Rogersville Main Street News HTTP://www.rogersvillemainstreet.com/rss/news.xml News for Rogersville Main Street Program. en-us Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:39:56 -0700 Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:39:56 -0700 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss - http://www.cedargrovedesign.com webmaster@cedargrovedesign.com (Cynthia Sellers) webmaster@rogersvillemainstreet.com (Rogersville Main Street Program) Christmas festivities, parades coming soon By Joel Spears

ROGERSVILLE Santa will ride into town for a pre-Christmas visit on Saturday, December 6 as Church Hill and Rogersville kick off the holiday season.
At 11 a.m. Church Hill will host the citys annual Christmas Parade while Rogersville puts the finishing touches on an Old Fashioned Christmas.
According to Nancy Barker, executive director of the Rogersville / Hawkins County Chamber of Commerce, the event will include caroling, a live manger scene, a children's Christmas store and Santa himself on the Town Square beginning at noon.
Christmas on the Square, sponsored by the Rogersville Main Street Program, will include strolling carolers, pictures with Santa from noon until 3:30 p.m. and a live nativity scene complete with animals from noon until 4 p.m., sponsored by East Rogersville Baptist Church and Hope Community Church.
Santa Land Christmas Shop, a small open-air store where children 12 under can purchase affordable gifts for their families, will be located on the Town Square as well. Santa's helpers will assist children in making their purchases, in wrapping their gifts and in making a Christmas ornament for their trees. The Santa Express will be available for train rides and elves will sell popcorn, cotton candy, and drinks throughout the afternoon.
The Rogersville Christmas Parade, sponsored by the chamber is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. with the Cherokee Lady Chiefs Softball Team as Grand Marshals.
Following the parade, Joyful Sounds, the bell choir of the First Baptist Church, will perform carols as Rogersville Arts Council conducts a traditional Yule Log ceremony.
The lighting of the Town Christmas Tree will be at approximately 6 p.m. on the Courthouse Square accompanied by Christmas music and the reading of the Christmas story by Jim Bowman.
The Parade of Trees will also be on display in the lobby of US Bank from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. on December 6 and during the bank's regular business hours from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. from December 8 through December 18.
Applications for the Parade of Trees are available at the Chamber Office. Youth groups and school groups are encouraged to participate and be eligible for cash prizes.
Groups or organizations that would like to enter the parade and have their floats judged are encouraged to call the Chamber of Commerce at (423) 272-2186 for an application. The deadline for applications is Friday, November 28, 2008; winners will be eligible for cash prizes.
Participants in the Christmas Parade will line up at Rogersville Middle School on the corner of East Main Street and Warrior Street.
At 4 p.m., the parade will make its way down Main Street and end at the International Playing Card and Label Company parking lot on the corner of West Main Street and Armstrong Road.
For more information or to receive a free holiday visitors guide to Christmas activities in Rogersville, call (423) 272-2186.
Additionally, the Surgoinsville Volunteer Fire Department Christmas Parade will be held the following Saturday, December 13 at 11 a.m.
Fire Chief Jason Johnson encouraged everybody interested in participating to line up at the parade site by 10 a.m. There are no entry forms or fees required to participate.
Also on December 13, the Mount Carmel Christmas Parade will make its way down Main Street from Hardees to the Mount Carmel Fire Department building on Hammond Avenue.
Line-up for the parade begins at 3 p.m. followed by the parade at 4 p.m.
A reception will be held following the parade in the fire department building, where trophies will be awarded to winning parade entries. Winners must be present to receive a prize.]]> Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:55 -0700 http://www.rogersvillemainstreet.com/news-and-press/christmas-festivities-parades-coming-soon.htm 8c5907a0be287061ef2023cfc80bb4fc46 Downtown Rogersville Mainstreet USA by Jim Beller 5-27-2007
Rogersville was recently selected to be a certified Main Street Program participant.

Kimberly Nyberg is state coordinator for the program and works in 21 communities across the state. "The reason why Rogersville was selected is that they should have shown a very strong dedication to the downtown, to historic resources in the downtown and we feel that Rogersville is ready to embark upon a very successful main Street Program," Nyberg said. "I'm here to work with the newly-formed Rogersville Main Street Program."

"The most important criteria for being selected," Nyberg said, "is broad-based community support for an active Main Street Program and a strong commitment to revitalize the downtown."

"Rogersville has demonstrated throughout the years a very strong support in their downtown," she said, "My feeling is that people in the community absolutely adore their downtown and their historic resources and the strong history that lies in the community."

The Main Street Program is a national program started in three small communities in the late 1970s. The program takes a comprehensive look at a specific area, usually the commercial district of the traditional downtown.

The Main Street Program will work in the context of historic preservation, promotion, design, as well as economic restructuring and organization.

"The Main Street Program is sort of like a manager. It focuses on the rich heritage of the commercial district and how it can better itself," Nyberg said, "It's too early to tell exactly how the Main Street Program is going focus its energy. It could be in the area of festivals and celebration, historic tourism, historic preservation, business enhancements and so forth."]]> Sun, 27 May 2007 00:00:29 -0600 http://www.rogersvillemainstreet.com/news-and-press/downtown-rogersville-mainstreet-usa.htm 03e10120f501df86b1b1a0b2b3d75a2239 Heritage Days - October 9, 10 & 11 Rogersvilles historic town square, quaint shops and historic homes provide a welcoming festival setting for Heritage Days a traditional community celebration of Rogersvilles unique heritage. The festival showcases traditional music, storytellers, and dancers, special events for the children, demonstrations of pioneer skills, antique quilts, cars and farm equipment, a juried craft show, and a food court to delight every tastebud.

Heritage Days 2009 will be held October 9, 10 and 11. Friday nights activities include the costumed childrens parade, the Chili Cook-off in the Town Square and the antique car cruise-in.

