Our Accomplishments to Date


Organization Committee

 

  • Oversees the maintenance of records and systems in the Main Street Manager's office
  • Is responsible for adequate staffing of the Main Street office
  • Develops policies and procedures for conducting Main Street business
  • Hosts the Main Street Annual and Quarterly Meetings, as well as the Annual Holiday Party
  • Secured a Main Street Web site maintenance contractor and ensures that the Web site is kept updated
  • Recommends updates to the corporate By-Laws, as needed
  • Ensures that Main Street is represented at trainings and meetings sponsored by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and the National Trust for Historic Preservation
  • Established a Main Street membership program and conducts membership and fundraising drives
  • Secured an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization designation



Economic Restructuring Committee 

 

  • Began developing a list of available commercial properties downtown
  • Encouraged and assisted several businesses in installing window and display lighting for after hours
  • Submitted recommendations to the City regarding the former Barker Property development (on Route 155) and its potential effect on the Main Street District
  • Conducted a seminar on Visual Merchandising and arranged for individual consultations with merchants on their window displays
  • Conducts occasional surveys downtown
  • Advises businesses on applying for and securing Havre de Grace RAD loans
  • Received a Main Street area building façade assessment, prepared by a Harford Community College student at the request of Main Street  
     

Design Committee

 

  • Arranged for local artist, Ezra Berger, to design and paint a mural along the BB&T Bank wall at St. John and Green Streets
  • Assisted two downtown businesses in renovating their facades in 2008 through the Facade Improvement Program
  • Assists businesses in applying for facade improvement grants when funding is provided to the City 
  • New PlanterSidewalkPurchased and installed planters and matching trash cans downtown
  • Arranged for boxwoods to be planted in the planters, and adds seasonal flowers each season
  • Installed lights on the trees in North Washington Street
  • Arranges for the decoration and lighting of the annual Christmas Tree at Rochambeau Plaza and the arrival of Santa Claus
  • St. John's St. MuralDesigned and purchased sets of four-seasonal banners and arranges for their changeover each season
  • Designed and purchased unique Havre de Grace Main Street banners and arranged for their installation
  • Oversaw design and painting of a mural depicting an underwater scene on a St. John Street wall

  


Promotions Committee

 

  • Conducts Haunted History and Ghost Tours through downtown Havre de Grace on October weekends each year
  • Holds auditions for, selects, and trains tour guides for the annual Haunted History and Ghost Tours 
  • HorseOrganized and held the First Annual Graw Days Festival in October 2008 to commemorate Havre de Grace's colorful history of horseracing at The Graw
  • Held the first annual Graw Days Gala in October 2008, with Roaring Twenties attire, in the original Clubhouse of the Racetrack 
  • Organizes First Friday celebrations each year with live music and performers in the street, car shows, children’s entertainment, Main Street Expo, and specials offered by merchants and restaurants
  • Arranges for seasonal title and individual sponsors for First Friday celebrations
  • Hosted an “Advertising 101” meeting for downtown merchants at which local media companies offered discount advertising programs to Main Street members
  • Updates and distributes the free Main Street Walking Map to visitors through the Havre de Grace Visitor Center, City Hall, restaurants, hotels and other lodging, shops, museums, marinas, and other places
  • Sells advertising for the Main Street Walking Map to cover the cost of printing
  • MusiciansApplies for and receives grants from the Maryland State Arts Council and the Harford County Government through the Harford County Cultural Arts Board
  • Provided Havre de Grace Main Street promotional materials as handouts at The McDonald's LPGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola at the Bulle Rock Golf Course

 

 

Arts & Entertainment Committee

 

  • Oversees the development, promotion, and administration of the Havre de Grace A&E District as a means to enhance the city's economic vitality
  • Promotes Havre de Grace as a venue for arts and cultural activities
  • Maintains an inventory of space available within the A&E District
  • Offers to galleries and artists the opportunity to avail of tax incentives to do business and live in the A&E District
  • Arranges for gallery exhibits and shows of the artwork of Harford County residents in Main Street's Arts by the Bay Gallery
  • Completed renovation of premises at 500-B Warren Street and held a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of the Arts by the Bay Gallery in November 2008
  • Achieved State of Maryland designation of Havre de Grace as an Arts & Entertainment District as of July 1, 2008 
  • Completed the necessary paperwork and application to the State of Maryland for Havre de Grace designation as an Arts & Entertainment District    
  • Completed a property owner inventory of the Main Street District

 

      


 

 

 

Organization Committee

Economic Restructuring

Design Committee

Promotion Committee

Arts & Entertainment Committee