Main Street communities identify economic goals and create a step-by-step method to strengthen the economic base of the downtown. Market analysis finds new directions and opportunities for existing companies and startup businesses.

The job of the Economic Restructuring Committee is to identify new market opportunities for the traditional commercial district, find new uses for historic commercial buildings, and stimulate investment in property.

The Committee's responsibilities are:

*Learning about the district's current economic condition and identifying opportunities for market growth
*Strengthening existing businesses and recruiting new ones
*Finding new economic uses for traditional Main Street buildings
*Developing financial incentives and capital for building rehabilitations and business development
*Monitoring the economic performance of the downtown

For many towns, business recruitment is a first priority. "Main Street" experience shows that a greater importance be placed on strengthening existing enterprises. A bustling downtown is the best magnet for new business growth. There is no finish line in this race. Economic restructuring (E.R.) is an on-going process. The journey to discover the best mix of retail, wholesale, service and light manufacturing businesses for your downtown is a great ride.

E.R. services include committee training; individual, confidential business consulting; local workshops - on customer service, asset management, business planning, market development and more; pro forma analysis training and step-by-step market analysis guides.

The first thing a customer notices about a shopping district is its appearance. A run-down appearance makes a negative impression and suggests community apathy.

As businesses moved to locations away from downtown, buildings generated less income for their property owners. Some owners responded by modernizing their buildings; others deferred maintenance, waiting for new tenants.

Each community's downtown is unique. Downtown is more than a place to shop. It represents the place where many of us grew up and made lasting friends and memories. Preserving the historic architecture recaptures the town's physical and emotional image.

Window displays, commercial and public signage and merchandising techniques all contribute to the downtown's physical appearance. Public and private investments add to downtown's appearance through landscaping, sidewalk and parking improvements and other amenities.

The Design Committee focuses on the physical image of downtown. They want an attractive atmosphere. This is accomplished by:

*Educating others about good design-enhancing the image of each business as well as that of the district

*Providing good design advice--encouraging quality improvements to private properties and public spaces

*Planning Main Street's development--guiding future growth and shaping regulations

*Motivating others to make changes--create incentives and targeting key projects

OMSP services include design committee training, facade renderings and consultations from the OMSP architect, Oklahoma Design Guidelines publication, referral lists of contractors and design professionals and preservation/restoration products list.

Our downtowns suffer due to poor building maintenance, businesses that closed or moved, unfavorable public amenities and poor parking management. The perception is downtown no longer has anything to offer. Oklahoma Main Street communities learn how to identify downtown as the center of commerce, social gatherings and public and private services.

Local businesses know the dollar value of events that attract large crowds. Well-planned promotions meet specific goals. Main Street towns promote retail sales and other special events to reacquaint people with the benefits and attractions their downtowns offer.

This process improves marketing practices and creates a positive image for the business district.

OMSP services include promotion committee training, marketing resources, promotion workshops and idea sharing networks.

Downtown revitalization requires organization to coordinate various resources and efforts. Successful Main Street communities depend upon a strong organizational structure to lead a proven process of economic revitalization. Main Street is a volunteer-driven program that relies on a commitment from merchants, bankers, property owners, city leaders and other interested citizens and civic leaders.

The Organization Committee is responsible for:

*Raising money for projects and administration from donations and sponsorships
*Managing Staff and Volunteers by recruiting people, supervising them, and rewarding good work
*Promoting the program to downtown interests and the public
*Managing finances by developing good accounting procedures

The Oklahoma Main Street Program (OMSP) outlines the functional roles for Boards of Directors, Committee Members and Program Managers. Then OMSP trains the local organizations to plan, implement and measure downtown activities, opportunities for change and economic development successes.

OMSP services include membership and fund raising training, visioning, work plan workshops, statewide computer network, resource library, quarterly newsletter, resource team visits, technical visits and program assessment.