Saturday and Sunday are devoted to activities to please everyone, including:

* Over 100 juried craft artists offering a wide variety of lovely hand-made items

* Craft Demonstrations

* Traditional Appalachian and Celtic music

* Appalachian Dancers

* Historic Re-enactors

* Art & Photography Show

* Quilt Show

* Needlework Exhibit

* Antique Farm Equipment Show

* Younguns Yard and Childrens Activities

* Heritage Childrens Train

* Festival Food

For an events schedule and additional information, visit the Rogersville Heritage Association website below.]]> Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:04 -0600 http://www.rogersvillemainstreet.com/news-and-press/heritage-days-october-9-10-11.htm 1f8cde0f4aca7d71d666d29abb22544b54 Holiday sales show promise by Jim Beller

Rogersville -- Despite a national trend of disappointing sales, local merchants say this holiday shopping season has been strong.

"We exceeded our sales from last year," said Brenda Frazier, store manager of Walmart in Rogersville.

"Sales were great," added Mary Ellen Elkins, business manager of U-Save. "We were really pleased with the customers who came in."

"Wonderful," s how manager Dennis Shortt described sales at Food City, 66 Shopping Center. "We've had a really good year."

"Everything's good," echoed Roudy Henley, manager at Food City, East Gate Plaza.

Retailers expect business to continue strong into January then restart to normal business.

"Your first three weeks of January are pretty strong," Frazier said. "Otherwise, you go back to your average business in February and into March."

Frazier said Walmart is holding a 50 percent off Christmas item sale. A "hard markdown" of 75 percent was set for a day this week.

"We do an annual Coke can sale each December," Elkins said, "At the register we have a 24-pack of Coke. Written on the bottom of each can is a discount from 15 to 50 percent the customer can save off their entire gift ware purchase. They know they'll get at least 15% off.

We'll have all of our Christmas merchandise on sale in January," Elkins said. "Customers will be looking to come back and find some of these items on sale."

Elkins said popular items this season were Webkinz plush toys and Jim Shore's Heartwood Creek merchandise.

Grocery store sales are typically strong around Christmas and New Year's. "It does tend to pick up during the holiday season," Shortt said. "We usually go back to our normal, everyday customer business the week after New Year's, "Short said. "Then we have to get started after Halloween preparing for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We get prepared pretty far in advance."

According to the Associated Press, Mastercard Advisors, a division of the credit card company, reported a 3.6 percent national increase from Nov. 23 to Dec. 24 in customer spending by credit car, check, or cash, down from last year's gain of 6.6 percent. Excluding gas purchased, national holiday sales were up only 2.4 percent. High gas prices and a shaky economy contributed to disappointing national sales figures. Local merchants, however, expressed contentment with holiday sales.

"We were really pleased to see people shopping in Rogersville and not going out of town to get stuff," Elkins said.]]> Wed, 02 Jan 2008 00:00:24 -0700 http://www.rogersvillemainstreet.com/news-and-press/holiday-sales-show-promise.htm 1a94004a66043250bb6b2953b4d8042843 Is 'Main Street" working? - Business owners weigh in on Rogersville program Source: The Rogersville Review

By Joel Spears
Features Editor

ROGERSVILLE Since March 2006 the Rogersville Main Street Program has grown with support from local businesses and through leadership of board members who make up the Rogersville business community.

Events such as the Second Friday Cruise-In on the Square that has been enjoyed by thousands of visitors since it began, as well as the upcoming Trunk- or-Treat event, have been accomplished in part by the Rogersville Main Street in partnership with organizations such as the Rogersville / Hawkins County Chamber of Commerce and the Rogersville Arts Council.

Our goal is to bring people into the community and make Downtown Rogersville a destination for them to spend the day, and hopefully the night, Rogersville Main Street board member Nancy Barker said. With the opening of the Hale Springs Inn and the continued presence of new businesses downtown, we continue to offer more places for people to shop and dine.

Barker said with the addition of a $15,000 Main Street Innovation Grant the program received this year, Rogersville Main Street has already stepped up its marketing efforts.

Part of that is a television commercial, aired since July on WKPT-TV 19 to viewers in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Barker said the spot has been shown to target a diverse audience.

Joann Anderson, who owns the Sweet Tooth Cafe on Main Street said, I was very excited about the commercial. It wasn't something I could've done on my own and it's had a very positive impact on business.

While Anderson said she is aware that one purpose of the Main Street Program is to promote shopping at home, she said having the commercial has helped spread the word about Rogersville's downtown businesses to the rest of Hawkins County and into the Kingsport
market.

Anderson said she also believes the reopening of Hale Springs Inn has been a boost to her business.

The Inn being open again can only be good for business, she said, I believe it is going to generate enough business for each of us as business owners.

Rick Henry, manager at the popular downtown Rogersville restaurant Oh' Henry's, agreed with Anderson.

With the inn being open again we've had more people come in to eat who are just driving by to check it out, or even people who have stayed there, he said.

Henry also said the Main Street Cruise-Ins have helped the restaurant, bringing in newcomers and return customers alike.

The car shows have been awesome. Business has picked up a whole lot. And one thing I like about it is that we have people from out of town who didn't know we were even here who come back later.

Kandy Hobbs, owner of Mountain Star Mall on Main Street said a combination of the television commercial and the reopening of the inn have helped her home decor and gifts business.

I've had a number of people come in who are either staying at the inn or who have heard it's reopened, Hobbs said. The T.V. commercial has also really helped my business with local people, who have particularly been responsive to those.

Brenda Snell, one of the artists whose work is on display at the downtown Local Artist Gallery, said business there has also increased significantly through Cruise-In traffic, but also by word-of-mouth.

The Cruise-Ins have definitely helped our business, she said, but I just spoke to a couple from Memphis who heard about downtown Rogersville and wanted to visit as they drove through the area. We also had a group visit the gallery from Kingsport the other day.

