BRISTOL, Va. – Sounds of live music and meandering crowds echoed from State Street on Friday evening, rising past the third-floor balcony adjacent to the Cameo Theatre.
The steadily growing crowds, musicians and people playing games was part of Believe In Bristol’s “Border Bash...It’s Great on State” downtown concert series. On the rooftop, officials of the downtown nonprofit agency entertained local banking executives who have contributed a combined $74,000 to the program.
“The past four years have been incredible,” board Chairwoman Vicie Dotson said. “For every dollar you have invested in Believe In Bristol, the return has been $67.56. That is phenomenal and has allowed us to make Bristol more visible to the region, the two states and the nation.”
Believe In Bristol is a group of business owners and community leaders who wanted to encourage commercial development and attract people back to downtown to live, work and play. To further that goal, they re-established the Main Street program.
Soliciting help from local banks – many with State Street branch offices – was a top priority when the organization was chartered, Believe in Bristol past-President Jean Burnette said.
“One of the first things we did was talk with the banks,” Burnette said. “Many of them came on board for $3,000 a year – some less, some more. But the banks have been vitally important to what we’re doing.”
Marjorie Tester, a financial services representative from First Tennessee Bank, said they fully support the program.
“It’s definitely important what they do in the economic development of downtown and both Bristols as a whole. This is a very good marketing tool for our community,” Tester said.
The group appeals to visitors, shoppers, property owners and prospective new businesses, Tester said.
Asked if she expects First Tennessee will continue to support Believe in Bristol financially, Tester said “definitely.”
“They know what to do with the money to make the most effective use of it,” Tester said.
During the past four years, First Tennessee, TruPoint and Wachovia banks have each contributed $10,000 to Main Street programming.
Others sponsoring banks include BB&T, GreenBank, First Bank and Trust, Citizens, Highlands Union, Bank of Tennessee, Regions and TriSummit banks.
Since being established, the nonprofit organization has assisted 26 current businesses to establish themselves in the city’s once dormant commercial center, she said. Those firms’ cumulative investment exceeds $5 million.
Christina Blevins, executive director of the Main Street program, said organizers hope the community will continue its support despite uncertain economic times.
“I’m very concerned – not just for us but for all nonprofits because we do so much for the community, but people sometimes forget that when times get tough, Blevins said. “We can be the first thing they cut out, but those are the times we’re needed the most to help stimulate the economy.”
dmcgee@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2532
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