Opelika Main Street's Program of Action 2002 Committees

Outreach (Membership and Development) Committee

Members: Jackie Holt, Angie Milam, Drew Speakman, Love McGhee, Stacy Pugh Goal: To organize supporters of downtown into a strong, cohesive unit that works together and speaks for the betterment of the area. Objective 1: Create Business Programs Strategies: *Implement a visitation program *Print articles in newspapers when new businesses open *Create incentives for members *Organize informational workshops Objective 2: Maintain a Positive Relationship with Members & City of Opelika Strategies: *Continue to keep supporters updated through a quarterly newsletter & the Annual dinner Objective 3: Promote the development of a strong volunteer network Strategies: *Recruit and inform volunteers *Hold volunteer appreciation event

Economic Restructuring Committee

Members: Jenci Spradlin, Sherri Summers, Mike Moore, Lucinda Cannon, Matthew Bradakis, Ed Locke, Jean Stephens, Anne Grady Goal: A vibrant and prosperous downtown that maintains its historic charm and character, while being an attractive place to live, work, and play. Objective: Enhance downtown business by providing support and assistance with a Business Retention Program Strategies: *Improve problem identification *Encourage support from downtown property owners *Expand general business improvement activities *Expand financial and grant assistance programs *Minimize impact of regulatory controls Objective: Use the Market Study to Recruit a Successful Mix of Businesses Strategies: *Continue to develop incentives for recruiting new businesses into downtown *Enhance marketing materials *Using the cluster method, develop a business wish list with potential locations *Explore feasibility of business incubator in downtown Opelika *Encourage property donations Objective: Encourage Residential Development in downtown Opelika Strategies: *Identify key buildings for residential development *Identify area contractors and service providers with experience in historic redevelopment *Explore available incentives *Explore how communities have successfully developed downtown residential housing *Work with area contractors and realtors to gain a clear picture of challenges and opportunities of downtown residential housing in Opelika Objective: Support and integrate, when necessary, the strategies from Envision Opelika

Promotions Committee

Members: Kay Holley, RoseAnn Denson, Dora Freeman, Bev Pettey, Jenci Spradlin, Jodi Yeager Goal: Promote the downtown as an exciting place to be by sponsoring special events and other activities to encourage community support. Objective: Strengthen committee Strategies: *Increase committee membership *Get community involved by creating a volunteer pool for events Objective: Promote Retailers through targeted marketing Strategies: *Hold a retail promotion *Get retailers involved with planning of promotions Objective: Promote a Positive Image Strategies: *Continue to increase local awareness of Opelika Main Street, Inc. *Develop a strong regional image by working with a design committee to create visual focal points at all major entrance ways into downtown, promoting S. RR specialty retailers regionally, and developing a heritage festival *Develop a marketing campaign Objective: Promote downtown as a center for education and the arts Strategies: *Create educational programs by working with East Alabama Museum and area schools *Create cultural arts programs and exhibits by working with Opelika Arts Association and create a special event related to the arts

Design Committee

Members: Miriam Bader, Ann Canon, Marsha Darnell, Suzanne Fields, Bart VanNieuwenhuise Goal: Encourage appropriate, high-quality design in the maintenance, renovation and adaptive use of downtown buildings. Objective: Promote Bill Robert's Façade Enhancement Grant Program Strategies: *Explore opportunities for additional funds for façade grants *Place information in marketing materials as well as feature articles Objective: Continue Streetscape Plan Strategies: *Get additional concrete signs in place at Trinity Church lot and corner of Torbert and Geneva Streets *Work with City on next streetscape phase Objective: Promote Design Assistance Program Strategies: *Hold incentives workshops, such as tax credit and design assistance *Incorporate into new marketing materials