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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Main Street Ottumwa has officially hired a new director.

And Thursday was his 4th day on the job. His name is Bob Untiedt and he grew up in Davenport and Durant, Iowa.

With the revitalization efforts of downtown Ottumwa going strong – with new restaurants opening and renovations taking place, Untiedt was very interested in expanding these efforts.

He has lived all over the country in such places as Chicago, Kansas City and Los Angeles and brings with him experience he feels will benefit growing Ottumwa.

“In terms of work that I’ve done that's relevant to this, I’ve done some work in community organizing with churches in a few cities that resulted in meaningful economic development activities. One of the things I’m proudest of actually is working in Los Angeles was that the organization that I and 11 churches were part of. We had a very strong relationship with the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and frequently work with them on different initiatives related to having housing and other stuff,” said Untiedt.

Untiedt said he looks forward to meeting the people of Ottumwa and listening to their ideas.