Roachdale inducted into statewide 'Main Street' effort

Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Roachdale Revitalization Cooperative Alliance members celebrate their town's induction into the Indiana Main Street Program. Meeting for the occasion are (front, from left) Joanie Knapp, Cathy Knowling, Joe Buser, Shae Kmicikewycz and (back, from left) Zach Bowers, Suzanne Leak, Stephanie Ford and Holly Cook. (Courtesy photo)

ROACHDALE -- Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) recently announced the designation of Roachdale as the newest member of the Indiana Main Street (IMS) Program, which encourages economic development, redevelopment and improvement to the downtown areas in Indiana cities and towns.

"We welcome Roachdale to the Indiana Main Street Program," Lt. Gov. Ellspermann said. "Our downtowns play a vital role in supporting Hoosier small businesses and enhance the quality of place in our cities and towns. I commend the community for working with one another to ensure our main streets are primed and refreshed for economic growth."

Roachdale Revitalization Cooperative Alliance (RRCA) is an organization committed to local development and community service. It takes a market-oriented, business-like approach to its work.

RRCA aims to develop new markets for local garden produce, local business, natural and sustainable sources of energy, expanded home-grown entertainment and the renewal of their hometown. Projects include, but are not limited to, Ribs and Blues Fest (music series), the Community Farm and Market, and maintaining flowerbeds as part of the Downtown Beautification initiative.

RRCA President Joe Buser said he's looking forward to the benefits of being in such a program, including economic restructuring and promotions for local businesses.

"We are thrilled to have achieved this designation and are excited about all the possibilities that will now be presented to Roachdale," Buser said. "The revitalization of Roachdale will not only affect the residents of our community, but the entire county, as we continue to work toward attracting more travelers and tourists to our region.

"As we enter the year-long celebration of Indiana's bicentennial, with pride and commitment, we must all partner to promote all our county businesses and unique natural resources."

OCRA Executive Director Bill Konyha echoed Buser's remarks.

"We look forward to witnessing the revitalization in Roachdale," Konyha said. "I sincerely thank our Indiana Main Street partners who continue to collaborate with one another and OCRA to ensure cities and towns are positioned to grow and thrive in the 21st century."

The Indiana Main Street Program, administered by OCRA, is founded on a four point approach to downtown development -- organization, design, promotion and economic vitality. Roachdale, along with the more than 119 other Indiana Main Street communities work on these four main aspects in order to focus on restoration and revitalization efforts within their communities.

Buser emphasized the exclusivity of Roachdale's induction, adding that "what's good for Roachdale is good for Putnam County."

"There are only about 119 towns or cities within the state of Indiana that are admitted to this program," Buser said. "We're trying to produce an all-inclusive, county effort to promote Putnam County and our entire region.

"The only way Roachdale will succeed is if Putnam County succeeds -- and vise versa."

The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) works with local, state and national partners to provide resources and technical assistance to aid communities in shaping and achieving their vision for economic development. For additional information on OCRA and its programs, visit govdelivery.comtrack" claiming to be www.ocra.in.gov.

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  • This is a great step for "our" future!!

    We must look beyond next week.

    Being satisfied with the way it is now, will only lead to further decline of our community. We need to progress into the future for our children and grandchildren to sustain their lives in Roachdale and/or Putnam county.Let's give them a proud reason to live here. This is a great way to start.

    Good Job RRCA

    Charley

    -- Posted by criggle2@tds.net on Wed, Dec 16, 2015, at 8:42 AM
  • This is great news. On the flip side...not to be a Debbie downer can you please list for people who dont know....the attractions that roachdale has or what the president of the revitalization group has brought to roachdale since "moving" back home.

    -- Posted by canttakeitanymore on Thu, Dec 17, 2015, at 2:53 PM
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