Vision Statement of Van Buren Main Street
To maintain and strengthen a thriving community that lives its sense of history, is culturally active and encourages community spirit and the involvement of all its citizens.
The Main Street program's success is based on a comprehensive strategy of work, tailored to local needs and opportunities, in four broad areas, called the Main Street Four Point Approach:
Design: Enhancing the physical appearance of the commercial district by rehabilitating historic buildings, encouraging supportive new construction, developing sensitive design management systems, and long-term planning.
Organization: Building consensus and cooperation among the many groups and individuals who have a role in the revitalization process.
Promotion: Marketing the traditional commercial district's assets to customers, potential investors, new businesses, local citizens and visitors.
Economic Restructuring: Strengthening the district's existing economic base while finding ways to expand it to meet new opportunities -- and challenges from outlying development.
Through the efforts of a group of local volunteers, Van Buren was selected in 2005 as one of eight Main Street Maine communities, qualifying it for a 3 year package of training & technical assistance on revitalization provided by the MDC & paid for by a legislative appropriation & contributions from corporations, foundations & individuals. Designated communities pay for their own operating expenses & community projects through funds raised locally.
Van Buren Main Street is a non-profit corporation, guided by a Board of Directors comprised of representatives of the downtown business community, the municipal government & community leaders. Its work is carried out through four standing committees made up of community volunteers, who are assisted by a paid Program Coordinator.
Initial funding for Van Buren Main Street came from 3-year pledges of cash & in-kind donations by businesses & individuals & support from the Town Council. Specific projects are paid for by special solicitations, in-kind donations & by fund-raisers.
Van Buren Main Street is tax-exempt under
Section 501(c) (3), & contributions are tax-deductible
ABOUT VAN BUREN MAIN STREET
What is the Main Street Approach to Downtown Revitalization?
MISSION STATEMENT: “To Enhance, revitalize and aesthetically improve the downtown area of Van Buren; to promote tourism, support existing commercial establishments and encourage new business opportunities.”The Main Street program's success is based on a comprehensive strategy of work, tailored to local needs and opportunities, in four broad areas, called the Main Street Four Point Approach:
Design: Enhancing the physical appearance of the commercial district by rehabilitating historic buildings, encouraging supportive new construction, developing sensitive design management systems, and long-term planning.
Organization: Building consensus and cooperation among the many groups and individuals who have a role in the revitalization process.
Promotion: Marketing the traditional commercial district's assets to customers, potential investors, new businesses, local citizens and visitors.
Economic Restructuring: Strengthening the district's existing economic base while finding ways to expand it to meet new opportunities -- and challenges from outlying development.
ABOUT MAIN STREET
"Main Street" is a program originated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation that focuses on revitalization of traditional downtowns to enhance the appearance & economic stability of the commercial district & to improve community pride & quality of life for residents & visitors. The program has been adopted in 44 states & more than 1,900 communities across the country. The Maine Downtown Center (MDC) is affiliated with the National Main Street Center & assists Maine communities in developing their own self-help revitalization programs.Through the efforts of a group of local volunteers, Van Buren was selected in 2005 as one of eight Main Street Maine communities, qualifying it for a 3 year package of training & technical assistance on revitalization provided by the MDC & paid for by a legislative appropriation & contributions from corporations, foundations & individuals. Designated communities pay for their own operating expenses & community projects through funds raised locally.
Van Buren Main Street is a non-profit corporation, guided by a Board of Directors comprised of representatives of the downtown business community, the municipal government & community leaders. Its work is carried out through four standing committees made up of community volunteers, who are assisted by a paid Program Coordinator.
Initial funding for Van Buren Main Street came from 3-year pledges of cash & in-kind donations by businesses & individuals & support from the Town Council. Specific projects are paid for by special solicitations, in-kind donations & by fund-raisers.
Van Buren Main Street is tax-exempt under
Section 501(c) (3), & contributions are tax-deductible