The revitalization of the old-fashioned area takes another step forward with a full-time executive director.
By ED QUIOCO
Published May 5, 2003
PALM HARBOR - For three years, the group charged with promoting Palm Harbor's old-fashioned downtown has used a part-time Main Street manager on loan from the county.
As the redevelopment continues, organizers say, it's time to take the next step. After a five-month search, the association has hired its first full-time executive director.
Laird Gann, 59, is the new go-to guy for the nonprofit group known as Old Palm Harbor Main Street. The association is part of a national program designed to promote downtown areas by creating a commerce-friendly atmosphere.
"It's like any business," said Don Hurt, president of the Old Palm Harbor Partnership, the legal entity of the association. "First you crawl, then you walk. We are still taking baby steps here, but the good news here is that Laird has been one of those people who has stepped right in."
Gann grew up in Winter Park and graduated from Clearwater High School in 1961. He received a degree in advertising in 1966 from the University of Florida. After college, he did public relations and marketing for RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co. in North Carolina.
Gann has worked in different marketing positions for companies and public relations agencies. He moved back to Pinellas County in 1999 and worked as an independent consultant in event and sports marketing.
His professional background makes him a good fit for the new position, Hurt said. Public relations and marketing "is very much what the job is about," he said.
Gann was hired last month to replace Marcel Mohseni, a county planner who was given the job of Main Street manager in 1999 to help the newly formed association get on its feet. Gann said he plans to continue the redevelopment effort that already has begun.
"The challenge is to come in and gradually start running it as a business," Gann said.
The county has finished renovating the picturesque White Chapel, built nearly 80 years ago, and is building an activity building and a parking lot. County leaders have agreed to lease the chapel, the activity building and the parking lot to the Main Street group. All three are in a city block bordered by Michigan and Georgia avenues and 11th and 12th streets.
The plan calls for renting the chapel and activity building for weddings and other events.
"We are hoping that will be one of our main sources of income," said Lesley Klein, who is one of the group's board members.
The money raised will be used to maintain downtown Palm Harbor and help pay for Gann's position. Main Street officials declined to say how much Gann is being paid.
The county also is undertaking a streetscaping project that will improve Florida Avenue, the historic downtown's main drag. The work, scheduled to begin at the end of the year, will include narrowing the street to give pedestrians more room and adding brick walkways, palms, decorative benches and old-fashioned street lights.
"The goal is to keep it rustic," Gann said. "Keep it looking like it could have looked at the turn of the century but updating it."
Gann helped organize last month's Old Palm Harbor Parrothead Party, which drew about 3,000 people. The event featured the band Landsharks, which plays Jimmy Buffett songs.
In addition to raising money for the Main Street association, the event also served another purpose: It brought people to downtown Palm Harbor. That exposure introduced visitors to what the area has to offer, Gann said.
"Make them aware of it and while they're down here, let them know that there are always things going on down here," he said.
About three years ago, Gann went to Clearwater City Hall looking to volunteer his time, he said. He was matched with Clearwater's Main Street program and helped with that group's marketing and promotions.
"What I enjoyed about it is that they worked closely with the chamber of commerce, and it was people-oriented, and it was a great opportunity to help the community," Gann said.
When Gann heard about the Palm Harbor opening, the Clearwater resident applied for the position.
"I count my lucky stars every day," Hurt said. "He's only been here for three weeks and . . . I can tell you, he's been a great friend to Palm Harbor."
