ABOUT
SMS

MISSION & HISTORY.

MISSION

Community collaboration dedicated to preserving and revitalizing downtown Spencer to enhance living and business.

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The purposes for which Spencer Main Street is to execute the mission, and focus on the following:

• Economic Revitalization: encouraging cooperation between businesses, residents, government, and civic organizations to revitalize downtown Spencer and administer and distribute funds in connection with any activities related to the above purposes

• Promotion: creating a positive image for downtown as an exciting place to live, shop, play, and invest

• Design: improving the appearance of the downtown 

• Executive: to receive, administer, and distribute funds in connection with any activities related to the above purposes

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HISTORY

Spencer Main Street (SMS), Inc., was founded in 2015 by a passionate group of Owen County citizens who believe that there is untapped potential in the historic buildings that surround the Owen County Courthouse—potential for commerce, dining, cultural arts, and more—to meet the needs of residents and visitors alike. A dedicated, all-volunteer Board continues the mission, and SMS is now designated as an Office of Community and Rural Affairs Downtown Affiliate Network (ODAN). By adopting the principles of the Main Street America program, SMS strives to support existing businesses and encourage new businesses in its mission area, which is the nine-block area surrounding the Courthouse.

THE PEOPLE.

EXECUTIVE BOARD

President: Julie Coffin

Vice President: Steve Withem

Secretary: Sally Hardy

Treasurer: Mike Sudol

Committee Chairs

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​BOARD

Jacob Balash
Danielle Conner
Richard Fields
Josh Hogan
Brianne Hogan
Marilyn Jackson
Shirley Kinney
John Schrock
Mike Spinks

Ronda Stogsdil
Denise Sudol

Darrell White
Ben Williams

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Ex-Officio        
Jason Kinney, Sweet Owen CVB
Sarah Hicks, Owen County Chamber of Commerce
Debby Jordan, Owen County Preservations
Tony Neff, Historian

ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION COMMITTEE

Committee Chair: Mike Sudol

Strengthening the district’s existing economic base while finding ways to expand it to meet new opportunities and challenges. Our ultimate goal is to create a downtown that is economically viable. Based on research, we can begin stabilizing existing businesses and recruiting new businesses to fill the gaps.

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JOIN US

Volunteer for the Economic Revitalization committee by joining us on the 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 10:00 am Mike Sudol’s office located at 54 E Market Street in Spencer.

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DESIGN COMMITTEE

Committee Chair: Josh Hogan

The look of downtown, its streets, signs, buildings, and store interiors are unique to our community. Our goal is to work with all these elements to create a friendly, attractive place that will draw in visitors and businesses.

JOIN US
Volunteer for the Design committee by joining us at meetings held the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm at the Tourism Office located at 54 E. Market Street in Spencer.

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PROMOTIONS COMMITTEE

Committee Chair: Rob White

To keep investors, visitors, and businesses coming downtown, we must reshape the community perspective of downtown as a hub of activity. Successful downtown image campaigns, as well as promotional activities that build upon the community’s unique heritage and culture, send a consistent, compelling message promoting the downtown area.

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JOIN US

Volunteer for the Promotions committee by joining us the 3rd Tuesdays of the month at 5:30 pm at the Spencer Tivoli located at 24 N. Washington Street in Spencer.