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Pre-Conference Workshop August 10: Main Street Basic Training begins, covering the Four-Point Approach to Revitalization. Participants will qualify for a certificate by completing all four segments*
The Four Point Approach Workshops:
Tuesday, Aug. 10 11:00 to 2:30 Organization Segment – Donna Harris
2:30 to 5:30 Economic Restructuring Segment – Todd Barmann
Four Point Approach Workshops continue on Wednesday –Thursday:
Wed. Aug 11 9:00 – 10:15 Design Segment – Steven Hoffman
Thurs. Aug 12 9:00 – 10:14 Promotions Segment – Norma Ramírez de Miess
*Attendees who complete all four segments and pass a brief essay test will receive a Missouri Main Street Basic Training Certificate during the Evening of Excellence Awards Ceremony on Thursday.
CLASS DETAILS:
This series provides an introduction to Main Street’s most powerful tools for revitalization and how they function within each of the four committees. The National Trust Main Street Center has established the structure for comprehensive, preservation-based revitalization that is successful in towns and cities nationwide. A sound understanding of all four points, as described below, is the recipe for building comprehensive and sustainable community revitalization programs.
Organization develops a sound structure for the revitalization organization and gets everyone working toward the same goal. It begins by assembling the appropriate human and financial resources to implement a Main Street revitalization program and sustain it over time. A governing board and standing committees are the foundation for the volunteer-driven program. This structure shares the workload among many people and delineates responsibilities, builds consensus and cooperation.
Promotion generates a positive image and educates the community and visitors about the district by celebrating the community’s cultural assets. These efforts may include special events that focus attention on local art, music, traditions and history, supplemented by information booths/kiosks that guide visitors around the town. All will generate confidence in the district and strengthen the local economy.
Design means getting Main Street into top physical shape. Historic buildings and pedestrian-oriented streets are its most visible assets, but are just part of the story. Design elements can include façade improvement grants that are consistent with the Secretary of State’s Standards for Rehabilitation, plans for street improvements, downtown clean-up projects, and preparing a National Register nomination for your town. These all contribute to an inviting atmosphere, enhanced by tasteful window displays and parking areas, street furniture, attractive signs, safe streets and sidewalks, street lights, and landscaping that convey a positive visual image.
Economic Restructuring educates the community to make the most of its existing economic assets while expanding and diversifying its economic base in a direction that leads to job growth, helps reduce poverty and improves the quality of life for everyone in the community. The ER committee sponsors workshops and training sessions, and conducts market analysis to determine what types of services the community needs.
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