McComb Main Street Association (MMSA)
In the late 1980's, McComb Main Street Association was formed
and affiliated with the Mississippi Main Street Association as a Designated Community.
We later lost the Designated Community status and are currently affiliated as a Network Community. In the 1960’s and 1970’s, thousands of Downtowns were dying as businesses moved to strip centers and malls. The National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP)studied what could be done to revitalize Downtowns, and found that a town that maintains its historic core is a town that has pride in itself. That pride is usually a magnet for businesses looking for a place to invest and for customers looking for a uniquely pleasant place to shop, dine, or reside.
Consequently, the NTHP developed a very common-sense, low-cost, self-help, four-step approach to downtown revitalization:
Economic Vitality: Build a diverse economic base, catalyze smart new investment, and cultivate strong new entrepreneurship.
Design: Preserve and celebrate the historic character, create an inviting atmosphere, foster accessible people-centered public spaces.
Promotion: Market the district’s unique historic character and ambience; communicate its distinct defining features; coordinate the sales, marketing, and event activities of downtown merchants; and support a buy-local experience.
Organization: Build leadership and strong organizational capacity through broad community engagement and partnerships across sectors.
Nationwide efforts to take back Main Street were put in motion, but there was a desperate need for expertise and support. The need was soon filled by the NTHP. In 1980, after three years of pilot studies, the NTHP established the National Main Street Center to provide the support and encourage the revitalization of Main Street based on historic preservation and sound business practices. To date, 46 states and more than 1,600 communities participate in the Main Street Program nationwide.
Inasmuch as possible, McComb Main Street Association (MMSA) will follow the four-step approach above to aid Pike County, the City of McComb, and Property/Business Owners in the revitalization of the Downtown District and surrounding areas, where applicable.
Strides we have made to date:
1. Progressed the process towards Designated Community status with the state of Mississippi’s Main Street Association.
2. Formed a diverse Board of Directors who are strong in their respective fields, talented, experienced, and passionate.
3. Purchased a property in the Downtown District which will serve as our home office.
4. Improved street lighting in two major areas in the Downtown District.
Come join us
Our goal is to breathe new life into the McComb Downtown District by engaging the community and utilizing resources to support sustainable improvement efforts.
Events
Please view the calendar to see upcoming events in McComb, MS. If you would like to publicize your McComb, MS event on our website, please contact us.
Our corporate partners
