Stocker of the Town of Newtown on managing the work/life balance

Name: Elizabeth Stocker, AICP Title: Director of Economic and Community Development Company/firm: Town of Newtown, CT Years with company/firm: 24 Years in field: 31 Address: 3 Primrose St., Newtown, CT 06470 Telephone: 203-270-4271 Email: elizabeth.stocker@newtown-ct.gov URL: www.newtown.org Real estate organizations/affiliations: President, CT Economic Development Association (CEDAS); Chairman, Housatonic Industrial Development Corp. (HIDC); American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) How do you manage the work/life balance? I work in a field that I enjoy and my work embellishes my life. It is challenging sometimes and so what I do is to make sure that I work hard and take holidays to refresh and enjoy life. I recognize that life involves work and that work provides rewards and opportunities. I think it is right to be good at what you do and enjoy what you do. During the last 10 years of your career, which professional accomplishment, honor or achievement has meant the most to you and why? I am most proud of the work that was done to contribute to the revitalization of Sandy Hook Village in Newtown. Property values were depressed, businesses were marginal and the district had no connection to the surrounding neighborhood. Working together with business people, the town government and property owners we determined that investment in the area would be enhanced if the area was cleaned up, sidewalks and decorative lighting added and new zoning adopted. Stakeholders agreed and we got it done. Today the property values are much greater and they are holding their value. More needs to be done however there are many more stakeholders now and I am confident that they will help achieve a complete and successful revitalization.