Success Story of DeLand's Main Street Transformation
DeLand, Florida's First Main Street City, faced challenges but thrived through community efforts and events. Wayne Carter, the Executive Director of MainStreet DeLand Association, led the way with initiatives like street scaping, partnerships, and cultural events. Despite economic downturns, the city persevered, hosting festivals, parades, and fundraisers, revitalizing the community spirit. The journey reflects resilience, creativity, and collaboration in urban revitalization, showcasing how a small town can make a big impact.
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Presentation Transcript
Wayne Carter Executive Director MainStreet DeLand Association
DeLand 1985 Florida s First Main Street City Like your town, we started small A small group of people who wanted better Built Partnerships Occupancy near 50% Events- Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest Historic Preservation-- Athens Theatre
DeLand Florida s First Main Street City Became a CLG Completed Street Scape Fa ade Grants Kept the Courthouse Downtown Occupancy Increased In 1997 became a GAMSA winner!
DeLand Florida s First Main Street City Then the great recession comes to town Businesses Struggle Solution? How do you get Feet on the Street? Main Street says Let s Do Events!
Events in DeLand. . . Taste of DeLand a fundraiser A Mardi Gras Dog Parade Not a Main Street event
Events in DeLand. . . Craft Beer Festival- they donate DeLand Bike Rally
Events in DeLand. . . Wildflower Festival Artisan Alley Farmers Market not a MSDA event
Events in DeLand. . . DeLand Cruise-In DeLand Fall Festival of the Arts not a MSDA event- we benefit
Events in DeLand. . . DeLand Homecoming Parade not a MSDA event Thin Man Watts Jazz Fest A partner event- AAMA
Events in DeLand. . . DeLand Craft Show Veterans Day and Christmas Parades Defending Freedom Warrior Weekend Pub Crawls, Tropical Nights And a Lot More!
So you can imagine the job interview: Wayne: You ve got a lot going on! Not sure if it s good or not, but there s a lot going on. Board Member: What are you going to do in the first 60 to 90 days? Wayne: Try not to screw it up.
What do we do? What do others do?
Events yes, but what about the 4-Points? MSDA working on. . . Design: Historic Murals Grants Economic Restructuring: Hotel White Paper DeLand 2050
Events yes, but what about the 4-Points? MSDA working on. . . Organization: Great Relationships Marketing Partners Membership Staff Website, Email Blasts, Facebook
Understanding the Chaos Like any good Main Streeter You steal an idea Like any good Main Streeter You steal an idea Mind Map-from Charles Rudd formerly at Palatka
The Making of a Great Downtown? Build Great Partnerships Make it Easy for Others to Get Involved Acknowledge What Others Do Help Them to Be Successful
The Making of a Great Downtown? Build Great Partnerships * Government *Downtown stakeholders *The Press *The Arts *Chamber of Commerce *Historical Society *Non profits & service organizations
The Making of a Great Downtown? Make it Easy for Others to Get Involved Help acquire permits Help insure them Use of equipment
The Making of a Great Downtown? Help Them to Be Successful Acknowledge what others do Free promotions don t cost you Facebook, Email blasts, calendars
