Are you the next face of Midland?

Are you the next Face of Midland? Do you work, live or socialize Downtown and want to blog about it? We are looking for the next Face of Midland right now. Speak up about our growing community and show us what a day in your life is like. Send a bio and some of your own photos and videos to live@livemidlandtexas.com and you could be blogging on our site in the near future! Our bloggers are non-paid citizens of Midland who share a passion for Downtown. What’s your story? Tell it on LIVE Midland!

Ben

AGE: 37
OCCUPATION/EMPLOYER: Recreation Superintendent, City of Midland
HOMETOWN: Panama
HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN MIDLAND: 2.5 months

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF:
I enjoy the outdoors, cycling, triathlons, rock climbing mountain biking, and lately motorcycling. I find great satisfaction in physical activity, and introducing others to how it can improve their quality of life. I would characterize myself as a purveyor of experiences and education for the improvement of your quality of life as well as that of our surroundings.

WHAT DO YOU DO DOWNTOWN?:
I have had the opportunity to enjoy a couple of eateries in the downtown area. My work brings me downtown frequently. On each occasion, something new comes into focus.

WHAT POTENTIAL DO YOU SEE IN DOWNTOWN?:
Potential is relative to the principal needs of the downtown area. Beyond those, we find the peripheral attributes that color our daily existence. Art, shopping, entertainment, and the culture that identifies Midland as West Texas iconic fragment of this great state. The development of these elements, coupled with increased interaction/events in the area would assist in bringing more attention to the revitalization efforts as well as re-introduce the area to the natives who have not had reason nor opportunity to visit the downtown area.

Laura

AGE: 35
OCCUPATION/EMPLOYER: Board of Directors - Midland Development Corp.; currently serving as Opportunity Zone Chairman for Downtown Midland; Partner and CPA with Elms, Faris & Co.
HOMETOWN: Midland
HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN MIDLAND: Midland 1982-1991, moved back 2002-present

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF:
I am married and have an 8 year-old daughter. I enjoy traveling, the arts, scrapbooking and cooking. Besides working full-time and having my family, I volunteer in the community. I am quite active and on the boards for MDC and Museum of the Southwest, and am the current Chair/President of the Young Professionals of Midland.

WHAT DO YOU DO DOWNTOWN?:
My office is downtown on the 15th floor of Independence Plaza. I love being downtown whether it is working, eating out, going to festivals, going to the Farmer’s Market – Whatever I can find to do.

WHAT POTENTIAL DO YOU SEE IN DOWNTOWN?:
I would like to see Downtown become “the place people want to be.” I want plenty of diversity in choices for entertainment… green open-air park space, outdoor concerts, more dining options, coffee houses, and nightclubs/bars. I would like to see art galleries supported and small boutique shops. I believe there is a desire for residential living downtown and would like to see some group make that investment in downtown. We have so much potential already, by being branded the “Tall City” and being the central business area for West Texas. I want that to continue and provide more options than just office space between 8am and 5pm.

Shona

AGE: 30
OCCUPATION/EMPLOYER: Senior Associate at Elms Faris & Co. LLP
HOMETOWN: Odessa, TX
HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN MIDLAND: 5 weeks

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF:
Obsessed with the color blue, enjoy cooking and baking, like to entertain and hang out with friends and am currently studying for the CPA exam

WHAT DO YOU DO DOWNTOWN?:
Work and dine out

WHAT POTENTIAL DO YOU SEE IN DOWNTOWN?:
Downtown Midland has the potential to offer a lot more than office space. It would be nice to see some areas converted to livable and recreational space.

Chris

AGE: 30
OCCUPATION/EMPLOYER: Landman for CSO Land Partnership
HOMETOWN: Midland, TX
HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN MIDLAND: 12 years, moved back 3 years ago

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF:
I enjoy golf, fishing, hunting, college football, running, traveling, and cooking. I am a native Midlander who enjoys being active around town and around the house and generally enjoying life.

WHAT DO YOU DO DOWNTOWN?:
I work Downtown, eat Downtown, socialize and participate in any number of activities Downtown when I have the time to enjoy it.

WHAT POTENTIAL DO YOU SEE IN DOWNTOWN?:
I see Downtown having the potential to do two major things in our town. 1. Provide a great business/commerce environment where anyone is a short walk from a meeting, and 2. After the businesses have shut down for the day, a place for Midland to gather for good food, good drink, and good company with their friends in the evening.

Cory

AGE: 30
OCCUPATION/EMPLOYER:Attorney at a local law firm
HOMETOWN: Odessa, TX
HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN MIDLAND: 3 years

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF:
My favorite thing to do is hang out with my new husband, friends and family! I love live music, travel, reading, shopping and running.

WHAT DO YOU DO DOWNTOWN?:
I work Downtown, eat Downtown, attend the occasional street concert or festival, and go out Downtown.

WHAT POTENTIAL DO YOU SEE IN DOWNTOWN?:
Two words – Coffee shop! We are in desperate need of a good coffee shop in Downtown. We have so much fun when we go Downtown, but we need more hotels and restaurants.