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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 1, 2009)
city news december Vernonia Takes First Step In “Main Street Program” The City of Vernonia will kick off its investigation into the Oregon Main Street Program on December 15, 2009, at 6:30 at City Hall. This “kick off” will be in conjunction with the regu- lar community Economic Development Committee meeting. Bob Young, Verno- nia City Administrator, and Bill Haack, Economic Recovery Manager for Co- lumbia Pacific Economic Develop- ment District, will facilitate discussions among an ad hoc committee composed of members from the Vernonia Chamber of Commerce, the Vernonia Economic Development Committee, and Vernonia Pride. Main Street programs are de- signed to improve all aspects of the downtown or central business district, producing both tangible and intangible benefits. Improving economic manage- ment, strengthening public participation, and making downtown a fun place to visit are as critical to Main Street’s fu- ture as recruiting new businesses, reha- bilitating buildings, and expanding park- ing. Building on downtown’s inherent assets — rich architectural design, long standing businesses alongside new ven- tures and services, traditional values and, most of all, a sense of place — the Main Street approach has rekindled en- trepreneurship, downtown cooperation and civic concern across the USA. It has earned national recognition as a practi- cal strategy appropriately scaled to a community’s local resources and condi- tions. And because it is a locally-driven program, all initiative stems from local issues and concerns. ciples that pertain to all areas of the unique. Every district has unique quali- revitalization effort: ties – like distinctive buildings and hu- man scale that give people a sense of be- Comprehensive. Commercial district longing or businesses that have become revitalization is a complex process and local institutions. Main Street cannot cannot be accomplished through a single create new landmarks or institutions; project. For successful and lasting re- existing local assets must serve as the sults, a comprehensive approach must foundation for all aspects of the revital- be used. Simply stated, comprehensive ization program. means working on all four points simul- Quality. Quality must be emphasized taneously. in every aspect of the revitalization pro- Incremental. Small projects and simple gram. This applies equally to each el- activities lead to a more sophisticated ement of the program, from storefront understanding of the revitalization pro- design to promotional campaigns to edu- cess and help develop skills so that more cational programs. complex problems can be addressed and Change. Changes in attitude and prac- more ambitious projects undertaken. tice are necessary to improve current Starting with small projects creates prog- economic conditions. Public support for ress and momentum at the same time. change will build as the program grows. Self-help. Local leaders must have the Implementation-Oriented. Activity desire and the will to make the project creates confidence in the program and successful. The NMSC provides direc- greater levels of participation. Frequent, tion, ideas and training; but continued visible changes are a reminder that the and long-term success depends upon revitalization process is underway. the involvement and commitment of the Small projects at the beginning of the community. program pave the way for larger activi- Public/Private Partnerships. Both the ties as the revitalization effort matures. public and private sectors have a vital in- terest in the economic health and physi- The Four Points cal stability of the district. Each sector The four-point methodology has a role to play, and each must under- works to create a total image for the stand the other’s strengths and limita- community: Providing the retail/pro- tions so that an effective partnership can fessional area with its necessary market be forged. niche, creating a cohesive visual identity Identifying and Capitalizing on Ex- unique to the community, and nurturing isting Assets. Business districts must a cultural ambiance associated with the capitalize on the assets that make them community’s location, appearance, and The Eight Principles While the Main Street approach provides the format for successful revi- talization, implementation of the four- point approach is based on eight prin- 2009 9 way of life. The Main Street Approach gradually builds on existing resources and fosters improved community leader- ship and support on behalf of the Down- town Business District for the long term. Organization is the building of consen- sus and cooperation between the groups that play a role in the downtown. Many individuals and organizations in the community have a stake in the economic viability of the downtown. Design involves improving the down- town’s image by improving its physical appearance – not just the appearance of buildings, but also of street lights, window displays, parking areas, signs, sidewalks, streetscapes, landscaping, promotional materials and all other el- ements that convey a visual message about what the downtown is and what it has to offer. Promotion involves marketing the downtown’s unique characteristics to shoppers, investors, new businesses, tourists, and others. Effective promo- tion creates a positive image of the downtown through retail promotional activity and special events utilizing the downtown as a stage area of community activities. Economic Restructuring involves strengthening the existing economic base of the downtown while diversifying it. Economic Restructuring activities in- clude helping existing downtown busi- nesses expand, recruiting new business- es, providing a balanced mix, converting unused space into productive property, and sharpening the competitiveness of downtown merchants. The City of Vernonia plans to provide updates monthly as they make progress to a renewed sense of purpose in the Downtown district. City Committee Members Needed Volunteer Committee Members are needed for Vernonia City Committees. There are currently two vacant positions on both the Cemetery and Airport Committees. If you are interested in learning more about how you might serve your community on these vital citizen advisory committees, please contact Joanne Glass at City Hall at 502-429-5291. US Bank made two grant awards to the Vernonia Community in November. (Above) Vicky Rice and Nicole Larke present Dawn Plewes from the Vernonia School District with a check for the Vernonia School Foundation for $3500. (Below) George Gans from the Vernonia Senior Center received a check for $1500 towards construction of their new facility. Pictured from left are US Bank personnel Julie Allen, Vicky Rice and Nicole Larke. Stocked & Ready for Christmas! 25% OFF any one item will include set-ups expires 12/31/09 excludes dog & cat food one coupon per customer Custom Arrangements (503) 429-2000 www.VernoniaFlorist.com Lisa@VernoniaFlorist.com Pet Supplies & Grooming (503) 429-PETS (7387) www.CreaturesPetShop.com Ben-n-Lisa@CreaturesPetShop.com Open Monday thru Saturday, 10AM to 6PM Closed Sundays 736 Bridge Street, Vernonia Visa/Mastercard Accepted
