Program Development
The program development committee helps establish cooperation among the various groups that have a stake in the East End. By getting everyone working toward the same goal, the committee and program director provide effective, ongoing management and advocacy for the East End business district. Through volunteer recruitment and collaboration with partners representing a broad cross section of the community, the program development committee can incorporate a wide range of perspectives into its efforts. The program development committee recommends the creation of all new events to the Board of Advisors and leads the Friends of the East End membership push.
Major projects of this organization include:
- Friends of East End
- Volunteer recruitment
- Grant seeking and writing
Economic Development
Economic Development strengthens your community’s existing economic assets while diversifying its economic base. This is accomplished by retaining and expanding successful businesses to provide a balanced commercial mix, sharpening the competitiveness and merchandising skills of business owners, and attracting new businesses that the market can support. Converting unused or underused commercial space into economically productive property also helps boost the profitability of the district. The goal is to build a commercial district that responds to the needs of today’s consumers.
Major projects of the Business Recruitment & Improvement Committee include:
- Charleston East End – Your Business Address (Business Recruitment guide
- Grand Openings
- Business retention
- Market analysis data collection and distribution
Marketing and Promotions
Marketing and Promotions takes many forms, but the goal is to create a positive image that will rekindle community pride and improve consumer and investor confidence in your commercial district. Advertising, retail promotions, special events, and marketing campaigns help sell the image and promise of East End to the community and surrounding region. Promotions communicate your commercial district’s unique characteristics, business establishments, and activities to shoppers, investors, potential business and property owners, and visitors.
Major projects and initiatives of the Promotions & Marketing Committee include:
- East End Yard Sale
- East End Garden Showcase
- East End St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl
- Assist with the planning of HallowEast
Urban Design
Urban Design means getting Main Street into top physical shape and creating a safe, inviting environment for shoppers, workers, and visitors. It takes advantage of the visual opportunities inherent in a commercial district by directing attention to all of its physical elements: public and private buildings, storefronts, signs, public spaces, parking areas, street furniture, public art, landscaping, merchandising, window displays, and promotional materials. An appealing atmosphere, created through attention to all of these visual elements, conveys a positive 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 district’s physical appearance through the rehabilitation of historic buildings, encouraging appropriate new construction, developing sensitive design management systems, educating business and property owners about design quality, and long-term planning.
Major projects and initiatives of the Urban Design Committee include: