The Franklin Main Street Program
Our mission is to rekindle and reinforce the economic vitality
of the downtown district of Franklin, North Carolina
Main Street Program
95 East Main Street, Franklin, NC 28734 | www.renewingfranklin.org
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary ……………………………...……... 4
Looking to the Future While Embracing the Past ……. 5
What is Main Street? …………………………...…..... 5
History of Franklin Main Street Program ………..…...… 5
District Overview ………………………………………... 7
Main Street District Map ………………………..…… 8
Franklin’s Master Design Plan …………..……..…...… 9
Organization ……………………………………......…... 11
Main Street Approach ……………………..…...…… 13
Board of Directors ………………………..…...…….. 14
Staff ………………………………...…………..… 15
Committees ………………………...…………...….. 16
Design ………………………. 16
Promotions …………………... 16
Economic Restructuring ……….. 16
Volunteers ………………………...………………. 17
Partnerships ……………………….………………. 18
NC Step Program …………..……………… 18
Accomplishments ……………………………...………. 21
Goals ………………………………………………...….. 23
Economic Development ………………………………. 25
Marketing & Promotions ………….……………...…… 28
Events …………….……...…………. 28
Marketing ……….. ………………… 30
Financial Information …….………….………..………. 31
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Franklin Main Street Program Annual Report updates the Town of Franklin Board of Aldermen on the
progress of the organization for Fiscal Year July 2010 to June 2011. While economic challenges face every
community across the nation, the Franklin Main Street Program continues to move forward in keeping with
our mission which is to rekindle and reinforce the economic vitality of the downtown district of Franklin,
North Carolina
Since its inception in 2006, the FMSP (Franklin Main Street Program) has attempted to establish itself as the
leading organization for the revitalization of Franklin. Our Board of Directors, volunteers and staff work
diligently with local business owners to ensure the vitality of the program district and seek to recruit new
businesses to the district.
The FMSP has also continued its efforts in implementing a master design plan for downtown. This is a
multi-faceted project that covers the appearance of the district, new directional signage to businesses and
parking so visitors can find their way more easily, design guidelines and more.
In 2010, Franklin was also one of eleven towns across the state selected to join the North Carolina Small
Towns Economic Prosperity Program (NCSTEP). The purpose of the program is to help small towns reinvigorate their economies. A community leadership committee was established and with assistance from
NCSTEP developed ideas to bolster Franklin’s economy. Implementation of many of these final goals is
underway.
During this fiscal year, the Franklin Main Street Program has seen many other accomplishments. A new
event, Airing of the Quilts, was debuted in the program district and April Fool’s Trail Days was moved to
Downtown Franklin. Work began on creation and installation of both gateway and way-finding signage.
The latest project is a new Shopping & Dining Map of the program district that will be distributed by local
visitor centers and businesses.
For the coming year the Franklin Main Street Program will continue our goal of recruiting businesses to the
district, implementation of the Master Plan including installation of more signage and new banners, develop
more partnerships and work more one-on-one with stakeholders within the district to get more involvement
in the program.
Economic Development is always at the forefront of our efforts. Fifteen (15) new businesses opened in the
program district. Unfortunately due to the economic downturn nine (9) businesses were lost in the district.
However, there is still a net gain of six (6) businesses. We continue to actively work with other entities in
Franklin and Macon County to recruit new business. New festivals and events have begun in the district to
bring more customers to retailers and restaurants. The Franklin Main Street Program website,
www.renewingfranklin.org, features a listing of available retail properties as well as helpful information on
opening a business in the program district.
Funding for all the efforts of the FMSP come from the Town of Franklin.
The Franklin Main Street Program continues to look to the future while embracing the past.
- Linda F. Schlott, Executive Director, Franklin Main Street Program, Inc.
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LOOKING TO THE FUTURE WHILE EMBRACING THE PAST
What is “Main Street”?
Main Street is a volunteer-based coast to coast movement that has been successful in over 1,600 cities,
towns, and neighborhoods. It is a system of community based economic revitalization that was devised by
the National Trust for Historic Preservation to save historic and significant commercial buildings within
economically-depressed commercial districts.
The Main Street Program is based on principles of self-determination and direct, inclusive community participation in the revitalization process. It works in communities of all sizes and economic conditions and in
all parts of the country.
History of Franklin Main Street Program
The Franklin Main Street Program, Inc. was implemented and organized by the Town of Franklin Board of
Aldermen in 2006 as an independent organization for the purpose of revitalizing the downtown district of
Franklin, North Carolina. The initial members of the Board of Directors were chosen for the community
leadership skills as well as their ability to exercise unbiased decisions for the betterment of the program district.
As such an organization, the Franklin Main Street Program, Inc. operates independently from the Town of
Franklin. The program has its own checking account independent from Town of Franklin accounts. All bills
are paid by the Treasurer of the Main Street Board of Directors and co-signed by the program coordinator
as a system of checks and balances. A financial report is issued to the Franklin Main Street Program, Inc.
