Welcome to

A place where local entrepreneursthrive and contribute

Where businesses invest in their storesand storefronts…

Where residents and visitors come to share a meal

…to celebrate the arts

…to stroll the streets and shop

…to gather together

And the constant driving force behind such a remarkabledowntown is…

How does the

do this?

It’s at the heart of our mission statement

Our mission is to improve the quality of life of Brevard, by strengthening the

downtown as a center of the community

through… organization, promotion, design, and

economic restructuring.

Through the past 23 years, the Heart of Brevard has been the driving force behind growth and change and can take much credit for ourdowntown of today. 

-Susan Threlkel

Historic Timeline: 1989 meetings began 80 business and property owners

attended meetings September 1990, 72% of the district’s

property owners, signed petitions of support for a municipal service district tax (self-tax)

Presented the petitions and proposal to establish the Heart of Brevard to the City Council and public hearing was set

October 1990, City Council approved the proposal and HOB became an organization

Where We Have Been

1989-90: The business community came forward with interim financing until the tax money became available

1993: Heart of Brevard organization becomes a Main Street City

With 13 empty storefronts, and mostly empty second story spaces, economic restructuring takes center stage.

1994 & 1995: 12 new retail businesses open in the HOB district

1996: Downtown Master Plan Task Force is established

1997: Focus 2020 is established (The City’s comprehensive planning process that would incorporate these recommendations)

1996: The gazebo is built in collaboration with the County

Where We Have Been

The HOB/Downtown is important because it's

vibrant, offering something for

everyone.

- Jim Rowe

1997: HOB Economic Restructuring Committee focuses on second story revitalization

1998-2003: Major renovation projects on the second floor levels are completed in the district

1998: from Focus 2020, Downtown Master Plan Committee is re-established

2000: City Council adopts the Downtown Master Plan

2002-03: Fundraising project to purchase street lights, benches, trash receptacles (cooperative effort of HOB and DTMPC)

2002-03: DTMP demonstration block is completed

Where We Have Been

A vibrant downtown is key to the economic success of any community.  

Organizations like HOB are the synergy behind this success.

– Billy Higgins, First Citizens Bank

2003: West Main Street (City Council Block) redesigned, renovated

Sidewalks rebuilt with brick pavers Old Fire Department redesigned

• 2004: Hollingsworth Building completed 2004: Water Oaks exterior renovated 2005: Micah Ansley purchases Rick Byrd’s

Furniture Store. Completely renovated space

2005-2009: Jordan Street Retail Revitalization:

Bluewood Gallery Ginger M. Salon Moose Tracks

Where We Have Been

2006-07: Aethelwold Hotel 3rd story rebuilt by current owner, Tim Hall

2006: Times Arcade Alley: major revitalization. The Square Root Restaurant

Downtown Chocolates Kiwi Gelato public art and a true pedestrian path way is recreated

2008: Chamber of Commerce relocates and renovates the South Trust Bank building

2008: 54 W. Main Street building renovated. Brown Bean Roost Upstairs condominium

2004-2013: Sculpture Project, 19 public art pieces

Where We Have Been

In the past 18 years the Proper Pot has expanded from 900 sq. ft. to almost 5,000.

This expansion would have been impossible without the hard work and dedication of the HOB membership and staff.

– Beth and Larry Canady The Proper Pot

The old Plummer’s Department Store Building

(The Proper Pot today)

Where We Have Been

The old Patterson Building Main and Broad Streets (Keller Williams office

space/Apartments over Diamond Rush today)

Where We Have Been

The old Chamber of Commerce (Platt Architects upstairs office expansion)

Where We Have Been

Aethelwold HotelWhere We Have Been

Improvement SummaryHeart of Brevard Municipal Tax District

Improvement Summary 65 Facades redone 80 Building renovations 415 Jobs created 109 New Businesses 25 Business Expansions $2,540,000 in New PUBLIC Investment $17,042,000 in PRIVATE Investment 2011- 2012 5,600 Volunteer hours contributed to HOB –

$100,000. Value in volunteer hours at $18/hour, a rate established by the state of North Carolina

2012 Accredited as MSP. 24/60 accredited

I can't imagine our downtown existing without HOB.  

It’s organization that cares about our existing businesses, works to bring new businesses and produces festivals thatgenerate necessary foot traffic.  

Three cheers to HOB.Thank you for helping my business over the last 20 years.

