Lake Wales Main Street

Progress Report

June 18 – July 15, 2008

Main Street Management

• New Main Street Manager Jan Privett was hired under an interim contract with the Chamber of Commerce and met several times weekly with Betty Wojcik, Executive Director to discuss plans, expectations and procedures; to determine needs; and to set priorities.
  

• Manager met with Main Street President, Treasurer, and Vice President to discuss the program’s history, gather records, and determine needs. 
  

• Gathered Main Street materials from prior office and from President; downloaded documents from computer; purchased phone; printed new business cards, acquired office supplies from the Chamber.
  

Main Street Office 

Set up new Main Street office in downtown at 225 E Stuart Avenue and secured agreement for donated space, with 30 days notice to vacate. Internet service is donated by building owner, True North USA.

Contact Information

• Cell phone: 863-224-1970
  

• Email: info@lakewalesmainstreet.com
  

• Mailing address: P.O. Box 191, Lake Wales, FL 33859
  

Web Site

Web site transferred to Homestead.com for Manager to design and maintain the site. New pages created with current contact information.  Membership directory updated with business links.

Planning

• Met with Betty Wojcik to discuss ideas for 2008-09.
  

• Chamber Executive Director Wojcik drafted the proposed 2008-09 Business Agenda for presentation to the Main Street Executive Committee and completed the proposed budget necessary to carry out the annual Agenda.
  

• Board approved recommended changes to the bylaws that allowed the Annual Meeting to be moved from February to October, immediately following the beginning of the new fiscal year.
  

• Board approved recommended changes to the bylaws to allow annual memberships based on anniversary dates.
  

Meetings

• Held Open Forum to announce new organization direction and gather input from downtown business owners.
  

• Met with Promotions Committee Chairman Todd Hammond to discuss potential promotions, strategies to get more buy-in from District businesses, possible tie-ins with other area events, and sponsorship opportunities for BikeFest, Saturday Live, and the annual Dance Bazaar.
  

• Held Executive Committee Meeting on July 9. The 2008-09 Business Agenda, Proposed 2008-09 Budget, and recommended changes to the bylaws were discussed for presentation to the board on July 11.
  

• Held Board of Directors meeting on July 11.
  

• Manager met with City Manager and Mayor to discuss ideas and get insight on Main Street needs, history, etc.
  

• Attended preliminary bid meeting on the Grand Hotel
  

• Participated in visit Florida orientation conference call
  

• Meetings attended to network and represent Main Street
  

     oChamber “Member Showcasing” luncheon June 27

     oChamber After Hours at Circle of Friends July 8

Financials

• Executive Director set up financial software at the Chamber, restored Main Street data previously entered but not categorized, revised account designations to facilitate clearer program/special event reporting, corrected and categorized all income and expenses for 2007-2008, reconciled bank accounts, verified membership, and produced financial reports for the 9-month period ending 6/30/08.
  

Media

• Manager interviewed at City Hall on PGTV
  

• Manager interviewed by Lake Wales News
  

New Fundraiser

Fundraiser planned to partner with downtown businesses to sell historic photos of Lake Wales.

Downtown Survey

Manager created survey form to collect data on businesses and property in the District. The in-person survey will begin July 17.

Events

• Held BikeFest July 12
  

• Participated in the welcoming of “Ride for Justice Benefit” for the Greisman family and offered free soft drinks.