What is Main Street Bath?“Main Street” is a program originated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation that focuses on revitalization of traditional downtowns to enhance the appearance & economic stability of the commercial district & to improve community pride & quality of life for residents & visitors. The program has been adopted in 44 states & more than 1,650 communities across the country. The Maine Downtown Center (MDC) is affiliated with the National Main Street Center & assists Maine communities in developing their own self-help revitalization programs. Through the efforts of a group of local volunteers, Bath was selected in 2001 as one of four initial Main Street Maine communities, qualifying it for a 3 year package of training & technical assistance on revitalization provided by the MDC & paid for by a legislative appropriation & contributions from corporations, foundations & individuals. Designated communities pay for their own operating expenses & community projects through funds raised locally. Main Street Bath, Inc. (MSB) is a non-profit corporation, guided by a Board of Directors comprised of representatives of the downtown business community, the City government & community leaders.
Its work is carried out through four standing committees made up of community volunteers, who are assisted by a paid Program Coordinator Initial funding for MSB came from 3 year pledges of cash & in-kind donations by businesses & individuals & support from the City Council. Specific projects have been paid for by special solicitations & by fund-raisers. Main Street Bath is tax-exempt under Section 501(c) (3), & contributions are tax-deductible.
What is the Main Street approach to Downtown Revitalization? The Main Street program’s success is based on a comprehensive strategy of work, tailored to local needs & opportunities, in four broad areas, called the Main Street four-point Approach:
- Design: Enhancing the physical appearance of the commercial district in Bath by rehabilitating historic buildings, encouraging supportive new construction, developing sensitive design management systems & long term planning.
- Organization: Building consensus & cooperation among the many groups & individuals in Bath who have a role in the revitalization process.
- Promotion: Marketing the traditional commercial district’s unique characteristics to customers, potential investors, new businesses, local Bath citizens & visitors.
- Economic Restructuring: Strengthening the Bath district’s existing economic base while finding ways to expand it to meet new opportunities-and challenges from outlying development.
Main Street Bath Officers 2012
- Brian Hatch, President
- Gayle Hunt, Vice President
- Susan Gillies, Immediate Past President
- Mari Eosco, Elizabeth Knowlton, Co-Secretaries
- Dorothy J. McKenna, Treasurer
- Deanne Morong, Assistant Treasurer
Committee Chairs
- Sally Johnstone, Economic Restructuring Committee Chair
- Halcyon Blake, Organization Committee Chair
- Polly Goldman, Design Committee Chair
- Gayle Hunt, Promotions Committee Chair
- Ed Rogers, Heritage Days Chair
Vision Statement of Main Street Bath, Inc. To maintain and strengthen a thriving community that lives its sense of history, is culturally active and encourages community spirit and the involvement of all its citizens. The Mission of Main Street Bath is ..
- to promote and preserve the community feeling, the maritime culture and the historic charm of Bath
- to work with every segment of the community to keep the downtown healthy, vibrant & historically preserved.
- to preserve Bath as a thriving community that lives its sense of history, is culturally active and encourages community spirit and the involvement of its citizens.
“The health of our downtown is a reflection of the health of our community”
Brought to You By Main Street Bath:
- Bath Heritage Days
- City Way Finding Signs
- The Arch Project
- Downtown Flowers with Bath Garden Club, City & Community support
- Mayfair Weekend
- Ship Celebrations
- Ruth Law Day & Sidewalk Sales
- Dog Days
- Autumn Fest
- Gift of Bath gift Certificates
- Old Fashioned Christmas in Bath
- Bath Blarney Days
- Bath “City of Ships” Brochure
- Gazebo Concert series
- Visitor and Resident Intercept Surveys
- Business Owner Surveys
- Building Inventory in the Main Street Bath District
- Diamond Raffle in conjunction with the Bath Rotary Clubs
- Pink Line Breast Cancer Awareness Day
- Boston Flower Show Bus Trip
- Schallert Workshop, “How to Create a Destination Business”
Donor and Website Sponsor Info
- To find out more about becoming a Main Street Bath donor please contact Jennifer Geiger at Main Street Bath, Inc., 207-442-7291.
- For more information on becoming a VisitBath.com Website Sponsor please click here.
Related Links
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