Inside Perry, Georgia
Inside Perry, Georgia
Building a Thriving Historic Downtown: A Discussion About the Perry Main Street Advisory Board
The mission of Perry Main Street Advisory Board is to promote a thriving downtown business district while preserving Perry’s historic resources and character.
In this episode, City of Perry Downtown Manager Alicia Hartley discusses the goals, promotions, and more about the Perry Main Street Advisory Board.
Interested in serving? Check out the Statement of Interest Form.
Learn more about Historic Downtown Perry.
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Welcome to the Inside Perry Podcast, where you get an inside look at Perry, Georgia's local government. We're glad you chose Perry where people make the difference, whether you stay a few hours or a lifetime, your time in Perry will be rewarding and unforgettable. I'm Tabitha Clark, Communications Manager for the City of Perry. Welcome to the Inside Perry Podcast. I'm Tabitha Clark, Communications Director for the city of Perry. And I'm joined today by the City of Perry's Downtown Manager, Alicia Hartley. So as downtown manager, Alicia has a wide variety of responsibilities. And in today's episode, we're talking about the Main Street Advisory Board, which she manages.
Alicia Hartley:So welcome Alicia. Thank you, Tabitha. Happy to be here.
Tabitha Clark:All right. So let's begin with the absolute basics.
Alicia Hartley:Of course.
Tabitha Clark:What is the Main Street Advisory Board and why is it relevant to historic downtown Perry?
Alicia Hartley:Of course. So the mission of Perry's Main Street Advisory Board is to promote a thriving downtown business district while preserving Perry's historic resources and character. So this board works to drive projects and initiatives set at the beginning of each year Through a work plan for downtown right now, earlier in 2024, the goals that were outlined for the Mainstream advisory board for this year include placemaking beautification initiatives and design and arts and entertainment. So this board and myself as a staff person for this board are responsible for maintaining our Main Street accreditation, both at the state and on the national level.
Tabitha Clark:So, talking about accreditation, so Historic Downtown Perry is a state designated Main Street community. Um, but there's also four focus areas that you really have to focus on. Um, so let's talk a little bit about those focus areas and how they're relevant.
Alicia Hartley:Yeah. So, the four focus areas are part of the National Main Street Center and the State's Main Street Division. is a four point approach and those points are promotion design organization and economic vitality. So in Perry, those things can be seen, um, through our regular workings with the board and with our community and our business centers. So, for design, we have established downtown design guidelines for all of the businesses within our downtown district. So, if there's any new construction that wants to be built to come into the district or improvements that are made to existing buildings. We have those design guidelines to support and preserve the historic character of downtown.
Tabitha Clark:And that's super important because that's what makes downtown Perry, downtown Perry.
Alicia Hartley:Exactly. It's what makes it special and unique to Perry in here in middle Georgia. One of the other points is organization. And we can see that through the city support of the board and the volunteers that we get. So myself, I'm a full time city employee, but all of our board members are volunteer board members that are comprised of downtown business owners, property owners, or just Perry residents. So through that organizational mix, we can continue to do what we do here in downtown.
Tabitha Clark:So the volunteers are invested in what's going on, not just making decisions that You know, they, they know that they're going to have to deal with.
Alicia Hartley:Decisions that are made or investments that are made will directly impact them in their business because they're there with their businesses 365, you know, so they see the workings and, and the output and the investment from both the Main Street Advisory Board and the city's investment in downtown as well.
Tabitha Clark:Great. I love the community engagement on that.
Alicia Hartley:Yes, they're, they're really strong. The board members we have are absolutely wonderful and are really engaged in all of our discussions.
Tabitha Clark:So the Main Street Advisory Board actually has a subcommittee that is responsible for the well loved events downtown, such as wine tasting and the holiday events, which is some of my favorite. So what is this committee?
Alicia Hartley:Yeah, so this committee is actually serves that promotions from the four point approach.
Tabitha Clark:Absolutely. So let's talk about one of my favorite things that has saved me on multiple occasions when I needed a gift at the last minute. Let's talk about downtown dollars.
Alicia Hartley:I know downtown dollars has saved many people when the holidays creep in or birthdays.
Tabitha Clark:Yes, birthdays, especially. It's like, oh, happy birthday and then run to the computer and go get those. You have to downtown dollars like here. Happy birthday.
Alicia Hartley:That's right. So this downtown dollars gift card serves as a one stop gift card. Shop for a gift card for over 20 businesses in our downtown district. So right now we have close to two dozen businesses in our downtown district that can all accept off this one get one same gift card. Retail, shopping, dining options, drink options can all be purchased with one single downtown dollars gift card. So like you said, you run online, you do all the transaction and purchase the gift card online. You can email it directly to the person you're gifting it to. You can print it out and put it in a nice bag with a bow and then that's your gift.
Tabitha Clark:And the other hack that I do too is when you're purchasing downtown dollars It actually gives you a link of all the participating business So I always print out that list of participating businesses and also a lot of those businesses also have like a cling at the front door, right? That says they accept it.
