The Historic Harrison Business Association met Monday, April 21, for their bi-monthly meeting at the Townhouse Cafe.
Secretary Treasurer Beverly DeWitt said they have 20 business members now, and two more had joined right before the meeting, bringing the total of members to 22.
Carrie Richter reported that the Farmers and Artisans Market of Harrison didn’t happen as scheduled due to extreme rain and stormy conditions. “But this Saturday, April 26, will be our opening day.”
Richter reported that the group has 70 members, slightly down from last year's 117. “But now we have a 50/50 rule between food, arts, and crafters. More than 80% of our members produce vegetables. The market, located at 100 N. Main on the Harrison Downtown Square is open from 7 a.m. until noon every Saturday.”
The merchants can accept WIC and SNAP, which should help low-income families receive fresh, nutritious food.
They also partner with the Boone County Library and the Imagination Station once a month. Activities are scheduled throughout the season. See their Facebook page for the schedule.
There is a youth entrepreneurship program hoping to eventually turn them into owners of storefronts. “We have several members who have seen their farmer’s market experience turn into an online business,” she said.
Mayor Jackson spoke to the owners to get their thoughts on getting more people downtown who are visiting Creekside for tournaments. May 11 is the next big weekend for out-of-town teams. “We want to shuttle them to downtown to enjoy our restaurants, and then hopefully get them to walk around the square and shop,” he said.
Jackson proposed a one-page addition to the Downtown map of restaurants and shopping that would offer a business’s description, hours, and a discount for tournament guests.
The members liked that idea, and some are considering staying open additional hours for the tournament.
While the Mayor was available, members asked him questions about various projects. They asked about the possibility of shade over the skate park and new striping. When asked what kind of stores they thought were needed downtown, the members said a mercantile, a men’s clothing store, and office space.
The HHBA Board Members updated the membership on the application process to become a Main Street Community. The Downtown Stratagies Committee, which submitted the form, will make a short presentation to the Main Street Directors on May 14. The benefits of being a Main Street Community were discussed.
The Downtown Stratagies Committee asked HHBA members for suggestions for a Main Street Director. Vice Chairman Emily Powers told the group they hope to find someone who can work 20 hours a week. Everyone laughed that their first goal could be to raise money for their salary. However, if accepted as a Main Street Community, funding would come from various sources.
The next meeting will be June 16, at 6 p.m. The location will be announced closer to the meeting. If someone is interested in learning more about HHBA, follow the Facebook page. Or contact Emily Powers at Frenzy or Beverly DeWitt at Selling726.