Source: The Rogersville Review

By Joel Spears

ROGERSVILLE - The Rogersville Main Street Program is among 22 recipients to receive a portion of Governor Phil Bredesen's $330,000 in Main Street Innovation grants on behalf of the Tennessee Main Street Program (TMSP).

Rogersville, and each participating community, will receive $15,000 to help develop or continue innovative projects, programs and activities, or technology that exemplifies good downtown revitalization practices following the Main Street "four point approach to revitalization." According to TMSP, Innovation Grant projects relate to design, promotion and marketing, or business development.

"This grant is very welcome to help Rogersville in efforts to revitalize the downtown area," State Senator Mike Faulk (R - Church Hill) said. "These efforts make sure our city's downtown heritage is preserved for generations to come."

Money given to the Rogersville program will be used to further marketing and branding efforts in the downtown area, as well as for Web site updates and publications.

"Innovation Grants play a critical role in community development by revitalizing some of Tennessee's most prized historic downtowns in new and creative ways," Bredesen said. "Fostering a thriving local business center is key to sustainable economic growth . . . ."

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.

Additional grants may be used to enhance the downtown district's appearance, promote local business development or market a community.

"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," Kisber concluded.

Other towns in the region that were awarded grants include: Bristol, Dandridge, Greeneville, Johnson City, Kingsport, and Morristown.

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.

For more information on the Tennessee Main Street Program, call Kimberly Nyberg at (615) 532-3595, E-mail Kimberly.Nyberg@tn.gov or visit the ECD Web site at www.tnecd.gov.