Board of Directors for approval at each monthly meeting.
As an independent agency we can bring together public and private interests in an objective environment
unhampered by the constraints of local politics. The Franklin Main Street Program, Inc. has the authority
to:
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Engage the state, local governments (Town & County) and state government for financial
support
•
Utilize outside consultants to assist in our revitalization efforts at our discretion
•
Replace vacant seats on the Franklin Main Street Program, Inc. Board of Directors
•
Engage the community for financial support of program projects
Instead of focusing on one street, the entire business district of downtown Franklin, North Carolina is part
of this program. This unique approach can serve as a model to other towns and cities across the United
States that wish to make their program focus a district versus a single street or neighborhood.
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As an independent non-profit the Franklin Main Street Program can:
•
Bring together public and private interests in an objective environment unhampered by the
constraints of local politics,
•
Establish an agenda exclusively for the revitalization of the program district,
•
Maintain a clear focus on issues that affect the district,
•
Serve as a visible symbol of new activity and a new future for the program district,
•
Secure public and private funds as well as grants to further enhance our revitalization efforts.
Since its inception, the Franklin Main Street Program Board of Directors believes strongly in “inclusion”
and has accomplished this through Visioning Forums open to all stakeholders in the Program District. From
communicating with program district stakeholders to monthly reports to the Town of Franklin, communication is a major focus of the Franklin Main Street Program’s efforts.
Fund raising efforts are well underway as we seek community partners to assist us in achieving our vision.
The Franklin Main Street Program, Incorporated is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization.
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DISTRICT OVERVIEW
Since its inception the Franklin Main Street Program has believed strongly in “inclusion”. Instead of focusing on just one street, the FMSP Board of Directors worked to develop an entire district. As it is today, the
FMSP District is the largest in the State of North Carolina (see map next page) and serves as an example to
other small towns across the country.
Business
There are more than 250 businesses in the FMSP District which starts at McDonald’s on East Main Street
and runs to Curtis TV/Radio Shack on West Palmer Street. The district includes all of Palm Street, Heritage
Hollow, Depot Street and Highlands Road as well as Historic Downtown Franklin. The diversity of these
businesses add to the uniqueness of the Franklin Main Street Program District.
Major employers within the district are:
1. Angel Medical Center - 436
2. Drake Enterprises - 225
3. Shaw Industries - 220
Most employers within the FMSP are small businesses that employ from 1 to 30 people. Over 800 additional jobs are attributed to these small businesses in the district.
Economic Impact
The most recent data shows that commercial properties within the Franklin Main Street Program District are
valued at approximately $185,095,180.00. With the Town of Franklin tax rate at .25 cents per $100.00 of tax
valuation, the district generated approximately $462,737.95 in tax revenues.
Public and private investments within the district contribute to the overall positive image of Franklin. Fifteen new businesses opened within the district and these investments show the continued confidence of the
vitality and importance of the downtown district to the local economy.
(Right) Ongoing renovations at the Shops At
Riverwalk (formerly East Franklin Shopping
Center) on Highlands Road in Franklin. This
shows the confidence that private investors
have within the Franklin Main Street Program
District.
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FRANKLIN’S MASTER DESIGN PLAN
When the Franklin Main Street Program began in 2006, a series of public Visioning Forums were held to
garner input from stakeholders within the program district. From those forums, a prioritized list of short
term as well a mid & long-range goals and objectives were determined.
The overwhelming feeling was the program district needed a road map or plan to go by to implement the
strategies developed during these sessions. The Board of the Franklin Main Street Program began and interview process with firms that would develop a Master Plan for the FMSP program district that would include
the following:
1. Site Investigation, Inventory & Base Mapping
2. Branding & Signage
3. Landscape Architecture Conceptual Design Plan & Development
4. Design Guidelines for use by builders, architects, landscape architects & civil engineers
5. Public Meetings for Input
6. Coordination of Sub-Consultants
7. Traffic & Pedestrian Engineering
8. Architectural Design Services
Following the interview process, LandDesign of Asheville, NC was chosen to perform the due diligence and
a contract was signed with the firm in October 2007.
Following LandDesign’s initial site inventory and mapping, a series of public forums were held for stakeholders to voice let their desires be known and incorporated into the final Master Plan.
The master plan was made possible by funding from public and private sources including Macon County
and the Town of Franklin as well as several individuals and business owners.
The final plan as presented is a multi-phase plan that would take many years to implement. The living document could also be adjusted to address new needs and concerns for smart growth within the FMSP program
district.
The implementation phase of the Master Plan
began. However, due to the economic recession, funding became harder to obtain. The recession in turn has slowed the implementation
of this plan.
(Right) Stakeholders view LandDesign’s Master
Plan and offer their input and vision for the Franklin
Main Street program district at a public meeting.
