President's Perspective, Fall 2007: Collaboration Is More Than Intent
It's been a busy spring and summer. In March, at our annual Board of Directors retreat, we kept the essence of our mission statement, but refined it so it would fit on a badge. And, it does: "To preserve, enhance, and promote New London's Historic Waterfront District." Why not stop by our office and pick up your badge?
At the retreat, we also agreed that collaborating with downtown stakeholders should be our number one priority for the year. At the same time, we realized that Main Street has lots of work to do before everyone will want to collaborate with us.
For example, most of the discussion at City Center District's annual meeting focused on an increase in CCD's allocation to Main Street. Our failure to garner the support necessary means that vital funding has been deferred. Lesson learned? We need to do a better job informing merchants, restaurants, and building owners of the value Main Street provides and listening to how we can serve even more effectively.
Collaboration among downtown stakeholders was also our objective in recommending that all stakeholders help to define the ultimate purpose of Sailfest. Such a discussion should be an inclusive process, because the event has such a huge impact—nearly five days—on downtown merchants, restaurants, residents, travelers, police, and other emergency personnel.
Having a continuing, open, and honest dialogue among those most impacted by Sailfest is not opposition—rather, it is an on-going process by which Sailfest can adapt and mature into an event that everyone can embrace, enjoy, and profit from.
Without collaboration, the nearly 200 Main Street volunteers could never create the four festivals, two food strolls, a living history play, the shopping and dining guides, light pole banners, and New London's most viewed website. We have much to be proud of, but we need to focus even more intently on building a solid reputation as a collaborative partner. In closing, New London Main Street continues to seek more people with the perseverance and energy to assist in this commitment. Please give me a call at 501-3658 to discuss how you can help.
