Downtown Walnut Ridge

(9-12 people) [Organization]

• One representative of each of these sectors: Business, Government, Financial, Faith-based, Property Owner, Youth (observational), and four to six others at-large (people with unique willingness and/or expertise)
• Elected at an annual public meeting from slate suggested in consultation with sectors. Meets quarterly.
• Responsible for pursuing 501 (c ) 3 eligibility if so desired, and is the legal entity for all reporting such as to Main Street Arkansas

Job 1: Communicate with various sectors the progress of Downtown Walnut Ridge and any needs for volunteers, opportunities for sponsorships, or news of special events.

Job 2: Communicate with Downtown Walnut Ridge any special needs or unique opportunities of the various sectors.

Job 3: Ensure committees’ success

Contact: Lorra Whitmire (870) 886-5959

“Extremely Gentle Makeover: Downtown Edition” (ad hoc) [Design]

• Members chosen from  those with an interest in physical design
• Can meet electronically (via email)
• Reports to Board of Directors
• Responsible for brand management and streetscape appearance

Job 1: Approve design of Downtown Walnut Ridge logo, ad specialty items, T-shirts, etc.

Job 2: Approve design of Promotional materials for Special Events

Job 3: Ensure timeliness of production of materials within deadlines

Job 4: Provide technical assistance to businesses about design-related questions

Job 5: Approve design of streetscape issues: flowers, signage, etc. & ensure their maintenance.

Contact: Paula Haskins (870) 886-5959

(ad hoc) [Promotion]

• Members chosen from  those with an interest in various aspects of marketing: internet, personal, print, broadcast and statistical/research
• Can meet electronically (via email)
• Reports to Board of Directors

Job 1: Maintain website of Downtown Walnut Ridge. Ensure quality standards such as, “1. The GUI (graphic user interface) will be simple, intuitive, and have no broken links. 2. Contact info will appear on all pages.” Schedule regular updates. Seek varied content.

Job 2: Publicize all special events through news releases, web announcements, advertisements, and personal contacts.

Job 3: Perform studies (such as demographic analysis, purchasing power parity, or consumer attitude surveys) of customer base and report opportunities to expand this base. Seek new target audiences for marketing message.

Job 4: Provide technical assistance to businesses to ensure each downtown merchant has at least one working page on the World Wide Web.

Job 5: “Make new friends but keep the old – one is silver and the other’s gold.” Research and communicate to businesses the latest trends in maintaining one’s existing customer base by deepening perceived customer ties: for instance, direct mail, special “thank you” promotions or new aspects of customer service.

Contact: Cathy Harthorn (870) 886-2752

(ad hoc) [Promotion]

• Members chosen from  those with an interest in a specific special event
• Each special event has its own committee, ideal for a shorter-term time commitment
• Reports to Board of Directors; also dovetails with appropriate committees (logos, marketing, youth, etc.)
• Responsible for a successful special event

Event 1: Iron Mountain Festival

Event 2: Classic Movie Night

Event 3: $1,000 Marketing & Design Makeover

And: Other events as needed (see job #4 under economic restructuring for other ideas)

Contact: Kristen West (870) 886-5709

• Members chosen from  those with an interest in business
• Can meet electronically (via email)
• Reports to Board of Directors
• Responsible for mentorship programs and entrepreneurship education

Job 1: “We like you. We really, really like you!”

For existing businesses – to develop growth plans and train leaders to be mentors

Job 2: “Carat & STIC” (Startups Take Intensive Coaching)

For new businesses—our Diamonds in the Rough—we will provide a knowledgeable, caring support system to help the many facets of their business shine. Publish a checklist for all aspects of business startups, including tax responsibilities and/or incentives.

Job 3: “Economic Growth Spurt”

Youth & teen initiatives including:

• Real-world full-scale laboratory experience, such as teen-run ice-cream parlor, summer kiosks, or marketable services (lawns, painting, childcare, web design) cooperative/agency
• Entrepreneurship education
• Mentorships and internships with existing businesses and business leaders

Job 4: “Closet entrepreneurs”

Special events downtown to promote occasional, micro-small, or home-based entrepreneurs, or for testing the waters of new ventures, or new revenue streams for existing businesses; with venues such as a yearly yard sale, weekly seasonal farmers’ markets, back-to-school clothing and supplies swap, taste of the town samplers, etc.

Contact: Travis Bobrowski (870) 886-5959