Downtown Inc Announces New Members and Chair of York Business Improvement District Authority (YBIDA)

Downtown Inc, the organization committed to driving, enhancing, and encouraging investment in Downtown York is proud to announce new additions to the York Business Improvement District Authority board of directors, as well as a new Chair of the Board, and executive committee. 

Aneury Perez has been announced Chair of the YBIDA. Aneury is a Multi-Center Financial Manager with Fulton Bank and a graduate of William Penn Senior High School and Penn State York. He started his banking career in Downtown York in 2006, helping individuals and business owners plan for their future. Aneury is a YBIDA representative on the York County Economic Alliance Board of Directors through the Strategic Affiliation with the two organizations, and serves on the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center Advisory Board, and the York City Little League. He joined the YBIDA in 2019 and previously served as treasurer for 2 years.

The executive committee welcomes Allison Witherow of O.N.E. Hospitality as Secretary, who has served YBIDA since 2021. Joanne Wilmore, owner of Grace Manor Bed & Breakfast has changed from Secretary to Treasurer of the YBIDA, and Jules Tolbert remains on the committee as immediate past chair.

“Aneury’s passion for our community, as a lifelong York native, will continue to drive forward the mission of our Downtown,” shared Jules Tolbert, immediate past chair of the Board. “He cares deeply for residents and visitors of our community, and also the small businesses who invest in our Downtown.”

Joining the authority board are two new members, Melissa Beaverson of Explore York, and Chris Harris of Stock & Leader, Attorneys at Law.

Melissa Beaverson is the Director of Destination Marketing for Explore York, the official tourist promotion agency for York County. She oversees a team of five and is responsible for all marketing strategy, branding, and communication efforts. She joined the team in 2020 and has spent the past two years digging into all things tourism in York County. An experienced leader & tourism marketing professional, she is passionate about cultivating business relationships and bringing people together to collaborate on projects. Melissa currently holds a board seat representing Pennsylvania on the Civil War Trails national organization, as well as the Southern Chapter Board for the PA Restaurant Lodging Association (PRLA), and is on the Marketing Committee for the York County History Center.

Chris Harris, a Texas native, comes to York through Stock and Leader where he serves as a solicitor for school districts. Chris completed his undergraduate degree in History from Southern Arkansas University and his law degree the Dickinson School of Law in Carlisle. Chris has been with Stock and Leader for 4 years where he has provided guidance to his school district clients on a myriad of matters, such as labor and employment, sunshine act, right-to-know, and constitutional concerns. Chris currently serves on the Board of Directors for DreamWrights and the Big Brothers Big Sisters of York and Adams County.

“The YBIDA board is thrilled to welcome Melissa and Chris, who are passionate advocates for our Downtown Community,” added Tolbert.

The YBIDA thanked two members for their dedicated service--Kate Hynes of Stock & Leader, who was a member of the board since 2018 and instrumental in the Strategic Affiliation with YCEA, as well as an active member of the YBIDA Development Committee for fundraising success. Carlos Garcia, owner of Pineapple Home Gallery, served 2 years on the YBIDA representing retail, merchant, and small business perspectives of our Downtown.