Sam Cosma '26 - Partner

This summer, I had the opportunity to intern with The Ardmore Initiative, a Business Improvement District (BID) dedicated to enhancing the downtown environment and supporting local businesses.  Operating at the intersection of a non-profit and a government agency, The Ardmore Initiative is funded through assessments on property owners and works to improve the area by providing various services and resources such as street cleaning, planter maintenance, event hosting, advertising, and grant assistance.

In my role at The Ardmore Initiative, I collected and updated data on local businesses and properties within the BID.  To do this I utilized a few different programs, primarily Excel and Maestro, a customer relationship management (CRM) program used by many Main Street programs.  My responsibilities extended to graphic design, where I contributed to promotional materials, advertising campaigns, and creating informational materials for both businesses and potential customers.

This internship was a great learning experience that aligned with my studies as an economics major, offering insights into both the complexities of working with government agencies and the importance of community relationships in business. Analyzing data gave me a nuanced understanding of downtown Ardmore’s character, including the local business landscape and property ownership dynamics. The hands-on work also taught me that data can be messy due to the historical evolution of the systems managing it. Through this, I learned the importance of contextual knowledge in navigating the shortcomings and limitations of CRMs.  Additionally, I was surprised to learn of the collaborative relationship between downtown Ardmore and Suburban Square, recognizing how joint events boost foot traffic and benefit both areas.

I would like to thank my colleagues at The Ardmore Initiative for creating a positive work environment and sharing their many insights about urban development, community engagement, and the intricate workings of a Business Improvement District.  I am immensely grateful to the Whitehead Internship Program for providing me with this opportunity and to Drew from the CCPA for his support throughout the internship application process.