Convener/Scribe: Eddie Bumbaugh
Earth & Tea Cafe 1:00
Attendees: Eddie Bumbaugh, Alan Finks, Bill Ney, Gary Stiteler, Henry Reeves, Jim Blair, Dereck Criner, David Denman, Benjamin Craig, Anne Lorimer, Joe Grandstaff, Mike Tolbert, Alexis Morehouse
An overview of downtown revitalization was presented:
- Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance’s strategy includes building a base to support businesses by attracting more people to live, work and attend events downtown
- Since HDR was formed there has been an impressive increase in each of the above areas
- Now downtown has 25 restaurants, 50 retail businesses and at least that number of service/technology businesses
- Rosetta Stone alone employees approximately 500 people
- Currently there is significant interest in opening new businesses and several new businesses are in the process of signing leases
- In addition to the foot traffic and the vibrancy of downtown, reasons businesses like downtown is the historic character, the diverse architecture and the authentic features
- Chain stores are welcome, however the best match seems to be locally owned specialty stores
Suggestions for new businesses included:
- Hotel and conference center
- Theater/taphouse showing classic films
- Hardware store
- Convenience store
- Grocery store
- Cookware store
- Gift/card store
- Recording studio/unique musical instruments
- Hobby shop
- Gymn/fitness center
- Entertainment venues
- Retail appealing to students
- Retail appealing to tourists
Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance will use this information when meeting with prospective business owners and to recruit new businesses.
Contact: Eddie Bumbaugh, Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance
ebumbaugh@harrisonburgva.gov
540-432-8922
