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Dennis Jarvis, II, director of the Henderson-Vance Economic Development Commission, appeared on WIZS Town Talk Wednesday at 11 a.m. to provide updates related to the HVEDC.
Jarvis said it was announced at yesterday’s Downtown Development Board meeting that the City plans to submit its application to reinstate downtown to Main Street Program status by the second quarter of 2020.
A part of the Main Street Program from the mid-1980s until approximately 2010, a lapse in the completion of requirements cost the downtown area the coveted distinction.
The City has been working diligently towards completing the requirements of reinstatement, Jarvis said, not the least of which was the recent hiring of full-time Downtown Development Director Kathy Walters.
Benefits to achieving Main Street status include technical assistance with building restoration and access to grant money, perks that can go a long way to attracting new businesses to downtown and helping existing businesses renovate.
Funds and assistance from the program will enhance a revitalization movement that is already visibly coming together, an accomplishment that Jarvis said can be seen in the recent opening of Sadie’s Coffee Corner, Calico Paw Books & Gifts, Citizens’ Pub and Grill and the recent relocation of Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant.
Jarvis reported that Dr. Stephen Pearson, co-owner of Sadie’s Coffee Corner, told the EDC Board at its Tuesday meeting that he is considering opening a second business venture downtown and is interested in joining the Board to assist with the revitalization effort.
It takes entrepreneurs investing in the local area, and for the community to support those local businesses, to keep the economy healthy, Jarvis stated.
“The central business district is a driver of things that come off your arteries – US-1 and I-85,” he said. “In the city, we’ve seen Aldi, the announcement of a Biscuitville and a Starbucks and Planet Fitness. All these things drive the local economy forward; entrepreneurs see the ability to grow and invest here instead of elsewhere.”
To hear the interview with Jarvis in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.