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Among the objectives outlined in the Master Plan, was a new brand for the Franklin Main Street District. Two separate firms work on a new brand with the final
design incorporating Franklin’s designation as an Appalachian Gateway Community. Public sessions were held to engage stakeholders from within the district.
Their input was vital in the final choice of designs.
Another of the objectives of the Master Plan was improved Gateway and Wayfinding signage. Following the new brand design approval, both gateway and wayfinding signage were developed and fabrication and installation are underway.
Pedestrian Traffic
New sidewalk installation began in the program district during the past fiscal year and work continues. New
sidewalks were installed along Phillips Street and work is beginning on the pedestrian walkways around the
gazebo and near the Macon County Courthouse. This cohesive look adds to not only an improved experience for shoppers downtown but the overall aesthetics of the district. Sidewalk replacement will continue in
the coming years. Phase one of this process
cost approximately $184,000.
Sidewalk renovations are nearing completion
along Phillips and Stewart Streets. Other projects to compliment these additions are planned
for Iotla Street and around the Downtown Gazebo.
(Top Right) New sidewalks under construction
along Phillips Street.
(Bottom Right) Completed sidewalk in front of
the Bryant Building off the downtown square.
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ORGANIZATION
Incorporated in 2006, the Franklin Main Street Program (FMSP) continues to be a chief advocate for the
revitalization of Franklin’s program district.
Board of Directors
A group of dedicated volunteers make up the FMSP Board of Directors. Bo Bryant serves as Chair and is
joined on the Board by a unique mix of local business and property owners from within the district. The
FMSP was charged by the Franklin Town Board of Aldermen to give representation to each area of the district.
Members of the Board serve many roles within the organization from officers to committee members to
volunteers for special events held in the district.
Historically, a member of the Town of Franklin staff has served on the Board. Mike Grubermann fills this
position for the Town of Franklin. Mr. Grubermann assists the Board with input concerning several entities
in addition to the Town including the Franklin TDA (Tourism Development Authority), Macon County
TDC (Tourism Development Committee) and the implementation of the projects for the NCSTEP Grant.
Staff
Linda Schlott oversees the Franklin Main Street Program, Inc. and serves in the role of Executive Director.
She has held this position since 2007.
During her tenure Ms. Schlott has continued to work hard to develop the district including partnerships with
other organizations with the same goal to revitalize Downtown Franklin.
Volunteers
In addition to the Board of Directors, the FMSP is assisted by hundreds of other volunteers each year that
assist with special events and decorating for the holidays. Their efforts are greatly appreciated by the FMSP
and the Town of Franklin.
Partnerships
Throughout the organization’s history, the Franklin Main Street Program has partnered with several groups
and businesses to ensure success in the Downtown District.
Further information on the organization of the FMSP continues on the following pages.
Accreditation
The Franklin Main Street Program, Inc. is designated as an accredited National Main Street Program for
meeting the commercial district revitalization performance standards set by the National Trust Main Street
Center. Each year, the National Trust and its partners announce the list of accredited Main Street programs
that have built strong revitalization organizations and demonstrate their ability in using the Main Street Four
Point Approach methodology for strengthening their local economy and protecting their historic buildings.
The FMSP has been accredited since 2008 and continues to hold it’s accreditation with the National Trust.
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"We congratulate this year's nationally accredited Main Street programs for meeting our established performance standards," says Doug Loescher, director of the National Trust Main Street Center. "The Franklin Main
Street Program, an accredited Main Street program, is meeting the challenges of the recession head on and is
successfully using a focused, comprehensive revitalization strategy to keep downtown Franklin vibrant and
sustainable."
The Franklin Main Street Program’s performance is annually evaluated by the North Carolina Department
of Commerce Main Street Center, which works in partnership with the National Trust Main Street Center to
identify the local programs that meet ten performance standards. These standards set the benchmarks for
measuring an individual Main Street program's application of the Main Street Four-Point Approach to commercial district revitalization. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building comprehensive and sustainable revitalization efforts and include standards such as developing a mission, fostering
strong public-private partnerships, securing an operating budget, tracking economic progress, and preserving
historic buildings.
Established in 1980, the National Trust Main Street Center ® helps communities of all sizes revitalize their
older and historic commercial districts. Working in more than 2,000 downtowns and urban neighborhoods
over the last 30 years, the Main Street program has leveraged more than $48.9 billion in new public and private investment. Participating communities have created 417,919 net new jobs and 94,176 net new businesses, and rehabilitated more than 214,263 buildings, leveraging an average of $16 in new investment for
every dollar spent on their Main Street district revitalization efforts.
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MAIN STREET APPROACH
The Main Street 4 Point Approach
Organization
Involves getting everyone working toward the same goal and assembling the appropriate human &
financial resources to implement the program. In any program, a coordinated strategy is the key.
Property owners, merchants, city officials, civic leaders, and individual citizens must work together.
