"If larger chain stores are always "lowering prices every day",
how come nothing is for free yet?"
–Anonymous

MISSION STATEMENT

"Enhance downtown business environment and livability in Winchester"

PLAN:

Who are we:

The Downtown Professionals and Merchants Committee is an action-oriented committee that focuses on the revitalization of Downtown Winchester in order to accomplish economic health and civic pride in the community.
Our Plan

Who are we now?

The downtown area is plagued with abandoned and rundown buildings. There is a lack of diversification in the types of businesses in the area/ Limited parking has been the main excuse used by potential business to the area. Downtown Winchester leaves a lot to be desired in the areas of beatification landscaping and lighting.

Where do we want to be?

We want downtown Winchester to be attractive and pleasing to the eyes of local citizens as well as potential tourists. We want it to be pedestrian friendly in order to promote a high level of contact with consumers of goods and services. We would like to have zoning that would allow all space to be used in a productive matter. We want downtown Winchester to be a place that everyone wants to come. In turn that will provide a brighter economic future.

How do we plan to get there?

By incorporating four essential elements:

1) Design: By improving the downtown area’s image by enhancing its physical appearance – not just the appearance of buildings, but also that of streetlights, window displays, parking areas, signs, sidewalk, promotional materials and all other elements that convey a visual message about downtown and what it has to offer.
2) Organizations: Means building consensus and cooperation among the groups that play roles in downtown. Bankers, property owners. City and county officials, merchants, professionals, chamber of commerce representatives, local industries, civic groups, schools, real estate agents, consumers and local media.
3) Promotion: Involves marketing the downtown district unique characteristics to shoppers, investors, new businesses, tourist and others. Effective promotion creates a positive image of downtown through retail promotional activity, special events and ongoing programs to build positive perceptions of the area.
4) Economic Restructuring: Means strengthening the existing economic base of the commercial district while diversifying it. Economic restructuring activities include helping existing downtown businesses expand, recruiting new business to provide a balance mix, converting unused space into productive property and sharpening the competitiveness of downtown merchants.

Why we feel this plan will be effective.

• Create better access, public improvements and building maintenance (design).
• Target the most appropriate markets for promoting the downtown and the foods and services it offers (promotion).
• Strengthen existing businesses while recruiting new one (economic restructuring).
• Bring together the groups necessary to make change happen (organization).
• Capitalize on the unique assets that create a scarce commodity.