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ABOUT GCDA
LEADERSHIP
MEMBERSHIP INFO
4-POINT APPROACH
The Grand Central District Association (GCDA) formed and gained designation as both a national and state Main Street community. GCDA has implemented a Main Street Program, and is a Florida Main Street community.
The Florida Main Street Program successfully combines historic preservation and economic development in local revitalization initiatives.
More than 1,500 communities in America have adopted the Main Street Approach which is one of the most powerful economic development tools in the nation.
The
Main Street Four-Point Approach
is a unique preservation-based economic development tool that enables communities to revitalize downtown and neighborhood business districts by leveraging local assets - from historic, cultural, and architectural resources to local enterprises and community pride. It is a comprehensive strategy that addresses the variety of issues and problems that challenge traditional commercial districts.
Mission
The objective of
Grand Central District Association
shall be to promote and maintain a cooperative forum for members to –
Foster a sense of a mixed use community and promote overall economic development of the District.
Promote communication and cooperation between members of the association and other groups as well as act as a business advocate for the District.
Share information and promotions within the organization and with the community.
Act as an advocate for the benefit of members in the District.
Vision
The "Central Avenue Tomorrow Plan" provides a vision for the District and was adopted by St. Petersburg City Council, December, 1999.
The Plan details the revitalization of the Grand Central District and addresses Urban Design, Transportation & Mobility, Streetscape Design, Land Use & Zoning, Architectural Design and Marketing.
About GCDA
Board
ABOUT GCDA
LEADERSHIP
4-POINT APPROACH
MEMBERSHIP INFO
Board of Directors and Committees
The Grand Central District Association has a Board of Directors which consists of a group of persons vested with the management of the business and affairs of this Corporation.
Meet Our 2011-2012 Board of Directors:
President
Andrew Hayes
Hayes |Cumming Architects
Vice-President
Bob Jeffrey
Grand Central Lofts
Secretary
Brian Longstreth
Gay St. Pete, LLC
Treasurer
Mitch Hernandez
Mitch Hernandez Accounting & Tax Services
Directors:
Andro Brkic - Knology
Mona Burrows - ADT Security
Ric Castro - Ric Castro Salon
Kurt Donley - St. Pete Media
Howard Dodge - The While Elephant Antiques
Precious Green - SunTrust Bank
Noemy Gonzalez - Regions Bank
Dave Hollowell - Insurance Underwriters & Associates
Violet Landaverde - Violet's Vanity Boutique
James Laughorn - The Burg Bar & Grill
Jeff Schorr - Craftsman House Gallery & Cafe
Click here for more information about
the four committees.
Interested in becoming involved with one of our committees?
Contact
gcda_grandcentraldistrict.org
for more information.
4-Point Approach
ABOUT GCDA
LEADERSHIP
4-POINT APPROACH
MEMBERSHIP INFO
MAIN STREET'S FOUR POINT APPROACH
The National Trust Main Street Center offers a comprehensive commercial district revitalization strategy that has been widely successful in towns and cities nationwide. Described below are the four points of the Main Street approach (which Main Street Fairmont follows) that work together to build a sustainable and complete community revitalization effort.
Organization
involves getting everyone working toward the same goal and assembling the appropriate human and financial resources to implement a Main Street revitalization program. A governing board and standing committees make up the fundamental organizational structure of the volunteer-driven program. Volunteers are coordinated and supported by a paid program director as well. This structure not only divides the workload and clearly delineates responsibilities, but also builds consensus and cooperation among the various stakeholders.
Promotion
sells a positive image of the commercial district and encourages consumers and investors to live, work, shop, play and invest in the Main Street district. By marketing a district's unique characteristics to residents, investors, business owners, and visitors, an effective promotional strategy forges a positive image through advertising, retail promotional activity, special events, and marketing campaigns carried out by local volunteers. These activities improve consumer and investor confidence in the district and encourage commercial activity and investment in the area.
Design
means getting Main Street into top physical shape. Capitalizing on its best assets — such as historic buildings and pedestrian-oriented streets — is just part of the story. An inviting atmosphere, created through attractive window displays, parking areas, building improvements, street furniture, signs, sidewalks, street lights, and landscaping, conveys a positive visual message about the commercial district and what it has to offer. Design activities also include instilling good maintenance practices in the commercial district, enhancing the physical appearance of the commercial district by rehabilitating historic buildings, encouraging appropriate new construction, developing sensitive design management systems, and long-term planning.
Economic Restructuring
strengthens a community's existing economic assets while expanding and diversifying its economic base. The Main Street program helps sharpen the competitiveness of existing business owners and recruits compatible new businesses and new economic uses to build a commercial district that responds to today's consumers' needs. Converting unused or underused commercial space into economically productive property also helps boost the profitability of the district.
Coincidentally, the four points of the Main Street approach correspond with the four forces of real estate value, which are social, political, physical, and economic.
— - From the National Main Street Center
www.mainstreet.org
Membership
ABOUT GCDA
LEADERSHIP
4-POINT APPROACH
MEMBERSHIP INFO
Membership Application - May 2011.pdf
If you are located outside of Grand Central District boundaries, you can join as an "Affiliate" Member with the same benefits.
Pay Now - GCDA Membership - $100
Pay Now-Affiliate Membership - $150
~
Free
Advertising in GCDA's monthy E-Newsletter, which is sent to over 1200 people
~
Free
Press Releases sent by GCDA to over 90 media contacts
~
Free
Business Workshops and Training
~
Free
link to your website on the GCDA website and promotional posts on the GCDA Facebook page
~ Advertise in the GCDA monthly newsletter,
GC Press
, which is distributed to over 1800 homes in Historic Kenwood and throughout the District
~ Discounted advertising rate in the quarterly
Discover Downtown Guide,
which reaches tourists to Pinellas County, in addition to being distributed throughout the area for residents.
~ Discounted advertising rate for the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, including directory listings (online and touch screen), placement of brochures in the Visitor Center, and referrals to walk-ins and visitors to the Chamber website.
OTHER SERVICE REFERRALS AVAILABLE AFTER BECOMING A MEMBER, including:
~ Affordable health insurance for self-employed, small business owners and families
~ Online coupon and web marketing company
~ Discounted high speed internet service
~ Security system for your home and/or business
St. Petersburg, FL 33713
