Main Street, a group that promotes the city's downtown events and businesses, grows 17 percent after a membership blitz.
By MOLLY MOORHEAD, Times Staff Writer
Published July 22, 2005
DADE CITY - In a city on the brink of explosive growth, the group committed to promoting downtown events and businesses is getting in on the action.
Downtown Dade City Main Street, established in 1987, recently held a membership blitz with a goal of increasing its rolls by 10 percent. The campaign, which included letters and phone calls to prospective members, wrapped up with a membership boost from 193 to 226 - a jump of 17 percent. Of the 58 new members, 17 are businesses, said Pete Brock, who led the drive.
"I think that speaks well about what Main Street is doing," said Brock, a founding member and past president.
Main Street signed on one sponsor at the $5,000 level. Pasco Regional Medical Center will be the title sponsor for the SpringFest in March. Four other local businesses committed $2,500, and 11 pledged $1,000.
"It's kind of exciting for us that we have some economic stability in our budget this year," said Main Street President Nancy Johnson.
The group runs on an annual budget of about $72,000. Money from the membership drive, combined with fundraisers and the city's contribution of $15,000 will underwrite that whole amount, Brock said.
Since its formation nearly two decades ago, Main Street has played a role in projects that changed the face of downtown and turned Dade City into a tourist destination. Annual festivals such as the Christmas Stroll draw visitors by the thousands.
Now, with the city at a pivotal point in deciding how it will grow, Main Street is maintaining, if not elevating, its presence.
A Web site is set to launch in a few weeks, and plans are in place to revive a quarterly newsletter that hasn't been done in several years.
And the search is on a for a new director since Sally Burns announced her resignation a few weeks ago. A search committee will meet during August, with the hope of having a new director in place by fall when festivals and events get into full swing.
"The area is energized, and I think Main Street reflects that," Johnson said.
Molly Moorhead covers news about Dade City. She can be reached at 352 521-6521 or toll-free 1-800-333-7505, ext. 6521. Her e-mail address is moorhead@sptimes.com
WANT TO JOIN?
Main Street is still accepting members, as well as applications for its director job. Call (352) 567-0284 for information.
