Main Street News: January 16th

Review and renew. These are two words that are frequently associated with the beginning of a new year.  As an organization, we can and should do both. For schools and some clubs and most churches that happens in the fall. For Main Street it happens each January. We can review and reflect on the events of 2016 and learn from them. This helps us renew our commitment and dedication to our members, our business community and our residents.

Next week, the Main Street Program will take some time to do just that.  Our Annual Membership Meeting will be held on January 18 at the Barnesville VFW. Board Members, committee members and staff will be on hand to share their thoughts about 2016 and look toward 2017.

The Main Street Program is truly a volunteer based organization.  It is structured to utilize volunteers in a variety of ways.  From advisory roles, to guidance and planning, to direct contact with businesses and residents and old fashioned hands on work, there are many tasks needed. As staff, I rely heavily upon the volunteers to complete those tasks and to give direction to the program as a whole. In other words, they are really driving the program in the direction that they see fit for Barnesville.

The Main Street Board of Directors, Promotions Committee, and Design Committee each play a large role in that direction.  They meet monthly to provide all of the previously mentioned skills and more!    Special committees like Showcase and Miss Barnesville meet seasonally as to the need and the event.  Both events are long standing traditions in Barnesville! Without any of these individuals, none of the Main Street events would take place.  They need to work together as a team to make that happen by complimenting each other, working through roadblocks and focusing all toward the same goal.

Main Street is part of a bigger picture as well. We are part of the National Main Street Program. So many communities are faced with the same concerns and situations that we are and learning from others as well as having additional resources available help to make us a stronger organization.

How does one be part of this movement, this vision, this direction for Barnesville’s Main Street Program?  There are many ways.  Interested people can become members either as a business or part of our new Friends of Main Street individual membership. If you are considering a volunteer role on a regular basis or for short term events, I or any board member would be happy to visit with you about your interest in Main Street. Please don’t hesitate to give me a call at 354-2479.

Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision.  It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.  It is the Barnesville Main Street Program.