Once the community becomes a cohesive, cooperative unit, the downtown will begin to solve its
problems and once again compete in the marketplace as a center for retail and business.
Promotion
Sells a positive image of the commercial district and reestablishes the district as a compelling place
for shoppers, investors and visitors. This means not only improving sales but also rekindling com
munity excitement and involvement. Promotion ranges from street festivals to retail merchandising,
from community education to aggressive public relations. These activities improve consumer and
investor confidence in the district and encourage commercial activity and investment in the area.
Design
Means getting the program district into top physical shape. An inviting atmosphere created through
building improvements, street furniture, signs, sidewalks, street lights, and landscaping, conveys a
positive visual message about the commercial district and what it has to offer. Design activities also
include instilling good maintenance practices in the commercial district, enhancing the physical
appearance by rehabilitating historic buildings, encouraging appropriate new construction, developing sensitive design management systems, and long-term planning.
Economic Restructuring
Strengthens a community's existing economic assets while expanding and diversifying its economic
base. The Main Street program helps sharpen the competitiveness of existing business owners and
recruits compatible new businesses and new economic uses to build a commercial district that
responds to today's consumers' needs. Converting unused or underused commercial space into economically productive property also helps boost the profitability of the district.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
NAME
REPRESENTING
CONTACT INFORMATION
Bo Bryant
Chairperson
Palmer Street
Premiere Marketing
349-5999 (work) · 421-8450 (cell)
bo.bryant@drakesoftware.com
Larry Hollifield
Vice Chairman
Representative Downtown Businesses
American Computer Sales
524-3621 (work) · 421-6468 (cell)
american@dnet.net
Karen Bacon
Treasurer
Depot Street
Buck’s Furniture
369-8296 (work)
maconfurnituremart@frontier.com
Chris Brouwer
Highlands Road Merchants Association
Edwards Jones
369-5383 (work)
chrisbrouwer@frontier.com
Jane Hopper
Palmer Street
Nestfeathers
349-5476 work
tigerlily2149@msn.com
Joan Crowers
Town Resident
349-9430 (home) · 423-3366 (cell)
ncchefs@aol.com
Mike Grubermann
Town Planner
524-2516
grubermann@franklinnc.com
Dale West
Chamber of Commerce
342-0253
dale.west@ncesc.gov
Sissy Pattillo
Town Board
524-4610 (home)
nannyhawk@dnet.net
Joyce Handley
Town Board
369-8480 (home)
billjoync@aol.com
Linda Schlott
Main Street Director
524-2516 (work) · 421-7613 (cell)
lshlott@franklinnc.com
The Franklin Main Street
Program Board of Directors
meets monthly at Town Hall.
These meetings are on the
second Wednesday night of
each month at 5:30 p.m. in
the lower level Board Room
and are open to the public.
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STAFF
Linda F. Schlott serves as the Executive Director of the Franklin Main Street Program. Her tenure with the
organization began in 2007.
Under her leadership tremendous growth has been seen in the district’s largest festival, “Pumpkinfest”.
Schlott also worked to breath new life into the holiday festival “Winter Wonderland”. Schlott also developed partnerships with other organizations to create new events such as “Airing of the Quilts” and “April
Fool’s Trail Days”.
Schlott also worked to bring nationally known Business Consultant Tom Shay numerous times to assist
small business owners in a variety concerns including marketing, customer service, and learning how to
compete with big box stores.
Her work has also focused on economic development. She worked in conjunction with Tripp Muldrow of
Arnette-Muldrow Associates on a much needed market study for the district. Schlott felt the need for zip
code survey and market survey to help the local business community know where customers were coming
from as well as what types of new businesses were needed for the economic diversity of the district. This
information is invaluable in recruiting new businesses or potential investors in the Franklin Main Street Program District as it shows what types of businesses could be supported by the district.
Her latest project is the development of a Franklin Shopping & Dining Map. Working closely with two local
marketing firms (both located within the district) the map has been produced and distributed. It is quickly
becoming a valuable tool for visitors and locals alike.
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COMMITTEES
The Franklin Main Street Program, Inc. has three sub-committees. These committees work in accordance
with the Main Street Approach to make recommendations to the Board of Directors on the following topics: Design, Promotions, and Economic Restructuring. Each sub-committee is comprised of members from
the Board of Directors and is appointed by the Chairman.
Design Committee
The Design Committee is comprised of Bo Bryant, Sissy Pattillo, Karen Bacon, and Jane Hopper.
This committee plays a key role in shaping the physical image of the Main Street District as a place
attractive to shoppers, investors, business owners and visitors:
During this fiscal year the Design Committee accomplished the following:
•
Worked on new signage designs, colors, verbiage and locations for gateway and way-finding
signage. A new gateway sign was completed at the entrance to Franklin from Highlands
Road. Way-finding signs are in the process of being installed.
•
Assisted businesses requesting design ideas for new facades.
•
Enhanced the winter holidays through the purchase of new and expanded holiday decorations.
