Main Street programs are locally driven, funded, organized, and run to preserve character and create jobs in financially struggling historic districts. They are independent nonprofits or city agencies located in the community and affiliated with the statewide coordinating Main Street network.
Financial support for the program comes from downtown stakeholders: local city government, merchants, businesses, grants, and the public. The success of the Main Street program lies in the fact that it is a local initiative, both organizationally and financially. We want people who care about the success of the program to become involved.
Perpetually. Commercial revitalization is an ongoing process. Just as shopping centers have full-time staff that work constantly to ensure proper leasing, management, and marketing, downtown and neighborhood commercial districts need ongoing attention, too. To ensure continuing economic success, Main Street programs are ongoing. Mannington Main Street has been in existence since 1991.
Mannington Main Street offers access to promotions and events designed to bring customers inside local businesses and increase sales. Committee members will have the power to suggest and influence ideas that directly affect the revitalization of our downtown district. Property owners will benefit from increased leasing opportunities as businesses grow. Residents and visitors will benefit from the collaboration of downtown merchants celebrating special events with unique inventory and extended hours.
Volunteer by joining a committee or being part of Mannington Main Streets Momentum Crew or by Donating.
We want everyone with a stake in the commercial district and its future to be involved. Merchants, property owners, local government, and private citizens all benefit from a healthy local economy and from a historic core that reflects Mannington’s heritage and personality. A sound partnership that seeks input from many different voices is crucial to our success.
A 1988 study of successful downtown revitalization programs in America, conducted by the National Trust for Historic Preservation Main Street Center and the Urban Land Institute, found that programs funded primarily by local sources were much more likely to succeed than those that relied heavily on state or federal funds. It is also important for both the public and private sectors to support the program, thereby demonstrating their commitment to its goals.
Support downtown businesses, from seasonal farmer’s market vendors to local, family-operated stores. Encourage our local leaders to apply the Main Street Approach to their own buildings and to participate in Mannington Main Street events. Persuade them to view traditional commercial buildings as an asset to our community and to see downtown as an area full of opportunity to renew Mannington’s sense of identity, history, and place.
