TN.gov Newsroom

NASHVILLE – Governor Phil Bredesen has approved $330,000 in Main Street Innovation Grants for 22 of Tennessee’s Main Street Programs. Each participating community will receive $15,000 with which to develop or continue innovative projects, programs, activities and/or technology that exemplify good downtown revitalization practices following the Main Street “four point approach to revitalization.” Innovation Grant projects relate to design, promotion and marketing or business development.

 

“Innovation Grants play a critical role in community development by revitalizing some of Tennessee’s most prized historic downtowns in new and creative ways,” Governor Bredesen said. “Fostering a thriving local business center is key to sustainable economic growth, and I’m pleased to award funding to these 22 communities to support their efforts.”

 

The Main Street Innovation Grant encourages Tennessee’s Main Street communities to explore unique projects, programs, activities and technologies that shape best practices in downtown revitalization. Grants can be used to enhance the downtown district’s appearance, promote local business development or market a community through printed materials or a Web site.

 

“Especially in today’s challenging economy, it is important for communities to think outside the box as they seek progress,” ECD Commissioner Matt Kisber said. “Innovation Grants for Main Street communities not only encourage unique growth strategies, they make the implementation of those strategies possible. I applaud each of the recipient communities for their dedication and initiative.”

 

Tennessee has participated as a coordinating partner in the National Main Street Program since 1983. The program requires communities to meet requirements before becoming certified, including broad-based support for downtown revitalization through local citizens and government involvement, financial commitment, organizational structure, potential, previous history of downtown activities and a comprehensive understanding of the Main Street “Approach to Revitalization.”

 
Below is a list of programs that were awarded grants:

• Believe in Bristol: Comprehensive marketing project for downtown.

• Main Street Cleveland: Way-finding signage for downtown.

• Collierville Main Street: Downtown master plan.

• Main Street Columbia: Marketing: Destination business seminar and consultation, Web site and building inventory upgrade.

• Cityscape Cookeville: Web site development and downtown publications.

• Main Street Dandridge: Marketing: Destination business seminar and consultation, Web site and building inventory upgrade.

• Dayton Main Street: Streetscape lighting project.

• Fayetteville Main Street: Gazebo enhancements and downtown publications.

• Main Street Dyersburg: Master plan, including site plan development for downtown.

• Downtown Franklin Association: Way-finding signage.

• Greater Gallatin: Signage and farmer’s market marketing to include Web site development and print/publications.

• Main Street Greeneville: Comprehensive marketing package for downtown.

• Downtown Jackson Development Corp: Print/publications and signage for downtown.

• Johnson City Development Authority: Design, fabrication and installation of interpretive signage for downtown.

• Downtown Kingsport Association: Web site and streetscape enhancements, including landscaping and signage.

• Lawrenceburg Main Street Program: Publications and streetscape enhancements including landscaping and bike racks.

• Murfreesboro Main Street: Streetscape enhancements including banners, bike racks, recycle bins, print/publications and mapping projects.

• Morristown-Crossroads Partnership: Street improvements.

• Rogersville Main Street Program : Marketing/branding program for downtown, Web site update and publications.

• Savannah Main Street Program: Signage.

• Tiptonville Main Street: Downtown enhancements to include planters, benches, baskets, tables, umbrellas, grill, planters and lighting.

• Union City Main Street: Design, fabrication and installation of downtown business kiosk.

About the Tennessee Main Street Program
Main Street revitalization is a comprehensive, incremental, self-help economic strategy that also focuses on developing public-private partnerships to enhance community livability and job creation, while maintaining the historic character of their downtown district. For more information on the Tennessee Main Street Program, contact Kimberly Nyberg at (615) 532-3595 or Kimberly.Nyberg@tn.gov or visit the ECD Web site at www.tnecd.gov.

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to create higher skilled, better paying jobs for all Tennesseans. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. To find out more, go to www.tnecd.gov.