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The Mainstreet Cleveland News
May 2009 MainStreet News Mark
your calendar for the membership meeting on Monday, May 18
at noon at the Elks Lodge. Our program is by Kristen Grisham,
executive director of the Foundation for the Cleveland Bradley
Public Library. You are invited to a tour of the Library
following the meeting. Gifts for
Mother’s
Day, Graduation, Weddings & More… Shop
Downtown Cleveland & Save $5
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Rain location
is Arnold Elementary School auditorium. Mainstreet Cleveland Adds Decorative Touch to Downtown
This project is a partnership with the City of Cleveland. The signs systems in the downtown area were purchased by Mainstreet Cleveland and those in the historic neighborhood were purchased by private donors. The City of Cleveland Sign Department led by Larry Bryant installs the sign systems. The downtown master plan was created in 2004 by architectural firm Ross/Fowler & Associates with input from the community and business owners during a series of town hall meetings. It provides design goals to help make downtown Cleveland a more desirable destination by creating a stronger visual and cultural identity. The master
plan was put into action in July 2005 with the Courthouse
Plaza renovation. This successful project was
a collaborative
effort between Bradley County, the City of Cleveland, Mainstreet
Cleveland, and private donors. It offers much improved space
for pedestrians and festivals. The second phase of the Courthouse
Plaza renovation was completed in October 2007 when Bradley
County added sidewalk improvements to the west entrance of
the Courthouse. Currently, Mainstreet Cleveland is partnering with the City of Cleveland on the First Street Plaza renovation, the next project in the master plan. Mike Fowler, partner with Ross/Fowler Architecture, is currently working on the design. Construction on the site is expected to begin in mid spring and the project should be completed this summer.
State Main Street reps share ideas Representatives from Tennessee Main Street communities met in Cleveland Thursday to discuss the effectiveness of their programs and share ideas. Part of the time was used to view Bradley County's past at Museum Center at Five Points, tour the present in an old trolley and explore the future. Cleveland MainStreet Executive Director Sharon Marr said city has one of 22 certified programs across the state. Cleveland has been affiliated with the organization since 1990. Main Street is based on four points: Organization, promotion, design and economic restructuring. "Part of the agenda is to showcase Cleveland and accomplishments by adhering to the four points of revitalization and show off our community," Marr said. The trolley tour included the train depot, Johnston Park, Village Green, downtown, historic neighborhood and Lee University. Tennessee Mains Street Director Kimberly Nyberg said Main Street the program is part of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. "We are also a coordinating partner with the National Trust Main Street Center," she said. "Our 22 communities join a network of more than 2,200 Main Street communities from across the United States. "MainStreet Cleveland has done a beautiful job of the Downtown Management Program. That's really what the Main Street program is. It's concentrating on the traditional commercial district and the management of that district." According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the first point of organization involves everyone working toward a common goal and assembling the appropriate human and financial resources to implement a Main Street revitalization program. A governing board and at least four standing committees based on each of the four points is the foundation of the volunteer-driven program. Volunteers are coordinated and supported by a paid program director as well. This structure not only divides the workload and clearly delineates responsibilities, but also builds consensus and cooperation among the various stakeholders. "A thriving downtown is very important to all aspects of the community," Nyberg said. "If you think about it, the traditional downtown community started around the courthouse and city hall. Those areas were always occupied by merchants with some of the merchants living upstairs and in adjoining neighborhoods to the district and that's what makes a downtown district work." According to the National Trust Main Street Web Site, the second point, Promotion sells a positive image of the commercial district and encourages consumers and investors to live, work, shop, play and invest in the Main Street district. Marketing a district's unique characteristics to residents, investors, business owners, and visitors, an effective promotional strategy forges a positive image through