Alicia Hartley:Yeah. We've provided a round window cling for our businesses that accept downtown dollars to make it easier on you all as the customer to be able to be like, Oh, wait, I can use this gift card here so that it doesn't, like sit on your shelf or sit in the bottom of your purse or your bag and you forget about it You actually can be reminded about the opportunity to use it and make the most while you're while you're spending money downtown.
Tabitha Clark:So yeah, it gives you a ton of options I mean it it's not just directly for one which if you do have a favorite store then yes, absolutely but if you're not really sure what the person would like, but know they love downtown. It's the perfect gift.
Alicia Hartley:Yes, and we we're not we're able to track those investments going right back into our downtown business. So when a gift card is purchased, all of that is logged through the online system. And we're able to identify how many gift cards are purchased over a year or how, what's the dollar amount that the gift cards were purchased for and where they're being redeemed at. So we can see which businesses are accepting downtown dollars as frequently or where the customers are choosing to spend.
Tabitha Clark:Right. Right. And all that money goes right back to the downtown businesses.
Alicia Hartley:Yeah.
Tabitha Clark:If you're like last minute shopping, Christmas shopping, birthday, anniversary, whatever, Highly recommend downtown dollars.
Alicia Hartley:Quick easy for you quick and easy.
Tabitha Clark:That's exactly right. So there's a unique district that's actually within the historic downtown Perry district. And this is what we refer to as the restaurant district and a lot of people don't really know about this So Alicia, let's let's discuss this.
Alicia Hartley:Yeah, so essentially a restaurant district is what we refer to it here in Perry but it's an open container district. So our open container district actually overlays our entire downtown boundary. So you're able to purchase an alcoholic beverage from any of the downtown businesses or bars in the downtown district. As long as it is poured into a clear plastic cup, you can take it out on the sidewalk and continue your afternoon or your evening or continue shopping So the purpose of this restaurant district is truly multi fold one it assists in restaurant recruitment because let's be honest beer wine liquor licenses those are kind of expensive.
Tabitha Clark:They are very expensive.
Alicia Hartley:And understandably so but this can be an incentive to those restaurants that are maybe on the edge if they want to get that license or not and it shows that their license can go further because customers can take their drinks, they can stop in, grab a drink, and then continue walking and enjoying their evening. Um, and then also it encourages people to linger longer downtown. So, my favorite thing that I've witnessed as a result of the restaurant district rather recently is when we're having our live at five musicians downtown. So, what we're seeing is that customers are walking into a restaurant like Bodega Brew or Clover Wine, getting their beverage for the afternoon or the evening in a clear plastic cup, and then they're able to come outside, enjoy the live at five musician we have. Browse and window shops. Check out all the shops that that are, that may be open and then go make your dinner reservation later in the evening.. . So you can really make a whole evening.
Tabitha Clark:Whole evening out of it.
Alicia Hartley:Yeah. Or like a whole, like more than just like drinks and dinner. Like it really creates a more encompassing experience downtown.
Tabitha Clark:Yeah, and that's really one of the favorite things that my husband and I like to do Especially when it's like in the fall you know summer is a little rough but you know especially when downtown is decorated for like scarecrow fest and the holidays and all that is sometimes we will just come and literally, like you said, go into one of the restaurants, grab a drink and we'll literally just walk the, you know, the downtown district, you know, on the sidewalks, do some window browsing and just really enjoy that unique charm that only downtown Perry has.
Alicia Hartley:It has a special atmosphere.
Tabitha Clark:And it's a cheap and easy date night. And like you said, you can go to dinner afterwards. You can just have a couple of drinks, but yeah, there's just something, like I said, any time of the year, but especially during the times where everything is decorated, regardless of what the season is you know, and just strolling and just having that great time.
Alicia Hartley:It's that easy living.
Tabitha Clark:Yes. Yes. You can forget all about your worries as you're walking down the brick sidewalks, you know? So yeah, that's literally, I can't wait till it gets colder or cooler and do that. That's one of our absolute favorite things to do. So we've talked all about the Main Street Advisory Board. So what if someone is interested in serving? So what exactly are the requirements and how do they go through the process?
Alicia Hartley:Sure. So like I mentioned, all of our, our Main Street Advisory Board is comprised of all volunteer board members. This is something that you might be interested in serving or serving back to the Perry community. A statement of interest form is available on our website located in many different locations on the city's website. You would select that you're interested in serving on the Main Street Advisory Board and then once a statement of interest is submitted and specifically if there's a vacancy or an upcoming vacancy because a term's ending or whatnot, you'll be interviewed either in person or via a phone call, and then a selection will be made and presented to council, and there are some requirements. I kind of alluded to that earlier, but board members must be at least 18 years old and either a resident of the Perry service area, an owner of the property within the downtown district, or an owner or manager of a business in the district, or a member of Main Street Standing Committees, such as the Promotions Committee. So you really just need to be over 18 and then fall into one of those other categories and you could qualify to serve on Main Street Advisory Board.
