Then OMSP trains the local organizations to plan, implement and measure downtown activities, opportunities for change and economic development successes. OMSP services include membership and fund raising training, visioning, work plan workshops, statewide computer network, resource library, quarterly newsletter, resource team visits, technical visits and program assessment. Our downtowns suffer due to poor building maintenance, businesses that closed or moved, unfavorable public amenities and poor parking management. The perception is downtown no longer has anything to offer. Oklahoma Main Street communities learn how to identify downtown as the center of commerce, social gatherings and public and private services.
Local businesses know the dollar value of events that attract large crowds.
Well-planned promotions meet specific goals. Main Street towns promote retail sales and other special events to reacquaint people with the benefits and attractions their downtowns offer. This process improves marketing promotion committee training, marketing resources, promotion workshops and idea sharing networks. The first thing a customer notices about a shopping district is its appearance. A run-down appearance makes a negative impression and suggests community apathy.