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ABOUT THE FORSYTH BETTER HOMETOWN
Mission
Forsyth Better Hometown Incorporated is a volunteer based group,
whose sole purpose is to help downtown businesses survive and
thrive, while ensuring that historical preservation tools are used
to preserve and promote the historical downtown courthouse square
district.
Our approach is based on the nationally recognized Main Street
program developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation
over 25 years ago. Main Street is a comprehensive revitalization
process that improves all aspects of a commercial district. It
successfully integrates the practical management strategy with the
physical improvement of buildings and public spaces, aggressive
promotion and image building, and the economic development of the
area. Because it is a locally driven program, all initiatives stem
from local issues and concerns.
The Main Street program’s success is based on a comprehensive
strategy of work in four broad areas called the Main Street Four
Point Approach: Design, Promotion, Organization and Economic
Restructuring.
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The Design Committee enhances the attractiveness
of the business district.
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The Promotions Committee creates excitement
downtown.
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The Organization Committee works to create an
information network and promote the local Main Street
organization.
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The Economic Restructuring Committee works to
recruit and maintain the current economic base of businesses.
The Importance of Better Hometown
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The Forsyth Better Hometown district is a symbol
of the economic health, quality of life, pride and community
history of Forsyth. These are all factors in industrial,
commercial and professional recruitment.
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A vital downtown district creates and maintains
jobs, which means a stronger tax base. Long-term revitalization
establishes capable businesses that use public services and
provide tax revenue for the community.
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Downtown is a good incubator for new, small
businesses. Small businesses are the building blocks of a
healthy economy. Strip shopping centers and malls are often too
expensive for new entrepreneurs.
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A vital downtown area reduces sprawl and
encourages smart growth. This concentrates retail into a single
area and uses community resources such as infrastructure, tax
dollars, and land, more wisely.
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A healthy downtown area protects property values
in surrounding residential areas. A safe, clean, attractive, and
lively commercial district anchors quality residential
neighborhoods.
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The traditional downtown commercial district is
an ideal location for independent businesses. This keeps profits
in town, supports local families and community projects, and
provides a stable economic foundation.
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A revitalized downtown expands the Forsyth
community’s possibilities for goods and services. These include
basic commodities like food and clothing, and services like
housing and entertainment.
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Forsyth Better Hometown provides an important
civic forum, where members of the community can come together.
1st Saturdays and other special events reinforce this sense of
community.
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Forsyth’s downtown is becoming a destination for
visitors. By virtue of its architecture, location and unique
selection of businesses and events, Forsyth’s popularity is
growing!
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