Tuesday’s presentation of a certificate designating the city of Charleston as a Mississippi Downtown Network member of the Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) was hailed as a memorable event.
“The city of Charleston is off to a great start,” Mayor Sedrick Smith said to the local Main Street steering committee, meeting in the multipurpose room of the James C. Kennedy Wellness Center.
News that the city’s recent application for MMSA network membership had been accepted broke Thursday, May 18.
“This is very exciting for Charleston, as we have so much potential to capitalize on things we haven’t yet,” Catherine Woodyard, a key figure in the city’s MMSA application process, said Thursday afternoon.
“We believe membership to MMSA, and the assets it brings, will provide the push we need to move forward [and] bring economic development and downtown revitalization,” Woodyard added.
Charleston city government paid the $1,000 annual fee required to join the Mississippi Downtown Network, Smith explained.
“I want to thank all who have worked hard to move this project forward and to see it through,” the mayor added, ultimately predicting “big change here in Charleston.”
MMSA offers member towns and cities resources, such as consultation and technical assistance provided by economic development and revitalization specialists.
Jan Miller, director of field services for MMSA, said Tuesday that one of the greatest challenges will be to convert the naysayers who question whether growth can come to Charleston.
“It’s going to take time to change attitudes,” she noted, “and that’s what Main Street does. We work really hard to change attitudes.”
Woodyard said the public is encouraged to like the Charleston Main Street Association’s Facebook page to stay abreast of local updates.
IN THE PHOTO: Members of the Charleston Main Street Association steering committee, board and business leaders are pictured Tuesday (May 23) with a certificate designating the city of Charleston as a Mississippi Downtown Network member. Seated (from left) are Mayor Sedrick Smith, Ward 2 City Commissioner Meg Miller, Jeanette Bowens, Stacye Trout, Catherine Woodyard and Nathan Hartley. Standing (from left) are Stuart Denman, Kodjo Wilder, Ann Reynolds, John Ball Burnett, Anita Greenwood, Rance Moring, Sassy Mauldin, Gerry Speir, Jan Miller of the Mississippi Main Street Association, Ike Sayle, Jimmie Stennett, Jim Blackwood, Charles Johnson and David Hargett. (Photo by Clay McFerrin)