advertising, retail promotional activity, special events, and marketing campaigns carried out by local volunteers. These activities improve consumer and investor confidence in the district and encourage commercial activity and investment in the area. Nyberg said every dollar used to support its local Main Street program leverages an average of $40.35 in new investment. Main Street is one of the most successful economic development strategies in America. According to the National Trust Web site, the third point, Design, means getting Main Street into top physical shape. Capitalizing on historic buildings and pedestrian-oriented streets is part of the story. An inviting atmosphere, created through attractive window displays, parking areas, building improvements, street furniture, signs, sidewalks, street lights, and landscaping, conveys a positive visual message about the commercial district and what it has to offer. "Each community is different," Nyberg said. "They all have their own characters and their own character." Design activities also include instilling good maintenance practices in the commercial district, enhancing the physical appearance of the commercial district by rehabilitating historic buildings, encouraging appropriate new construction, developing sensitive design management systems, and long-term planning. Economic Restructuring strengthens a community's existing economic assets while expanding and diversifying its economic base. The Main Street program helps sharpen the competitiveness of existing business owners and recruits compatible new businesses and new economic uses to build a commercial district that responds to today's consumers' needs. Converting unused or underused commercial space into economically productive property also helps boost the profitability of the district. Nyberg said every community is large enough to support a 24-hour downtown. County and city governments operate in the daytime. Businesses support city and county employees and professionals such as attorneys, banks and other professionals. "You have businesses that cater to people who use the downtown during the day," she said. "If you have residential units on the upper floors, those can be used at night along with restaurants, cultural events, theater, live music, arts and those kinds of things. "The real successful downtowns are the 24-hour downtowns," she said. "We like to say warm bodies doth make a downtown. That's what it is all about -- people using downtown and using it on a daily basis. "I believe any community is big enough to support its downtown if their hearts are in the right place," she said. "Downtown is the heart of a community."
January 16, 2008 ECD Announces Increase Grants for Tennessee Main Street Communities
The Department also announced that $3,000 of the grant monies will be allocated for an additional training component. These monies can be used by Tennessee Main Street communities to participate in training sessions and conferences sponsored by the National Main Street Network, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Participation in this network by communities is a requirement of the state program and necessary to earn national accreditation. The grants will be administered from March 2008 through June 2009. "The Tennessee Main Street Program continues to be a key component of the state's economic development efforts," Kisber said. "Governor Bredesen has been a strong advocate for investment in historic downtowns, and I believe this financial commitment to the revitalization and prosperity of downtown districts makes good business sense. It provides immense entrepreneurial opportunities and enhances the quality of life for a community. Tennessee has a tremendously successful Main Street Program and we look forward to seeing even more great improvements through these grants." The Main Street Innovation Grant requires a 20 percent match by the local Main Street Program. The training component to the grant does not require matching funds. "This grant allows certified Tennessee Main Street Communities to achieve creative and forward-thinking solutions to downtown revitalization," said Kimberly Nyberg, director of the Tennessee Main Street Program. "It can serve as a catalyst to create innovation within our historic downtowns, while seeing tangible results and ultimately improving quality of life and economic growth." The Tennessee Main Street Program provides assistance to communities in revitalizing their downtown and central business districts, which are vital components of economic development and job growth. The Program assists communities across the state with technical assistance and expertise in developing long-term strategies that promote economic growth and development. For a list of certified Tennessee Main Street communities and to learn more about the program, visit www.TNECD.gov.
