To City Council, and Beyond!

Emily Young recently announced her candidacy for Ward 2, Position 1 of the Russellville City Council. Young, who has lived in the area since 1997, considers Russellville her hometown. She owns four businesses in the city- Dog Ear Books, Retro Roasts, The Garage Arcade, and The Brainstorm Agency.

Dog Ear Books helps promote literacy and foster creativity and knowledge that comes from reading. “Operating an indie bookstore in the age of Online Shopping has come with its share of obstacles, but the Dog Ear team is always able to find solutions. Using those adaptability skills will help me problem solve for Ward 2,” Young explained.

“Retro Roasts is downtown’s coffeeshop that’s all about Russellville history. Our drinks and roasts all have a story to tell. The most popular are Russell Roast, The Prairie, and Nuclear Blend. Bringing my passion for this city and it’s history to City Council will help guide my decisions for the good of the community.”

The Garage Arcade is a retro-arcade also located in downtown Russellville. Young said running the arcade has also taught her many lessons she can apply to a position on the Russellville City Council.

“Video games are complex, challenging, and sometimes mind-boggling, much like a city,” she said. “I plan to bring my brain for problem-solving and apply it to issues that arise in our city. Just like a video game it’s not always gonna be easy, but I won’t give up.”

Through the Brainstorm Agency, Young has helped small-to-medium-sized businesses develop branding and website solutions.

“As you can see, the recurring theme among all of my businesses is that I want to educate people and help out however I’m able,” Young said. “I have been active in the community since high school. Now I’m ready to be active from another side of the community – the side that helps shape the future of Russellville.”

Young put down roots in the historic downtown area with her wife, Nik, four cats, and two dogs. Her son, Dylan, lives and works in Memphis, TN. Her parents, Pat and Garry Young, also play major roles in her life and businesses. Her sister, Katie Rose, is currently the manager of the coffee shop. “We run true family businesses. I’ve been blessed with an amazing family – both by blood and those acquired. Even the employees become part of our family.” She has been on the Main Street Board of Directors since 2017. “The projects and events that Main Street has provided for the community have shown people what can be accomplished when different pillars of the city work together.”

Young said one goal of her businesses has always been to add value to the community, whether through interesting events for the public to attend or just by fostering discussions among patrons.

“We have had an immigration panel, a media literacy discussion and a Town Hall event where the public could come speak directly to their local leaders in a more relaxed setting,” she said. To find more about her campaign, visit www.municipalmillennial.com.