Main Street
A community’s downtown is the face it presents to the world. Its condition speaks volumes about the health of the local economy, whether or not local residents and property owners reinvest in themselves, and even the history of the community’s development. A vibrant downtown—or the lack of one—affects the community’s ability to attract and retain the residents, businesses and institutions, jobs, and investment that enable a place to thrive.
Over the past several decades, drastic changes in the way Americans live, work, shop and play have led to the decline of many of our country's traditional downtowns and Main Streets. However, downtown Greenville stands in a unique position. At Main Street Greenville, we believe that with hard work and a collaborative approach, we can reestablish our downtown district as the heart of the community. By simulating local business development, reinvesting in historic buildings, embracing our unique assets, and finding creative new ways to reconnect with the greater community, our traditional commercial district is reemerging as a center of local pride.
In the late 90’s Downtown Greenville, Inc. was formed to tackle the issues facing our downtown district. We adopted the National Main Street Approach offered through the National Trust for Historic Preservation. In 2007, after being an Ohio Main Street Program for several years, the board agreed the name should change to Main Street Greenville to better brand and promote the downtown. Across the nation there are over 1900 Main Street programs.
Main Street Greenville continues to work to brand and promote Downtown Greenville today. In September 2011, Main Street Greenville launched a new funding campaign called downtownmatters! The downtownmatters! initiative is the sole funding drive and volunteerism solicitation vehicle for Main Street Greenville. A fundamental goal of the annual campaign is to bring focus to all individuals and respective segments who play a critical role in creating a downtown that matters; the underlining purpose and service Main Street Greenville works to achieve. Acting together; individual community members, businesses, organizations and government parties become the key investors of a sustaining and impactful Downtown Greenville that establishes a standard of living and quality of life we want to reflect and enjoy...to the end of a downtownmatters! Since it is Our Stories. Our Place. Our Future.To become a supporter of the downtownmatters! initiative click here.
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