People of the Year—Ellie Mencer
Havre de Grace Patch recognizes the People of the Year over the final two weeks of 2011.
Ellie Mencer, right, is a promoter and advocate for small businesses in Havre de Grace.
Paula Casagrande | Big House Signs
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Patch recognizes people or groups with a People of the Year award for their contributions to Havre de Grace in 2011. Nominees were submitted by Patch readers via a submission form, email or on Facebook.
ELLIE MENCER
Finding a way to define Ellie Mencer is a challenge. That's because she has meant so much to so many in Havre de Grace.
To quantify her impact on local business would be impossible.
Mencer has worn a number of hats in Havre de Grace. Each of them has fit perfectly.
Mencer lends her promotional support and advocates for local businesses regularly. She operates elliemencer.com, which she utilizes to lend her expertise in marketing and promotion to the small businesses in Havre de Grace that need cutting-edge help.
"Ellie is the cement that binds the downtown business community and proved invaluable in her eternal role as a cheerleader and liaison for downtown business after [former Main Street manager] Diana Broomell's sudden firing at the start of this year's summer season," Biller's Bikes owners Walt Biller and Mara Wasilik wrote in an email to Patch.
Mencer was the owner and publisher of Havre de Grace Magazine for a decade.
She's also managed other local publications in various locations, and served as a freelance writer. Mencer continues to support local events and endeavors, as she did while also operating havredegracethemeetingplace.com.
Today, Mencer assists local businesses in social media, website operation and mobile applications.
Patch reporter Molly Lauryssens said earlier in 2011 that Mencer's name came up repeatedly in conversations with business owners and community leaders in Havre de Grace.
"She's like Ms. Havre de Grace," Lauryssens said.
Biller and Wasilik wrote an email to Patch earlier in 2011 suggesting a feature be written on Mencer for her efforts in the community throughout the last two decades, citing her publications, leadership and dedication to the community's improvement and redevelopment.
Mencer declined to be featured. She'd rather the spotlight be on the community.
So in short, Mencer could be described as the glue that holds Havre de Grace's downtown together.
"She is awesome," said City Councilwoman Barbara Wagner, who owns Bahoukas with her husband, George. "I love her, and she helps us in so many ways."
Do you know Ellie Mencer or have a story to share about her impact on Havre de Grace? Share it in the comments. Click below to add an image or video.
In This article
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Biller's Bikes
213 N Juniata St, Havre de Grace, MD (Near U.S. Post Office) -
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Molly Lauryssens
Joined Patch Tuesday, September 14, 2010 -
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Bahoukas Antique Mall and Beer MuZeum
408 N Union Ave, Havre de Grace, MD
Biller's Bikes
2:04 pm on Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Since you don't have a HdG "Person of the Decade" award, this will have to do. Ellie Mencer is our friend, mentor and critic and has helped shape our business and guide us through many challenges. She has done the same for hundreds of others, too. There aren't enough lucky stars in the universe on which to thank her. Thanks, Ellie.
Rebecca Fitzgerald
2:48 pm on Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Focus on the community - yup, that's Ellie! I can't tell you how much Ellie's meant to us over the years. And throughout it all, it's always been "all about the community." One of the most enjoyable days I've spent was huddled over a computer with Ellie as we both worked to figure out some software she was using to...yup, help another local business! Finally, some recognition for someone who is always behind the scenes and light years ahead in her thinking!
Bill Lawson
9:05 am on Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Ellie is definitely an amazingly awesome Havre de Gracer. When I was first introduced to her I was told "she's the official unofficial mayor of Havre de Grace"
Carolyn Narvell
9:52 am on Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Ellie is a super person who loves and supports Havre de Grace in every way. She has helped the Independence Celebration Committee in every way and we are all indebted to her.
Barbara Wagner
11:17 am on Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Excellent pick!! Ellie should be "Person of the Decade" for sure!! She understands the big picture, and how we all need to work together for HdG to be at it's best! She has been invaluable for us at Bahoukas and is responsible for our website, mobile site and much much more!! Thank you Ellie for chosing HdG! We are all better because of you! Thanks Patch for honoring such a superstar!
Tom Barnes
3:16 pm on Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Another perfect fit for HdeG Person of the Year. A gracious lady with a warm smile for everyone.
Teresa Fitzpatrick
5:33 pm on Wednesday, December 28, 2011
When I first met Ellie I was in my store, the Picture Show,art gallery and picture framing...31+years...her first publication in Havre de Grace and the title was "Lighthouse to Lockhouse"...I looked at her and smiled and said your not from around here are you?...she laughed and said no...I said well the lighthouse and the lockhouse would never talk to one another???....but it's true she has threaded this community together..truly the glue!!!
Edward Heydt
9:03 pm on Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Ellie is indeed an amazing woman and worthy of being a "Person of the Year" or better "Person of the Decade". She is not only very knowledgeable but also very friendly and has a delightful smile and laughter. Havre de Grace is blessed to have an Ellie Mencer in our midst.