Portales MainStreet receives award, recognition from state program
The Portales MainStreet Program received an award for Building Capacity for Local Economic Revitalization and Redevelopment Efforts from the New Mexico MainStreet Program at the state Leadership Network Meeting in Raton, NM on August 9, 2018. One of two organizations in New Mexico to receive such an award, Portales MainStreet was recognized for their strategic efforts to build the capacity of their organization and follow through on the implementation of projects.
Using their 2016 Annual Program Review as a guide, Portales MainStreet requested assistance from New Mexico MainStreet in several areas, including refinement of the Economic Transformations Strategies, enhancement of business development skills and relationships, volunteer recruitment training, development and launch of a new fundraising campaign, and an update and relaunch of the organization’s website.
Portales MainStreet’s work in business development led to the creation of a new business recruitment packet and enabled the organization to grow its relations with other local business development partners. Portales MainStreet has helped prospective merchants look for opportunities to open retail shops downtown and met with merchants one-on-one to address their needs.
Portales MainStreet engaged in a fundraising training and planning session with the Board of Directors. By redeveloping the annual solicitation materials, the organization was able to raise funds to purchase holiday décor downtown and expand community events and projects. The funds also enabled to the organization to expand their executive director position from part-time to full-time which allowed Portales MainStreet to move from Main Street America Affiliate status to being recognized as a Main Street America Accredited program by New Mexico MainStreet and the National Main Street Center.
With assistance from New Mexico MainStreet, Portales MainStreet leadership was engaged, energetic and enthusiastic about developing a new website, being deeply involved in the design process and continuing to make improvements and learn about the platform to ensure a strong web presence. The profile of the organization has been elevated in the community through the new and well-organized website.
Portales MainStreet acknowledges and thanks the merchants and residents of Roosevelt County who have supported the organization over the years. Their support made it possible for Portales MainStreet to successfully implement projects and activities that ultimately resulted in receiving this award.
