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Gibbs gives revitalization tips at MURA meeting
We need to make Martinsville Uptown "unique, memorable, and special". These words were spoken by Raymond Gibbs, new Executive Director of Phoenix Community Development Corporation, at the Martinsville Uptown Revitalization Association's Annual Meeting on July 1, 2010. Mr. Gibbs states that he has "found pride in our community", and he hopes to help it "grow and build from within itself".
Coming from the Greensboro area, Mr. Gibbs brings us 30 years of Downtown development experience. With his background and ambitious, positive attitude, Mr. Gibbs was an excellent motivational speaker at MURA's meeting. He discussed the three R's that are major catalysts in downtown communities-Restaurants, Retail, and Residential. "People like to shop where they live."
He spoke of other needs that can promote downtown areas. Entertainment events, especially those attracting young, single professionals are important. Downtown areas are in constant need of new energy and new ideas. Developing "green spaces" such as parks, and promoting existing natural attractions, are also important. Another key component is to enhance Downtown's physical beauty. We need to make cleanliness, safety and security a community effort.
As MURA knows all too well, these efforts take time and funding. Decisions for our Uptown area need to be made from an investment stand point. The choices that we make need to present a social and financial return. Mr. Gibbs also pointed out the importance of looking ahead and being proactive. In urban ecosystems, all things are dependent on one another, for each action there is a reaction. Therefore in creating a solution for one problem, we need to make sure that we are not creating more problems for the future. He stressed that we need to make sure the priorities that we set for our community are realistic.
Mr. Gibbs' speech reiterates MURA's goals. Through their revitalization efforts, MURA promotes Uptown Martinsville as an economically growing, visitor appealing, resident friendly and aesthetically pleasing community. MURA helps to build a relationship between property owners, business owners, residents, and potential shoppers. For more information on MURA, please visit their website at http://www.martinsvilleuptown.net/.
Other business conducted at MURA's annual meeting, which was held at the Southern Virginia Artisan Center, was the election of new Board of Directors Officers: Tiffani Underwood, President; Dr. Barry Dorsey, Vice President; Wayne Knox, Secretary; and Barry Jarrett, Treasurer. There was also an induction of a new Board of Directors Member, Pam Keiper.
Recognition Awards were presented by Lee Probst, MURA's Executive Director, and Tiffani Underwood, new President Elect. Clarence Monday, on behalf of the City of Martinsville, and Jeff Mansour, on behalf of The Harvest Foundation, received the award for Outstanding Public/Private Investment for the purchase of The Henry Hotel. Andy Parker received the award for Outstanding Private Investment for TheatreWorks Community Players. Kathy Lawson, who was not present, received recognition for her Outstanding Service. Rian Culligan, who also was not present, received recognition for his Outstanding Volunteer Service with MURA. Roger Hornsby received a Recognition Award for his Outstanding Service, Board of Directors 2004-2010 and Treasurer 2007-2010.
For more information contact Lee Probst or Liz Secrest at the Uptown office at 632-5688 email liz@martinsvilleuptown.net or visit the web site at http://www.martinsvilleuptown.net/.
