BUILD UP MARIETTA SPRING SPRUCE UP GRANT NOW LIVE!

We are thrilled to announce another round of Build Up Marietta, a building improvement grant program for the C4 District managed by Marietta Main Street. Our Spring Cycle for Build Up Marietta starts today! 

Our Spring Spruce Up Flash Grant will award up to $5,000 or 50% of project costs to downtown building and business owners for exterior and/or interior building improvements. 

Projects can include: 

Interior improvements, such as lighting fixtures, plumbing/HVAC, flooring, painting/drywall, permanent fixtures, mechanical/electrical, accessibility compliance, and support mechanisms are eligible. 

Exterior improvements such as painting, brick maintenance, new or replacement awnings, lighting, new or replacement signage, & door/window repair, or outdoor dining/seating are eligible. 

Timeline for the 2024 Spring Spruce Up Grant Flash Grant: 

Application Live: Monday, February 12, 2024

Application Deadline: Monday, March 18, 2024

Awards Announced: Friday, March 22, 2024

Project Completion & Final Report Deadline: Friday, September 27, 2024

All funds for the Build Up Marietta program are distributed on a reimbursement-only basis. This program is administered by Marietta Main Street in alignment with our mission to promote, preserve, and enhance downtown Marietta according to the Main Street Approach.  

2024 Flower Basket Campaign

CELEBRATE SOMEONE WHO HAS MADE A DIFFERENCE. SPONSOR A FLOWER BASKET.

Honor someone who has made a difference, whether in your life or the lives of others, with flowers that bloom the whole summer through!

Sponsor a hanging flower basket to be hung on our lamp posts in downtown Marietta and Historic Harmar Village In Honor of or In Memory of someone who has made a difference. Sponsored flower baskets will be accompanied by a prominent gift tag attached to the basket’s lamp post celebrating both the sponsor and the person they have chosen.

Each basket sponsorship is $75 with the option to contribute an additional $25 as a donation to Marietta Main Street in support of our mission to continue revitalizing downtown and doing our part to bring the Marietta community together.

THE DEADLINE TO SPONSOR DOWNTOWN LAMPPOSTS IS Friday, APRIL 26TH.

Important Information

• Flower baskets & gift tags are set to be installed during the week of May 6th.

• Flower baskets will be hung all throughout downtown, including Front, Second, Putnam, Butler, Greene and Harmar Village. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee specific locations for sponsored flower baskets.

• The full list of sponsors will not be announced until after Friday, May 10th. If you are sponsoring a basket In Honor of someone, we invite you to bring them downtown and surprise them by finding their gift tag on a lamp post!

• Flower baskets will be removed the end of September.

• Gift tags will be removed the middle of September.

NEW LEADERS TO JOIN BOARD IN 2024

In January 2024, Marietta Main Street yet again welcomed the largest group of Board of Directors to lead the organization to date; 16 voting board members will join alongside 6 ex-officio community leaders to form a team of 22 qualified, passionate individuals charged with governing Marietta’s 501c3 downtown revitalization organization.

The Marietta Main Street Board of Directors leads the way in supporting eight committees, each housing a series of programs, events, and initiatives vital to the Main Street mission. This leadership is set on the foundation of national accreditation, achieved annually, via Main Street America and Heritage Ohio.

Together, the Main Street Board of Directors works diligently to progress our goals for community and economic development downtown even further. Through collaboration with local stakeholders, a love for Marietta, and an investment of their time, talent, and treasure, the Main Street Board of Directors sets the strategic direction for the organization and our downtown community.

NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Dana Hermann

Business Development Representative, iTech - Technology Solutions

"I am excited to join the Board of Marietta Mainstreet to contribute to the growing efforts to beautify, sustain and preserve this great city that I get to call home.”

“I am humbled by the opportunity to contribute my 10+ years of business, sales, and leadership to the Board of Marietta Mainstreet. I am looking forward to working with the incredible team they have built and to continue their efforts in the economic development of this great city."

Hunter Warsinsky

Placement Coordinator, Building Bridges to Careers (BB2C)

“I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Marietta Main Street's board of directors. This organization’s commitment to fostering community growth and enhancing the local experience resonates with my values and I am eager to help in any way that I can. I decided to join Marietta Main Street’s board of directors because this organization has consistently demonstrated its dedication to enhancing our community through its various programs and projects.”

“I'm deeply honored to join this organization and I am committed to sustaining the positive impact this standout organization has made on our community. I look forward to collaborating with my fellow board members and contributing my best efforts to further its mission.”

Kelsey Lee

Marietta Memorial Health System - Director of Clinical Operations - Primary Care

“I joined the Board of Directors for Marietta Main Street because I believe in the transformative power of community collaboration. I aim to contribute my passion for fostering our local businesses, preserving our cultural heritage, and cultivating a vibrant downtown to create a place where everyone can experience the beauty of Marietta. “

“I am driven by a strong desire to create a positive influence within my local community. I firmly believe that resilient and thriving communities emerge when citizens are actively involved and collaborate towards shared objectives.”