One way Barker said she hopes to continue seeing a rise in downtown foot traffic is by turning to the Web, as well as magazine promotion, brochures, and visitor information packets. One of those has already taken Rogersville Main Street global with www.rogersvillemainstreet.com - a new Web site with information on businesses, attractions and events in the Rogersville area.

Ideas for promotion of the Rogersville Main Street Program are coordinated through the Main Street Four-point Approach which encourages design, promotion, economic restructuring, and organization for the strengthening of the community.

Barker said each committee on the Main Street Board of Directors has been instrumental in fulfilling these four goals.

Our design committee has helped get wiring underground on the four squares of the Town Square and they are currently looking at having a sprinkler system installed, she said. A public restroom facility for downtown visitors is also on their agenda, she noted.

The promotion committee has been instrumental in publicizing downtown events, as well as developing the Web site, Barker continued. The economic restructuring committee has also been busy assisting people who want to start a new business in Rogersville and providing existing merchants with workshops and seminars to improve their business.

She said members are also in the process of beginning a Shop Local
campaign between the Main Street Program and the chamber of commerce, while the organization committee continues to research similar campaigns and work to bring new ideas to the table.

By working together with local organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and Arts Council, Rogersville Main Street is able to bring many events center stage downtown.

By blending our expertise, we can utilize all the tools each organization has, Barker said. By doing this, we continue to put together events in the downtown district, as well as support our local merchants. It also provides additional entertainment options close to home for our community, which is a plus in the current economic situation.

As the end of a successful year of Friday night Cruise-Ins draws to a close, Barker said there will be two more on September 11 and on Heritage Days weekend, October 9. Then it will be time for Trunk-or- Treat on October 31.

To round out the year, a brochure to promote downtown Christmas activities will be published by November 1.

For more information about the Rogersville Main Street Program and the services it offers, call (423) 272-2186, visit http:// www.rogersvillemainstreet.com/ on the Web, or E-mail director@rogersvillemainstreet.com.

The Rogersville Main Street program is a subsidiary of the Rogersville / Hawkins County Chamber of Commerce.]]> Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:26 -0600 http://www.rogersvillemainstreet.com/news-and-press/is-main-street-working-business-owners-weigh-in-on-rogersville-program.htm 76a977b77be4adc8a202e4f18940a63a59 Join Us for Trunk or Treat on Main Street 2009! The 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat on Main Street will be held in Rogersville on Saturday, October 31st from 5-8pm. Trunk or Treat is a safe alternative to trick or treating with lots of candy for everyone. Main Street will be blocked off from Hasson to Brownlow and cars will be lined up and down the street. Participants are asked to decorate their cars and load them with candy. Prizes will be given for the best decorated cars.

This year there will be an entrance and an exit to control the flow of children. The entrance will be at Brownlow and Main Street and the exit will be at Hasson and Main. Upon registration at the entrance, children will a receive tote bag and a card with the car numbers on it. Each car will mark the card when the child receives their candy.

The Costume Contest will be held in front of the courthouse beginning at 5:30pm. Categories are ages 0-3, 4-7 and 8-13. Judging will be based heavily on creativity (no commercial costumes). Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in each category, with ribbons going to all participants.

The Parks and Recreation Department will run a Hay Ride with pick up at the corner of South Depot and Washington Street.

Downtown Merchants will be open that evening, for your convenience. The Heritage Lites will provide cotton candy, popcorn and drinks for $1 each.

This event is sponsored by the Rogersville Arts Council, the Rogersville Main Street program and the Chamber of Commerce to provide a safe and fun place for children to trick or treat.

To reserve a space for your car, to make a donation or to volunteer contact the Chamber at 423-272-2186. Visit www.rogersvillechamber.us or www.rogersvilleartscouncil.org to download sponsorship or car registration forms.]]> Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:03 -0600 http://www.rogersvillemainstreet.com/news-and-press/join-us-for-trunk-or-treat-on-main-street-2009.htm 2d23c2a8a5bed4b1e125b8fa7e42065155 Leadership group studies marketing of town By Jim Beller

Marketing Rogersville was the theme for a recent study conducted by the Rogersville/Hawkins County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class of 2006-7.

"In our case study, we wanted something that could be used by the Main Street Program," Mary Ellen Evans said at Thursday's Chamber breakfast meeting at Wellmont Hawkins County Hospital.

"We wanted to help establish some community branding with emphasis on the Main Street Program. We wanted to be able to have the tools to market the community, either to visitors, new citizens of Rogersville or new businesses," Evans said.

"We asked individuals in Rogersville to give us their thoughts. We had some demographic (items) in the beginning, then we had five questions that we asked to give their true, honest feelings about Rogersville," she said.

The surveys were placed throughout town and conducted online, generating 285 responses. Two-thirds of the respondents were female; 61 percent were married.

Nearly 95 percent of those who responded cited downtown as the town's most marketable feature, followed closely by Hale Springs Inn. The courthouse was third at nearly 70 percent.

When asked "What are you most proud of about Rogersville," the majority focused on the town's citizens, heritage, beauty and small-town characteristics.

When asked for a possible slogan for Rogersville, 210 responded. Examples were : Historic Places, Friendly Faces; Past, Present, Future Rogersville is the Place to Be; Enjoy Rogersville's Hometown Heritage; Where History and Tradition Meet Tomorrow; Preserving the Past, Focusing on our Future.

