

YOUNGSTOWN — Phil Kidd won’t be in charge of downtown pub crawls or outdoor movie series come December.

Kidd, director of downtown events, turned in his letter of resignation this week and accepted a job with the Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative.

“This is a logical progression,” said 29-year-old Kidd of resigning.

“Event planning and marketing for the city was good. I would have liked to stick around, but I’m very confident they city will bring in someone with the same mind-set,” he said.

Established in March the MVOC aims to form groups throughout the city that share the common goal of cleaning up urban neighborhoods in Youngstown and Warren.

Five community organizers are now designated to specific locations to arrange neighborhood campaigns and create opportunities for community action.

In his new position Kidd hopes to encourage citizens to take charge in their community.

“At the end of the day I’m about addressing community issues and working toward the advancement of Youngstown,” he said.

Kidd has also been recognized for his Defend Youngstown Web site and t-shirts. Creating Defend was an effort to push for advancement in the city and to join the support of area leaders, business owners and citizens.

“Defend Youngstown will remain as is and will serve as almost a one stop information resource center,” he said.

The Web site will inform people of city happenings and expand on projects like the Wick Park revitalization.

For the complete story, read Wednesday’s Vindicator or Vindy.com.