Main Street News

Main Street Lewisburg Receives $300,000 Grant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Thursday, November 9, 2023


Governor Lee, Commissioner McWhorter Announce Downtown Improvement Grant Recipients


NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter announced today the 17 Tennessee Main Street and Tennessee Downtowns communities that are recipients of Downtown Improvement Grants.


“I congratulate each of the recipients that have been awarded funding through the latest round of Downtown Improvement Grants,” said Gov. Lee. “Tennessee’s downtown districts and main streets are the focal point of our communities, and these grants will help attract new business and promote tourism at the local level.”


More than $4 million in Rural Economic Opportunity funding is being awarded to improve structures in Tennessee Downtowns and Main Street communities. Grants were awarded to organizations that illustrated the need for improvements and the ability to execute an effective design plan for building facades, wayfinding signage, gateways and streetscapes. As part of the program, each new grant recipient will be required to match 25-percent of the funding received.


“Tennessee would not be known for its exceptional quality of life if it weren’t for the leaders

across our state that have chosen to invest in their main streets and downtown districts,” said Commissioner McWhorter. “These 17 communities have a better chance at securing new investment and spurring job creation because of the Downtown Improvement Grants, and we are proud to partner with them in their revitalization efforts.”


Communities receiving Downtown Improvement Grants are:


“We are excited that these 17 communities will benefit from the latest round of Downtown Improvement Grants and look forward to seeing how each city and town uses this opportunity for revitalization to create jobs and investment in their central business districts in the years to come,” said TNECD Main Street Director Nancy Williams.


“We are so grateful to receive this investment in only our first year as a Main Street community,” said Lewisburg Director of Economic Development and Main Street Lewisburg Director, Greg Lowe. “We could not have earned this grant for our downtown businesses without the work of our Lewisburg Grant Administrator Debbie Montgomery, JECDB Director, Emily Darnell, the Main Street Board - Louisa Davis, Roy “Bam” Haislip, Julie Johnson and Courtney McMahon - the Young Professionals of Marshall County, Sarah Elizabeth McLeod of South Central Development District and the business and building owners on the square”


To be eligible for a Downtown Improvement Grant, communities had to submit an application and be a designated Tennessee Downtowns or Tennessee Main Street community. To learn more about the Downtown Improvement Grant Program, visit the website here.

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Like us on Facebook. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.


TNECD Media Contact

Lindsey Tipton

Public Information Officer (615) 339-6608

Lindsey.Tipton@tn.gov

Carnival First Saturday on Oct. 7

Saturday, October 7th is going to be a happening place in Lewisburg! Visit the Lewisburg Lions Club Octoberfest at Rock Creek Park for music, crafts, car show and don't forget the pancakes! Then make plans to Shop Downtown! Main Street Businesses will be having Carnival theme Games and Snacks & Webs Carnival Treats will be set up in the Lot beside McKenzie Law Firm!

Young Professionals Present Pumpkin Trail Oct. 27

That cool snap last week has us excited for all things Fall ESPECIALLY the Young Professionals of Marshall County’s 2023 Pumpkin Trail!

Any business or organization in Marshall County is welcome to participate with just a few guidelines….

You must be open from 4-6 pm

You will need to provide orange balloons to display in front of your business

You must provide your own candy

You have the option to set up on the square if your business is not downtown BUT space is limited and is given on a first-come, first-served basis

The form below must be submitted by October 19th to be included in Pumpkin Trail promos

Follow this link to sign up: https://tally.so/r/npy71b

Marshall Co. Recognized for Main Street at Three Star Designations at Governor's Conference 2023

Lewisburg Economic Development, Marshall County Joint Economic and Community Development Board and Main Street Lewisburg were all recognized at the 2023 Governor's Conference in Chattanooga September 18 & 19. 

At Left (top), JECDB Director Emily Darnell and Lewisburg ECD & Main Street Lewisburg Director Greg Lowe are shown with all the other Main Street Directors across the state of Tennessee.

