Despite the rain, it was a packed house at Puckett's Grocery and Restaurant on the historic town square for the 32nd Annual Main Street Murfreesboro meeting and luncheon.
Main Street Executive Director Kathleen Herzog welcomed members and called Reverend Polk Van Zandt of St. Paul's Episcopal Church to give the invocation. Then 2017 Chair Brian Robertson introduced visiting government officials and shared highlights of the past year.
Robertson noted there were two vacancies on the board, one for the late Doug Young, who passed away in December, and another for David LaRoche, who had to resign due to other commitments. He presented the names of two candidates interviewed by the nominating committee. After discussion, Key United Methodist Church Pastor Keith Caldwell and Regan-Smith Executive Vice President Randy Caldwell received unanimous approval.
2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
| Matthew Blomeley | Murfreesboro City Government |
| Dallas Caudle | Financial Institution |
| Rev. Keith Caldwell | At-Large Member |
| Randy Caldwell | Downtown Business Owner |
| Brian Robertson | Rutherford County Government |
| Chantho Sourinho | Rutherford County Government |
| Tab Talbott | Chamber of Commerce |
| Mary Beth Wilson | At-Large Member |
2017 Executive Committee
| Chair | Brian Kidd |
| Vice Chair | Chantho Sourinho |
| Treasurer | Sean Gilliland |
| Secretary | Gloria Bonner |
| Past Chair | Brian Robertson |
2016 YEAR IN REVIEW
A growth year for the historic downtown district with the City of Murfreesboro investing $2.5-million along with kicking off a major expansion of the business district with the "Historic Bottoms" and "Highland Avenue" studies. Rutherford County government invested $22-million with a new Judicial Center, presently under construction, and an adjacent multi-level parking garage.
Main Street Murfreesboro's Executive Director Kathleen Herzog was named Murfreesboro Magazine's WOMEN IN BUSINESS award winner.
1,639 volunteer hours were provided in 2016, while 3,122 visitors came to the Heritage Center.
Main Street Murfreesboro's ledger stayed in the black with $66,250 in support from the public along with $185,449 from the private sector. That represents a total of $251,699. Total expenses the previous year were $222,276. Main Street's year closed $24,423 in the black.
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
The popular restaurant, Marina's On The Square, received the downtown business of the year award. Restaurant Owner Doug Duross came forward an accepted the honor.
DESIGN AWARD
Farrar and Wright, attorneys and advisers, renovated their historic building at 122 North Church Street. This garnered the firm MAIN STREET'S "Design Award" that was received by Amy Farrar and Sonya Smith Wright.
DOUG YOUNG SPECIAL REMEMBRANCE
City Councilman and downtown business owner Bill Shacklett shared memories about his lifelong friend Doug Young. Vice Mayor Young was also serving on the 2016 Main Street board, along with operating City Tile and Floor Covering, his family business, when he succumbed to cancer on December 18, 2016.
Main Street created the DOUG YOUNG LEADERSHIP AWARD to honor individuals who go well beyond the extra mile to improve our community. It was felt that the first of this annual recognition should go to its namesake--Doug Young. Doug's wife, Susan, accepted the honor on behalf of her husband.
Incoming chair Brian Kidd came forward and thanked Brian Robertson for his service as chairman during 2016.
