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Commerce Main Street Commerce has been one of Georgia's Main Street Cities since 1985. Tourism information and newcomer packets are available in the Main Street Office.
The Main Street Approach to Downtown Revitalization Main Street is a philosophy, a program and a proven comprehensive approach to downtown commercial district revitalization. This approach has been implemented in over 1,800 cities and towns in 44 states across the nation with the help of the National Main Street Center and statewide downtown revitalization programs. Main Street successfully integrates the practical management strategy with the physical improvement of buildings and public spaces, aggressive promotion and image building, and the economic development of the area. Committee Structure The success of the Main Street approach is based on its comprehensive nature. By carefully integrating four points into practical downtown management strategy, a local Main Street program will produce fundamental changes in a community's economic base.
Co-chairs - DDA/MS Board of Directors Involves building a Main Street framework that is well represented by business and property owners, banks, citizens, public officials, chambers of commerce and other local economic development organizaitons. Everyone must work together to maintain a long-term effort.
Co-chairs - Tricia Massey and Dr. Clark Hill Creates excitment downtown. Street festivals, parades, retail events and image development campaigns are some of the ways Main Street encourages customer traffic. Promotion involves marketing an enticing image to shoppers, investors and visitors and also positioning the downtown in the market place.
Chairperson - Keith Ariail Enhances the attractiveness of the central business district. Historic building rehabilitation, street and alley clean-up, colorful banners, landscaping and lighting all improve the physical image of the downtown as a quality place to shop, work, walk, invest in and live. Design improvements result in a reinvestment of public and private dollars to downtown.
Co-chairs - Chris Bray and Claudine Smith Involves analyzing current market forces to develop long-term solutions. Recruiting new businesses, creatively converting unused space for new uses and sharpening the competitiveness of Main Street's traditional merchants are examples of economic restructuring activities.
2009 Downtown Promotional Events JANUARY Nothing Scheduled
FEBRUARY Town Hall Meeting Thursday, February 19th The Commerce DDA will be hosting its second Town Hall Meeting at 6:00pm at the Commerce Civic Center. Complimentary refreshments will be provided. The purpose of this meeting is to gather relevant information pertinent to the future redevelopment of historic downtown Commerce. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. We need your input, please try to attend! Be a part of the planning process aimed at improving your downtown.
MARCH Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon Friday, March 6th The Commerce DDA is hosting this second annual event in order to recognize the countless volunteers that help make our organization viable. All volunteers associated with the the operation of all programs associated with the Downtown Development Authority and Main Street Program will be invited to attend. This is a catered event and will take place at the Commerce Civic Center.
APRIL 20th Annual Easter Parade and Egg Hunt Saturday, April 11th Community Bank & Trust, in conjunction with the Commerce DDA and the Commerce Area Business Assocation are proud to sponsor this annual family-friendly event. Walk and carry an Easter basket or enter the Best Decorated Bike, Battery-Operated Vehicle or Wagon contest. The event begins at the Community Bank & Trust Drive-Thru Parking Lot (1893 North Elm Street) at 10:00am. The parade will begin at 10:45am. The Egg Hunt will take place on the front lawn of the First Baptist Church and will begin at the conclusion of the parade. All chidren must be accompanied by an adult.
MAY Fridays After Five Friday, May 1st Bring your lawn chairs and blankets! Come and enjoy a free concert in Spencer Park in downtown Commerce. With the help of a Georgia Council for the Arts' Grassroots Arts Program Grant, the Commerce Downtown Development Authority is excited to bring Athens' Alternative/Southern/ Modern Rock Band "Lullwater" to this highly successful entertainment series. For more information about "Lullwater", please click on the link below. www.myspace.com/lullwatermusic
Fridays After Five Friday, May 8th Bring your lawn chairs and blankets! Come and enjoy a free concert in Spencer Park in downtown Commerce. With the help of a Georgia Council for the Arts' Grassroots Arts Program Grant, the Commerce Downtown Development Authority is excited to host the "Commerce High School Band & Chorus". The CHS Band & Chorus will perform movie themes, marches, a few jazz pieces, and Americana selections. Farmers Market Organizational Meeting Thursday, May 14th In preparation for another successful Downtown Farmers Market, the Commerce Downtown Development Authority invites all interested growers to attend an organizational meeting designed to inform all in attendance about the parameters in which the market is governed (i.e. dates, times, USDA regualtions, etc.). The meeting will take place at the Commerce Civic Center at 7:00pm.
Fridays After Five Friday, May 15th Bring your lawn chairs and blankets! Come and enjoy a free concert in Spencer Park in downtown Commerce. With the help of a Georgia Council for the Arts' Grassroots Arts Program Grant, the Commerce Downtown Development Authority is excited to host the "East Jackson Comprehensive High School Jazz Band". The EJCHS Jazz Band will perform beautifully arranged jazz standards, swing and pop era classics as well as a few selections in tribute to Armed Services Day.
