TIFFIN, OHIO – May 17, 2024 The Downtown Tiffin Design Committee announced the initiation of its "Best Foot Forward" program to encourage building and shop owners to maintain attractive storefronts within the downtown historic district. Starting in June, the initiative will include "secret shoppers" to evaluate storefronts based on specific criteria, utilizing a point system to assess cleanliness, presentation, and aesthetic appeal.
Participants will have the chance to earn points by keeping outdoor areas clean, including doors, windows, entrances, curbs, and sidewalks. Additional points can be earned by incorporating seasonal decorations, outdoor plantings, and enhancing the appearance of second floors of buildings.
The highlight of the program will be the presentation of a traveling "Golden Broom" trophy to the winner with the highest accumulation of points, signifying exemplary commitment to storefront beautification.
Mike Pinkston, chair of the project, stated, "We have so many businesses who take pride in their storefronts, and I think they should be celebrated."
Greg Dell, board chair of the Downtown Development Committee expressed his gratitude saying, "Thank you to Mike, Dustin, and the entire Design Committee for their continued efforts in downtown Tiffin!"
For those interested in volunteering as a "Secret Shopper," please contact Mike Pinkston at pinkstonmichael@hotmail.com.
[pictured, Todd Steen, The Social Cigar]
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About Downtown Tiffin Design Committee:
The Downtown Tiffin Design Committee is dedicated to enhancing the visual appeal and economic vitality of downtown Tiffin. Through collaborative efforts with local businesses and community stakeholders, the committee works towards creating an inviting and vibrant downtown atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
About Downtown Tiffin
The revitalization of downtown Tiffin began in 2011, when a group of community members came together to form “Tiffin Tomorrow”, with the goal of promoting and encouraging economic development in Downtown Tiffin, and creating plans, programs, and actions to ensure long-term vitality and prosperity. In 2014, the City of Tiffin contracted with SIEDC to act as the downtown organization and “Tiffin Tomorrow” came under the SIEDC (now TSEP) umbrella as the “Downtown Development Board,” which serves as the governing board of the downtown organization. In 2015, Tiffin joined Heritage Ohio’s Main Street Program. For more information, click here.
About Heritage Ohio
Heritage Ohio promotes economic growth through the preservation and revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods across Ohio. Heritage Ohio is the coordinating agency for the Ohio Main Street Program and is the designated statewide Ohio preservation partner with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Through saving the places that matter we can all build a community and live better. Learn more about how to become involved by visiting www.heritageohio.org.
About Main Street America
Main Street America leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. For more than 40 years, Main Street America has provided a practical, adaptable, and impactful framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Our network of more than 1,600 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, shares both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Since 1980, communities participating in the program have generated more than $101.58 billion in new public and private investment, generated 168,693 net new businesses and 746,897 net new jobs, rehabilitated more than 325,119 buildings, and levered over 33.7 million volunteer hours. Main Street America is a nonprofit subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, visit mainstreet.org
