BATAVIA MAINSTREET VOLUNTEERS GEAR UP FOR COMMITTEE KICK-OFF MEETINGS
9-26-04

Batavia, IL: Fresh off a Board retreat, volunteers of Batavia Main Street are re-energized with new priorities and have set meetings for their four committees. Main Street is a comprehensive, incremental, self-help process for revitalizing historic and traditional commercial buildings in downtown districts. The program is based on principles of self-determination and direct, inclusive community participation in the revitalization process. The Main Street Four Point approach includes volunteer groups for: organization, design, promotion and economic restructuring. Any Batavia downtown business, civic group or citizen is welcome to attend any committee meetings.

ORGANIZATION COMMITTEE: A Main Street organization seeks to build consensus and cooperation between the groups that play a role in the downtown. Many individuals and organizations have an important stake in the economic and cultural visibility of the district. Building the organization’s capacity with enough people, funds, and local enthusiasm to implement the program is critical to downtown revitalization.

NEXT MEETING: 4:30 p.m. Wednesday October 13th @ Batavia MainStreet office (2 E. Wilson St.) and every 2nd Wednesday at the same time and place.

2004-05 Committee Projects:

• Volunteer Recruitment, training and leadership development
• Communications (newsletter, publicity, website, advertising, annual report, block captains)
• Membership Campaign and fundraising
• Election of Officers

DESIGN COMMITTEE: Good design contributes to improving the downtown’s image by enhancing its physical appearance. A physically attractive downtown is more appealing to shoppers, residents, visitors and potential investors. The Main Street design philosophy involves improving the appearance of all physical things in the downtown, including buildings, signs, window displays and public improvements.

NEXT MEETING: Noon on Tuesday, October 12 @ Batavia MainStreet office (2 E. Wilson St.)

2004-05 Committee Projects:

• Wilson Street Bridge renewal
• Parking
• Signage
• Beautification Projects: (coordination with City) facade grant, window displays, art in downtown, bike path, McDonald’s pedestrian path)
  

PROMOTION COMMITTEE: The Main Street program seeks to promote the downtown as a single, unified commercial area by marketing its unique characteristics to shoppers, investors, new businesses, tourists and others. Effective promotion creates a positive image of the downtown through retail activity, special events, and ongoing programs to build positive perceptions of the district. NEXT MEETING: Committee meets the first Monday of the month at Panera Bread at 6:00 p.m.

The next meeting is Monday October 4th at 6:00 p.m.

2004-05 Committee Projects:

• Batfest: October 23, 2004
• Shakespeare on Clark (July 2005)
• Farmer’s Market (June – October 2005)
• Batavia Triathalon – June 2005 (assist with event)
• Dawg Daze Festival – August 20, 2005
• Downtown Image Enhancement and General Publicity

ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING: Addressing the economic climate of the downtown is the fourth element that is critical to successful downtown revitalization. Through the Main Street program, communities work to retain existing commercial businesses; identify current market strengths; weaknesses, and opportunities; and address those opportunities through business expansion and recruitment to provide a balanced mix for the downtown.

NEXT MEETING: 8 am on September 30th @ Panera Bread.

2004-05 Committee Projects:

• Bridge task force catalyst (bridge replacement/info)
• Thomle Building utilization (2 E. Wilson St.)
• Maintaining/Developing business downtown
• Branding/Market Analysis (Downtown Master Plan, TIF district, Business gatherings, natural environment)

All committees are looking for new volunteers and meetings are open to anyone interested in improving the quality of life and business in downtown Batavia. For more information, please contact the Batavia MainStreet office at 630-761-3528, email britta@downtownbatavia.com or stop by the MainStreet office at 2 E. Wilson Street upstairs on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Friday mornings.