Having a revitalized downtown topped the list of nearly 60 percent of those surveyed when asked, "How do you envision Rogersville in five years?" Nearly half said, "The same or no change."]]> Sat, 26 May 2007 00:00:24 -0600 http://www.rogersvillemainstreet.com/news-and-press/leadership-group-studies-marketing-of-town.htm 81831d57573a9e48087a2e4234d0b74940 Marketing Main Street - Program receives $15,000 to promote branding, downtown Web site 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.]]> Fri, 31 Jul 2009 00:00:54 -0600 http://www.rogersvillemainstreet.com/news-and-press/marketing-main-street-program-receives-15-000-to-promote-branding-downtown-web-site.htm 4f96081ff41d34311db0aa443265ae2958 News Across Tennessee Rogersville -- A Rural Development Grant of $10,000 will be used for a Main Street Development Plan for Rogersville that will include a marketing and promotion plan, a website for Main Street, brochure about activities available in the city and development plans for Main Street.]]> Mon, 30 Jul 2007 00:00:47 -0600 http://www.rogersvillemainstreet.com/news-and-press/news-across-tennessee.htm d17e12a1f3b90d35a0305a82af4cce8742 Official Status March 2007, Kimberly Nyberg, Director of Tennessee Main Street Program informed Director, Nancy Barker that official certification had been awarded to Rogersville Main Street Program.]]> Wed, 07 Mar 2007 00:00:15 -0700 http://www.rogersvillemainstreet.com/news-and-press/official-status.htm 46f6cd06c62c9a7b82ca74cf3fe5b48935 Ongoing training 2009 Ongoing Training Events:

January 12, National Accreditation/Annual Reports due, National Trust Conference--Field Sessions Proposals due

January 21-22 Winter Managers' Quarterly Meeting at Nashville Public Library - Nashville, TN

March 1-3, National Main Street Conference and Main Street Quarterly Meeting - Chicago, IL

April 7-9, Spring Managers' Quarterly Meeting Bristol and Kingsport, TN

April 16-17, Tennessee Preservation Trust Conference/ Main Street Summit - Murfreesboro, TN

May 4-8, BEDC- Basic Economic Development Course Nashville, TN

July 15-16, Summer Managers' Quarterly Meeting
Location:Nashville, TN (meeting location--TBA)

Sept (TBA), Governor's Conference on ECD and Main Street Quarterly Meeting
Location:Nashville, TN (meeting location--TBA)

October 8-10, National Trust for Historic Preservation Conference and Quarterly Meeting--Nashville, TN

2008 Past Training Events:

November 13 @1pm Nashville time: Conference Call

December 9, Training open to all Main Street Directors and Board Members--discussion will focus on Main Street organizational issues such as: annual reporting, work plans, and putting together the Main Street Accredtation report. Location: Nashville @ Tennessee Tower, 312 Rosa L Parks.


2007 Past Training Events:

May 2007, Kimberly Nyberg conducted a Board Training Session for the Rogersville Main Street Program Board of Directors.

In September of 2007, the Executive Director, along with several community volunteers attended the Governor's Conference on Economic and Community Development in Nashville, Tennessee. The Conference included a seminar on Main Street which the Director and volunteers also attended. The Rogersville Main Street Program received their Main Street Certificate from Governor Bredesen.

In November 2007, the Executive Director, Nancy Barker, attended the New Managers Training Meeting and Managers Quarterly Meeting in Dayton, Tennessee.]]> Sun, 07 Dec 2008 00:00:35 -0700 http://www.rogersvillemainstreet.com/news-and-press/ongoing-training.htm 72479f9a86d889629308b84ee87291dc37 Open for business Main Street Program moves forward in 2008 By Joel Spears

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.]]> Sat, 01 Sep 2007 00:00:02 -0600 http://www.rogersvillemainstreet.com/news-and-press/open-for-business-main-street-program-moves-forward-in-2008.htm 1eb6c5b71b055fc6b7a289a6daf4d48145 Opening of Hale Springs Inn expected to boost downtown Rogersville's economy By Jeff Bobo

Published January 1st, 2009 Kingsport Times News

ROGERSVILLE Kandy Hobbs knows from first-hand experience the economic impact that the Hale Springs Inn has on downtown Rogersville.

When the inn closed a decade ago, foot traffic declined significantly in the citys historic downtown district, and as a result she was forced to close the antique and ice cream shop she operated about a block away from the inn.

The closing of the Hale Springs Inn did have a negative impact on other businesses, Hobbs said. In fact I had two (downtown) businesses at the time and I ended closing one of them because of a decline in the tourist traffic.

Hobbs largely attributes that decline in the closing of the Hale Springs Inn in 1998.

Not totally, because we also had an economic decline at that time, but the first year (after it closed) I just watched a steady decline in foot traffic because the inn was our draw to the downtown area, Hobbs said. Not everybody stayed there, but they came to see it, and see the different shops and go antiqueing. Without those tourists we saw sales decline.

The renovation of the 185-year-old Hale Springs Inn is scheduled for completion this coming June and should open as a restaurant and nine-suite hotel shortly thereafter. Before it closed in 1998 it was Tennessees longest continuously operated inn.

Aside from owning the Mountain Star Mall located downtown, Hobbs is also on the board of directors for the Rogersville Main Street program, which works to promote activities that bring people downtown. Over the past couple of years the program has launched new events, and with the upcoming opening of the inn, the next goal is to find occupants for the handful of empty Main Street storefronts downtown.

Hobbs said the Main Street program will likely initiate a study to determine what types of new downtown businesses will have the best chance for survival. She said the opening of the inn will likely make that real-estate more sought-after and can only improve the downtown Rogers- ville economy.

Its a little hard to project at this point because of the economic situation right now, Hobbs said. I dont think its a cure-all, but we have done some things to get ready for the opening. We now have signage on I-81 designating us as a historic district to pull people off the interstate and into town.

We have been promoting downtown with our cruise-ins, and for Halloween the Main Street program sponsors the Trunk-or-Treat, which has been a huge success. The Hale Springs Inn is going to be a major addition to what weve got going on now, and Im anxious to see what kind of impact it will have.

Rogersville Chamber of Commerce Director Nancy Barker describes the Hale Springs Inn as the crown jewel of Rogersville.

I guess the big buzzword now is feet in the street, and with the opening of the Hale Springs Inn we can get some feet in the street and some more people coming into downtown, Barker said.