Tabitha Clark:And that's nice because it's a wide, broad area. Qualifications. So, you know, we want all types of people. I know there's a lot of different personalities, different opinions, ideas, and the more, the better really.
Alicia Hartley:That's what makes it special. That's why, why the board that we have right now, I think is really, really strong because they come from different business sectors, different backgrounds. They're serving in volunteer capacities on other boards and authorities within the city. So those interesting perspectives or those unique perspectives really add something to the overall discussion and preparation of our annual work plan.
Tabitha Clark:While we're recording this, we're in like kind of toward the end of the year. So I want you, we talked about, you know, whenever it's decorated everything. So give me a preview of what's coming up for the end of the year.
Alicia Hartley:So we are gearing up big time for the end of the year. This is when downtown absolutely Blossoms and becomes one of the most lively places in, in town. So as we roll into October, we will see Scarecrow Fest in downtown.
Tabitha Clark:I love that.
Alicia Hartley:Um, so this is where businesses and organizations get to decorate their own scarecrow and then downtown is just covered and scattered and beautiful handcrafted scarecrows. And we do a people's choice vote online. So keep an eye out for that, but we really want you to come downtown. Take advantage of that open container restaurant district, grab a drink, and then stroll and look at all the scarecrows during scarecrows.
Tabitha Clark:Take lots of pictures. You can take selfies, you know, you know, and that's another thing is if you have kids.
Alicia Hartley:Bring the littles, yeah.
Tabitha Clark:Get them out, you know, during the day or, you know, even in the evening, you know, y'all could, you know, go out to dinner or something like that, but I know that the kids absolutely love the Scarecrows.
Alicia Hartley:There's all sorts of fun things that these businesses and organizations come up with and they're so exciting.
Tabitha Clark:The bank with Monopoly.
Alicia Hartley:They did a Monopoly, Sunmark did a Monopoly man last year.. And that was so creative. People recognized it, you know, and people can relate to it. And then for the kids, again, at the end of the month for October for Halloween, we will have our sweets and treats on October 25th. This is a giant community trick or treating event. Downtown streets are closed, so it's safe for you and your family to, to come trick or treat with us in downtown. Right now we have over 25 businesses registered to, bring candy and treats to the littles of our community so that they can have a safe place to trick or treat in downtown.
Tabitha Clark:Yeah, and they dress up. I love it when like the whole family dresses up.
Alicia Hartley:The family costumes.
Tabitha Clark:Oh my gosh. It's just adorable.
Alicia Hartley:People go all out for Halloween here and I love it.
Tabitha Clark:I know, it's my favorite holiday. So, um, and also we'll, you know, we'll be talking more about sweets and treats later, but you know, that is just a really nice way to get out. You know, go into historic downtown Perry and like you said, safe trick or treating. Um, and it's not just candy. That's the great part.
Alicia Hartley:Yeah. A lot of businesses and, and organizations that participate, especially in the recent years have been very mindful to offer something other than candy. So whether it's crayons or a little jack o lantern bubbles or something like that, there's something for little toddlers that can't be having candy yet or those that have food allergies or whatnot. So there's something for everyone at sweets and treats. And I love the way that the community responds is kind of like a give back a thank you for the community and their customers year over year.
Tabitha Clark:Yes, I absolutely love it. Okay, so what's after Scarecrow Fest?
Alicia Hartley:Scarecrow Fest we roll right into the holidays. After October 31st and Halloween, we're gearing up for the holidays. This is when downtown becomes that decorated winter wonderland. Everybody loves our garland and lightsaber. This will go up along the street poles. We'll break out our red holiday banners and then we'll be gearing up for small business Saturday at the end of November. And then from there, I'm going to tease that we will be having horse drawn carriage rides in December this year.
Tabitha Clark:It's perfect.
Alicia Hartley:Yes.
Tabitha Clark:It's absolutely perfect. And that's wonderful. So is there a charge for that or what would the people do?
Alicia Hartley:That'll be a free promotional opportunity that the Main Street Advisory Board's investing in. So if you're trying to find some place to come do your holiday shopping. Shop local, pick downtown Perry and enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride while you're at it.
Tabitha Clark:I love it. So, you know, you with the Main Street Advisory Board, you know, not just during the holidays, but all throughout the year are super busy making sure that historic downtown Perry remains historic downtown Perry and something unique that no other place offers anywhere around here.
Alicia Hartley:That's right.
Tabitha Clark:Yes. So thank you, Alicia, for joining us and make sure you come by and say hi during sweets and treats and the holidays.
Alicia Hartley:Yes. A hundred percent. Thank you so much.
Tabitha Clark:Thanks for listening to the Inside Perry podcast, your inside look at Perry's local government. Take a look at the show notes for more information about today's episode. If you like Inside Perry, we encourage you to subscribe and share the podcast with your friends and family. We look forward to seeing you around in our amazing community where Georgia comes together.