“ And we ’ ll have some grants coming up for those design projects for business owners to apply for and they can spruce up the front of their building or whatever the case ,” he said .
As for the organization tenet , Schanrock said Meridian Main Street ’ s role would be working with the artists and event sponsors who are already active in downtown . His main goal would be in assisting to schedule events to avoid too much crossover and provide that additional boost that will take festivals to the next level .
Under the economic vitality heading , Schanrock said he envisioned a go-to guide for both new business owners and experienced investors to understand what Meridian has to offer and how to get started bringing their industry to town .
“ If you want to open up a shop in downtown , you want to know , one , what ’ s available and two , how to get started ,” he said . “ I want to be a resource for that .”
Whether it is a historic building in need of repair or a fully restored storefront , Schanrock said he wants to be able to connect potential business owners to the resources they need to thrive in Meridian .
Finally , on the promotion front , Schanrock said his experience in sales gets put to work . After more than a decade in sales in the wireless industry before joining Meridian Main Street , he said promoting downtown is definitely up his alley .
Part of promoting downtown , Schanrock said , is dispelling rumors unsupported by facts .
“ A lot of people think stuff happens downtown that just doesn ’ t happen ,” he said .
Schanrock wants to utilize social media , television , radio , newspapers , websites and more to publicize the events , festivals , shopping experiences and more that do go on downtown .
“ That ’ s the short version of my goal this year ,” he said .
With the $ 4 million revitalization of Sela Ward Parkway nearing completion , Schanrock said he will be highlighting the walkability of Meridian ’ s downtown . With the addition of new sidewalks , especially across the 22nd Avenue bridge , people will be able to easily walk from the Mississippi Children ’ s Museum to Starbucks in the Threefoot Hotel .
“ I ’ m trying to get people used to walking around downtown ,” he said . “ It ’ s a new concept for Meridian .”
In the three months since he ’ s been on the job , Schanrock said he has received a lot of support from downtown business owners . They see the potential Meridian Main Street has to bring grant opportunities , marketing and more to their area and make the downtown revitalization even stronger .
Schanrock encourages residents who may not have been downtown lately to challenge their perceptions and come downtown for an evening out or a meal .
“ Walk to the retail shops , walk to the restaurants ,” he said . “ You ’ ll be highly surprised if you haven ’ t been downtown in a couple years .”
The city ’ s downtown revitalization is strong and ongoing , and Schanrock looks forward to making it even better through Meridian Main Street .
Photo by Christian Knox 6 • MERIDIAN LIFE