The city has received the Main Street Designation in conjunction with the work of the Historic Harrison Business Association and the Downtown Strategies Committee.
On Monday, Aug. 11, nine of the 11 directors chosen traveled to Little Rock to receive training from Main Street Arkansas.
The Board of Directors, alphabetically, is Eddie Bartlett, Donna Braymer, Pat Brown, Beth Crenshaw, Rick Dixon, Matt Fay, Karla Gray, Tyler Gentry, Erin Ramsey, Nate Wilson, and Amanda Woodworth.
The success of receiving this designation belongs to several groups and individuals in the community. The Downtown Strategies Committee followed the advice of Retail Strategies, which worked with the community to develop a three-to-five-year plan to revitalize the downtown area. A grant received by the Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District (NWAEDD) paid for the work with Retail Strategies, Inc. of Mississippi. Part of their work included hosting a public meeting and a survey to see what citizens wanted in their downtown.
A portion of that advice received was to establish a Main Street Board of Directors and work with Main Street Arkansas to receive grants and training for building owners.
HHBA Chairman Mike Nabors said Harrison was one of the first original Main Street Communities in 1985. However, the city lost the designation after the economic downturn.
The Downtown Strategies Committee went to a workshop in Little Rock and submitted a 100-page application to become a Main Street Community again.
The designation is now official, and the board members realize the work is just beginning and will involve a host of community members passionate about Downtown Harrison.
The Main Street Approach comprises four areas: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization. Each area will become a subcommittee of the board and will need volunteers.
If you're interested in volunteering to assist the downtown effort, please contact a board member and let them know.