Nashville Business Journal: State attributes $82 million in investments to Main Street communities (link) Nashville Business Journal - May 4, 2007 Tennessee Main Street communities generated $82 million worth of investments in Tennessee last year, according to the state's Economic and Community Development Division. The Main Street Program, which is administered by the division, assists communities with long-term strategies that promote economic development, historic preservation and commercial growth. "These investment figures show how the Main Street program enhances a community's livability and job creation, while maintaining the historic character of its downtown district," said Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matthew Kisber in a release. The development division released the following statistics on the program which were attributed to Main Street programs in 20 communities that reported: * Net new jobs: 556 The value of all private investments in Main Street districts was listed at $44.7 million and the value of public investment in the districts was estimated at $37.7 million. State Announces $200,000 Innovation Grants for Main Street Communities May 8, 2007 NASHVILLE - The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (ECD) has awarded Innovation Grants, totaling $200,000, to 20 certified Main Street Communities to develop new, innovative projects for their communities. Each Main Street Program will receive $10,000, with each community matching 20 percent. The grant supports the development of new, innovative projects, programs, activities and technology that exhibit best practices in downtown revitalization. "I am pleased to award these Main Street Communities with funding to improve their historic downtown districts," said ECD Commissioner Matthew Kisber. "Making an investment in these communities helps our state maintain a positive business climate, creating an environment where companies can grow and succeed, and providing more Tennesseans with higher-paying, better-skilled jobs." Below is a list of the certified Main Street communities that were awarded the grant and their innovative projects the grant will fund. Bristol Cleveland Collierville Columbia Cookeville Dayton Dyersburg Fayetteville Franklin Greeneville Jackson Johnson
City Kingsport Lawrenceburg McMinnville Tiptonville Union City "This grant allows certified Tennessee Main Street Communities to achieve creative and forward-thinking solutions to downtown revitalization," said Kimberly Franklin Nyberg, ECD's Main Street program coordinator. "It will serve as a catalyst to create innovation within our historic downtowns, while seeing tangible results and ultimately improving quality of life and economic growth." The Main Street program is a statewide program that provides communities with technical assistance and guidance in developing long-term strategies that promote economic development, historic preservation and growth in traditional commercial districts across Tennessee. The program requires certified Tennessee Main Street communities to meet National Accreditation standards which include broad-based community support for the program, a comprehensive work plan, a sufficient operating budget and adequate staff and volunteer support. The Main Street "Four-point Approach to Downtown Revitalization" is a comprehensive, incremental, self-help economic strategy that focuses on developing public-private partnerships to enhance community livability and job creation, while maintaining the historic character of their downtown district. Tennessee Main Street is a coordinating program of the National Main Street Center, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information on the Tennessee Main Street Program, visit ECD online at http://www.state.tn.us/ecd/comdev_mainstreet.htm. PRESS
RELEASE: Date: 07/13/06 MainStreet
Cleveland The efforts of MainStreet Cleveland over the past year has earned it recognition for commercial district revitalization by meeting standards for performance set by the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Main Street Center. Mainstreet Cleveland joins 625 other Main Street revitalization programs nationally recognized as 2006 Accredited National Main Street Programs. “The National Accreditation means the Main Street Program is meeting our national standards of performance for what a Main Street Program should be doing,” said Doug Loescher, director of the National Trust’s Main Street Center. “The organizations we name each year as National Main Street Programs are those that have demonstrated the skills needed to succeed in Main Street revitalization.” The annual accreditation process evaluates commercial district revitalization programs based on criteria ranging from having an active board of directors and paid professional manager to tracking economic progress and preserving historic Main Street buildings. “Rebuilding a district’s economic health and maintaining that success requires broad-based community involvement, active support from both the public and private sectors, and sound management,” said Loescher. “Having a solid organization at the foundation of that revitalization effort is so important to long term success.” The organization’s performance was evaluated by the Tennessee Main Street Department, which is the coordinating organization for Main Street programs in Tennessee. “We are very proud of the progress made in 2005,” said Sharon Marr, executive director. “With the renovation of the Courthouse plaza and the addition of the Bandstand, we completed the first of several projects outlined in the Downtown Master Plan.”
