My Journey part 2

After I moved my bookstore to Downtown Canton, I wanted to see the area return to the vital center it once was. So, I started looking for ways to increase customer traffic.
I thought one good way to help all of us business owners Downtown was a merchant’s association. I spoke with several of my fellow merchants and learned that there had been a now inactive association several years earlier. A local attorney had even incorporated the association and secured 501(c)3 status. I contacted him (coincidentally, that attorney, Bobby Dyer, is now the Canton City Attorney), and he agreed to let me take over that entity.
The Historic Downtown Canton Association was reborn!
Our members included retail businesses, restaurants, attorneys, doctors, and non-profits. We met regularly to share information, events, and specials. We even published a newsletter!
I feel that we planted the seeds that led to much of the growth Downtown has experienced since then. Since several of the members of the Association also served on the new Main Street Program board, and we shared the same mission, we decided to close down the association in favor of the Main Street Program.
Next time: The City comes calling!