Fridays After Five Friday, May 29th Bring your lawn chairs and blankets! Come and enjoy a free movie in Spencer Park in downtown Commerce. With the help of a Georgia Council for the Arts' Grassroots Arts Program Grant, the Commerce Downtown Development Authority is excited to show the movie "Hotel For Dogs" on a 20' x 20' inflatable screen with a professional sound system. This event is destined to bring nearly 500 people to Spencer Park. Co-sponsors Community Bank & Trust, First Commerce Bank and United Community Bank have agreed to provide concessions to all those in attendance.
Colgate Country Showdown Friday, May 29th WJJC 1270AM presents this annual country music talent contest. Performed at the Commerce Cultural Center
JUNE Fridays After Five Friday, June 5th Bring your lawn chairs and blankets! Come and enjoy a free "Beach Party" in Spencer Park in downtown Commerce. With the help of a Georgia Council for the Arts' Grassroots Arts Program Grant, the Commerce Downtown Development Authority is excited to host a "Beach Party" with music and games that will delight all those in attendance. Stay tuned for updated information.
Downtown Farmers Market Every Saturday - Starting on June 20th The market will be open in downtown Commerce from 7:00am to 11:00am. The market will take place in the parking lot adjacent to the railroad and across from Spencer Park. Please use the following links for more information about the 2009 Downtown Farmers Market: Guidelines For Vendor Membership
City Lights Downtown Festival Saturday, June 27th This year's City Lights Festival will feature the following events:
All events take place at or around Spencer Park in Historic Downtown Commerce
JULY Downtown Farmers Market Every Saturday The market will be open in downtown Commerce from 7:00am to 11:00am. The market will take place in the parking lot adjacent to the railroad and across from Spencer Park. Please use the following links for more information about the 2009 Downtown Farmers Market: Guidelines For Vendor Membership
AUGUST Downtown Farmers Market Every Saturday The market will be open in downtown Commerce from 7:00am to 11:00am. The market will take place in the parking lot adjacent to the railroad and across from Spencer Park. Please use the following links for more information about the 2009 Downtown Farmers Market: Guidelines For Vendor Membership Tigers on the Town Downtown Pep Rally Thursday, August 27th As in the past, the event takes place at Spencer Park in downtown Commerce. This year we hope to feature the Commerce High School Football Team, Cheerleaders, Marching Band, Dance Line, Majorettes, Cross Country Team and Softball Team. The Commerce Area Business Association and the Downtown Development Authority will be honoring the 2008-2009 Teachers of the Year at this year's event.
SEPTEMBER Movie in the Park Friday, September 18th Bring your lawn chairs and blankets! Come and enjoy a FREE Movie in the Park at Spencer Park in downtown Commerce. This annual Back-to-School event draws over 400 people into the downtown area for food, fun and family! The Commerce Downtown Development Authority is excited to show the movie "Race To Witch Mountain" on a 20' x 20' inflatable screen with a professional sound system.
OCTOBER Downtown Trick or Treat Friday, October 30th 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Located in historic downtown Commerce Calling all ghost and goblins! Trick-or-treaters must be in costume, under the age of 12, and accompanied by an adult. Downtown merchants, restaurants, banks, and professionals will be participating. The Commerce Police Department will offer the Child Safety ID program at the gazebo in Spencer Park. Police Officers will give out ID kits, and if requested the child may be fingerprinted. Continued from last year! Costume Contest in Spencer Park! Children under the age of 12 are invited to enter the contest in the following categories: Scariest Costume, Most Orginial Costume, Cutest Costume, Best Character Costume The Costume contest will take place at 5:30pm - winners will be announced at 5:45pm in Spencer Park.
NOVEMBER Thanksgiving Evening Thursday, November 26th 6:00 p.m. Downtown Christmas lights are turned on
DECEMBER Commerce By Candlelight Friday, December 4th
Hometown Holidays Saturday, December 5th
Commerce Christmas Parade Sunday, December 6th
New Years Eve Dance Thursday, December 31st The Commerce Area Business Association and the Downtown Development Authority are excited to host this well-attended and well-received event. Entertainment and Dinner packages TBA. Please stay tuned for more information. For more information about community events, please contact the Commerce Main Street/Downtown Development Authority office. Please use the following links to access Historic Commerce: A Self-Guided Tour
Commerce Main Street is dedicated to providing ample parking for its business owners, patrons and visitors. To access the Downtown Parking Map, click on the link below. In an attempt to give prospective business owners a greater understanding of Commerce and its current business climate, the Downtown Development Authority has put together a recruitment packet. Please click on the link below:
PO Box 717 - 1645 S. Elm StreetCommerce, Georgia 30529Phone: 706.335.2954Fax: 706.335.3790mailto:mainstreet@commercega.org
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