With the hiring of a director and the selecting of 11 members for the advisory board, Linden's Main Street program is off with a rush this January.
Allie Anderson coming from a similar position in Uvalde, Texas, will be Linden's Main Street director.
City Administrator Bob Swisher told the advisory formation meeting Thursday that "you'll be impressed with Allie. I was."
Meet Allie Anderson
Allie Anderson, new Main Street Program director for Linden, Texas, sent the following message to Linden citizens Monday: "I am originally from Uvalde, which is west of San Antonio. I studied recreation, parks and tourism science while in school. "When Uvalde was accepted into the Main Street Program, I asked to do an internship with Main Street and ended up interning for three years. Since then, I've worked for the city, county appraisal district, a couple of small, locally-owned businesses and completed a couple of historic building renovation projects. "When I saw that Linden was one of the new Main Street cities, I researched the town and was excited to see how much potential lies in wait there. "I consider myself lucky to be chosen to lead this new venture. I want people to understand that Main Street is exactly that a community project. "The only way for this program to be a success is for the whole town to buy in. We need building owners to ready their buildings for new business opportunities. We need local volunteers serving on committees and helping with events. And, most importantly, we need to be shopping locally and supporting our local businesses. That's the recipe for a strong local economy, and that's where Linden is heading.""We re not slowing down," he said. "This advisory board is about as strong as you could get. Lots of new faces as well."
The advisory board members and a brief mention of their expertise:
- Anna Dewell-Eddings, a background in information technology, design and marketing.
- Mary Dowd, a specialist in grants and special events.
- Jo Anna Duncan, downtown business owner, photography.
- Catherine Knapp, historic preservation, research and community outreach.
- Larry Love, construction, design and community outreach.
- Angie Mitchell, licensed architect with preservation experience.
- Pat Rountree, downtown stakeholder, finance.
- Carla Surratt, downtown business owner, retail and design.
- Susan Sutton, nonprofit organization and fundraising.
- Holly Wall, economic development, municipal planning.
- Erin Wells, publicity, public relations, grant writing.
Swisher gave the advisory committee a strong pep talk in their first meeting.
"This is a people program," he began about Main Street. "It's not merely buildings, but community. Linden is not buildings, but we are a community.
"Our view is not only about what was here in history but what we're moving forward to. Linden won't just look like the old times. There will be modern activity."
Swisher said he had contact with Don Henley, Linden native and famous musician with The Eagles.
"I don't know him. Have never met him. But I know he owns several properties in the downtown. I sent him a message about what we are doing" Swisher continued.
"I didn't know what to expect. If he would reply. Within a minute, I got a message back."
"Whatever I have I will sell, lease or occupy. This is what I want." Swisher said Henley told him.
"This is the spirit we are seeking. We have the possibility to change Linden with this program. And everyone is being invited to be a part of it."
Swisher encouraged members to go to a two-day Main Street training program program in Georgetown, Texas, Jan. 24-25.
In December, townspeople had heard from Debra Drescher, state coordinator of the Texas Main Street Program, at a public meeting at the Linden Senior Citizen Center. Drescher emphasized that Main Street is a downtown revitalization program, which succeeds through organization, architectural design and focused retail promotion.
Of her office's services, she said, "You will receive help from us here on out as long as you keep the Main Street designation. We don't have expertise in all areas, but we have assets and access to unlock many different resources for you."
And then she spoke straightforwardly about failure.
"I've said this many times before many groups," Drescher said. "Very few Main Street programs fail because of money. Almost always, it is because the leadership hasn't been there. The volunteers and others just didn't believe in what they were doing."
Drescher encouraged Linden to start with a doable project, one that is very visible, showing something happening that the community can see and talk about.
"Our team will come to spend a couple of days to speak with you, find those who might want to be involved, share a lot of experience and expertise with you," she said.
That team is to be in Linden this week, City Council Member Sue Lazara said.
Linden was one of two recently named 2017 Main Street cities and joins 88 others across the state in the nationally recognized program.