April 2008 - Vol. 1, Issue 1
(download the pdf version of this newsletter)

Buckeye is an Arizona Main Street Community. The Buckeye Main Street Coalition is the organization established under this program to represent the downtown Buckeye community in all matters relating to revitalization of the downtown area. Its work includes economic development of the area, historic preservation, beautification and business assistance.

The Buckeye Main Street Coalition serves as the voice of the people and businesses of downtown Buckeye in carrying out projects funded from the Town's Revitalization Program, established by ordinance in 1995.

The Coalition is governed by a Board of Directors elected by the membership of the Coalition. Membership is open to any business, individual, institution or organization that supports the objective of creating and maintaining an economically, socially, culturally and historically viable downtown Buckeye.

The Main Street Coalition has four standing committees: Economic Restructuring, Design, Promotion and Organization. Members may, and are encouraged to, serve on one or more of these committees. As the voice for the Main Street community, the Coalition maintains a positive and productive partnership with the Town of Buckeye. Management is provided on a contractual basis by the Town's Economic Development Department.

Responsibilities of the Main Street Coalition

  • Sponsors, in cooperation with other community organizations, the annual Country Fest and Glow on Monroe festivals.
  • The Street Banner program is an ongoing function.
  • Maintains a Main Street website ( www.buckeyemainstreet.org ).
  • Maintains Buckeye's standing as an Arizona Main Street Community. Participation in both State and National Main Street conferences and programs helps keep us informed of programs, tools and ideas that can benefit Buckeye's downtown.
  • Seeks grants to help achieve our revitalization and preservation objectives. Currently administering an Arizona Heritage Fund grant to rehabilitate and preserve the Historic Buckeye Town Hall and Jail building.
  • The Coalition's Economic Restructuring Committee is working with Town of Buckeye officials to update and re-institute the Fast Trac Grant Program. This program makes revitalization funds available to businesses in a designated area of downtown to improve the visual impact of their facilities.

Leadership

Officers of the Coalition for 2008

President - Jay Broadbent, Powers-Leavitt Insurance
President-Elect - David Calvert, Calvert Shell
Secretary - Charlene Powers, Powers-Leavitt Insurance
Treasurer - Alice Dryer, Alice Dryer Insurance Agency

Other Board members are:

Jessica Melton, Hometown True Value Hardware
Tony Youngker, The Youngker Agency
Paul Winslow, Architect, Orcutt/Winslow
Levi Beard, Town Council Liaison

The search has started for a fulltime Main Street Director. Currently the position is being filled by Interim Director John Bowers of the Town of Buckeye Economic Development Department staff. Lori Gary, CEcD, is Director of the Economic Development Department.

Become a Member

Normally a one-year membership (January - December) in the Buckeye Main Street coalition is $50 for a business; $20 for an individual. HOWEVER, BECAUSE WE ARE WELL INTO 2008, MEMBERSHIP FOR THE BALANCE OF THIS YEAR WILL BE $25 FOR BUSINESSES AND $10 FOR INDIVIDUALS. The normal rate will apply in subsequent years. As a member you will be included in the membership roster, receive regular newsletters with information about Main Street activities, and be eligible to serve on Main Street committees and attend Main Street functions. But the most important benefit of Main Street membership is knowing that you are making a contribution to the economic, historical and cultural well-being of Downtown Buckeye, the heart of one of Arizona's most unique communities. For more information, please contact John Bowers at the Town of Buckeye (623) 349-6150.

To join the Coalition, please download the pdf version of the newsletter and follow the instructions.