Digesting My CDA Notes ~ Highlights…

Our conversations over the past couple days reflecting on the first general membership meeting of the new Centralia Downtown Association have us more motivated than ever about our decision to invest in the heart and soul of Centralia – the historic Hub City core.  Let me preface my thoughts by first saying that it is our style to often elect to perceive things in a wider broader big picture manner as opposed to being overly judgmental, nit-picky and critical in most cases.  For us, it is often the bigger vision that leads the way and less influence is given to the small details which can some times hinder or cloud the bigger vision that is staring us in the face.  With that said, getting directly to the point, our impression of the CDA is not focused on who forgot to introduce who, who is or is not a public speaker, who did/did not dress the part, who followed or broke protocol…  Our focus is and will remain in a positive manner on the features and benefits of how the CDA organization as a functioning body can further the cause of all who depend on the economic success and community vitality of the Hub City historic district.

It was obvious that those who were in attendance on Wednesday night were enthusiastically desiring to learn more about the features and benefits of the CDA, in addition to learning more about the National Main Street program benefits.  This is such an exciting time to be a part of the evolution that is in progress with the CDA bringing a new vehicle to partner with one another for greater success.  In no particular order, here are some of the bullet points I outlined in my notes from the presentation:

• The successful formation of the CDA will establish ONE distinctive voice for all CDA members.  The banding together as “one voice” will have a greater impact through which we can resolve challenges and instigate progress. The CDA will serve as a liaison to the City of Centralia representing the Hub City historic district specifically.
• The CDA will be separate and apart from the Centralia/Chehalis Chamber of Commerce and Centralia City Council in that the CDA organization will directly represent the cause and concerns of the issues specific and exclusive to the historic Hub City downtown core.
• The numerous attempts at founding an organization like the CDA that have been unsuccessful in the past have laid the groundwork for the progress being accomplished in this current CDA effort.  Every effort has contributed to the evolution of the downtown and is recognized for having made such contributions.
• The lifeblood of the CDA is comprised of the membership body.  The organization’s sole and present focus is the direct economic benefit of the vitality and success of those members.  The CDA is an “all about YOU” grassroots movement.
• The CDA is a means by which the image of downtown can be dramatically improved and negative attitudes can be thwarted.
• The CDA is a means by which significant community resources can be leveraged for the greater good of the downtown area.
• The CDA will be a means by which power will be managed by the CDA membership body.  The CDA will be self governing and supporting.  The unification of all community members involved with the downtown area have the opportunity to function separately and independently without interference from local government, political affiliation or outside association involvement with the exception of the National Historic Trust should we elect to formally apply to be recognized with a National Main Street designation.
• The formation of the CDA is a self funded effort.  The financial participation and contribution of the membership core will facilitate its functioning.  There is a possibility of some local government funding and that will be determined after the CDA is formally established and functional.
• The CDA enables us to tap into approximately $150,000 in B&O tax base currently available through the City of Centralia to promote the downtown core to areas outside the immediate radius of the city.  This promotional activity can include, but is not limited to newsprint, internet, radio, TV, magazine, signage, etc… 
• The CDA will be a vehicle in which the organization participants can establish a long range development strategy for marketing the Hub City downtown as an independent destination effectively. 
• The formation of the CDA and subsequent adoption of the National Main Street designation will open the opportunity to write for several million dollars worth of federal, state and private grant money to be used for the greater good of the historic district annually.  The formation of the CDA and NMSP designation will allow the hiring of a professional grant writer to pursue all available financial support.
• The CDA’s formal adoption of the National Main Street Program designation will allow the CDA to fully engage and utilize the NMSP network of support to form tangible partnerships with both federal and state support agencies to assist in the process of fully implementing the program.
• The NMSP is a tried and proven plan that over 6,800 economically challenged communities have adopted to revive, revitalize and restore their historic downtown sectors since 1949.  This program is administered by the National Historic Preservation Trust and is funded by the federal government. 
• The NMSP has a comprehensive plan of step by step tasks in a workable format that when followed create success.  The NMSP has 4 founding guidelines and 8 guiding principles in which the program revolves.  The resources for every committee, evaluation, task, program, objective, guideline, etc… is already included in the NMSP framework - - all that the CDA has to do is adopt the program, become a designated NMSP and implement the objectives set forth in the program.
• The success of the CDA is solely dependent on the participation and commitment of the membership.  The CDA is providing an opportunity for the downtown business owners, investors, property owners and community members to take full responsibility for the success of the downtown historic core.  The CDA represents total empowerment to the people.  The success of the CDA and the NMSP will be solely determined by the membership.

Until January 1, 2008, membership in the CDA is free.  At that time there will be an opportunity to purchase and ‘official’ membership in the CDA organization.  Dues have not yet been determined.

 

In our opinion the CDA represents an opportunity to place the power in the hands of the people of the downtown core.  By forming this independent unified force, strategic alliances can be formed with neighboring organizations to partner for greater success.  The success of the downtown area will be solely held with the people of the organization. The Hub City historic district needs the benefit of all that the CDA and the National Main Street Program can offer.  Right now is the right time. 

The CDA is a grassroots movement.  It is a ‘tell your neighbors and tell your friends’ type of membership campaign.  Really understanding the membership benefits and the benefits if the NMSP are essential to gaining continued momentum.  Involvement, committee participation and dedication by the membership will be critical to the future success of the organization as a whole. 

We are grateful to the Centralia City Council for their funding and appointment of Interim Executive Director, Dan Henderson, (who we believe is the right man for the job! :-), Economic Development Director, Polo Enriquez, for his partnering and dedication to helping the CDA movement and working to properly facilitate the organization, the current board who is taking on the task of being in service to each new member of the CDA - - we Thank You for all your hard work!  This is an awesome time to be a participant in the evolutionary maturity of Historic Centralia – better known on this blog as the next PNW Super STAR BOOMTOWN!