| Main Street improvement team |
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VISION STATEMENT:
To create and sustain a vibrant, harmonious and welcoming Main Street Corridor.
Main Street Improvement has received official word from the IRS that they have been approved as a tax exempt organization! Our current status is a 509(a)2 [Advance Ruling 501(C)3].
 The first of two Fish out of Water will be auctioned next year to benefit MSIT UPDATES Entrance Signs Update - It was reported that Kay, Macel & Kim visited the blacksmith to view the signs. They were very complimentary. The Easement Agreement modeled by Stephanie Kruer was reviewed by the members present. There was some discussion about the wording “permanent” and 10 year being contradictory. Macel will discuss with Stephanie. Macel suggests that we continue to work with the DOT in regard to pursuing the sign placement within the highway right-of-way. Montana Main Street Conference – Macel reported that she and Mary attended the referenced conference held in Butte on September 28-30. She said that the conference was inspiring and thought-provoking although several of the sessions didn’t apply to the smaller affiliate communities. She and Mary agreed that the networking with the 100+ registrants was very beneficial. A written recap of the conference will be provided to the members. Macel will be speaking at the inaugural White Sulphur SPrings Main Street Affiliate meeting on November 17th. “ In-Kind Hours” Records – Macel distributed 2008 monthly worksheets reiterating the importance of recording our time and personal expenses related to direct and indirect time we spend on MSIT. Frank Ford reminded everyone that professional services provided by professional members should be logged at the professional billing rate. Julie Ward’s accounting services were used as an example. The In-Kind records will be used for required reporting to the Montana Department of Commerce. Quarterly Reports for the State Program – Macel reported that quarterly reports to the Department of Commerce will be required in 2009. The reports encompass a variety of economic issues community wide. It was suggested that we have a work meeting to establish a procedure for collecting the required information. Mary suggested, and Frank Ford agreed, that we work diligently to establish a base-line for reporting. Mary suggested, as has been discussed in the past, that we compile an inventory of all businesses within the city limits of Sheridan, and eventually categorize them by “business type.” Julie suggested that the Town Growth Plan, although it needs to be updated, would be a good resource. New Business: McLeod Corner Cleanup – On Saturday October 12th at 9Am, the MSIT members will meet at the McLeod Corner to remove and clean up the planter and landscaping. And it was agreed that it would be a good opportunity for everyone to visit the blacksmith to look at the entrance signs. 2008 Christmas Stroll – Macel reported that the Chamber has chosen to invest their financial resources in their website and will not be sponsoring community events. It was quickly decided that Main Street will sponsor the Christmas Stroll to be held on Friday December 5th. Macel shared a Stroll guideline highlighting ten tasks. The members volunteered for various related duties. It was decided to put up the Main Street Christmas Tree again this year. Macel will ask Scott Payne if he will cut the tree for us. It was also decided that the Stroll Food (brats & chili) will be served in the City Parking Lot bordering Booze & Buns. The Chamber will fund $500 of advertising expense. Julie will ask the Honor Society if they would take on the project of checking the strings of Christmas lights. The Christmas Stroll budget prepared by Macel presents an opportunity to raise $600 to benefit the community. Submittal of Grant Request to Northwestern Energy – Macel will be assisting with the preparation of a $2000 grant to get power to every pole on Main Street. Northwest Energy Food Bank Partnership – At the suggestion of a lady who works with the Main Street program, Macel recommended that we apply for a grant to benefit the Sheridan Food Bank. The monies will be matched by Town Pump and will make a significant difference in the Sheridan program. Proposal from Carleen Vaughn for a Tri-County Part Time Main Street Coordinator Position - Macel distributed a detailed proposal as prepared by Ms. Vaughn. It was decided that at this time we do not have the funding to hire for the position. Fish Out Of Water – It was decided that the fish sculpture, generously sponsored by The Moraine Foundation to benefit the Sheridan Main Street Improvement Team, be placed at the Ruby Valley National Bank. Macel will visit with the owners. Frank voiced concern in regard to vandalism. Mary will check with the Madison County Economic Development Council in regard to insurance.
