by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
Annual events like Eat Up Downtown, the Tour of Historic Churches and Movies in the Park have become part of the fabric of living, working and playing Downtown.
Those happenings are managed by Downtown Vision, the urban core’s nonprofit advocacy organization. The person responsible for planning the events and making sure they come off without a hitch is Katherine “Kat” Moore, DVI’s manager of Marketing & Events.
The Pennsylvania native decided to move to Jacksonville while attending the University of Pittsburgh.
“Growing up in a landlocked state, the thought of living at the beach sounded like a year-round vacation,” said Moore.
She finished her degree at the University of Florida and worked for several advertising and marketing firms, including a web boutique at the beach, Husk Jennings Advertising and Burdette Ketchum, DVI’s agency of record. Moore was assigned to the DVI account when several signature events were being developed. After 2 1/2 years at the agency, she came to the conclusion it was time for a change. “I decided a career with an agency was not for me,” said Moore.
About the same time, DVI was looking for a new events coordinator, so Moore made the move in February 2009 to join the Downtown scene on a daily basis.
“I really enjoy the urban setting and the mom-and-pop style independent businesses,” said Moore. “I also love the historic nature of the neighborhood.”
After almost 1 1/2 years working Downtown and getting to know the neighborhood, Moore said she has developed an even greater appreciation for what it has been and what it can be.
“Everywhere I look, I see so much potential. There are opportunities just waiting,” she said, “And I’ve always liked reclaiming things, taking something old and making it new.”
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