Main Street Manager Tina Israel put her board members to work at her inaugural meeting, Sept. 23.
“We’re going to spend half of this meeting with a strategic planning session and then I’ll update you on what we’ve got going on for the rest of the year,” said Israel.
Board members were asked to write down what they thought the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities available to the Main Street Program.
“I’m going to type all of these up and we’ll discuss them next time,” she explained.
“In the meantime, if you want to add to the lists I’m just a phone call or an email away.
“I’m not going to play favorites, so, don’t be afraid to reach out. It’s completely anonymous.”
Israel added that she will reach out to downtown merchants with a survey to gauge their interests.
“Our plans only go so far as long as we have participation from our merchants,” she explained.
“I know that they’re hurting and I don’t want to see these businesses fail. But, I also want everyone to work together – as a board and downtown to get customers with us downtown.”
“We don’t have the shoppers we used to,” said Homestead owner Fara Ashcraft.
“I don’t know if that’s due to COVID or online shopping, but, it’s a fact.”
The results of the strategic planning session will be reviewed at October’s meeting.
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