Frequently Asked Questions

What is Main Street?
Who funds Main Street?
How are the dues appropriated?
What is the duration of the Main Street program?
How is Main Street different from the Chamber of Commerce?
Why should I belong to Main Street...my business isn't downtown?

Q: What is Main Street?

Main Street is a comprehensive and incremental revitalization program developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The four point approach - organization, design, promotion, and economic restructuring - provides a framework for the board of directors, committees, and program manager. Main Street is a self-help, grass roots community organization committed to restoring downtown as the business, cultural and social center of Durant.

Q: Who funds Main Street?

Durant Main Street receives no federal or state funds. All funding is provided locally by investors such as downtown property owners, merchants, financial institutions, professionals, the City of Durant and dedicated local citizens. There are several levels of membership to meet a variety of needs.

Q: How are the dues appropriated?

Durant's Main Street budget is allocated to the four points of the program - organization, design, promotion, and economic restructuring - as well as administrative and office expenses.

Q: What is the duration of the Main Street program?

Main Street really never ends. It is an on-going program developed to encourage development within the context of historic preservation. Durant Main Street was founded in June 1997.

Q: How is Main Street different from the Chamber of Commerce?

Main Street concentrates its efforts on the downtown area, whereas the Chamber of Commerce concentrates its efforts on a much broader scale. Durant Main Street enjoys a very strong and supportive relationship with the Chamber of Commerce.

Q: Why should I belong to Main Street...my business isn't downtown?

While Main Street's efforts are concentrated downtown, it benefits the entire community. Downtown is like your heart. If your heart isn't functioning properly, then the rest of your body doesn't either. The same is true with downtown. If a community's downtown is vacant and run down, then the rest of the community suffers; however, the same token, if downtown is alive and healthy and vibrant, then the rest of the community benefits.