Berryville Main Street is a not-for-profit that was founded in 1988 to promote & support downtown Berryville as the retail, commercial and cultural center of Berryville & Clarke County.
Organization
Main Street is a not-for-profit organization managed by a Board of Directors with assistance of two paid staff members.
The board consists of the eleven members, each serving for a maximum of two continuous three years terms.
Board of Directors
President - Will Dellinger - Cabinet & Appliance Center - 540-955-4001
Vice President - Peggy White - Tastee Freeze Franchaise - 540-955-9009
Treasurer - Rick Jacobs - Padgett Business Service - 540-955-1992
Rick Sponseller - Sponseller's Florist - 540-955-3227
Jesse Russell -Economic Development Coordinator Clarke County - 540-955-5131
Lockett Van Voorhis - Long Branch Historic House and Farm Curator- 540-837-2327
Alice Irvan - airvan Consulting, PRC, APR - President - 540-532-9500
David Lillard - The Observer Newspaper - Editor - 304-876-2860
Jerry Johnson -Attorney at Law, PLC - 540-955-5600
Christy Dunkle - Assistant Town Planner Berryville - 540-955-1099
Susan Goldizen is the Main Street Manager
Heidi Brown is the Accountant and Bookkeeper.
History and Structure
In 1992 Berryville Main Street was accepted into the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Main Street” program, created to promote the revitalization of small towns across the USA. It is one of only 21 towns in the state of Virginia to achieve this prestigious designation.
Though national in scope, the initiative is administered by the states. In Virginia, it’s called the Virginia Main Street Program. [hotlink]. Each Main Street program uses this same four point approach to achieve its goals:
Organization – Identifies and obtains the financial and human resources needed to carry out the organization’s mission and goals.
Design -- Evaluates, enhances, and maintains the town’s natural assets to make the district
more inviting and accessible to residents and visitors alike.
Promotion – Creates events and activities to bring people into the historic district and keep them coming back.
Economic Revitalization – Strengthens existing economic assets and fosters new ones to
enhance the retail mix (and the revenue that comes with it.)
Activities
Each year Berryville Main Street reviews and updates its strategic plan to ensure ongoing
growth and development in the historic district.
Highlights from the 2009-2010 work plan include:
· Open a new retail destination on Main Street -- the Fire House Gallery & Shop
· Launch a Resource Center for individuals interested in starting or expanding a business in the historic district
· Increase awareness, traffic and revenue for merchants through the creation of an all-community festival in the historic district in fall.