MISSION STATEMENT:
* To ensure an attractive and functional Main Street which will generate pride of ownership and community patriotism.
* To attract tourist and resident interest in Main Street and Sheridan businesses.
* To improve economic development and opportunity for Main Street and side street businesses by enhancing the appeal of Main Street.
* To secure and invest funds and manpower to restore and enhance Main Street.
* To form local committees and special interest groups (I.e., students as well as business persons) to realize the vision for Main Street beautification.
* To "get ourselves on the map".
MSIT sponsors the annual "Mingling on main street Wine Festival"
MSIT MEMBERS Officers: Macel Anderson - President 842-5790 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Scott Payne –Vice President 842-7224 Mary Oliver - Secretary 842-5650 Julie Ward - Treasurer 842-5485 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Members: Kim Beal, Frank Ford, Beverly Ford, Matt and Suzanne Hill (Mill Creek Inn), Sherry Huff, Stephanie Kruer, Larry Moulson, Mary Oliver, John Pohl
History of MSIT The Sheridan Main Street improvement team was formed in 2004 as a committee appointed by the mayor of Sheridan and the Town Council. The formation of the Main Street team (or MSIT) was a result of several residents expressing a concern over the crumbling sidewalks, the town needing a facelift and new life added to our existing buildings and businesses, and the fact that the Montana Department of Transportation was looking at redoing our Main Street, which is also State Highway 287. There were major concerns about sidewalks, crosswalks, parking issues, etc. The mayor of Sheridan and the town council appointed two Town Council members and several other interested residents to work with the Montana Department of Transportation (MT DOT) to ensure that the wishes of the community were respected in regards to sidewalk, lighting, parking issues, green areas, etc.. Our first formal meeting was held in November of 2004. At that meeting, officers were elected, committees named and vision and mission statements written. Dress up short and long-term goals were assembled in discussed. In May of 2005, the MSIT members ‘cleaned up the town' by offering to paint every business, wash every window on Main Street, and patch sidewalks. Several businesses joined in and within weeks, five businesses are either treated to new paint or other face lifting projects. Within six months, other businesses stepped up to the plate and did face lifts, painting projects, and all the empty stores on Main Street have been sold and were in the process of being restored, repaired, and opened for business. The following year, one corner of a very busy intersection was cleaned up and landscape. In 2006 MSIT members learned of the new Montana State Main Street program being implemented by the Montana State Department of Commerce. A member was sent to the information meeting. MSIT began the process to become a pilot program at our application was submitted. Because of the funding requirements, we had to withdraw our application but continued to follow the guidelines. A design plan was drafted, more committee members solicited, and fund raising discussed. In a joint venture with the town of Sheridan an empty lot was purchased for town parking lot. Lott was cleaned up, signs were erected in the public has been encouraged to use a lot. In February of 2007, MSIT was contacted about the new Main Street affiliate program for small rural communities who are exploring downtown revitalization. Our application was submitted and the town of Sheridan was named one of the first four "Main Street program affiliates". MSIT is currently working on obtaining our nonprofit status, 501(C) 3, and separating ourselves as a committee of the town council. A business plan and bylaws have been drafted and are in review by the administrative committee. It is our goal to obtain or 501 (C) 3 status and our own identity by the end of 2007. Following the guidelines of the Montana Main Street program, committees have been designed and guidelines established. We, as members of MSIT, are committed to the improvement, revitalization, community design, and economic growth of the town of Sheridan. Although the Montana DOT has now pushed their Main Street project back to 2011-2012 MSIT will continue to work with them and to improve our Main Street by achieving our short and long-term goals. Some of our goals include:
to fund our first efforts, several small fund raising events were held. Although they were successful, a concentrated effort for one big event is being made. In order to fund future projects, MSIT is hosting an annual wine fest, to be called "Mingling for Main Street". It is our goal to build on this every year and make it a destination event gone from not only the community of Sheridan, the Ruby Valley, a purse from outside your immediate area.
For more information on the National Historic Trust and Main Street Programs click here |
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