The Main Street Cultural District has announced that Angela Moore will be returning to lead the district, filling the position vacated by former director Jayne McGuire late last month.

Moore previously held the position from 2004 until 2007. As the first full-time director, Moore said much of her time was spent marketing the district as an entity and establishing it in the minds of Ames community members.

This time the opportunities and challenges will be different.

“In the last three years, I think the board has grown a lot,” Moore said. “It is a much stronger board than when we just started and were just learning back in 2004. I’m excited to go back because I think there’s a much stronger support level from the board and from the Chamber of Commerce to help the Cultural District as a whole.”

Moore said that this time around, she wants to devote time to promoting the events of individual Main Street businesses.

“I hope to grow the marketing we do for all of the downtown businesses that are planning their own events,” Moore said.

Since 2007, Moore has worked as visitor and membership coordinator for the Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“Having her know Ames so well is going to be really, really helpful,” said Sonya Stoltze-Newstrom, president of the Main Street Cultural District executive board. “The Cultural District likes to associate with other organizations within Ames. She kind of already knows people that are working within those organizations.”

Moore’s other connections will be of use too.

“Knowing the businesses from three years ago will definitely help,” Moore said.

The goal, as always, is to draw visitors and community members to Main Street.

“We want Ames to be recognized as a destination, and we want downtown to be recognized as a destination,” Stoltze-Newstrom said.

Moore will continue her work with the Convention and Visitors Bureau until Friday and will officially start at the Main Street Cultural District on March 15.

“I have always loved Main Street and loved my time there, and it just seemed like time to go back,” Moore said. “My heart is with Main Street — as much as I love all of Ames, and promoting the whole area.”