By Kandy Hobbs

ROGERSVILLE - Main Street managers from across the state arrived in Bristol and Kingsport to attend the Tennessee Main Street Quarterly meeting on June 9, 10 and 11.
    The theme was Summer Camp.
    Attending were Nancy Barker, Angela Manis, and Kandy Hobbs.  
    A reception was held Tuesday in Kingsport historic district by the Downtown Kingsport Association.
    After a tour of the district the group had dinner at Kaffe Blue.  
    Wednesday morning it was off to the newly renovated Bristol Train Station where Tennessee Main Street Director, Kimberly Nyberg introduced the local officials and guests from the Bristol Main Street Board.
    Our hostess in Bristol was Christina Blevins, Believe in Bristol Main Street director.
    After a local historian educated the group on the early history of Bristol and their rich musical heritage, we toured the Train Depot.
    Eric Blevins, a loft developer, in the historic district discussed the pro and cons of living in downtown and renovation of upper-story lofts.  
    The group was treated to lunch at the Blevins loft in the historic district.
    After lunch we were introduced to Bill Hartley with the Birth Place of Country Music Alliance, Leah Ross with Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, and CVB Kimberley Leonard.
    Each discussed the cultural venue that has been created in Bristol, and how the partnership between the organizations had been instrumental in making the events possible.
    Thursday, June 11 the Main Street Directors met to have breakfast at the  Downtown Kingsport Association located in the Historic Gem Theater on Main Street.
    Lisa Childress introduced local officials and guest. Jeff Fleming did an informative power point presentation about Kingsport and their revitalization of their downtown Kingsport. 
    Downtown Kingsport Association shared a movie presentation that they have recently completed.  They are working with the Tennessee Main Street Program to provide this software to all the state programs.
    Kimberly Nyberg introduced Rick Meredith, Assistant Commissioner of Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.  Rick Meredith discussed the economy, stimulus money, and how all of these things were affecting the budget and the short falls in the budget. 
    Mr. Meredith also related a story in how important customer service is to a community.  He stated that sometimes when an industry or business is looking at a community they will send in Corporate Consultants, now commonly referred to as Corporate Guns, to get the feel of the community.   Mr. Meredith's example was that of a community in Tennessee who lost 800 jobs to another county close by, constituted by negative dialog by locals at the favorite gathering place.
    Attitudes reflect the true quality, or lack thereof, in a community.  Negative press in any form could constitute a major loss as it did in this instance.
    Times have changed.  Image is everything.  The community now bears more responsibility in the decision-making process of an industry or business's desire to choose to locate within a community. 
    Downtown is the heart of your community.  Do you have a genuine desire to make a difference in the community?  Are you motivated to assist in making great things happen?
    Rogersville Main Street Program is a volunteer-driven program seeking individuals with diverse perspectives and abilities to work on the shared goal of commercial district revitalization.  Volunteers are also needed to assist with events. 
    There are no magic answers or easy solutions. 
    However, with volunteers and input from our community our vision to create a thriving, unique retail and cultural center which will preserve and enhance the historic charm and integrity of our community will become a reality.
    To volunteer, please contact the Rogersville Main Street Program at 423-272-2186.
    For more information, please visit www.rogersvillemainstreet.com.