Hobart Main Street Accomplishments
Since the beginning of the Hobart Main Street Program in June, 2002:
Facade Renovations - $43,545
Building Rehabilitations - $888,000
Buildings sold - 21 for $399,333
New Businesses - 27
Gain in Jobs - 40
Public Improvements - $25,214
Total Reinvestment - $1,356,092
Volunteer Hours - 8,291 @ $13.14 = $108,943.79
Co-sponsored the Annual Fall Festival and Indian Powwow in 2002 and, also, in 2003
Hosted Appreciation Reception for Main Street members during Main Street Week in 2002 and 2003
Developed and erected 50' Christmas Tree on Kiowa County Courthouse and held an annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in 2002 and 2003 with activities for children
Held dedication ceremony for new flag pole on courthouse square with Rep. Frank Lucas
Sponsored Town Hall Meeting with more than 150 community citizens
Offered free business advice seminar to business people with Jim Watters, business consultant, Oklahoma Main Street Program
Co-sponsored Leadership Training with OSU Extension
Hobart Main Street Newsletter published quarterly
Held contractor's training session with Todd Scott, Architecture from Oklahoma Main Street
Participated in a Hobart Booth at the Main Street Day at the Capital for the last two years
Received MODA Grant of $8,000 for Storefront Renovations in 2003, and another $10,000 MODA Grant in 2004
Awarded 23 local Storefront Renovations Matching Grants for storefront renovation with 9 being completed and the remainder are in progress. There are 4 other businesses on a waiting list for additional funding
Developed Main Street "In Progress" signs for new businesses
Received Farmers Market Grant from Oklahoma Department of Agriculture - $4,750
Received Wal-Mart Community Improvement Grant in 2003 for $850
First Energy Grant awarded to Bearcat Deli for $10,500 for improvement
Held Tourism Training session led by Jim Buratti of 'Discover Oklahoma'
Organized Jr. Main Street Program with Hobart High School students and provided raining from Matthew Weaver, Oklahoma Main Street office
Held Farmers Market each Saturday during the summers of 2003 & 2004
Many streetscape improvements made during the year
Participated in Downtown Clean-up Campaign
Participated in Watonga Main Street Gold Tournament
Awarded second Energy Grant to Hetherington Specialties for $44,666
Held Resource Team Visit from the National and Oklahoma office of Main Street Program
Held Oklahoma Sales Tax Seminar for businesses for the last two years
Sponsoring the Kiowa County Courthouse Square Lighting Project, 11 lights are needed and funding for 4. Cost of each light and pole is $1750
Community Strengths related to the Hobart Main Street Program from the Resource Team
*Hobart Main Street has outstanding people involved with it's effort
*The Hobart Main Street Board of Directors and committees are hard-working, filled with dedicated workers, eager to do the right thing, and having fun with their projects.
*Hobart Main Street has built some excellent partnerships within the community which are Chamber of Commerce, the City of Hobart, O.S.U. Extension Services, Hobart Economic Development, Hobart Democrat Chief, K.T.J.S Radio, Western Technology Center, Hobart Industries, Hobart Public Schools, and the youth of Hobart.
*Overall, there is a good awareness of the Hobart Main Street Program in the Community
*The Hobart Main Street Program is already doing so many things "right" that we consider it to be a great success already