At left (bottom), JECDB Director Emily Darnell and Lewisburg ECD Director Greg Lowe are shown with TN ECD Southern Middle Regional Director John Hatfield, Business Specialist Scottie Tudor, TCAT Pulaski President Mike Whitehead and VP Wendy Hopper, Three Star State Director Jody Sliger, ECD Commissioner Stuart McWhorter and Gov. Bill Lee. 

MCHS Homecoming on Main

The MCHS Homecoming parade tradition continues in downtown Lewisburg on September 29. The parade will leave MCHS at 12:30 p.m. and follow the traditional parade route along West Commerce Street to the downtown Lewisburg Square. 

This year, several Main Street Lewisburg businesses will be open providing s cool snack before during and after the parade and pep rally that closes the event on the Marshall County Courthouse steps. 

So, come early to the square on September 29 to enjoy some cool snacks, to get in a little shopping and to get ready for the MCHS Tigers Homecoming festivities.

Crowning of the Queen and her recoginition of her court begins at 6:30 p.m. at Preston Hopkins Field followed by kickoff versus Creekwood at 7 p.m.

Go Tigers!!!

Main Street Lewisburg Releases Fall Events Calendar

From the Carnival-themed First Saturday on October 7 to the Window Decorating contest for the Christmas celebrations downtown, there are several great events to bring you and your family to downtown Lewisburg this fall and holiday seasons. 

One of the most successful events, the Young Professionals of Marshall County Pumpkin Trail returns on Oct. 27 followed by a square-wide Open House of small businesses around the square on Nov. 4. Pink Friday, Black Friday and Small Business Saturday are set for the rest of November to ring in the Christmas season with the "It's a Charlie Brown Christmas" Rotary Club Parade, City of Lewisburg Tree Lighting Ceremony and Window Decorations from all the small businesses and other participating agencies around the Lewisburg square. 

Come out this fall and holiday season to support Main Street Lewisburg's suite of small businesses. 

Main Street Lewisburg First Saturday | Carnival Theme Oct. 7

Come check out the unique businesses around the Main Street Lewisburg downtown square on Oct. 7 for the first of the First Saturdays events. Participating businesses will have some neat activities going on and sale events for the whole family. Shop Small - Shop Local - Shop Main Street Lewisburg 

@MarshallCoTN @MarshallHappenings @MarshallCoSch @YPofMC @MCMLIB @MainStreetLewisburg @LewisburgRecCenter @MarCoSmallBusiness #MakeItInMarshall #InvestInMC #ShopMarCo #MainStreetLewisburgTN #mainstreetlewisburg #VisitMarCo #LewisburgTN #ChapelHillTN #CornersvilleTN 

Main Street Lewisburg and Chamber Welcome Southern Sugar Saloon to Lewisburg, TN Downtown Square

The Marshall County Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Lewisburg welcomed Southern Sugar Saloon to its family of downtown businesses on the square in Lewisburg, TN. If you have a sweet tooth, then this is the place for you - and the kids might like it too. Go to www.lewisburgtn.info News or www.lewisburgtnecd.com for more @MarshallCoTN @MarshallHappenings @MarshallCoSch @YPofMC @MCMLIB @MainStreetLewisburg @LewisburgRecCenter @MarCoSmallBusiness #MakeItInMarshall #InvestInMC #ShopMarCo #MainStreetLewisburgTN #VisitMarCo #LewisburgTN #ChapelHillTN #CornersvilleTN 

The Cricket & the Cactus Opens in Main Street Lewisburg

The first of two new businesses in downtown Lewisburg, TN opened when The Cricket and the Cactus Boutique held its grand opening early in June at 112 2nd Ave. North. (see 2nd business opening above - Southern Sugar Saloon). Looking forward to adding a third soon with Crumbs Bakery!

Downtown Improvement Grant Now Open for Main Street District

Attention Building & Business Owners in Downtown Lewisburg

If you are in need of repairing your building to approve its appearance or structural integrity, consider joining the application for the Downtown Improvement Grant.

Main Street Lewisburg, the City of Lewisburg, the Marshall Co. JECDB and the South Central Development District will be assisting in applying for this grant that will pay up to $300,000 total (with 25% match required) for a total project cost of $375,000 for as many buildings in the downtown Main Street District area as possible.

