ABOUT
SMS
MISSION & HISTORY.
MISSION
Community collaboration dedicated to preserving and revitalizing downtown Spencer to enhance living and business.
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Spencer Main Street is dedicated to carrying out this mission by focusing on the following 4 Pillars of the Main Street Movement:
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Economic Vitality: 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
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Promotion: creating a positive image for downtown as an exciting place to live, shop, dine, play, and invest
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Design: improving the appearance of the downtown
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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
Julie Coffin, president
Steve Withem, vice president and promotions chair
Sally Hardy, secretary
Jace Elmore, treasurer
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​BOARD
Jacob Balash, design chair
Marilyn Jackson
Ed O'Brien
Jane Rubeck
Mike Spinks
Ronda Stogsdill
Mike Swafford
Darrell White
Ben Williams
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EX-OFFICIO
Jason Kinney, Sweet Owen CVB
Debby Jordan, Owen County Preservations
Tony Neff, county historian
Mike Spinks, Spencer Town Council
ECONOMIC VITALITY COMMITTEE
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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DESIGN COMMITTEE
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.
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PROMOTIONS COMMITTEE
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.
