Tuesday, January 06, 2009
New Harmony is Indiana Main Street Participant
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Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman welcomes the Town of New Harmony to the Indiana Main Street (IMS) program. IMS is administered by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA). The program provides economic revitalization and professional assistance to participating Indiana cities and towns. As the traditional heart and hub of government, commerce, justice and social interaction, the downtown business district portrays a city's overall image. Viable downtowns are crucial to the economic health of our state,” said Lt. Governor Skillman. “I’m proud to support New Harmony. The program is creating opportunities for revitalization and restoration, as well as encouraging a favorable environment for businesses.” The Town of New Harmony will join more than 70 other Indiana Main Street Communities dedicated to the revitalization of their downtown areas. The IMS is founded on a Four Point Approach to downtown development: design, organization, promotion and economic restructuring. Each of these points represents an aspect of the downtown which is vital in the restoration efforts of the community. The Town of New Harmony is currently developing a “Shop Local” campaign and has just recently completed a Comprehensive Plan that includes the downtown. The town is a tourist destination along the Ohio River and they have a great partner in Historic New Harmony, part of the University of Southern Indiana. New Harmony’s goals for the program include: increasing downtown promotions and marketing efforts, attracting new businesses downtown, and providing educational opportunities and workshops to downtown merchants. Indiana Main Street Program Manager Shae Young stated, “Today we are welcoming 15 new communities to the Indiana Main Street family. These communities know and understand the importance of a thriving downtown and they have community members willing to assist in the revitalization efforts of their downtowns. We are very proud of these new communities and we are happy to recognize them today.” Press release prepared by the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs |
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