By Joel Spears
Features Editor | joels@xtn.net

ROGERSVILLE - In September 2007 the Town of Rogersville celebrated certification by the Tennessee Main Street program. With a growing list of ideas for 2008, community leaders and downtown merchants are at work to promote new life in this historic downtown.

With a vision "to create a thriving, unique retail and cultural center to preserve and enhance the historic charm and integrity of our community," Nancy Barker, executive director of the Rogersville/Hawkins County Chamber of Commerce got the program moving quickly.

As one of 22 programs statewide, the Rogersville Main Street Committee has developed a plan to move the program's vision
forward.

The Main Street Program is a comprehensive revitalization program designed to promote historic and economic redevelopment of Tennessee's traditional business districts.

Governor Phil Bredesen said, "Thoughtful planning and realistic goal-setting are crucial to communities' growth and success, and these programs demonstrated this year that they are serious about achieving results."

The program serves as a coordinating partner with the National Main Street Center, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Rogersville became part of more than 2,000 communities nationwide accredited by the National Main Street Center.

Tennessee Economic and Community Development (ECD) Assistant Commissioner of Community Development Rick Meredith said, "ECD is proud to be a part of Rogersville Main Street's initiative to preserve their historical downtown district and enhance their community's livability and potential for job creation."

One of Rogersville Main Street's first events was a partnered project with the Rogersville Arts Council. "Trunk or Treat" was a huge success with local merchants and the community alike, Barker said.

Designed to create a safe and fun Halloween for children in the community while fostering additional business in the downtown area "Trunk or Treat" brought hundreds of people from the community into Downtown Rogersville.

"The turn out was tremendous," Barker said. "We have had only positive comments about it. Plans are already being made for next year and we want more participation from area businesses."

Barker stressed, "volunteers, volunteers, volunteers," for next year as well, "because they are the ones who make all the events possible," she said.

While the Main Street Program initiated a few successful projects in 2007, Barker said it is important for merchants and the community to remain actively involved.

"Main Street still requires a commitment from everyone in the historic district and we invite people to become involved in the new year," she said. "There are many opportunities for volunteers and committee members to assist in the success of this program."

Barker said she hopes to see new faces this year, especially those who have completed the Leadership Hawkins training program.

Committees are already planning upcoming events and downtown promotions. The Main Street Four-Point Approach Committees Organization, Promotion, Design, & Economic Restructuring have each developed a plan for the 2008 and established goals they would like to accomplish.

"Now is when we begin working to reach those goals," Barker concluded.

While the Rogersville Main Street Program is currently a Tennessee Main Street, members will complete paperwork to become a National Main Street Program in March.

Tennessee communities have participated in the Main Street Program since 1983. Communities are certified by program through an application process and must meet accreditation standards set by the National Main Street Center. This includes broad-based community support for the program, a comprehensive work plan, a sufficient operating budget and adequate staff and volunteers to support the cause.

For more information, visit
www.tnecd.gov.