This is a competitive grant so we are seeking information from downtown building/business owners that are interested.

Please use the link buttons below to find out more and to let us know you are interested, your plans for the funding, your ability to pay the local match and estimated cost of your proposed project.

Link to Interest Form

Link to DIG Website

This is for the owners of commercial properties in TN Main Streets, TN Downtowns and other specific communities. It can offer up to $300,000, sometimes $400,000, in assistance with rehab costs, with the match varying from 30% to 70% depending on the county economic tier.  Details below and attached, and we will have an application webinar this Thursday.

 

Downtown Improvement Grants are a different program that we will be launching in a couple of weeks, stay tuned! Both of these downtown redevelopment programs have been fully funded this year and we look forward to a bunch of great improvement projects!



TNECD Requesting Letters of Intent for Tennessee Historic Development Grant 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development announced today that letters of intent are now being requested for the Tennessee Historic Development Grant Program (HDGP).

 

Developed by the Tennessee General Assembly in 2021, the first and second rounds of the program provided $15 million for projects that aim to renovate and preserve the state’s commercial historic buildings. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly approved a third round of this program in April 2023 after overwhelming support and interest. The funds encourage communities and private developers to invest in buildings that have contributed to a community’s history but now sit idle. These buildings can once again contribute to the economy through job creation and commercial opportunities.

               

A letter of intent is required to participate and can be submitted from May 15 to June 23, 2023, to confirm eligibility of the historic property by TNECD and the Tennessee Historical Commission. Applications will be accepted from July 10 to August 25, 2023. This program will be highly competitive, and applications will be scored based on project need, impact, overall plan, financing, feasibility, support and location.

 

Various criteria must be met for a structure to be eligible for a grant. Eligible properties that qualify as certified historic structures are defined here. Additionally, frequently asked questions can also be found on the website.

 

Applicants will be notified of the award later this fall, and contracts are expected to begin within a month of announcing the awards.

 

TNECD will be hosting a webinar for those interested to learn more about the letter of intent and program guidelines. Webinar information can be found below:

 

HDGP Application Webinar

Thursday, May 18, 2023
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. CDT

 

The webinar will be recorded and uploaded to the website for those unable to attend. Additional information about the grant, eligibility and application can be found here.

 

About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development

The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies that help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. To grow and strengthen Tennessee, the department seeks to attract new corporate investment to the state and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Like us on Facebook. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.

 

TNECD Media Contact

Baylee Vrtiska

Communications and Marketing Coordinator

(615) 308-0527

Baylee.Vrtiska@tn.gov



Kendra Raymond Wins "Spot the Leprechaun" Drawing 

CONGRATS to Kendra-Kiki Raymond for winning our Spot the Leprechaun cash & prizes from local Main Street businesses! She & baby J Spotted the Leprechaun at Rockhouse Coffee & Bakery🍀💚 - posted it online and tagged Rockhouse Coffee & Bakery. Kendra was one of almost 30 who entered the contest and won almost $500 in cash & prizes including a free Kids Art Class from the Marshall Co. Art Guild, Tokens from Small Town Board & Games, Gift Certificate from Perfect 10 Salon and Gold Coins from First Horizon Bank. The cash came from donations from all the participating businesses in the downtown Main Street Lewisburg area. 

Be looking for more events, contests and more from Main Street Lewisburg and remember to Shop Local, Shop Small, Shop Main Street Lewisburg!

HUGE THANKS TO THESE PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES!!

BB’s Boutique, Bird in a Bush Boutique, Davis Law Firm, Marshall County Art Guild (MCAG), Accents by Tara, Sassy’s Boutique, Nspire Nutrition of Lewisburg, H & S Pharmacy - Express Rx, East Commerce Automotive, Brandon Brandon & Stewart Law Firm, Lewisburg Industrial & Welding, Inc., Southern Charm Printing, Mane Attractions Salon, A Victorian Melody, Marshall County Community Theatre, Impact Realty of Lewisburg, The Breakfast Shop, Studio 20 SOUTH, The Weathered Farmhouse, All Star Trophy, First Horizon Bank, Napa Auto, Rustic Living Workshop, Small Town Games Lewisburg, TN, CCG Organized Play Hangout, Tattoos by Anthony -Sparrow Tattoo, Parsons Pharmacy, Perfect 10 Salon, Rockhouse Coffee & Bakery, Premier Painting and Lewisburg Jewelry.