- Donna E. Stout White Squirrel Shoppe

Where We Are NowHeart of Brevard has been in an intensive 8 month self- evaluation and transition phase. What has this revealed?• We have rediscovered our roots

as a Main Street Program. The Main Street Program’s 4 point approach is the path and plan that gives us the ability to be more effective, efficient, and innovative

• We’re seeing more volunteers, more people getting involved, and the community coming together

Where We Are Now• We must re-evaluate our

festivals and events• We must focus more on

education • We must focus on our

marketing• We must continue collecting

business stats and data• Begin the search for an

Executive Director

Where We Are NowOrganization and education of MSP program & opportunities:• Main Street Conference• Liz Parham, Exec. Director of NC

Main St Program in Brevard this month to continue education process and to lead a series of meetings to determine economic drivers and revise HOB mission statement, creating a community based vision for action

• Forming committees and organizing volunteers, building new and strengthening existing partnerships

In the past 20 years no organization has had more powerful economic impact than the Heart of Brevard.

This “home grown” membership has been directly responsible for creating a business climate that has seen double-digit property valuations increase through investment and improvement appreciation, increased sales tax revenues for the City of Brevard. It’s investment and commerce that benefits every resident of Brevard. – Jimmy Harris, Harris Hardware

Where We Are NowFestivals and Marketing:• Economic development focus

on festivals• Development of methods to

quantify and evaluate the impact of festivals

• Evaluating opportunities to expand sponsorships regionally and nationally

Our economy depends upon tourism and

the active role the HOB plays in

festivals, beautification

and promotion is why our downtown

is thriving and why it made it through

the recession. - Ann DerGara

Where We Are NowThe value of downtown festivals: Strengthens economic development Generates foot-traffic in the downtown area

and in the county Generates spending during the events and

in the days and months that follow by return visits

Attracts visitors that would otherwise not come to Brevard and Transylvania County

Builds community development and economic partnerships; builds liaisons for community good

Builds a sense of community; creates sense of place; and strengthens community spirit, ownership, buy-in and pride

Supports our community vision initiatives

Where We Are NowFestivals by the numbers:• $1,091,000 in spending during 4

festivals in 2012, generating over $22,000 in sales tax

• $590,000 in spending from attendees who live outside Transylvania County

• We have committed $10,000 additional to WSF budget for 2013 which is expected to increase attendance by 5,000. WSF attendees spend an average of $30 each

• $10,000 in additional funding results in a $150,000 increase in spending

I love being part of downtown Brevard. Heart of Brevard is one of the main reasons for that.

I think of downtown as the "grand entrance" to our entire area ~ it is how we present our downtown that makes us memorable to visitors & what makes our town such an awesome place to call home.

- Nita Hunt, Pure Pets

Where We Are NowOther Marketing Initiatives

• Review advertising and public relations strategies to promote

downtown Brevard and its members

• Partner with other community partners to further marketing efforts (the Chamber, TDA)

Where We Are NowBusiness stats and data collection• Conducting survey to create

building and business inventory• Data collection – vacancy rates,

sales tax, average rents• Work to create ESRI report-

valued at $30,000• Provide data to support

targeted, effective recruitment • Fills vacant spaces with viable

businesses• Stimulate economic

development

My family is passionate about the

Heart of Brevard and its continued

vitality.

HOB’s pulse is lively and our heart

beat is strong.

 - Tracey Love Love’s Jewelry

Where We Are NowHeart of Brevard receives from City of Brevard:• $115,000 from MSD tax and $15,000 GrantTotal: $130,000 Total

2012-2013: • $60,000 sponsorship dollars created• $15,000 in kind donations• $11,000 Infrastructure Enhancement fund (back to City)• $3,000 Downtown Improvements• $5,500 Design/Economic Restructuring • $15,000 Marketing/PR• $54,000 Volunteer hours• $79,500 in private investment in MSD

Total: $243,000 (in addition to creating $1,091,000 in spending during 4 major festivals )

“The Hollingsworths have invested in the Heart of Brevard since 1987. We pay $45,000 per year in property tax. We strongly believe in the worth of the Heart of Brevard or we would have made different investments.”  -Ann Hollingsworth Main St. Ltd.

Where We Are NowProjected for 2013: • $75,000 sponsorship dollars

created• $20,000 in kind donations• $11,000 Infrastructure

Enhancement fund (back to City)

• $3,000 Downtown Improvements

• $5,500 Design/Economic Restructuring

• $20,000 Marketing/PR• $72,000 Volunteer hours• $100,000 in private

investment in MSD

Where We Are NowProjected for 2013: • $30,000 ESRI report• $336,500 Total in addition to

create $1,678,200 in spending during 4 major festivals

Based on last 5 year average:• 2 facades improved• 4 buildings renovated• 45 jobs created • 16 new businesses

The Heart of Brevard is a vessel in which local businesses can contribute that ultimately benefits this entire community.