Promotions Committee
The Promotions Committee consists of Joan Crowers and Joyce Hadley. The job of this committee
is to PROMOTE the Main Street District as the center of commerce, culture and community life for
residents and visitors alike.
During this fiscal year the Promotions Committee:
•
Worked with Streets of Franklin Committee to help with special events that are not under
the auspices of the Franklin Main Street Program.
•
Developed a new line of Main Street Souvenirs which offer Franklin branded merchandise
for sale at a Franklin Crier in Downtown.
Economic Restructuring Committee
Chris Brouwer, Larry Hollifield and Dale West serve on the Economic Restructuring Committee.
The role of this committee is to identify new market opportunities for the traditional commercial
district, find new uses for historic commercial buildings, and stimulate investment in property.
During this fiscal year the Economic Restructuring Committee:
•
Worked to assist existing downtown businesses expand
•
Part of the committee that worked on a Market Study to analyze the economic climate of the
Town of Franklin in its entirety.
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VOLUNTEERS
The Franklin Main Street Program depends on volunteers to make it successful. There is a niche for every
interest and skill. The Franklin Main Street Program list of volunteers is too numerous to name individually
but we are forever grateful for their assistance whether weekly, project-specific, one time event, ongoing, or
core volunteers.
Volunteer Hours
•
Board members · Board meetings are held 11 times each year. Meetings are at least two
hours in length.
Total volunteer hours for Board · 200 hours
•
Committees of the Franklin Main Street Program continually meet to work on projects
and assist local businesses. The Design Committee volunteers an additional 60 hours in ad
dition to their Board Responsibilities. Both the Promotional and Economic Restructuring
Committees contribute an additional 20 hours each.
Total Committee volunteer hours · 100 hours
•
Festivals and Events · From planning to implementation the special events in Franklin’s
Main Street Program district require thousands of volunteer hours to be successful. Each
festival or event is unique in its requirements for volunteer assistance.
April Fools Trail Days · 120 hours
Airing of the Quilts · 330 hours
Taste of Scotland · 970 hours
4th of July Parade & Celebration · 46 hours
Franklin Folk Festival · 5,000 (estimated)
PUMPKINFEST · 262 hours
Veterans Parade · 40 hours
Cookies with Santa · 5 hours
Town Holiday Decorations · 156 hours
Tree Lighting Ceremony · 90 hours
Winter Wonderland · 150 hours
Total Volunteer Hours · 7,169 hours
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PARTNERSHIPS
NC STEP (N.C. Small Towns Economic Prosperity Program)
Across North Carolina, dozens of small towns have immersed themselves in the difficult but exciting work
of shaping a new future. As participants in the Rural Center’s North Carolina Small Towns Economic Prosperity Program, these communities are seeking ways to overcome adversity by building on assets.
The N.C. Small Towns Economic Prosperity Program, or NC STEP, was launched in spring 2006 as the
centerpiece of the Small Towns Initiative. While the initiative addresses broad issues affecting the growth
and development of small towns, NC STEP focuses in on how to help individual small towns reinvigorate
their economies.
It has three primary goals:
•
Support economic development in small towns adversely affected by structural changes in
the economy or recent natural disasters.
•
Implement a comprehensive model of technical assistance and grant making to aid in revitalization efforts.
•
Provide information vital to the development of public policies that support long-term investment in the economic vitality of North Carolina’s small towns.
A Four-Step Process
NC STEP incorporates four elements in helping towns achieve a new course.
•
Coaching · A community coach works closely with each town to provide guidance and
recommendations, but the towns themselves determine their course of action.
•
Training · Through leadership training, skill-building workshops and information sharing,
townspeople gain knowledge and skills that will serve their towns for years to come.
•
Planning · The planning process seeks the active participation of all elements of the commu
nity in developing an economic development strategy. This promotes widespread buy-in and
builds teams for project implementation.
•
Grants · Planning and implementation grants give NC STEP communities a jump-start in
carrying out their economic development strategy. Team members also are introduced to
other funding opportunities from the Rural Center and elsewhere.
Towns selected for participation represent a broad range of characteristics, including geographical distribution, population size and diversity, and management structure (towns with a town manager/administrator
and those without). The center also considers resource availability (towns with scant resources and those
more fortunate) and degree of readiness (towns that have not participated in economic transition activities
and those with advanced planning efforts under way). As part of the application process, each town commits
to forming a community leadership group to participate in the development and implementation of local
projects as well as in broader demonstration activities, such as training programs, site documentation and
evaluation. Each leadership team includes a local elected official and a representative of town administration.
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2010-2012
Eleven towns joined NC STEP on June 8, 2010. The program has now been honed into a two-year process.
The community leadership committee consisted of 30 individuals from the town but also the county. These
committee members were business owners, community leaders, realtors, Macon County commissioner and
town alderman, young married, editor of the Franklin Press, retired educator.