Marketing Survey Results Used to Create a Marketing Plan for Main Street Lewisburg

One of the many benefits of being a Main Street community is the free technical services offered by Main Street Tennessee and Main Street America. This first year, the Main Street Lewisburg committee chose the Marketing Plan service where Main Street professionals conducted a local survey, used the information to create a marketing plan and provided a Two-Sheet infographic about Main Street Lewisburg and Downtown Lewisburg to help get the Marketing ball rolling. (See Infographic to the Left)

Thanks to over 230 local residents who filled out the survey for Main Street Lewisburg where their voices were heard - the good, the bad, the ugly and the hopeful.

Main Street Lewisburg directors, board and committee members will use this information to devise a Plan of Action for Main Street Lewisburg with help and guidance from our partners at Main Street Tennessee and Main Street America. Be looking for details coming soon. 

Spot the Leprechaun in Downtown Lewisburg

HAVE YOU SPOTTED THE LEPRECHAUN?

Residents have been asked to visit these businesses (see participating businesses to the left) for a chance to win a pot of gold!! Whenever someone Spots the Leprechaun, takes Selfie, makes post Public on Facebook and Instagram, Tags the Business & uses hashtag #iheartmainstreetlewisburg, they are entered into a drawing for cash award of over $300, a Marshall Co. Art Guild Class Pass and other goodies. 

Special Thanks to all the businesses in the downtown Main Street Lewisburg area that participated and to all the resident who came and shopped locally in downtown Lewisburg for a chance to win a great prize. 

The winner will be drawn on Friday, March 14; and once the winner is notified, we will be posting the winner here on our social media @mainstreetlewisburg (IG) and @mainstreetlewisburgtn (FB).

#mainstreetlewisburg #investinmc


Main Street Lewisburg Wants to Know - Take Downtown Lewisburg Survey

Please take 2 minutes to complete this survey about Downtown Lewisburg! 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BB7556P


The results of the survey will be used to assist in the development of a Marketing Plan for Main Street Lewisburg and the Downtown Lewisburg District - Historic & Commercial. 


Rebecca McKay Wins "Spot the Heart" Gift Basket

The first major campaign of Main Street Lewisburg for 2023 was the "Spot the Heart" campaign for Valentine's Day where downtown businesses donated to the winning gift basket, hid a heart in their stores or window fronts and customers came, shopped, spotted the heart and posted it online with the #IHeartMainStreetLewisburg.

Rebecca McKay was the winner of the Gift Basket drawing and will pick up her prize at Weathered Farmhouse. Be looking for more on the winner and a big Thank You to all the businesses, agencies and people that participated to bring shoppers to downtown Lewisburg for Valentine's Day 2023!

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL THE PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES BELOW!


Celebrating National Entrepreneurship Week 2023

NatlEshipWeek is a congressionally chartered week dedicated to empowering entrepreneurship across the United States. The annual initiative was relaunched in 2017 as NatlEshipWeek to bring together a network of partners from Maui to Miami to educate, engage, and build equitable access to America's Entrepreneurship Ecosystem.  

We are excited to celebrate and uplift entrepreneurship across the United States during #NatlEshipWeek, February 11-18! Entrepreneurs create the bulk of new jobsin communities across the country. #NatlEshipWeek is an annual, grassroots movement celebrating America's Entrepreneurship Ecosystem. We are grateful to be a part of this thriving network! We look forward to celebrating #NatlEshipWeek with organizations across the country, February 11-18! Learn more at www.natleshipweek.org!

https://www.natleshipweek.org/events | https://www.natleshipweek.org/copy-of-events | https://startupspace.app/hub/natleshipweek 

Main Street Lewisburg Thanks Downtown Businesses for Participating in Spot the Heart

Main Street Lewisburg would like to thank all the downtown area businesses that are participating in the innaugural Spot the Heart for Valentine's Day Main Street Lewisburg event. 