She added, Once we get the inn open it will present a lot of opportunities to bring a lot of different people in who will look at the community and see what a great investment it is, and encourage them to maybe open a new business downtown. Were looking at a lot of opportunities for existing businesses to expand, and with the opening of the inn, youre just going to draw a large and more diverse group of people coming in and looking at the community.]]> Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:58 -0600 http://www.rogersvillemainstreet.com/news-and-press/opening-of-hale-springs-inn-expected-to-boost-downtown-rogersvilles-economy.htm 235b6c4011c06797a25860875a2b587544 Rogersville 32nd Annual Heritage Days

On Friday evening,  Main Street Rogersville sponsors a childrens costume contest, chili cook off and the Cruise In parade with hundreds of vintage automobiles; complete with  festival food and music on the square.  Saturday and Sunday activities include  juried arts and craft venders,  heritage demonstrators ,   younguns yard for children, dance and music entertainment stages, art, quilt and antique farm equipment shows,  food court and a  corn hole tournament in the  historic district . Visit the Civil War Calvary enactors at Crockett Springs Park.

 

View Event

]]> Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:00:56 -0600 http://www.rogersvillemainstreet.com/news-and-press/rogersville-32nd-annual-heritage-days.htm 774d6870eefb70d5e99ab68d8808fbbf60 Rogersville Main Street achieves certification Source: The Rogersville Review

Staff Report

ROGERSVILLE - Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matthew Kisber has announced that Rogersville Main Street has achieved certification through the Tennessee Main Street Program.

"I applaud Rogersville on recognizing the importance of downtown revitalization and the new industries and jobs it can bring as a result," Kisber said.

"Rogersville is joining the ranks of many great cities and towns across the state dedicated to preserving the businesses and neighborhoods at the heart of their communities."

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

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

Valecia Crisafulli, director of preservation leadership at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, joined the communities at the certification ceremony held during the 2009 Governor's Conference on Economic and Community Development. Crisafulli, a Tennessee native, will return to Nashville Oct. 13 - 17 for the National Preservation Conference, when community leaders from across the nation will come together to gain a fresh perspective on preservation's role in sustainability and the new economy.

There are currently 23 Main Street organizations in Tennessee, joining more than 2,000 communities nationwide that have been accredited by the National Main Street Center.

ECD provides these communities with technical assistance and expertise in developing long-term strategies that promote economic growth and development, focusing on revitalization through the context of historic preservation. The department also helps communities forge public-networking and training opportunities for their downtown commercial districts.

"On behalf of ECD, it is my pleasure to celebrate with Rogersville on this significant accomplishment," said ECD Assistant Commissioner of Community Development Rick Meredith. "This demonstration of Rogersville's commitment to economic development and historic preservation is indicative of successes to come."

Tennessee communities have participated in the Main Street Program since 1983. Communities are certified by Tennessee Main Street Program through an application process and must meet accreditation standards set by the National Main Street Center, including broad-based community support for the program, a comprehensive work plan, a sufficient operating budget and adequate staff and volunteers to support the program.]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:20 -0700 http://www.rogersvillemainstreet.com/news-and-press/rogersville-main-street-achieves-certification.htm e73e673637130c2b4d479cb8bee2664057 Rogersville prepares for Heritage Days weekend Published: 1:52 PM, 10/03/2008
Source: The Rogersville Review

ROGERSVILLE Freedom, a dynamic, high-energy group of eight professional active-duty Navy musicians, specializing in a variety of todays popular music, will present free concerts in Rogersville on all three days of the Heritage Days Celebration, October 10, 11 and 12,2008. Performances will be on the Main Stage in the Town Square.

Freedoms members are versatile entertainers performing music from contemporary styles such as Hard Rock, Rap, Country and Classic Rock.As the Navys premier rock band in the Mid-South, Freedom travels extensively to perform for audiences throughout an eleven-state region.This polished presentation will motivate and inspire you to Let Freedom ring!

Navy Band Mid-South is the United States Navys premiere musical organization in the Mid-South region. The professional Navy musicians assigned to the band are all active duty service members performing full time for the Navy. Under the direction of Lieutenant Junior Grade David Latour, the ensembles within the band perform music ranging from Bach and Sousa to the most current pop, country, and jazz hits.

The band operates from Millington, Tennessee, and is responsible for an eleven-state area that stretches north into Indiana and Illinois, west into eastern Colorado, and south into Mississippi and Alabama. As well as a traditional military ceremonial unit, the band maintains several musical ensembles, including Freedom, that perform a wide variety of music.

Local retired Naval officer, Marty Dobbins, contacted the band and made arrangements for their appearance at this years festival.

Rogersvilles Heritage Days 2008 celebrates the countys military heritage with the theme Hawkins County Heroes: 1776 2008, and will showcase Hawkins Countys military history.
The festival is sponsored by First Community Bank, Wellmont Hawkins County Memorial Hospital and the Tennessee Arts Commission.

Heritage Days celebrates military heritage

By Patricia Humbert

Rogersvilles Heritage Days 2008 celebrates the countys military heritage with the theme Hawkins County Heroes: 1776 2008. The festival, now in its 29th year, is sponsored by First Community Bank, Wellmont Hawkins County Memorial Hospital and the Tennessee Arts Commission.
Dates for this years festival are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 10, 11 and 12.

The festival will showcase Hawkins Countys military history. Visitors from the past will grace the museum at the Southern Depot as Rogersvilles citizens and soldiers describe their involvement in the Battle of Big Creek in 1863. Participants include soldiers who were captured or died in the battle and wives and mothers whose loved ones were caught up in the conflict. The museum will also host an exhibit of military memorabilia from the Revolutionary War to the present.

An honor guard of Sons of the Revolution will participate in a flag ceremony on the Town Square on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. The Five-Oh-First Army Airborne World War Two Reenactors will be camped on the Town Square in front of the Masonic Lodge, and the 12th Tennessee Cavalry Division and the 14th Tennessee Artillery Division will create a Civil War encampment in the courtyard of the Hale Springs Inn.

