Thompson Falls chamber meeting introduces Main Street Program

THOMPSON FALLS – The Thompson Falls Chamber of Commerce meeting was packed full of attendants all interested in the town’s involvement in the Montana Main Street Program.

Tash Wisemiller, state coordinator for the program, was on hand to give those in attendance background information on the project, while also offering an opportunity for the group to create a committee and discuss their goals with the program.

“I know that most of you are aware that Thompson Falls has been accepted as an affiliate member for the Montana Main Street program and it’s a state program that is interested in giving new life to our downtowns and main streets,” Thompson Falls Mayor Carla Parks said.

The Montana Main Street Program has a tier membership, with affiliate membership being the lowest of the three. Overall, the program has 24 member communities statewide.

Wisemiller explained the program provides technical assistance on issues related to downtown revitalization, economic development, tourism development and historic preservation.

“I’m working with upwards of 70 communities, but as a member community you benefit more directly from our technical assistance and program resources,” Wisemiller explained.

The program encourages and supports finding projects that emphasize organization, promotion, design and economic development, Wisemiller said.

A resource library with hundreds of books and articles on downtown revitalization, branding for communities and design work on some businesses is one resource the program offers Thompson Falls. The idea is to work smarter rather than harder, utilizing a large network used for sharing ideas and innovative approaches to projects.

Competitive grant funding for revitalization programs is also offered.

In order for the program to be successful, Wisemiller explained that volunteers need to collaborate with the department, board of directors, committees and elective officials and municipal staff of the town, something that is already happening within Thompson Falls.

He suggested the town look at their representation online and along highways to help bring people into the community.

According to information presented by Wisemiller, a survey or snapshot of tourists, showed that 71 percent of groups are all repeat visitors, showing a large amount of returning clientele coming through the area. Ninety-two percent of those surveyed stated they planned to return within two years – something the town could capitalize off of.

After sharing numerous success stories in White Sulphur Springs, Great Falls and Terry, Wisemiller explained that the first step should be to create a planning document that will be implemented over time.

The document would be a plan the town would follow in order to achieve their goals, whether that be the restoration of buildings or using tourism as a driving force.

“We are here to help,” Wisemiller said. “We want to see great things out of your community and we want to be that resource for you.”

Once his presentation was over, a few members stayed behind to discuss coming up with a committee, diving deeper into their hopes for the program.

Parks stated the city would be going out for a planning grant for the downtown area, which will focus on renovations, signage and possible branding.