Starting Feb. 1 through Feb. 14, shop any participating business or agency in the Main Street Lewisburg downtown district, find the Heart, take a Selfie with it, tag the business in a Facebook/Instagram post with #IHeartMainStreetLewisburg to be entered into a Valentine's Day Gift Basket drawing on Feb. 14 at 12pm. 

For any questions, contact Greg Lowe or Emily Darnell or Courtney McMahon.

Main Street Lewisburg Hosts Meet & Greet

Main Street Lewisburg kicked off its first year with a Meet & Greet on January 27, 2023. The meeting served as an introduction to Main Street Lewisburg, Main Street Tennessee and the national Main Street program. The primary goal of Main Street Lewisburg is to bring focus, attention, events and resources to the downtown commercial and historic district of Lewisburg, TN while creating a network or ecosystem of local downtown businesses, building owners, agencies and organizations. @MarshallCoTN @MarshallHappenings @MarshallCoSch @YPofMC @MCMLIB @MainStreetLewisburgTN @LewisburgRecCenter @MarCoSmallBusiness  #MakeItInMarshall #InvestInMC #ShopMarCo #MainStreetLewisburgTN #VisitMarCo #LewisburgTN #ChapelHillTN #CornersvilleTN 

Spot the Heart this Valentine's with Main Street Lewisburg

If you are a business in the downtown Lewisburg area and would like to participate in this year's Spot the Heart Shop Local | Shop Downtown campaign, please register using this link | https://tally.so/r/n0VqMj

Starting Feb. 1 through Feb. 14, shop any participating business or agency in the Main Street Lewisburg downtown district, find the Heart, take a Selfie with it, tag the business in a Facebook/Instagram post with #IHeartMainStreetLewisburg to be entered into a Valentine's Day Gift Basket drawing on Feb. 14 at 4pm. 

For any questions, contact Greg Lowe or Emily Darnell or Courtney McMahon.

Spot the Heart and Support Local Downtown Area Businesses

Spot the Hearts in Downtown Lewisburg - 2nd Ave to the Square, East & West Commerce to the Square and don't forget to watch out for Non-Retail Businesses & Agencies that will also be participating. A list of participators will be shared shortly. Drawing for the Gift Basket to be held downtown on Feb. 14 at 4pm.

Main Street Lewisburg to Host Meet & Greet on January 27

Are you a Business owner in the Downtown Lewisburg District or close proximity? We are hosting a Meet & Greet on January 27th, 2023 to share info about Main Street Lewisburg. 9:00 -10:00AM.

More details to come!

Second Place | Express RX/H&S Gift Shop

Third Place | Marshall Co. Art Guild

Main Street Window Decorating Contest Winners

First Place | Mane Attractions

Lewisburg Main Street held its first annual Christmas Window Decorating Contest for businesses around the square.  Fifteen businesses entered their windows to compete in the contest.  Mane Attractions took the 1st Place prize followed by Express Rx/H&S Gift Shop in 2nd place and Marshall County Art Guild in 3rd place.  Thank you to Impact Realty for sponsoring this competition, to the judges and to everyone that participant! 

Main Street Window Decorating Contest Sponsored by Impact Realty of Lewisburg

GUESS WHAT?!?!

Main Street Lewisburg is having a Christmas Window Decorating contest this year Please read the Rules below for all the details. Judging will begin at 10AM on December 16th. 

If you’re a downtown business or in close proximity, put it on your calendar & start making plans!! You get bragging rights, a ribbon for 1st, 2nd or 3rd place and everyone gets social media recognition

**Thanks to our event sponsor Impact Realty of Lewisburg!

Contact emily.darnell@marshallcountytn.com to sign up or for more details.

#mainstreetlewisburgtn #investinmc #mainstreettennessee #community #OurNeighborhood #lewisburgtn