New Administrator Vows to Reinvigorate Montclair Village

The (MVA) recently appointed Daniel Swafford as its new administrator. Swafford, who took over from outgoing executive director Roger Vickery, is tasked with keeping Montclair’s business district vibrant despite continuing economic conditions that are less than ideal.

Swafford is now responsible for supporting the MVA board and the 230 retail and service businesses that are MVA members, managing operations of the Business Improvement District, and collaborating with partner organizations. But he faces challenges.

From 2007 to 2010, California's small business failure rate was 69 percent higher than the national average, the worst of all the states, according to a recent report from the business research firm Dun & Bradstreet. The report, which analyzed 23 million small businesses, cites continued instability in the residential housing market and a drop in the tourism and retail sectors as the main reasons for the poor performance of small businesses in California.

Montclair’s business district in particular has been plagued with a noticeable number of vacancies along its main strip.

“Most all merchants I have spoken with are feeling a pinch and are working hard to make adjustments,” said Swafford.

Swafford said he would leverage MVA’s supportive network to help reinvigorate the business district.

“Referrals will move clients and customers between the first floor and second floor, Thornhill to Village Square, instead of one stop shoppers that miss much of what Montclair offers,” said Swafford.

He also plans to encourage business owners to take a more modern approach to marketing.

“Merchants can embrace new tools to attract business and stay on top of trends that will draw scarce dollars to Montclair versus other districts or cities,” he said.

Swafford’s appointment generated some controversy following claims that he was voted in improperly, but the claims proved to be unfounded.

“I feel really blessed that we have someone who is so passionate about Montclair,” said MVA Vice-President Lee Richter, from Montclair Veterinary Hospital. “He is hands-down the best candidate for the job.”

Born and raised in Montclair, Swafford is an experienced management consultant. From 2001 to 2008, the Skyline High School graduate also served as a workshop and mentor coordinator at Laney College.

“Daniel brings with him a depth of experience and skill that aligns perfectly with the MVA's mission to support our merchant members and help the village thrive,” said MVA President Winter Williams in a newsletter.

In 2010, Swafford ran for council, representing District 4, but he said he is now “100 percent focused on my role with the MVA, it’s a good fit.”

Swafford said an emphasis on teamwork defines his leadership style.

“Working collaboratively takes effort, but the results a good team can achieve are limitless,” he said.  “It is important to stay focused on working for positive change, respecting ideas and experience, and engaging people to take responsibility for what they envision for their community.”