Fridays events begin at 5:30 as the Cadets from Volunteer and Cherokee High Schools NROTC units and the Rogersville City School Drum Line, directed by Patricia Rhoton, lead the Childrens Parade through Main Street. At the same time, teams at the Heritage Days Chili Cook-off will be preparing their spicy dishes for a hoard of hungry tasters. The cooking will begin at 3:00, with judging at 5:30.

Following the Childrens Parade, Larry Elkins hosts the Heritage Days Car Show. Musical entertainment on the Town Square is from 6:30 until 9:00.

Saturday, beginning at 10:00 and Sunday, beginning at noon, over 100 craft artists will line Main Street, offering unique hand crafted items for sale. Heritage events include demonstrations of traditional skills such as spinning, basketry, wood carving, and dulcimer making. World War II vehicles and the Antique Farm Equipment will be on display on Depot Street. The Quilt Show will be at the Hawkins County Courthouse and the Art and Photography Show will be on exhibit in the Community Room of U S Bank.

Continuous entertainment will be offered on the Town Square, and will feature traditional music of the region, from traditional Scottish music and 18th century ballads to bluegrass, traditional country and gospel music. The Dance Stage located on Washington at Depot, will feature area cloggers and square dancers.

Childrens activities include traditional games at Days Gone By, learning activities in the Demonstrators yard, inflatable games, rock climbing and bungee jumping.

Of course, there are always wonderful things to eat! Favored fare ranges from the areas finest Pig n Chick barbeque to the famous Rotary funnel cakes. Hot roasted nuts, caramel apples and kettle korn will tempt every appetite. More traditional choices such as hot dogs, hamburgers, and fries will also be available along with ice cream treats near the Younguns Yard.

Heritage Days is a regional tradition, a fun-filled weekend with events and excitement for every age and every taste. As it enters its 30th successful year, it is easy to understand why it has been named one of the twenty top events in the Southeast. Funds raised by the festival are used for the preservation of historic properties in Rogersville.

For more information about Heritage Days 2008, call the Rogersville Heritage Association Office at 423-272-1961 or visit our website: www.rogersvilleheritage.org.

Art & Photography Show

ROGERSVILLE US Bank will sponsor an art, photography and three-dimensional art show at Heritage Days this year.

Original art in any medium and original photographs will be accepted.

A committee of local artists will judge all entries. Ribbons will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners, with three cash prizes of $50 going to the best in show in each of the three categories. All entries will be exhibited during Heritage Days in the Community Room of US Bank.

The entries in each division will be divided into three categories: Children (up through age 11), Youth (ages 12 through 18) and Adults (ages 18 and older). Each entry must have the title of the work and the artists name and phone number securely attached to the back with clear tape over the label. Work must be brought to the US Bank Community Room on Wednesday, October 8 between 1 and 5 pm, or on Thursday, October 9 between 9 and 5. Artists should pick up their works on Monday, October 13 between noon and 5 p.m.

Local artist Tata Andres will assemble and mount the show.

All entries must be ready to hang or exhibit and all must be clearly marked on the back with the name and contact information of the artist or photographer. Entry forms are available at The Local Artist Gallery on Main Street, The Rogersville Hawkins County Chamber of Commerce, the Heritage Association Office at the Depot Museum, 415 South Depot Street, Rogersville, TN 37857. Entry forms are also available on the Heritage Association website: www.rogersvilleheritage.org.]]> Fri, 03 Oct 2008 00:00:13 -0600 http://www.rogersvillemainstreet.com/news-and-press/rogersville-prepares-for-heritage-days-weekend.htm e0aae3ff1b6021f11153b1e40b0d251052 Rogersville, Excellence in Planning Rogersville, in East Tennessee, is a progressive, old-fashioned, down-home community and city down-home community and city leaders plan to keep it that way. Incorporated in 1903, the tiny town of 4,500 has worked hard to protect and preserve the traditional appearance and character of their community while providing new amenities and expansion of services.

The city has invested toward creating a charming town center area along with $6 million to upgrade all of its school facilities, complete an expansive city water line program for under served areas, and develop a full-scale skate park and walking trail system.

Rogersville is home to several historic buildings including the oldest courthouse in Tennessee. The dedication to the preservation of history throughout the community is reflected in the partnership of two entities, the City and Rogersville Heritage Association. The two organizations purchased and renovated The Hale Springs Inn, one of the remaining original hotels in Tennessee.

With the city providing the management and financial backing for purchase and renovation of the hotel, the Heritage Association will continue to operate the structure as a hotel when restoration is complete.

"Many significant accomplishments have been made over the past few years by the unending commitment of the Board of Mayor and Alderman and city staff," said Pat Hardy, MTAS Consultant. "They work extremely well together as a team the general feeling in the community is that there is nothing they can't accomplish together."

The Tennessee Municipal League, in recognition of Rogersville's unlimited vision and successful planning efforts, will present a 2007 Excellence in Planning Award to the city.

The goals of historic Rogersville continue to shine thanks to excellent city planning.]]> Wed, 13 Jun 2007 00:00:13 -0600 http://www.rogersvillemainstreet.com/news-and-press/rogersville-excellence-in-planning.htm 15e419a250b5f1b145a3279ba164995041 Spooky family fun fills downtown Rogersville Source: The Rogersville Review

By Joel Spears

ROGERSVILLE A crowd of goblins, ghouls and other costumed creatures haunted Main Street in Rogersville Wednesday for the inaugural Trunk or Treat event.

Trunk or Treat was developed as a safe alternative to trick or treating with plenty of candy to go around.

From Hasson to Brownlow Streets cars lined the way, decorated to the nines and trunks full of candy.

It was a great success, Nancy Barker, executive director of the Rogersville / Hawkins County Chamber of Commerce, said. We thank everybody for their hard work in making it such a success. We're already looking for opportunities for next year.

Activities along the way included a pumpkin decorating contest at the Local Artist Gallery with free pumpkins for the first 200 children.