This committee met each month for 24 months. First we came up with our strengths and weakness in our
community. Then we discussed what area we felt were is greatest needs. These ideas became the final projects we wanted to implement to help the economic prosperity of our community.
The projects are:
•
Create and implement a river development plan for the Little Tennessee River.
•
Complete the signage project begun by the Main Street Program.
•
Develop a marketing program to attract more tourists and second home buyers.
Phase I of the marketing program was the procurement of the services of Arnette-Muldrow and
Associates to perform a market/zip code study. The study began in June 2010 when zip codes
were collected from various retail outlets in the Town of Franklin. 524 unique American zip
codes were collected representing 31 states from a total of 1,988 persons. The purpose was to
identify where shoppers were coming from, therefore providing information for future marketing campaigns promoting Franklin and recruiting new businesses to Franklin.
The market study consisted of one-on-one interviews with individual business leaders, tourism
industry leaders, economic development personnel, and Town of Franklin leaders. Focus groups
made up of each category were established and feature approximately 15 persons per group.
One focus group in particular was young adults from the age of 20 to 35. The purpose of this
group was to see why they were able to stay here, could they find a job, would they have to leave
to find employment, etc. The most amazing fact gleaned from this group was that these young
people wanted to stay in Franklin once they finished college, etc.
One of the recommendations was the
creation of a group of young people
involved in the community. From that
recommendation the Franklin Young
Professionals was formed (pictured
right). Their mission is the goal of giving back to the community through
outreach, volunteering, and participation in local events.
Above the Franklin Young Professional collect food for CareNet’s Weekend Backpack program.
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The market study is available for viewing on the Town of Franklin website.
•
Establish a cleanup spruce up program.
•
Establish an entrepreneurship support program to provide training and guidance for new
and existing small business owners.
Other Partnerships
Drake Enterprises continues to be very supportive of the Franklin Main Street Program’s efforts. It’s subsidiaries, including Premiere Marketing and Macon Printing, were instrumental in developing the new FMSP
Map. Each year the company coordinates their seasonal decorations with the Town of Franklin and assists
with special events.
Another Drake subsidiary, the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, coordinates their schedule
to enhance the events held in Downtown Franklin.
The Franklin Main Street Program also thanks Tony Angel of Tony Angel Media for his continued support
of the program.
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Since its formation in 2006, the Franklin Main Street Program has made great strides within the program
district. Some of the major accomplishments include:
1. Engaging a firm to develop a Master Plan for the program district. Land Design of Asheville,
NC (the company responsible for the Master Plan for Pinehurst, NC) was chosen from several
interested companies.
2. The Franklin Main Street Program website, www.renewingfranklin.org, was launched and not
only educates stakeholders about the district, the site also offers resources for those interested in
opening a business within the district. Information online includes available properties and how
to go about opening a business in Franklin.
3. A grant was obtained through the NCSTEP program that allowed the Franklin Main Street Program to conduct a Market Study. This study provides invaluable data on Franklin’s business climate and the types of businesses that should be targeted for recruitment. The proper mix of
businesses is vital for the continued economic success of the program district.
2010-2011 Accomplishments
The past fiscal year saw the FMSP building on past accomplishments and furthering the implementation of
priorities set forth in the Visioning Sessions. For 2010 - 2011 the Franklin Main Street Program:
1. Assisted with the development of a new event in the district, “Airing of the Quilts”.
2. Produced a new Shopping and Dining Map that can be utilized for visitors and locals alike.
3. Moved an existing event, “April Fools Trail Days” to the downtown district to offer more parking and to further its economic impact.
4. Saw fifteen (15) new businesses open within the Franklin Main Street Program district.
5. Conducted a Market Study to better understand the economics of the business district and to
obtain a clear focus on what types of businesses should be recruited for the district’s economic
vitality.
6. Began the implementation of gateway
and way-finding signage.
7. Saw the implementation of the NC
STEP Grant begin
(Right) New Gateway Sign at the entrance to
Highlands Road District was the first installed
and incorporates the new logo developed by
the Franklin Main Street Program.
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Excerpt of the Shopping / Dining Map produced by the Franklin Main Street Program
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GOALS
The original goals of the Franklin Main Street program were obtained through a series of public Visioning
Sessions open to stakeholders within the district. The meetings were well attended by a diverse cross section
of people from residents to property and business owners.
The final goals from these public meetings were prioritized in order of importance and in keeping with the
Main Street Program’s 4 Point Approach. The Visioning Document became a living document instrument
to guide the FMSP and to be revised as needs of the district changed.
From this document the greatest need determined was a Master Plan that addressed the aesthetics of the
program district as well as other issues including way-finding signage, parking, traffic flow and business recruitment.
(Right) Stakeholders gather at Franklin’s First
Baptist Church for an evening Visioning Session to offer their input on the Franklin Main
Street Program District.
Goals for 2010 - 2011
Our goals for the past fiscal year focused on the business climate during this economically challenged time.
