By Christi Milligan
Special to Delaware Business Times

Murrie Zlotziver may be a history buff. But as executive director of Downtown Milford Inc. (DMI), he embraces both the past and future.

DMI is a nonprofit accredited through the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Downtown Delaware Program. With a core group of 40 volunteers, the organization works with business and property owners to " "¦ beautify, revitalize, protect, preserve, and promote the city's historic riverside district," according to its mission statement.

For Zlotziver, who stepped into the role last fall, it's familiar territory. The Pennsylvania transplant oversaw the Elm Street Project for Mifflinburg Heritage and Revitalization Association before coming to Milford. With a year under his belt, he thinks Milford is on the verge of big things.

"There's a lot of stuff happening here," said Zlotziver. "I love getting to know Milford -its history, its culture, the business owners, the city government and the people. I'm getting a sense of the city's personality."

Its personality is growing increasingly eclectic with several new mom-and-pop businesses, and a thriving arts district, captured in the city's tagline, "River Town, Art Town, Home Town."

Zlotziver said he regularly enjoys strolling through Milford's Riverwalk, home to DMI's popular farmer's market. It's the farmer's market, holiday stroll and St. Patrick's Day pub crawl that have been regular DMI events. But this year, the organization will add the Ladybug Music Festival in September, the largest celebration of women in music. The festival is already an annual event in Wilmington, and organizers tapped Milford as a second location.

"It's an economic driver. We want people to come and see the shops and what they have to offer," said Zlotziver.

DMI will also partner with the Riverfront Theatre to present a Jazz and Film Noir Festival in August 2019.

"The exiting part is that everyone says Milford is on the move; it's on the verge and we're the next big thing," said Zlotziver. "I hope to contribute in a creative way and be a part of this transformation - making Milford, Milford!"