| In July of 2005 the community of Raton received wonderful news! Its
application to become one of 22 New Mexico MainStreet communities had been approved. A group of dedicated volunteers had
worked on the application process for several months, but now it was time to get to work — again. The volunteers began
to assemble a board of directors and decisions had to be made such as what they should call themselves. The board
decided on Raton MainStreet, Inc. So with the guidance of New Mexico MainStreet they began the implementation of the
four-point approach developed by the National MainStreet Center of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The
MainStreet approach outlines a four-point plan to create a complete commercial district revitalization program. They
are: design, economic positioning, promotions, and organization. |
MainStreet Inc.
Shelly Romero-Wood, Executive Director
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The design committee is responsible to
create an image for the main street district by formulating a plan to create an inviting and attractive atmosphere for
residents. The design committee is currently working on a proposal to obtain funding for a downtown master plan, to
discover opportunities within Raton's downtown area for improvement, and to outline a plan to capitalize on existing
assets.
The promotions committee is responsible to promote the Raton MainStreet organization as well as the
downtown area. They are currently working on a series of summer concert events that will take place downtown at Ripley
Park. “Music on MainStreet” will be a series of free concerts for people of all ages and musical interests to
appreciate.
The economic positioning committee works to strengthen the community’s existing assets while expanding
its economic base. This committee, in conjunction with the University of New Mexico Bureau of Business and Economic
Research, are currently working to identify the existing assets in downtown Raton as well as defining areas for
potential economic growth.
The organizational committee keeps Raton MainStreet financially healthy and oversees the management of
its resources. The committee is currently spearheading a Raton MainStreet, Inc. membership drive to recruit partners and
establish relationships throughout the community.
 |
| Front: |
Cathy Naylor, Sue Flemming, Diana Sanchez-Feerer |
| Middle: |
Randy Rubin, Howard Woodworth, Jennifer Wiseman, Stuart Hyatt, Jonni Valdez-Silva |
| Back: |
Alan Best, Paul Jenkins, Mike Kowalski, Rich Kuhns, Jennifer Sparaco, Shelly Wood |
| Not Pictured: |
Jeanie Barnes, Sandy Mantz |
Raton MainStreet, Inc. is an organization built on a foundation of dedicated volunteers. The board of
directors is the backbone of their volunteer base. All Raton MainStreet board members also serve as volunteers on one of
the designated committees along with other community volunteers. These individuals lend their time, talents, ideas and
professional ethics to Raton MainStreet, Inc. and have defined a mission statement to advance their community which
reads: “ We are committed members of the community dedicated to improving the quality of life in Raton by revitalizing
our downtown area. We want to foster business prosperity and offer new economic opportunities. We seek to have a
community where all generations can have a sense of pride in Raton and all cultures feel respect for their heritage.”
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