Get to Know CID Specialist Duane Thelen

By Duane Thelen
Community Initiated Development Specialist
Michigan Main Street Center
Michigan State Housing Development Authority

I would like to take this opportunity to provide you with a little background information about myself. First of all, I have worked in an economic development environment for 20 plus years. Most of my career I worked behind the scenes. Some time ago Joe Borgstrom called me in his office and asked if I would consider being assigned a territory consisting of 12 Michigan counties. Of course I accepted this challenge and was provided the opportunity of working face to face with the communities.

I recall one meeting when the City Manager was a few minutes late. When I saw this City Manager walking up to the city hall building carrying a snow shovel I asked jokingly “did the city place you on the snow removal crew’? He replied “Well we received a telephone call from an elderly lady who was upset because the city snow plow just blocked her driveway so I thought what the heck I’ll just shovel her driveway so she has a better day”. He also laughed and added “I sure hope she doesn’t have many sisters that live close by”.

I also attended meetings where I observed city staff that were stressed, emotional, and overwhelmed with the economic challenges that their community had dealt with over the past few years. I have never felt or witnessed first hand, this amount of passion and dedication for our Michigan communities. Needless to say what an opportunity and a privilege this job assignment has been for me.

I believe the best strength I bring to this job is my gift of listening. Each of us has or has had obstacles at work. Many of the meetings I have attended I learned was an agenda where staff needed to express concerns, worries and suggested improvements for the community. I am that someone who will listen and offer recommendations in an attempt to search for a solution.

Another one of my positive traits is my belief in trust. Be it in our personal lives, as well as in the workplace. Take it from me as I have been blessed with being a German Gemini. Does it get any worse than that? What this means is that people know who I am and what I believe in. I don’t believe in beating around the bush or talking in circles. I believe in letting people know what I’m thinking. Be it right or wrong, I like to give people the opportunity to let me know their feelings as well.

With my new challenge as the Community Initiated Development Specialist with the Michigan Main Street Center, I am looking forward to strengthening our partnerships, goals and our mission with Michigan Main Street Communities. Together we will make success happen!
Thank you and as always – keep a smile!