HOB is a vital component to Brevard’s future. – Martha Carlton, Theophilus

Where We Are Going• The Heart of Brevard Board of Directors will collaborate

with our local government to design and implement an ongoing revitalization initiative

• to ensure our downtown is always moving forward• to become an even more prosperous and energetic

Heart of our community.• We are recommitting to the Main Street Program

approach and principles• Heart of Brevard is embracing the Main Street

organizational structure

I’ve never seen the excitement and energy that I see today with the Heart of Brevard.

I feel  that because of the renewed  commitment from so many people, that the “heart” of Brevard is going to beat stronger than ever.

- Pam Landreth, UCB

Where We Are Going

Where We Are GoingHOB Organization:• Make the HOB the vehicle to

formulate strategies for moving forward

• Using all the resources available from the NC Main Street program

• Re-evaluate our vision, mission and values

• Strengthen relationships with our stakeholders

• Engage our membership by promoting our mission and vision

• Tell “our story” to our community and stakeholders

Where We Are GoingPromotion:• Create a marketing and

communications plan for the downtown district

• Develop retail promotions that will showcase the goods and services available

• Partner with TDA to leverage our story

Festivals • Re-evaluate each festival • Take selected festivals to the next level• Build partnerships for festivals with community stakeholders• Expand our sponsorships

Promotion:Festivals:• The promotion committee will lead

a full evaluation of the festivals we do.

• Set a clear Mission for each so we know why we do them now, and look at how we will continue to fund then to achieve this mission.

Marketing:• Get more people on our sidewalks

with money in their pockets and support our downtown businesses to get them to leave as much of this money behind.

Downtown Brevard faces opportunities and challenges not associated with other business districts.

It is vitally important to have a “champion” for all things in the HOB to encourage a healthy economic environment which in turn helps strengthen the rest of the community. - Frank Porter Comporium

Where We Are GoingDesign:• Create an inviting, safe,

accessible, environment for shoppers, workers and visitors.

• Heart of Brevard will help the city with the following aspectsof the DTMP:

• Streetscapes• Signage• Public spaces

Where We Are GoingDesign: Downtown Master Plan• Design committee will be actively

engaged with the City to be a resource in the design elements and implementation of the plan

• HOB will be a fundraising partner with the City

• Work specifically with the City to educate and gain feedback from HOB members, identify concerns and work on a DTMP outcome that will be the best fit for all

Where We Are GoingDesign:• Instill good maintenance practices in the

downtown area • Provide signage that communicates the district's

unique characteristics, directs and informs users and recognizes our history

• Enhance the appearance of downtown through improved facades and landscaping

• Maintain a downtown that is clutter-free, clean and well lit

• Support cyclists by providing bicycle parking • Maintain a ongoing banner program that

supports the city’s vision

Promotion:Festivals:• The promotion committee will lead

a full evaluation of the festivals we do.

• Set a clear Mission for each so we know why we do them now, and look at how we will continue to fund then to achieve this mission.

Marketing:• Get more people on our sidewalks

with money in their pockets and support our downtown businesses to get them to leave as much of this money behind.

I believe it's important to have an entity such as the HOB that focuses on the promotion and advancement of our downtown as it relates our tourism, our economic development, and our uniqueness. - Toby Brown, Baby Ink

Where We Are GoingDesign: Façade improvement program:A NC Main Street study showed an average 9% sales increase for a business that was in building that had renovated their façade.• Work with building owners to utilize

the NC Main Street façade redesign program.

• Seek any grants and possible incentives that may be available to business owners to help fund their project.

The downtown is a vital destination to visitors that come to our community.

Heart of Brevard provides a vibrant, energized and walk able gathering place.

- Libby Freeman Chamber of Commerce TDA

Where We Are GoingEconomic Restructuring• Create a Downtown Economic

Development Strategy• Conduct an ESRI study with the support

of the NC Main Street program to identify buildings and business owners for business recruitment opportunities

Implementation• Be a business resource for existing and

new business initiatives• Update our business recruitment

package• Actively recruit businesses identified in

the ESRI

The Heart Of Brevard is essential to the growth

of the economy of Transylvania

County.

Artie Wilson,County Manager

For over two decades

has been contributing to the enhancement

and vitality ofdowntown Brevard

vitality of

We’re passionate

We’re creative

We’re the heart of our community

We’re innovative

We’re driven

We’re talented

We’re invested

We’re fully committed

Proud to be a strongpartner with the City of Brevard