Laura Pytlik

Owner, Wit & Whimzy

"I've been volunteering with Marietta Main Street since I opened my shop in 2016. I truly believe that this organization is important to the vitality and quality of Marietta's downtown community. I'm excited to have a Board position and the opportunity to play a small part in developing programs and policies that will continue to enhance and support the C-4 district"

MAIN STREET ANNOUNCED BOARD OF DIRECTOR AWARDS

Once a year, we take time to uplift and celebrate members of our Board of Directors who lead by example and strive to make downtown Marietta a better place. At our Annual Celebration on October 19th we awarded four board awards.

BOARD MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD - NATE SHAHAN

Nate has been a board member with Marietta Main Street since 2020 and immediately began serving on our Promotions Committee. In 2021 he decided that stepping into more of an executive role was the direction he wanted to go and since January of 2021 he has been the Secretary for Main Street serving on both the Promotions Committee and the Executive Committee. Anytime we need music he steps up and takes care of it. He is quick to volunteer for events and projects. He truly believes in our mission and is always making sure that what we do follows that mission of bringing people together to enhance, enjoy, and preserve downtown Marietta.

Board Member of the Year - Nate Shahan. Pictured: Nate Shanah, Kasandra Pritchett, and Jen Tinkler.

NEW BOARD MEMBER OF THE YEAR - STACEY ADAMS HALL

Stacey is serving their first term on the Main Street Board of Directors. Immediately after joining the board, she stepped up and joined two of our committees. She is active on both the Design and Organization Committee. If volunteers are needed not only will she show up, she brings people with her. She has put in countless volunteer hours at events and projects. She has helped us secure event sponsorships and donations through her hard work and outgoing personality.

New Board Member of the Year - Stacey Adams Hall. Pictured: Stacey Adams Hall, Kasandra Pritchett, and Jen Tinkler

COMMITTEE OF THE YEAR - DESIGN COMMITTEE

For the past few years, the Design Committee has fallen on the shoulders of the Executive Director and the Board of Directors. This year the committee has resurfaced and has taken on several projects. The committee consists of board members, downtown business members and community volunteers. This committee is chaired by board member Kirstin Reed and consists of Aleece Dye, Stacey Hall, Dana Hermann and Brooke Oliver. This year the Design Committee has logged 200 hours doing three beautification projects in downtown Marietta and Historic Harmar Village. They have recruited over 50 volunteers to help with their beautification efforts. Locals and visitors alike have been heard commenting on how beautiful our downtown is and how nice it is to see that people take pride in their downtown.

Community of the Year - Design Committee. Pictured: Kirstin Reed, Aleece Dye, Dana Hermann, Stacey Adams Hall, Kasandra Pritchett, and Jen Tinkler

SPIRIT OF MAIN STREET AWARD - ALEECE DYE

We give this award each year to a Board Member that embodies our values and goes above and beyond to support our mission. This individual has served on our Design, Organization, and Executive committees. They have done it all. Secured sponsorships, raked leaves, planned and executed events. They served a term as Vice President, President, and Past President. Led us through a pandemic and multiple Executive Directors. We are sad that this is their last year on the board and want to say thank you for all you have done for Main Street.

Spirit of Main Street Award - Aleece Dye. Pictured: Kasandra Pritchett, Aleece Dye, and Jen Tinkler

Main Street Announces Community Award Winners

Once a year, we take time to uplift and celebrate area leaders, volunteers, business owners, and property owners who have positively contributed to downtown Marietta. We invite folks from across the Marietta community to nominate individuals, groups, and/or businesses who they feel are worthy of this year's award categories.

The top three nominees in most categories will be celebrated and the award winners will be recognized during our Annual Celebration, our spin on an annual meeting, that was held Thursday, October 19th at the Adelphia Music Hall in downtown Marietta, Ohio.

Below you will find the list of this year’s winners.

BUILDING IMPROVEMENT OF THE YEAR - MARIETTA MAKERY

In 2022, Greta Guimond realized it was time to bring all of her life experiences together. Thus, Marietta Makery was born - a manifestation of her passion for arts, business acumen, and dedication to nurturing others' learning journeys. In 2023, just one year after its inception, Marietta Makery expanded its operations to its current location at 177 Front St., tripling its space. This new space offers an artist gallery that showcases works from established as well as emerging artists. Additionally, the Makery features creative classrooms for art education purposes along with an enjoyable retail section offering art supplies. With boundless possibilities on the horizon, Greta's future is full of exciting prospects.