The goals set forth were:
1. Business Survey- Surveying Downtown Merchants and collecting data regarding the current conditions of the business climate for recruitment purposes and communication methods.
2. Customer Survey including a Zip Code Survey
3. District map
4. Newsletter
5. Partner more with district employers
6. Volunteers
7. Annual Clean Up Day
8. Façade Grant Program
9. Work with the Farmers Markets
The Franklin Main Street Program accomplished many of the goals including a business survey, marketing
study in conjunction with the NCSTEP program, produced a new map of the district for visitors and locals
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alike, and worked to improve our relations with businesses within the district.
Goals for 2011-2012
For this fiscal year the FMSP will continue its efforts to improve the economic vitality of the downtown district by engaging the business community as well as focusing on continuing efforts that are underway. The
goals set for this year include:
1. Working more one-on-one with stakeholders within the district to address their needs and concerns.
2. Continue the implementation of the Master Plan including the installation and development
gateway and way-finding signage as well as installing new banners within the district.
3. Utilize the research garnered from the Market Study to recruit district appropriate businesses.
4. Develop more partnerships within the district by engaging stakeholders to better understand the
process. While Main Street can provide advice and technical resources, the bottom line lies with
stakeholders being willing to invest in the district.
5. Get more stakeholders involved with the Franklin Main Street Program initiative by presenting
new visioning sessions and appropriate seminars beneficial to district businesses.
Town of Franklin employees
begin the installation process of new way-finding signage for the Franklin Main
Street Program District.
Phase one of the project has
15 signs being installed with
another 20 as part of phase
two.
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Economic Development
The Franklin Main Street Program leads the efforts to promote the downtown district for viable business
and development opportunities. This year the FMSP worked closely with the NCSTEP Program through
the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center.
Through this relationship the Franklin Main Street Program has begun to develop several new initiatives that
will have a direct impact on the district’s economic vitality. These initiatives are:
1. Gateway & Way-finding Signage - The initial visioning public meetings for the program district, indicated that visitors needed better directional signage in order to find Franklin’s business
district and parking. This was reinforced by both the Master Plan develop and the more recent
Market Study.
2. Little Tennessee River Project - This initiative will focus on an asset already in Franklin that is
sorely underused. This project will take place in two phases. The first will be a cleanup to remove obstacles that prohibit using the river for canoeing, etc. The second phase is to enhance
the river accesses already available with cleanup and site additions making it easier to launch canoes and kayaks.
3. Shopping / Dining Map - This map, intended for use by visitors and locals alike, highlights
the unique shopping and dining offered in the Franklin Main Street Program district.
4. Marketing Study - The goal of the market study was an assessment of our assets and where
Franklin fell short. This study will be instrumental in recruiting new businesses to the district.
One example is Karen & Co. which is a direct result of the recommendations in the study.
Local Business/Property Owners
One of the premises of the Main Street Approach is the principle of self-help. While local Main Street Programs can provide assistance through planning and technical resources, the final implementation solely relies
on the property or business owner.
Several local businesses have stepped up to the plate to improve their facilities through façade redesign and
total makeovers of their businesses thus improving the overall look of the district.
These property owners and businesses include:
1. John Lupoli - Mr. Lupoli purchased a Highlands Road Shopping Center and is still in the process of giving the property a facelift. Efforts include a new lighted sign, new banners & parking
lot lighting, repainted and installed new storefront lighting, new entrances and traffic flow pattern as well as new landscaping and sidewalks.
2. Karen Bacon - Mrs. Bacon successfully renovated an existing storefront to bring a new business
to the district, Karen & Co. The business features upscale women’s clothing and accessories.
3. Outdoor 76 - This outfitter also opened in the district after remodeling and existing space and
added a complete new façade to the property.
4. Life’s Bounty - This bakery and sandwich shop also renovated an existing storefront and
brought more diversity to downtown.
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5. Rosebud Cottage - Having moved from a basement level, Rosebud Cottage expanded its
presence within the district and added a soda fountain and sandwich shop.
6. Franklin Crier - Another addition is Franklin Crier, a much needed newsstand and souvenir
shop.
7. DOTS - Adding to the diversity of the district, DOTS is a unique children’s toy and infant
wear store.
8. City Electric - This new retail electric supply moved into the former location of Lowe’s on
Highlands Road.
9. Tree House - Featuring an eclectic of home accessories and fashion, the Tree House adds to
the unique flavor of Franklin’s shopping.
10. Rana Rinata - Formerly the Frog & Owl, this new restaurant featuring and Italian menu is
another great addition to dining within the district.
11. Paradise Music - Adding to the unique blend of businesses, Paradise Music not only offers
instruments and equipment, the business also features music lessons.
12. Lisa’s Corner - This established business moved into the district from Whistle Stop Mall and
features a wide variety of ladies accessories and home décor.