Those who missed out on the pumpkins had the opportunity to make Halloween crafts with materials provided by Rogersville Arts Council.

A pumpkin carving contest let participants get creative at the Community Caf, also on Main Street.

The Costume contest got underway on the Town Square, judged on creativity and originality with a variety of ensembles from cute to creepy.

Prizes for the contest were donated by Mountain Star Mall, the Law Office of Jefferson Fairchild and Cinema 4.

Storytellers Bruce Campbel, Doc McConnell and Guerry McConnell were also busy as they scared up a spooky tale or two at Ugly Mugs downtown.

Carnival games also filled the Town Square with themed games that included a Pumpkin Bean Bag Toss, Dragon Toss, Duck Pond, and Go Fish.

History has also played an important role in the evenings entertainment when a turn-of-the-century, staged Bank Robbery was reenacted at the USBank building.

Rogersville Parks and Recreation also ran a hay ride from the steps of Hawkins County Courthouse to Crockett Spring Park while Lady Fatima, the resident Trunk or Treat fortune teller read a few palms in the alcove at the Courthouse Annex.

Downtown store windows were also decorated in an eerie style and merchants were open for business into the nighttime. Cotton candy, popcorn and drinks were also sold by the Heritage Lites.

Trunk or Treat was sponsored by the Rogersville Arts Council, Main Street Rogersville and the Rogersville/Hawkins County Chamber of Commerce.

For photos of Halloween happenings see the Weekend (November 3/4) issue of The Rogersville Review.]]> Thu, 01 Nov 2007 00:00:45 -0600 http://www.rogersvillemainstreet.com/news-and-press/spooky-family-fun-fills-downtown-rogersville.htm 2b09f69ef896ddc9a7c0ceed624191c848 The Holidays Have Arrived on Tennessee s Main Streets Released on Tue, Nov 25, 2008

Main Street Program Touts Special Events, Shopping to Promote Historic Downtowns

NASHVILLE, Tenn. With the arrival of the holidays, Tennessee Main Street communities across the state are hanging their garland and dusting off their tree-toppers. Tennessee Main Street Programs are hosting multiple holiday events to support the downtown districts of communities across the state.

Main Street Program holiday celebrations are an important part of community-building, said Kimberly Nyberg, ECD Main Street director. Many of our historic downtowns have an assortment of specialty goods and services, from candy stores to that one-of-a-kind art piece. I encourage you to spend your dollars locally and support your downtown merchants and businesses this holiday season.

I salute the Tennessee Main Street Program for recognizing the importance of working with their local partners. This year, more so than ever, its important to buy from local businesses, since they put more back into the local economy than national businesses, said Lauren Adkins, assistant director of Field Services for the National Trust Main Street Center, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

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 the district.

Downtown revitalization is an important, often unsung, factor in economic development, said ECD Commissioner Matt Kisber. The Tennessee Main Street Program brings the focus back to businesses and neighborhoods at the heart of a community. The holiday festivals give citizens a chance to support their historic downtown districts as they celebrate the season.

Tennessees Main Street program provides communities with technical assistance and guidance in developing long-term strategies that promote economic growth and development. The program provides information and assistance in forging public networking and training opportunities for downtown commercial districts.

Holiday Main Street events throughout the state are listed below, and for more detailed information please visit: http://www.state.tn.us/ecd/whatsnew/.

Saturday, Nov. 29, 2008
Main Street Lawrenceburg
Event: Downtown Christmas Open House
Place: Lawrenceburg, Tenn.
Time: All day

Monday, Dec. 1, 2008
Main Street Union City
Event: Community Tree Lighting
Place: Downtown Union City, Tenn.
Time: 5:30 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 1, 2008
Columbia Main Street
Event: The Annual Main Street Christmas Parade
Place: Historic Downtown Columbia, Tenn.
Time: 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2008
Main Street McMinnville
Event: Christmas in the Park
Place: Downtown McMinnville, Tenn.
Time: 5 - 8 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 5, 2008
Main Street Murfreesboro
Event: Celebrate Christmas
Place: Downtown Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Time: 6 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008
Main Street McMinnville
Event: Celtic Christmas
Place: Downtown McMinnville, Tenn.
Time: 10:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008
Rogersville Main Street
Event: Christmas on the Square
Place: Downtown Historic District in Rogersville
Time: 12 - 6 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 12, 2008
Main Street Collierville
Event: Magic on Main Street Movie Night
Place: Historic Downtown Collierville, Tenn.
Time: 6 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008
Rogersville Main Street
Event: Tour of Homes
Place: Downtown Historic District in Rogersville, Tenn.
Time: 6 9 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 13 Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008
Downtown Franklin Association
Event: Dickens of a Christmas
Place: Downtown Franklin, Tenn.
Time: Dec. 13 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Dec. 14 12 noon to 5 p.m.

Tennessees 22 Main Street communities include: Bristol, Cleveland, Collierville, Columbia, Cookeville, Dandridge, Dayton, Dyersburg, Fayetteville, Franklin, Gallatin, Greeneville, Jackson, Johnson City, Kingsport, Lawrenceburg, McMinnville, Murfreesboro, Rogersville, Savannah, Tiptonville and Union City. For more information on the Tennessee Main Street Program, visit ECD online at http://www.state.tn.us/ecd/comdev_mainstreet.htm.


###

Contact: Laura Elkins
Office: 615-532-1910
E-mail: laura.elkins@state.tn.us]]> Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:03 -0700 http://www.rogersvillemainstreet.com/news-and-press/the-holidays-have-arrived-on-tennessees-main-streets.htm 49ebab05c8afafe206a85340ec1f0a5747 Three-Star shines on county Rogersville/Hawkins County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Nancy Barker (center) pictured with (left to right) Surgoinsville Mayor Johnny Greer, County Mayor Crockett Lee, Industrial Developer Lynn Lawson, Church Hill Mayor Dennis Deal, Bulls Gap Mayor Robin Horner, and Rogersville Mayor Jim Sells. Not pictured: Mount Carmel Mayor Gary Lawson.