Building Improvement of the Year - Pictured: Nate Shahan, Greta Guimond, and Jen Tinkler

OUTSTANDING COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR - RIVERS, TRAILS, AND ALES FESTIVAL

The Rivers, Trails and Ales Festival (aka RTA Fest) is a grass-roots outdoor enthusiast festival located in the Appalachian foothills of Southeast Ohio. Highlighting Marietta’s easily-accessible outdoor activities and charming downtown commercial district together in one event-filled package, the RTA Festival is designed to appeal to visitors and locals alike. The RTA Fest is a celebration of our gorgeous natural assets and the community we get to call home. As the first settlement of the Northwest Territory, Marietta is known as the Pioneer City and our festival is nothing short of pioneered—through the dedicated efforts of local businesses, nonprofits, city officials, and volunteers alike, our city welcomes 2,000+ festival-goers to experience why Marietta, Ohio is continually ranked as a Best Small Town in America. Our community cares and this festival is only a success because of the hard work of many, it took 88 unique volunteers and 3,670 hours to plan and execute the 2023 RTA Festival.

Collaboration of the Year - RTA Festival. Pictured: Hallie Taylor, Carissa Koast, Eric Dowler, and Nate Shahan

OVERACHIEVER OF THE YEAR AWARD - JESSE ROUSH

Jesse Roush is the Executive Director of the Southeastern Ohio Port Authority. He holds a bachelor's degree in Marketing from Ohio University and is a candidate in the Master of Science in Project Management program at OU. His career began with a decade in oil and gas operations in the Marcellus and Utica shale regions of Ohio and WV. In 2015, Roush transitioned to economic development, launching the Forest to Furniture Program for a regional development organization. He would then serve as the Executive Director of Workforce Development at Washington State Community College before joining the Port Authority in early 2020. He is a lifelong resident of Washington County, where he resides with his wife Tracie, and their three daughters.

Overachiever of the Year - Jesse Roush. Pictured: Michael Bind, Jesse Roush, and Kasandra Pritchett

COMMUNITY BUILDER OF THE YEAR AWARD - KATIE BURCH

Katie moved to Marietta, Ohio in 2021 with her husband and daughter to help run the family orchard, Hidden Hills Orchard. Upon arrival she quickly jumped feet first into the River City Farmers Market by running for and winning a position on the Farmers Market board. Her work on the board includes reinstating and chairing the Events Committee which organizes such events as the Fall Festival, Christmas at the Market and this year partnered with Marietta Main Street for the Farm Fresh First Friday.

Community Builder of the Year - Katie Burch. Pictured: Michael Bond, Katie Burch, and Jen Tinkler

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR INDIVIDUAL AWARD - DANA HERMANN

Dana, her husband, son, and two pups moved to Marietta in March of this year from Milwaukee, WI. She has loved making Marietta her home and is grateful for the warm welcome they have received. Dana has just transitioned back into the workforce as a part-time Business Development Representative for a local technology company and is enjoying the flexibility to be home with her son. In her free time, she enjoys reading, journaling, cooking, making a home and as of late walking through Marietta and enjoying all the

small businesses, festivals, events and beauty it has to offer. Dana and her family have moved many times over the last 10 years and know that the best way to get engrained in a town is to volunteer your time and help build the community you desire. She hopes to make Marietta their home for a long time to come and looks forward to further volunteering with this great organization.

Volunteer of the Year Individual Award - Dana Hermann. Pictured: Aleece Dye, Dana Hermann, and Jen Tinkler

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR GROUP AWARD - MARIETTA NOON ROTARY

The Rotary Club of Marietta, established in 1921, have been serving the community of Marietta, and beyond, for over 100 years. A few annual service projects you are all probably familiar with include; Scholarships, which have been presented regularly since the club formed, Safety Town, which will celebrate it’s 50 year anniversary in a couple years, Historical Marker signs found all over our community, Literacy projects, helping the food insecure and helping to maintain a safe and beautiful community in which we live. Rotary’s motto is Service above Self, and the Rotary Club of Marietta continues to answer the call to serve; in our community, our nation (when emergency relief is needed) and in our world (contributing financially to help eradicate Polio and provide clean water and power for the poor and disenfranchised). One thing is for certain, when an organization asks the Rotary Club to partner with them in order to do greater good, Rotary never fails to contribute in one way or another. With over 100 members, Rotary has the ability to create impact in our community.

Volunteer of the Year Group Award - Marietta Noon Rotary. Pictured: Jesse Roush, Karissa Porter, Tasha Werry, Aleece Dye, Jen Tinkler, and Heather Allender.

BEST NEIGHBOR AWARD - KEN KUPSCHE

A Chicago native who met his bride while attending RISD (Rhode Island School of Design). I received both Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Industrial Design degrees. Dagmar was an Apparel Designer. She got the first job out of school with The Limited and I followed her to Boston. I took a temporary Job with Woodcraft, which turned out to be a career. Over the years I managed a retail store, worked in product development, oversaw catalog design and production, ran customer service and IT, developed their first website (when the web was gray), was editor of Woodcraft Magazine and retired as VP Catalog Marketing. As my father would say "Chief Cook and Bottle Washer." The Cook's Shop was born out of a need to keep busy during retirement and spend time working with Dagmar.

Best Neighbor Award - Ken Kupsche. Pictured: Ken Kupsche