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Main Street receives donation; adds new board member |
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Thursday, 03 July 2008 |
By David Deaton, News Reporter
Wal-Mart Supercenter in Poteau donated $1,000 to purchase cigarette butt receptacles for the downtown area. The local retailer also donated three truck loads of bedding plants to be used in the downtown area.
Karla Ochoa, Executive Director of Poteau Main Street Matters said she has already planted some of the plants in preparation for the Fourth of July weekend activities.
The donation was made during the regular monthly meeting of Poteau Main Street Matters held at Mountain Gateway Twisted Sister Tea Room, one of several new businesses located in downtown Poteau.
During the meeting a new board member was welcomed. Steve Rutledge joined the organization. He and his wife, Lori, are the owners of Cozy Cottons.
A new Main Street logo was discussed. Most of the members felt the present sign does not catch enough attention to entice visitors and locals to shop in downtown Poteau. Several ideas were mentioned before board member Randy Bridgman made the motion to create a new logo for the organization.
In her report, Ochoa reported that a new aerobic class is going into Dewey Plaza. A motion was made for that business owner to apply for a grant for two frontage signs. One to be used at the back entrance.
Ochoa also stated that Main Street is working with area banks to establish a loan for $10,000 or under with low interest rates and to help current business owners make improvements.
Ochoa also stated that board member training with Oklahoma Main Street has been scheduled for July 29.
The board also approved a $200 set-up fee and a $60 yearly service contract with Brenda Garland to create and update a new website.
“Photos, videos and anything that is happening on main street will be updated weekly,” Garland said.
Ochoa also reported on a recent streetscape meeting with Mayor Jeff Shockley and the architect for the Durant project, R.L. Shears.
As the group walked along downtown Poteau, Shears took photos and made several suggestions as to how to change the look of the area.
Ochoa stated that phase one will begin at Broadway and continue to McKenna and into approximately one-half of the next block.
Phase two will begin at the other half block and continue up to the next block. Phase three will begin at Evans and Miller Funeral Home and Buckley Public Library.
Shears suggested applying for grants to assist with the expenses of making the changes. He said the Oklahoma Department of Tourism now has grants for special projects such as the pocket park to help with streetscapes. The streetscape is scheduled to begin in January.
Six new members have joined Main Street Matters. They are: Marvin's IGA, Lil's Ceramic's, Mountain Gateway, Mary Gray, Gina Collins and Shelly Akins.
The mission of Poteau Main Street Matters is to stimulate economic development and historical preservation of downtown Poteau through promotion of cultural events and beautification projects.
Board of Directors are Michelle Creech, Presi-dent; Ron Hall, First Vice-President; Gary Briggs, Second Vice President; Mary Gray, Secretary; Beth Peck, Treasurer; Randy Bridgman, Past President; Lori Hambrick, Chad Warren and Kay Madewell.
For more information about Poteau Main Street Matters and any of their projects call Ochoa at 918-647-8648. |
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Last Updated ( Monday, 07 July 2008 )
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