Gregory attends Main Street conference in Port Townsend

Colfax's Unified Executive Director Valoree Gregory spent part of last week and weekend in Port Townsend at a conference for the state Main Street Program. The conference, unlike one she attended earlier this year, was just for the towns and cities enrolled in the program.

“There were about 30 of us from different towns represented,” said Gregory, noting 32 towns and cities are part of the statewide program.

The conference had breakout sessions for those present and also provided them with information about historic downtown buildings in the respective communities.

“They talked to us about different ways we can work with the building owners to spruce those up,” said Gregory.

Another item discussed was how to utilize Google for each of the communities.

“They talked about how to enhance your marketing through Google search. We (Colfax) had already done that,” said Gregory. “But many of the other communities, they didn't know they could get into Google and manipulate it to help you out.”

This was not the only instance where Colfax has already done something that was discussed or taught about at the conference.

“Every time they'd talk, I'd be like, 'we're already doing that!'” said Gregory. “It felt validating. We must be on top of it.”

Gregory said she was surprised to learn that many of the communities in the program are much bigger than Colfax.

“We are one of the smaller towns in the program besides Dayton and Waterville,” she said. “Some of the towns are really big.”

Gregory noted that Colfax's size may be an advantage to implementing the Main Street Program. She compared Colfax with other communities, such as Kennewick, which have main streets that are not necessarily central to the community.

“For me, I feel like it's a lot easier,” she said, also adding, “I have a main huge highway that goes through my town.”

Gregory was given the opportunity at the program to speak on the Colfax Art Council's Crack Art program which recently began.

“I got to speak about crack art. They had a few of us speak on innovative things we've done in our towns that others haven't thought of and that don't cost much,” she said. “They loved it! More than likely some of the towns are going to start it because it's so easy.”

Gregory said she learned at the conference that the Main Street Program is looking to revamp its tax credit incentives. The program currently has $1.5 million in tax credits allocated through the legislature, and they return these incentives to businesses which donate funds in Main Street communities at up to 75 percent of the value of the donate.

This means, for example, that if a business were to donate $1,000, a business and operation tax credit of $750 could then be received. However, tax credits are distributed on a first come, first served basis, and with the growth of the Main Street program, tax credits were eaten up in the first week of this year.

“They're working with the representatives and the senators to double the amount of money available,” said Gregory. “There are 32 programs in this state. It's kind of cut throat.”

The new model, Gregory said, would allow the program to allocate a certain amount to each Main Street community in tax credit incentives. If those credits are not used by the end of the first quarter, then they would be re-distributed to other communities. Gregory said she likes this model much better and hopes to see it become a reality. Additionally, she said she is grateful Colfax does not rely on the tax credit incentive for funds.

“Some of the programs they sustain themselves through the tax incentive program,” she said. “That's not us.”

Gregory also said she has enjoyed the benefits in the last eight months of being a Main Street community.

“For us it's about the networking and following the four-step program for revitalizing the downtown area,” she said. “It's great for Colfax. It's great PR for us, and it's just a great network.”

Gregory also said she was able to discuss the First Thursday events Colfax has now been doing since June at the conference, and that was a hit.

“They did like our idea with First Thursday and how we incorporate our farmer's market into it,” she said. “A couple of programs are going to do that next year.”