by Marty Trese, KnoxPages.com
MOUNT VERNON – Members of the Heritage Centre Association, the organization with the mission to create and enhance the economic, historic and social development of the Central Business district and downtown Mount Vernon is starting 2015 with a new vision, new members and a new downtown manager.
The new HCA vision for Mount Vernon is “a downtown brimming with activity in a beautiful setting with spaces and well-preserved, lovingly restored, fully utilized historic buildings. It includes a thriving retail and restaurant district, ample parking and easy access to trails, waterways, and parks–a place where people of all ages come to shop, dine, work, and live. Resident and visitors alike can enjoy educational, arts, and cultural experiences and participate ina variety of community events. This vision includes thoughtful and generous involvement by community and business leaders and the support of a downtown organization with adequate, consistent funding and purposeful direction.”
At Thursday’s annual meeting, held at the B & O Railroad depot, HCA President Steve Waers announced that during 2014 the organization had 139 members, including 34 new members. The City of Mount Vernon supported the HCA financially with $23,484.69 from the bed tax, $14,052 private business membership dollars and $8000 in community pledges from Ariel and First-Knox National Bank.
The HCA puts on First Fridays May through October, Second Saturdays, the Rubber Duck River Race, the Christmas Auction and Parade, Small Business Saturday and more. Highlights from the past year include:
- collaboration with Heritage Ohio
- consumer survey conducted
- continued to work with downtown property owners to promote their available spaces
- worked alongside Knox County Renaissance Foundation on the creation of a downtown mural
- completed successful CDBG grant application through city, obtained matching funds from Ariel Foundation
- maintained 26 hanging baskets and flower beds
- worked with Ariel Foundation to secure funding for winter sidewalk snow clearing
- overhauled South Main Christmas lighting strategy
- promotional activities including shopping guide, kiosk, website, newsletter
HCA members listen to President Steve Waers during last night’s annual meeting – KnoxPages.com photo by Marty Trese
2014 income was $102,272.82 and expenses were $95,946.81.
HCA’s goals for 2015 include:
- Broaden outreach to member businesses not located in the downtown area
- Successful design and execution of the West High Street Revitalization Streetscape project through the CDBG program
- Hold one additional fundraising event to decrease reliance on pledges from Ariel and First-Knox.
The HCA officers for 2015 are Steve Waers, President; Lisa Behr, Treasurer; Tom Stamp, Secretary. Board members are Pat Crow, Heather Brayshaw, and Michael Percy.
Waers announced that HCA has hired Norita Hissong as Downtown Manager. Her start date is to be determined.
