Founded in 1967, the Downtown Lincoln Association provides services and champions initiatives for maintaining and enhancing our vibrant downtown. DLA has evolved into a multi-faceted organization supporting a wide range of programs and activities including maintenance, economic development and advocacy. Spencer Munson is the Communications Coordinator for the Downtown Lincoln Association.
Tell us a little about your role at DLA. – I maintain relationships with current downtown businesses and act as community liaison in welcoming new businesses to the area. I also disseminate promotional materials and develop news stories for DLA’s live news feed and newsletter as well as news releases, website content, social media updates and assisting in special projects and events. Additionally, I work at the Bourbon Theatre as the Assistant Director of Marketing and Production where I do booking, PR, and ensure all of the promo gets done.
How did you get started in the business? – I have a strong background in event production and promotion, have operated a downtown business, and am passionate about the positive cultural growth of Lincoln.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – My college background is in design and English but when I got done with college I decided to take on running a small business. The business was a struggling record shop in downtown Lincoln called Spindle. I kept it in the black for a couple of years but CDs and DVDs became things of the past and records didn’t sell fast enough to pay rent. It was, however, a wonderful learning experience and hopefully I can retire into the record shop business down the road.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Working two great jobs that I love. Lincoln is growing and I feel like I have been, and will continue to be, a big part in making some interesting culture happen along with that growth. I am also a DJ and being able to play in the Pershing Center Stage for 3000+ people was one of the most exhilarating moments in my life.
Tell us a little about your family. – I grew up on a small ranch in western Nebraska with my father, the rancher, my mother, the teacher, and my little brother, the deep thinker. Now retired, my parents love to come to Lincoln and spend time soaking up football, books, antiques, and great food. My brother also works with me at the Bourbon as the head of security. Alex and I both graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan and are seeking graduate degrees part time from the University of Nebraska.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life? – Leaving my small town and starting college in Lincoln shifted my view of the world, and being able to run a record shore helped me develop many of the great relationships I have today in the growing Lincoln music scene.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – That I love to ride and break horses. My grandfather was an internationally known Arabian horse breeder/judge and I was lucky enough to learn how to ride at the age of 3.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Always follow through and go the extra mile.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “Digital Love” by Daft Punk
What is your favorite local restaurant? – The Blue Orchid and Grateful Bread.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – By email at smunson@downtownlincoln.org, on Twitter at https://twitter.com/spencermunson, or find out more about DLA at downtownlincoln.org.