April 2, 2007

Mulcahy elected president of Willow Glen Business Association

Hopes to focus on beautification, community events and economic vitality

If the Willow Glen Business Association has its way, your next visit will be greeted by freshly painted crosswalk arches, colorful planters and improved storefronts.

Michael Mulcahy

Michael Mulcahy, the new president of the Willow Glen Business Association, has a vision for the Willow Glen business district with an eye toward making the shopping, eating and strolling experience along Lincoln Avenue more vibrant and diverse.

Mulcahy is third-generation San Josean, and a lifelong resident of Willow Glen whose roots date back to the early 1900s. As managing partner of SDS NexGen Partners, his Willow Glen-based firm recently bought and refurbished the Garden Theater office and retail center that now houses local startup retailers Bella James Women’s Boutique and Tyson’s Interiors. Other SDS NexGen Partner properties include Aqui Cal-Mex, Blockbuster, BevMo, Willow Glen Fitness and Willow Glen Bike Shop buildings.

Mulcahy was a candidate for San Jose mayor during the 2006 campaign season. He is a former executive director of Children’s Musical Theater San Jose and currently serves on the boards of Team San Jose and American Leadership Forum. He was the association’s vice president this past year.

Marvin Bamburg, principal of MBA Architects on Lincoln Avenue, was elected vice president. He previously served as treasurer. Bamburg’s experience with the association dates back over 20 years when he worked on various beautification projects and traffic studies.

Kevin Swanson, an investment representative at Edward Jones, is treasurer. He previously served as secretary.

Linda Waltrip, owner of Park Place Vintage, was elected secretary. Waltrip has owned Park Place for over 20 years and has served on the board twice as chairperson for the popular Dancin’ on the Avenue event, a hallmark event of the association.

Newly elected board members include Stan Harris, founder of etc…group, inc. a firm that delivers integrated marketing solutions. It produced an independent feature film starring Academy Award-winner Louise Fletcher and Cicely Tyson, which will premier on Showtime this spring.

Lisa Hayashi is a former business owner in Willow Glen with over 15 years of sales and marketing experience. She most recently worked for Countrywide Home Loans on Lincoln Avenue. Sophia Niu is the general manager of Taiwan Restaurant. Her parents, Nancy and Jimmy, are the founders of the restaurant that has been on the Avenue for 24 years.

Fred Oliver is a 26-year resident of San Jose/Willow Glen. He worked a number of years in sales and management with many valley corporations including ROLM and IBM. As a second career, he now works as a realtor for Prudential California Realty.

Tom Trudell is managing partner of Truberg Associates, which owns and operates the Bergmann Building. He is the immediate past president of the board.

Continuing members include Ernie Pyer, owner of Casa Casa and Gary Rovai, owner of Goosetown Lounge.

The Willow Glen Business & Professional Association was formed in 1984 in response to the formation of the Willow Glen Business Improvement District.

The purpose of the association is to make downtown Willow Glen a desirable destination to shop, eat and locate a business by engaging in the maintenance and beautification of downtown Willow Glen; the promotion of a positive identity for the business community through advertising, public relations, sponsorships, events and festivals; the improvement of business conditions with strong advocacy; and the preservation of the historic and architectural character of downtown Willow Glen.

The Willow Glen Business Association meets the second Tuesday of each month, from 8- to 10 a.m. Call (408) 298-2100 or go to www.downtownwillowglen.org for more information.