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE:February 8, 2006 State Offers Zero Interest Small Business Energy Loan Program Small business owners facing escalating heating and cooling costs may find much needed assistance with the Tennessee Small Business Energy Loan Program. The program is designed as an incentive for established businesses to improve operations through energy efficiency. The Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development Energy Division is offering direct loans for domestic Tennessee businesses located in Three-Star or Mainstreet communities of up to $300,000 at zero percent interest for a period of up to seven years. Cleveland and Bradley County are both Mainstreet and Three-Star communities. Depending on business needs, there are many cost effective projects that will make buildings and processes more energy efficient. Business owners across Tennessee are improving energy efficiency by: replacing worn and inefficient heating ventilation and cooling systems; upgrading lighting systems and controls; adding insulation and energy efficient windows; replacing old refrigeration units, motors and other plant process and manufacturing equipment with up-to-date equipment. In order to be approved for a loan under this program, an applicant must own a business with fewer than 300 employees or have less that $3.5 million in annual gross receipts. The program policy requires that an applicant provide three years of historical operating data in the same industry or field. For more information on how the Tennessee Economic and Community Development energy loan program can benefit your business contact the energy division at 800-342-1340 for a free energy audit. Or contact Sharon Marr at the Mainstreet Cleveland office at 479-1000.
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE:September 26, 2005 MARR NAMED MAINSTREET DIRECTOR
"We are pleased and excited to have a Executive Director with the experience and qualifications that Sharon is bringing to MSC. We feel confident that she will help Mainstreet Cleveland to the next level." A native of Cleveland, Marr has more than 15 years experience in marketing and advertising. She has served as marketing director for Bradley Square Mall, marketing coordinator for Life Care Centers of America, and also in television and radio advertising sales. Marr is a graduate of the University of Tennessee where she earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration. She and her husband David have a daughter Emily. “I am very excited to be working with Mainstreet Cleveland. Mainstreet has very dedicated members and a wonderful group of volunteers. I am looking forward to working with them on the events and renewal plans for downtown Cleveland,” said Marr. The October calendar includes the Apple festival on October 15 and 16, the final cruise-in of the season on the 22nd, and the annual Halloween block party on October 31. For more information contact the Mainstreet office at 479-1000.
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 8, 2005 MainStreet
Fundraising Challenges May MainStreet has accepted fund raising challenges that will expedite Phase One of the comprehensive downtown plan, beginning with renovation of the Bradley County Courthouse Plaza in historic downtown. It’s been a year since MainStreet presented a four-phase comprehensive downtown plan that was adopted in concept by both the City and County governing bodies. The project was in several phases and renovation of the Courthouse Plaza was chosen as first priority on the list. Renovation of the Courthouse Plaza comes in two phases. Phase one calls for improving the front grounds and returning a replica of the gazebo at the corner of Second and Ocoee Street, expanding the Courthouse steps and repositioning the monuments, building pedestrian plaza, new street lighting and building raised planting beds. Cost of Phase One is estimated at $400,000. Donors toward the project thus far include: Cleveland Utilities, $55,000, City of Cleveland, $50,000 and Bradley County, $150,000. County Mayor Gary Davis has challenged MainStreet to match the county funds of $150,000. Cleveland Businessman Allan Jones, who was first President of MainStreet, has promised to donate $75,000 for the return of the beautiful white gazebo and the shade trees on the Courthouse lawn. He returned the challenge to MainStreet to match his donation. Vanessa
Clark, Executive Director of MainStreet, said she is “excited
about the fundraising challenges and plans are
underway to meet these goals.” She added: “Associated Architectural Services of Cleveland has done an excellent job converting the artist renderings to blue prints for the renovation of the Courthouse Plaza.” The Executive Director said the fund raising challenge underway will “enable every Bradley County resident to participate in a project that promotes civic pride. Many people remember the old Courthouse and what the Courthouse Plaza meant over the years. It remains today the center of activity from rallies for political candidates, cruise-ins and festivals. It can be as simple as every person giving just one dollar,” she said. Monday, May 9 at the Bradley County Commission noon work session at Bradley Memorial Hospital Clark will outline to the commissioners the plan for raising the necessary funds.
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Mainstreet
Cleveland board of directors announces the appointment of
Sharon Marr as its new executive
director.
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