Diane Raver

Staff Writer

Encouraging economic development, redevelopment and improvement of downtown areas in the Hoosier state is Indiana Main Street’s mission.

On Oct. 14, over 20 business owners, city government officials and citizens gathered at the Memorial Building council chambers to learn how the program could help Batesville.

Indiana Main Street is “not something new.

“It began in the late 1970s, when shopping malls got started and business went from downtown to the malls,” revealed program director Shae Kmicikewycz.

“There are 91 communities involved in the program .... and there are a lot of great benefits to being part of it .... It’s really nice to have that networking.”

Mayor Rick Fledderman indicated that the city has applied to be part of the Main Street program, and local leaders have a downtown strategic plan. There are no fees to be a part of this group.

Other communities, including Greensburg, Shelbyville, Brookville, Aurora and Lawrenceburg, have been successful because of the four Ps philosophy: passion, partnerships, plans and perseverance.

“You have a very passionate group of people here. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be here,” the director pointed out. Downtown “can’t be built by itself .... Partnering with the city, county and businesses” is very important. In addition, “you have great plans.”

Perseverance is vital. “With anything, you’re going to have people who say, ‘There’s nothing to do downtown.’”

She added, “Planting one flower .... or saving one building does make a difference.”

The program is founded on four points: organization, design, promotion and economic restructuring. This will also be the basis for four committees.

Organization involves keeping the program sustainable. Design “focuses on more tangible things like plants and decorations.” Promotion deals with “making downtown your tourist destination,” while economic restructuring helps to “retain existing businesses and recruiting new businesses.”

Starting out, the group will have a limited amount of money so “you have to do things that are inexpensive, but noticeable,” Kmicikewycz emphasized.

“Write a letter to the editor .... put public service announcements on the radio or information in church bulletins and newsletters .... Don’t be afraid to utilize” these resources.

She also suggested getting the word out through public meetings and partnering with small business development centers, which offer free services.

The speaker stressed that she or other Main Street state representatives would be happy to help in any way. “Everything is free, including our workshops and trainings.”

The next step is to form the four committees. Any person interested in helping with this program or signing up for one of the committees can contact the mayor’s office at 933-6100.

Diane Raver can be contacted at 812-934-4343, Ext. 114; or diane.raver@ batesvilleheraldtribune.com. To comment on stories, visit batesvilleheraldtribune.com.