New Members & Contributors Welcome
2009-06-21 19:26:39The Durant Main Street Program is recruiting new members as it begins its thirteenth year. The results of coordinated efforts to improve Downtown Durant are evident, and those investing in the organization make it possible. Special attention is being made to attract investors of all levels including those just wishing to make a contribution.
Durant Main Street Program Manager Donna Dow announced a new committee has been formed to focus on Members. “Our Board of Directors believes membership services are extremely important, and we have decided to address this with a special committee. Cindi Gill, our Board President, will serve as chair.”
Gill plans to focus on recruitment and retention. “We would like to encourage citizens to make contributions at any level. Businesses receive Membership Benefits from investments of $200 and more per year.’
‘We want to put our best foot forward for this community. We believe this is important in attracting visitors and in economic development. To do this, we need support from throughout our community whether inside our district or outside.”
New investors can enjoy the benefits of a group health insurance plan, special rates on AFLAC products, a webpage, and many other things. Through its Members, Main Street has facilitated significant progress in Downtown Durant.
Recently, Durant was recognized for a Four Point Award—paying special attention to all aspects of the Main Street Approach. Promotion, Design, Economic Restructuring, and Organization are all equally important in having a balanced organization and successful Downtown. The award is Oklahoma Main Street’s highest honor and has only been given once before.
The organization works to keep Members informed of details, activities, and events that may benefit them. Members come from throughout the city and county as well as from other states. Business owners, property owners, and individual citizens are welcome to become involved; however, any member of the community is welcome to provide assistance.
“We have developed a benefits package that we believe will offer a return on the investment. We look forward to the continued commitment of our Members and also new Members to make our Downtown the best it can be!” commented Dow. “This past year, we unveiled a new website with links and pages for our Members. We also began networking through Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace. This has proved beneficial in gathering support through volunteers, business, sponsorships, and members.”
“We continue to be amazed at the success of social networking. It has been a great way to notify and remind people of our activities. Business owners attended a free class to get them started, and they are seeing business come their way by keeping in touch. We plan to have additional and advanced classes in the near future.”
The Economic Restructuring Committee has quarterly coffees to feature speakers and discuss timely topics. The Design Committee will continue to work with property owners and volunteer groups to keep Downtown looking great. The Organization is excited about extending efforts to develop youth volunteerism. The Promotion Committee is working to bring the outdoor ice rink back Downtown this Christmas season.
The Main Street program has now completed twelve years and continues to see results. The organization is looking to the future. This past year, discounts on AFLAC products were added as a Member benefit. Quotes on group health insurance can be obtained at no cost and prior to joining the organization. The details of the plan are as follows:
- Coverage will be available to Durant Main Street Members in good standing.
- Plan can be combined with O-EPIC (state subsidized plan).
- Cafeteria plan accounting will be available in order to save on payroll taxes.
- Plan can be tailored to meet specific needs of business owner.
- Other possible voluntary coverage includes: Cancer, Dental, Long-term Disability, Short-term Disability, Life, Accident, Vision, Long-term Care, Retirement Plans
Memberships comprise approximately one-third of the organization’s budget with fundraisers and support from the City of Durant filling the remaining two-thirds. The organization is a volunteer-based effort that maximizes accomplishments through citizens serving the community.
Worthwhile activities, programs, and events have been established to promote business Downtown and to support its Members. To build on this success, the organization would like to request the support of additional members. Therefore, an effort has been made to make the benefits increasingly valuable including:
· Making sidewalks ADA accessible, safer, and more attractive (Streetscape Phases I, II, and III are complete, and future phases are forthcoming).
· Developing a sense of community (activities on Market Square, encouraging volunteer service to our community, etc.).
· Working to attract tourists (partnering with Durant Area Chamber of Commerce, Lake Texoma Association, Oklahoma Department of Tourism, Kiamichi Country, Oklahoma Main Street, HWY 69 Scenic Byway group, Choctaw Nation, SOSU, and more).
· Providing education and forums for brainstorming/problem solving (seminars, Focus on Downtown, quarterly coffees, etc.).
· Offering ability to participate in Shopping Spree Giveaway at Christmas (serves as method to show customer appreciation and increase excitement of holiday shopping).
· Offering cooperative advertising opportunities (savings to participants who work together).
· Listing in our widely-distributed directory and on our website (Members are bolded for additional recognition).
Other ongoing opportunities that will continue to be provided to Members are special discounts/pricing on participating in promotions, an ad in newspaper listing members once per year, Membership sticker for business, and an opportunity to serve on our Board of Directors.
The cost for full benefits begins at $200/year, and payments can be deducted from your bank account monthly (only $16.67). Quarterly or semi-annual billing is also available for those who do not wish to pay for the entire year.
Anyone interested in membership in Durant Main Street is encouraged to call 580-924-1550 for more information on how it could benefit you. More information can be obtained online at www.durantmainstreet.org.