Historic Downtown Program

Estblished in 1996, the Historic Downtown Program is a member of the National Trust Main Street Program and the Indiana Main Street Program whose common goals involve the empowerment of people, organizations, and communities to achieve ongoing downtown district revitalization. Downtown improvements are accomplished through a comprehensive and cooperative four-point approach: organization, promotions, economic restructuring and design.

The Board of Directors is the governing body of the Historic Downtown Program.

The Organization Committee defines the program infrastructure, developes bylaws, mission and vision statements, and recruits volunteers.

The Promotions Committee provides marketing plans to increase business traffic. They work closely with the Rising Sun/Ohio County Tourism Bureau to market the Main Street events.

The Economic Restructuring Committee monitors the business mix. They provide market analysis and support business retention.

The Design Committee provides guidance on beautification projects, signage, parking, and promotional materials. the committee works with businesses on design and signage.

The Historic Downtown Program has a full-time director, Amy Hoffman. Amy serves as a liaison to the Board of Directors and the four subcommittees, working jointly with members and other parties to further enhance the goals and objectives of each in accordance with the overall mission and vision of the Program. Amy also serves as primary media contact and contact person to city, state, county and national officials. She administers educational programs in order to improve awareness and appreciation of the downtown historical and social importance.

In January 2003, the City of Rising Sun created a full-time assistant position to assist with the daily operations of the Business Development Center. Assistant Karrah Miller serves as the liasion between the Rising Sun Chamber of Commerce, Rising Sun/Ohio County First, Inc., the City of Rising Sun, and the Historic Downtown Program.