Program Overview

     Better Hometown is a  community-based, self-help program designed to develop and maintain our city’s economic health and quality of life. It is grounded in the principles of historic preservation and the National Main Street Center’s four-point approach to downtown revitalization: organization, design, economic restructuring and promotion. This approach which has been implemented in more than  1,800 cities and towns in 44 states. The public-private partnership is aided by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs Office of Downtown Development.

For more information, visit http://www.mainstreetgeorgia.org/towns/index.aspx

Better Hometown Ellijay’s 2011-2012 Program of Work

• Build a new program website, participate in social media channels, develop visitor smart phone apps (Site to include visitor information such as tours and maps, calendar, project information, links to doing business)
• Build database of city business owners, operators, services, property owners
• Build, publish and maintain a list or database of available  commercial properties
• Build database of civic organizations, government officials, agencies, volunteer groups, Hispanic leaders, senior citizen organizations, etc.
• Investigate the possibility of a downtown development authority
• Continue and improve city business packets
• Develop façade improvement program
• Continue Beautification Awards Program
• Continue downtown planters project
• Work with local businesses to target local shoppers with providing information and suggestions through newsletter and website
• Support development of Harrison Park  through continued sponsorship of Movies in the Park and Halloween in the Park
• Support responsible use of three rivers and all natural resources by encouraging organizations such as Submerge Our Sewers , Blue Trails, Rails with Trails, etc.
• Continue sponsorship of events and assistance for others’ events
• Assist – Motorcycle Show
• Assist – Travel Media Marketplace
• Assist – Taste of Ellijay
• Assist – Memorial Day activities
• Assist – Apple Arts on the Square
• Assist – Chili Cook-Off
• Sponsor – Fourth of July celebration
• Sponsor – Christmas celebration
• Assist/promote – Apple Mountain Playhouse productions
• Assist/promote – GAHA events
• Develop market position and brand
• Develop and install system of coordinated, branded Gateway signs
• Update downtown locator signs
• Work with Chamber to sponsor outdoor expo or festival for 2012
• Recruit an anchor attraction and new sustainable businesses for downtown
• Build public awareness of the commercial district’s historic significance and protect historic resources through events, National Register nominations
• Investigate possibility of hiring grant writer in cooperation with other agencies and organizations

 

Board of Directors

Larry Robinson - Chairman, Ouida Leech, Jessie Bruner,  Paige Green, Al Hoyle, and Ruth Caudell

Program Director: Mona Lowe

Phone: 706- 635- 4711, ext. 5, Email: bht@ellijay.com

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