Taking care of business: Cool Spring Downtown District’s President and CEO Bianca Shoneman reflects on her career and plans to help grow and improve downtown Fayetteville
By Kate Griffin, posted Mar 14, 2024 on BizFayetteville.com
Bianca Shoneman, CEO and President of Cool Spring Downtown District, exemplifies leadership as she spearheads events and revitalization projects for Downtown Fayetteville. In a seamless blend of hard work and creativity, Shoneman brings the necessary foundation for economic growth and prosperity in Downtown Fayetteville.
“If you’re a small business, or have a dream you would like to pursue, you can make that happen here, and then what’s great about the Fayetteville community is because we are so transitory with our military community, you get exposure to all sorts of cultures and people who are constantly coming in and out,” said Shoneman. “I feel like if you’re looking to start a model and looking to maybe take your model from start to franchise, this is a great environment to test it out. It’s economically very competitive, and on top of that there’s such a high change in our local economy with people moving in and out that you can take that idea elsewhere too!”
Downtown Fayetteville has seen considerable improvements and unforgettable events over the course of Shoneman’s time. Fun events highlighting all the artistic prowess and to promote community togetherness, Shoneman’s work inspires pride and a sense of belonging for residents and visitors alike. “Last year we welcomed 4.1 million visitors to downtown Fayetteville,” said Shoneman. “I think that’s a pretty significant impact.”
An intrepidity and drive to get the job done are the foundational aspects of Shoneman’s dedication to purpose. Coupled with an impressive background conducive to her current field, Shoneman proves time and time again to be a creative force to be reckoned with in the business community.
“I do have a master’s in geography with the concentration in economic development and I think that the additional studies I’ve taken, everything from getting a certificate from Duke University in nonprofit management to attending Southern University of New York SUNY Leadership Institute have set me up for success in the role that I have now to serve as the manager of the city’s arts and entertainment district,” said Shoneman.
After undergraduate studies, Shoneman spent two years in the Peace Corp in El Salvador. “[I] had a wonderful experience there where I got exposed to the development world and kind of changed my course of action when I finished with the Peace Corp and I went to graduate school for development work,” said Shoneman. “And I still work in that field today unlike most folks who tend to deviate from what their degrees are in, I actually work in my field.”
in my field.” Shoneman is ready to start base broadening in Downtown Fayetteville and expand the footprint.
“We certainly want to grow a tax base in downtown Fayetteville, we want to increase residential units in Downtown, we’d love to see a hotel and we’d like to make sure it’s as clean and safe as it can be,” shared Shoneman.
She and her team have taken steps with hotel feasibility company RevPAR International out of Washington, D.C. to see this next installment through. “We want to support those developers and make sure that our city is permitting and supporting those investments to the highest tune.”
Shoneman’s position and experience has whittled down from managing on an international level to a district level and she said she never stops learning how to improve.
“You know, when I travel, I love to visit cities and often find myself immediately in their downtown, you know to scope out what their trash cans look like and their banners and poles, all those good things,” shared Shoneman.
Shoneman impresses an awareness of community needs, like safety and sanitation in all Downtown ventures, be it events or buildings or otherwise.
“We’re currently piloting a team project called the Safety and Engagement Ambassador Program, which is a seven-day a week sort of concierge of the streets job that we have, so we have two gentlemen who work every day of the week for us, they’re on litter patrol, they manage the Hurley pots, and if you’re a visitor or someone new to downtown they can help you navigate the parking system or make a restaurant suggestion,” said Shoneman. “And if you’re someone who’s often downtown and let’s just say you’d like a safety escort from, say, where you’ve gone out to eat, they’re happy to give you a safe walk home.”
As Shoneman fearlessly tackles obstacles with precision cut problem solving, locals can rest easy knowing the downtown district couldn’t be in more capable hands. “What’s great about serving in the role that I do is that you get to dream really big, and curate alongside my team wonderful events that have the ability to bring joy and pride and place,” said Shoneman.
With innovation and an unflinching attitude, reflective of America’s Can-Do City, Bianca Shoneman and her team make dreams a reality in Downtown Fayetteville.
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