Source: The Rogersville Review

By Bill Grubb

NASHVILLE Hawkins County is prepared for future economic growth and development and has the hardware to prove it.

Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Matt Kisber recently announce the county has once again achieved certification under the states Three-Star program.

The commitment of our Three-Star communities is helping Tennessee to grow and prosper, Kisber said.

The Three-Star Program is designed to help communities take full advantage of economic development opportunities. Program goals include preserving existing employment, creating new employment opportunities, increasing Tennessee family income, improving quality of life and creating a strong leadership base, according to state officials.

There are currently 87 certified Three-Star communities in the state representing 329 Tennessee towns and cities.

I am proud to congratulate Hawkins County on achieving Three-Star community status, Kisber said. Without strong community development, there can be no sustainable economic development. This community has responded well to the challenges presented by the Three-Star program. By participating in the program and addressing education, leadership, infrastructure and other economic concerns, the county is preparing for economic opportunities and success.

The county and municipalities of Bulls Gap, Rogersville, Surgoinsville, Church Hill and Mount Carmel are now eligible to receive incentives at Level III under the program guidelines, including five bonus points on Community Development Block Grant applications, a reduction of five percent on local matching funds and credit on all FastTrack infrastructure and job training applications.

According to Nancy Barker, Executive Director of the Rogersville/Hawkins County Chamber of Commerce, local governments have saved approximately $60,000 dollars in matching funds as a direct result of the countys Level III status.

The Southern Growth Policies Board, a bipartisan public policy think tank devoted to strengthening the South's economy, has recognized Tennessees Three-Star program as a best practices model and Southern leader in community certification programs.

The aim of being the best of the best positions this community and its leaders in the right direction, said EDC Assistant Commissioner of Community Development Rick Meredith.

The Rogersville/Hawkins County Chamber of Commerce is responsible for coordinating the application process which includes seeking input from community leaders and developing a comprehensive five year economic development strategic plan.

For more information on Three-Star, visit us online at www.tnecd.gov]]> Fri, 20 Apr 2007 00:00:57 -0600 http://www.rogersvillemainstreet.com/news-and-press/three-star-shines-on-county.htm 4d18f5b0d72f35cf4c5d46022494274f51 Trunk or Treat 2008 Rogersville Main Street's first official event took place on Halloween 2008.]]> Sun, 07 Dec 2008 00:00:46 -0700 http://www.rogersvillemainstreet.com/news-and-press/trunk-or-treat-2008.htm 7f35284c2f1d0f0a45ef0e5bcfe27c2638 Vendors prepare for 11W Antique Alley Source: The Rogersville Review

TENNESSEE VALLEY Treasure hunters get ready to shop.

A 502-mile roadside sale complete with celebrations along the way is planned for May 17 through May 20 on U.S. Highway 11 from Bristol, Virginia to Meridian, Mississippi.

Known as the U.S. 11 Antique Alley, this event will also wind its way through Birmingham, Alabama, Dade County, Georgia, Chattanooga, and Knoxville with events to commemorate the sale in each county of the US 11 corridor.

Each location has planned its own events, either as festivals, antique sales, flea markets and yard sales, or carnivals, along with many other activities.

Locally, sales are also planned in Kingsport, Mount Carmel, Church Hill, Surgoinsville, Rogersville, Mooresburg, and Bulls Gap.

According to organizers, the event is an opportunity for families or individuals to take a day, get off the interstate highways and enjoy the old roads.

U.S. Highway 11 is an antique itself with a long and varied history which runs from the southernmost tip of Louisiana to New York state.

Antique Alley was an idea created by tourism and chamber of commerce directors along the corridor. A decade ago, the Antique Alley Association was formed from this venture and the long weekend was initially planned to bring some 10,000 visitors to the Valley. However, to date, it has brought more than 30,000 visitors through the participating counties in three days, reports claim.

With 252 additional miles of yard sales added in 2002, Antique Alley now lasts four days.

Antique dealers, flea market vendors, and yard sale enthusiasts are expected to line the route while visitors from across the nation are expected to drop in to barter and haggle.

For additional information on local planning, call Carol Hensely at (423) 323-1699 or Patty Osborne at 272-6333.

Visit www.us11antiquealley.com for full details of the event.]]> Tue, 08 May 2007 00:00:51 -0600 http://www.rogersvillemainstreet.com/news-and-press/vendors-prepare-for-11w-antique-alley.htm f5637f75216924f1a67155e2cbb8278149 Writers visit Hawkins Source: The Rogersville Review

By Joel Spears

ROGERSVILLE Hawkins County hosted a unique group of tourists Thursday as several writers from throughout the Southeast converged on the county for a local heritage and history tour.

Hosted by the Tennessee Department of Tourism and Geiger and Associates, the Northeast Tennessee Press Tour had an opportunity to make two stops in Hawkins County.

The first was in Rogersville at Rogersvilles Tennessee Newspaper Printing Museum followed by entertainment at Bellamy Hardware in Surgoinsville.

George Webb, Annette Beach, Shirley Price and Nancy Barker welcomed the group to Rogersville.

Christine Tibbetts, a journalist at the Tifton Gazette in Tifton, Georgia, said such tours were a great way for local communities to promote themselves and enhance awareness of what an area has to offer.

Barker, Executive Director for the Rogersville / Hawkins County Chamber of Commerce which is hosting the Hawkins County portion of the tour, said, Im pleased to have these writers in the area and hope it will help us tell the story of our community, sites and attractions, and encourage tourists to make us a destination when they plan their vacation.

The tour included various stops throughout the region and concluded Friday in Bristol.]]> Fri, 26 Oct 2007 00:00:30 -0600 http://www.rogersvillemainstreet.com/news-and-press/writers-visit-hawkins.htm aada3919a19fa7be201feb75ee64e6f650