Picayune Main Street, Inc. has relocated to the Intermodal Transportation and Tourism Center at 200 Hwy 11 South. With the change in location the organization is also shifting focus back to the four points of the Main Street Approach according to President Bill Edwards. Edwards says, “The move to our new location in the Intermodal gives Main Street more visibility and the opportunity to closely partner with the city. Main Street must have the support of the city in making such events as the Street Fair, Egg Drop, Shop by Candle Light and other Main Street events a success. “In this day and time, grant money is difficult to find and it is hoped that Main Street and the city can compliment each other in finding funds to support downtown beautification and development of under and non-utilized buildings.” Picayune City Manager Jim Luke, said, “We welcome Main Street back to the Intermodal. We are excited to work closely with Main Street in efforts to expand the footprint of recent beautification efforts from the courthouse throughout all of the downtown.” A condensed version of the four points of the Main Street Approach are: Organization — which establishes consensus and cooperation by building partnerships among the various groups that have a stake in the commercial district. By recruiting volunteers and partnering with a broad cross section of the community, the program can incorporate a wide range of perspectives into its efforts. The fundamental organizational structure of volunteer-driven revitalization programs includes a governing board of directors and standing committees. Volunteers are coordinated and supported by a paid program manager. This structure is advantageous because it not only divides the workload and clearly delineates responsibilities, but also builds agreement and cooperation among the various team members. Promotion — The goal is to create a positive image that will kindle pride in the community and improve outside consumer and investor confidence in the downtown commercial district based on its unique characteristics. Design — Through creating a downtown area that is safe, inviting, and showcases well maintained beautification enhancements throughout with attention to: Signage, all buildings, public spaces and parking areas, window displays and merchandising, a positive message and appealing atmosphere will be conveyed. Economic Restructuring — By retaining and growing a balanced mix of existing businesses, sharpening the competitiveness of and merchandising skills of owners, as well as attracting new businesses that the market can support, the community will experience stronger economic assets while also diversifying the economic base. “I worked with Mayor Spiers back in 1996 to have Picayune become a Main Street community. The city worked with us then and we are working closely with them now. We have to work closely with our city government to make this a success and we now have the best team I ever have had. This is doable. By returning to the four points of the Main Street Approach, we will attract new members and revitalize our program and downtown area, as we have done in years past. Granted, the economy was better in those years but it can and will happen again,” said Edwards. For more information on the four point Main Street Approach visit: http://www.preservationnation.org/main-street/about-main-street/the-approach/.