Above (top left) the new façade of Macon Furniture Mart, (bottom left) Deb Heatherly of Debs Cats & Quilts in a portion
of her recent expansion, (right) Karen & Co. renovation of storefront in downtown Franklin.
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13. Creative Design at Primrose Lane - New owners of the former Primrose Lane, added interior
design and other items to the store’s mix of merchandise.
14. Deb’s Cats & Quilts - Owner Deb Heatherly increased the square footage of her quilt shop to
more than double. The additional area is utilized for quilting classes and product sales.
15. Collectiques - This new antique shop features unusual and hard-to-find antiques items and is
located in a repurposed office space.
Recruitment
The website for the Franklin Main Street Program, www.renewingfranklin.org, features a multitude of tools
for those interested in Franklin as a place to do business. The website contains a listing of available properties as well as how to open business in Franklin.
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MARKETING & PROMOTIONS
The Franklin Main Street Program provides marketing and promotion of the program district through a variety of special events along with the development and distribution of materials that specifically address the
needs of visitors and locals while incorporating the program district brand for public awareness.
Special Events
Each year the FMSP plans and executes three events in the program district while assisting with four others.
These festivals are made possible with financial by the Town of Franklin, Franklin Tourism Development
Authority, Macon County Tourism Development Committee and sponsorships.
Pumpkinfest
This street festival has grown to the be largest one-day event
within the program district. Thousands attend each year to
enjoy the family fun and participate in the now famous
“Pumpkin Roll”. This past fiscal year, the growth of the event
was exponential due to the closure of Main Street, allowing for
a true street festival feel.
Veterans Parade
The Franklin Main Street Program honors Veterans with a
special parade and ceremony on November 11 each year. This
event continues to grow in participation and attendance.
Winter Wonderland & Holiday Events
Completely retooled for the past fiscal year, “Winter Wonderland” has a winter festival focus and incorporates both winter
and holiday themes. Highlights of the festival included an ice
slide for children, ice carving demonstration, free wagon rides,
and great shopping from downtown merchants. In addition
other holiday events coordinated include the annual Tree
Lighting Ceremony & Candlelight Service, Cookies with Santa,
and Letters to Santa.
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More
In addition to major events, the Town of Franklin sponsors “Pickin’ on the Square” each Saturday from
May through October and other groups and organizations host events within the program district all of
which are free to attendees.
Festival Assistance
The FMSP also assists other groups with the planning and execution of special events within the program
district. The past fiscal year saw a new event, “Airing of the Quilts”, introduced as well as “April Fool’s
Trail Days” moving to downtown.
Airing of the Quilts
This new event for the past fiscal year to bring attention to the
Macon County Quilt Trail. More than 300 quilts were displayed all over the program district and out in the County.
Support for this event came from the Smoky Mountain
Quilters Guild, Cowee Quilters, and the Macon County Quilt
Trail Committee. The FMSP coordinated advertising and promotion of the event as well as hang over 100 quilts downtown.
April Fool’s Trail Days
Celebrating Franklin’s designation as an Appalachian Trail Community,
“April Fool’s Trail Days” also shows Franklin’s appreciation for the
many hikers of the AT as well as all those who come to the area to enjoy
the great outdoors. The FMSP coordinates the entire event from promotion to vendors and setup.
Other Major Events
Other events supported include “Taste of Scotland” and the “Franklin
Folk Festival”. This support is financial as well as logistical. The FMSP
Executive Director works to ensure that services provided by the Town
of Franklin are in place for each festival .
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Electronic Marketing
With the popularity of Social Media continuing to soar, the Franklin Main Street Program utilizes Facebook
to promote activities and events in the program district. The Facebook page can be found at
www.facebook.com/FranklinMainStreet.
Websites
Franklin Main Street programs and activities are also promoted on the FMSP website
www.renewingfranklin.org.
Dedicated websites have also been implemented for several other program district events including:
1. Pumpkinfest - www.pumpkinfestfranklin.com
2. Winter Wonderland - www.holidaysinfranklin.com
3. April Fool’s Trail Days - www.aprilfoolstraildays.com
The combination of these websites and Facebook serve as a great way to cross promote events.
Advertising
The Franklin Main Street Program also utilizes print and radio advertising to promote district events. Media
buys both out-of-town and local are utilized for promotion.
Print Materials
A variety of print materials are utilized to promote the FMSP district including:
1. Shopping / Dining Map - Recently published, the Shopping & Dining Map is a great tool for
locals and visitors to discover all the program district has to offer.
2. Rack Cards - These cards are placed in visitor centers across western North Carolina to promote
events held within the program district.
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FINANCIAL INFORMATION
•
The Franklin Main Street Program is funded by the Town of Franklin, North Carolina.
•
This past fiscal year, funding received by the Franklin Main Street Program was split equally among the
four major festival in Downtown Franklin which are:
•
Taste of Scotland
•
Franklin Folk Festival
•
Pumpkinfest
•
Winter Wonderland
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