Certification by the National Trust is a strenuous process which requires following all the Main Street criteria, having a full-time staff person responsible for directing the program, a Board of Directors who actively participate in the program, participation in Main Street training for staff and Board members at least twice annually, following the Four Point Approach for Revitalization, maintaining an adequate budget to facilitate all the operations of the organization, and maintaining an office in the historic district.

The National Main Street philosophy emphasizes an incremental, long-term approach to revitalization based on historic preservation and utilizing a community’s unique elements. It is a comprehensive process that builds on the total image of the historic commercial district.

OUR MISSION

The mission of the DBMA is revitalization of Branson’s historic business district so that it is equipped to make significant contributions to the local economy. Revitalization for Downtown Branson is more than focusing on physical improvements alone or only on marketing efforts. Comprehensive planning and the activity of the organization address all of the district’s problems and opportunities in a unified way.

OUR EXPERIENCE IN REVITALIZATION

Since 1987 DBMA has administered downtown improvement projects through grants and combinations of public and private funding. These include a Community Development Block Grant (1990-91) in cooperation with the City of Branson, and Neighborhood Assistance Program projects in 1990-92, 1998-99, 2002-04 and 2004-05, in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Economic Development. All of these projects were completed on time, and on budget. DBMA has also administered cooperative marketing grants from the Missouri Division of Tourism for the past seven years, all completed on time and on budget; and the Missouri Arts Council for promotion of the Olde Time Fiddle Festival in 2000 and 2001, completed on time and on budget.

The DBMA Board of Directors develops long-range comprehensive plans for revitalization, promotions and advertising. The current plan has been updated through 2007. While reviewing the comprehensive plan and including new goals each year, the DBMA general goal is to revitalize the historic downtown, economically and physically. Revitalization is an ongoing effort that progresses in stages. It requires various partnerships among organizations and the efforts of many community-minded volunteers. 
  

OUR PARTNERS IN REVITALIZATION:

DBMA has working relationships with the City of Branson, the State of Missouri Department of Economic Development, the Missouri Division of Tourism, the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, the Lakes-Area-Not-for-Profit Council, the White River Valley Historical Society, and the Branson Veterans Task Force. Volunteer participation in DBMA encompasses retired people in the community, plus active volunteer service among the downtown business owners and property owners.

DBMA also works closely with other Missouri Main Street towns to provide training for the Main Street managers through the Missouri Main Street Connections. Networking with other small towns that have similar revitalization issues is a valuable tool to share information about problems and progress in revitalization.

FESTIVAL & SPECIAL EVENTS:

In addition to public improvements and façade renovations, DBMA’s continuing effort has included special events and festivals to bring more visitors and locals into downtown. The program showcases downtown to a wide variety of potential visitors, introducing them to shopping, dining, family fun, waterfront recreation, historic and cultural attractions and events that are unique to Ozark Mountain Country.

EDUCATION & TRAINING:

The DBMA provides continuious education and training that prepares downtown businesses and property owners to engage in strategic planning for economic growth, business recruitment to create a diverse retail mix, and the promotion of downtown through marketing, advertising and special events. All of these efforts build a healthy economic foundation for downtown businesses. The result is a vital downtown that increases property values, creates jobs, offers retail diversity, presents an attractive ambiance, increases tourism expenditures and enlarges the city’s sales tax revenue base.