Marietta Main Street marks 10 years of accreditation
Marietta Main Street Executive Director Jen Tinkler, left, speaks at an event marking the nonprofit organization’s 10th anniversary as a Main Street organization Tuesday afternoon on the first floor of the Armory. (Photo by Evan Bevins)
Marietta Main Street Executive Director Jen Tinkler, center, prepares to cut the ribbon at an event celebrating the 10th anniversary of the organization’s accreditation in the Main Street program Tuesday at the Armory. (Photo by Evan Bevins)
Marietta Main Street Executive Director Jen Tinkler, left, speaks at an event marking the nonprofit organization’s 10th anniversary as a Main Street organization Tuesday afternoon on the first floor of the Armory. (Photo by Evan Bevins)
Marietta Main Street Executive Director Jen Tinkler, center, prepares to cut the ribbon at an event celebrating the 10th anniversary of the organization’s accreditation in the Main Street program Tuesday at the Armory. (Photo by Evan Bevins)
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The work done by Marietta Main Street volunteers to beautify the downtown area and decorate it -- particularly around Christmastime -- is plain to see for anyone visiting that portion of the Pioneer City.
What may be less obvious, but just as important, is the work done behind the scenes to keep downtown and Harmar vibrant and vital, said Kasandra Pritchett, president of the board for the nonprofit organization.
"Most people are familiar with the tangible things they can see Marietta Main Street do - the flower baskets, the Christmas decor, the landscaping cleanups, the flags," Pritchett said. "However, the core of our mission is to promote economic activity downtown."
Board members, business owners, volunteers and elected officials gathered outside the Marietta Main Street office on the first floor of the Armory on Front Street to mark the 10th anniversary of the organization's accreditation by Main Street America and Heritage Ohio as an official Main Street community.
"We could not do what we do downtown in the city without Marietta Main Street," said Mayor Josh Schlicher, citing the work of volunteers to put on entertainment and events.
The city provides some in-kind work but does not have the time or resources to do it all, he said.
Pritchett said the organization and its volunteers work to make sure businesses are thriving and buildings aren't vacant. That comes from planning entertainment and events to draw folks to downtown and Harmar Village, as well as offering strategic planning or assistance in securing historic preservation grants for building and business owners, according to Pritchett and Executive Director Jen Tinkler.
"How do we keep downtown vibrant aesthetically and economically?" Pritchett said.
Marietta Main Street volunteers logged nearly 1,500 volunteer hours in 2022, Tinkler said, planning and preparing for events, making those aesthetic improvements and more.
Marietta resident Vicki Ayers said she appreciates the organization's efforts.
"They support Marietta, and they try different things to bring people into Marietta," she said.
Ayers said she attends most Main Street events and appreciates the First Friday activities, where businesses stay open later.
"You get to know the shop owners," she said. "They (Main Street) bring the outsiders and the locals together so that we can all help support Marietta."
Tinkler said people visiting relatives in Marietta often plan their trips around Main Street events.
Over the last decade, the appearance of the downtown area has improved, she said.
"Some of that is thanks to us, and some of that is thanks to the buy-in from the businesses," she said.
As community relations manager for the Original Pizza Place on Second Street, Pritchett said she's not only worked for Marietta Main Street but seen the impact it makes. Main Street drives traffic to downtown, and if businesses do their part, they can reap the benefits, she said.
"We wouldn't be where we are without the hard work of Marietta Main Street over the past 10 years," Pritchett said.