By RENATA ROBINSON
Executive Director, Manchester Main Street

Manchester Main Street held its Annual Meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at the Main View in downtown North Manchester. 2015 MMS Board Vice President, Jim Smith, welcomed the Board, committees and members in attendance, and highlighted several MMS town improvement projects from the 2014 Annual Report that have made positive impacts.

“Manchester Main Street accomplished a lot in 2014,” said Smith. “We hosted the biannual Garden Walk and 2nd annual Eel River Arts Festival which showcased our local treasures and attracted residents and tourists to downtown. Economic conditions were assessed in our annual Business Survey. The Community Trail Network is now officially open. And, advocating for a Historic Preservation Ordinance to support the Town’s investment in the downtown streetscape and facade renovation programs has led to a Town Council exploratory committee.”

In 2014, MMS grew its member base to 92, and has over 40 volunteers serving on six active committees: America in Bloom, Economic Restructuring, Historic Preservation & Design, Manchester PATH Group, North Manchester Garden Club, and Promotion & Art.

Committee Chairs highlighted upcoming projects from the 2015 Scope of Work: “ I am particularly excited about our new Annual Preservation Awards program,” said Dale Carpenter, MMS Board and HP&D committee member. “We will be recognizing commercial and residential property owners for their historic improvements and upkeep.”

The Annual Meeting concluded with a creative brainstorming session prioritizing 2015 partnership opportunities for new cultural events, and town asset marketing and promotional strategies. Referencing last year’s Annual Meeting brainstorm list, three carry over goals were discussed and six new projects identified.

“In 2014, Manchester Main Street began the process of outlining its role and core objectives: ‘Manchester Main Street exists to empower our community to embrace its potential,’” said Renata Robinson, MMS Executive Director. “As we look to 2015, we will be focusing our energies on cultivating beneficial strategic relationships, and defining each initiative and project with this overarching goal in mind.”

To support Manchester Main Street’s town improvement efforts by becoming a member, visit www.manchestermainstreet.org to download a 2015 Membership Form. MMS’ 2014 Annual Report and 2015 Scope of Work can be accessed on MMS’ website under the “About” tab.

Get regular updates on upcoming events, projects and accomplishments by following MMS on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Manchester-Main-Street-Inc/.

For additional information and ways you can become involved, contact (260) 901-6045 or email [email protected].