It has been a whirlwind couple of months for Russell Harvey, but he admits, he has settled in nicely.
After being named the Executive Director of Main Street Greencastle earlier this year, Harvey has been busy promoting Greencastle and Putnam County, connecting members and businesses.
For Harvey, the position allows him an ability to better experience all the reasons why he fell in love with Greencastle nearly 17 years ago.
"I wasn't used to the small town vibe, but I fell in love with Greencastle right away. It was a pleasant community and while there wasn't a ton of things do, there has always been great effort to keep something happening. I worked in sales before coming to Greencastle and since have spent nearly two decades in production planning and purchasing for local manufacturers," Harvey told The Putnam County Post.
In addition, he was busy volunteering in a variety of ways and admits he has always loved planning events, as well as supporting local businesses and organizations.
"When the opportunity came to work with Main Street, I couldn't pass up the chance. Main Street is focused on revitalizing downtown areas across the U.S. In Indiana, there are 17 nationally accredited organizations, 23 Indiana accredited or aspiring to be and 76 downtown affiliates, which operate under Main Street guidelines but are not ready for accreditation," he said.
Main Street encourages community driven revitalization of downtown areas in Indiana cities and towns using a four point approach focused on Organization, Promotion, Design and Economic Vitality, according to Harvey.
"Here locally, Main Street Greencastle might be best known for hosting First Friday's on the Courthouse Square, but there's much more to our organization," Harvey said.
That includes connecting with community members and local business owners, two things Harvey said he "loves" about his job and the mission.
"Seeing our downtown full of people during events is so great to see. I really like seeing people enjoying our local restaurants and shops. We have so many great places here to get signature desserts and ice cream, craft pizza, great burgers, amazing fried chicken, places with rotating menus, Shawarma, tacos, plus a bourbon lounge and a bakery all right downtown. And, of course, shopping for everything from appliances to art, handcrafted items, novelties and great clothing," Harvey said.
First Friday's will continue on Aug. 4, Sept. 1 and Oct. 6, and Harvey acknowledged there are a few other events in the planning stage.
"We're planning an acoustic music series, working on some cool Halloween events partnering with the Putnam County Chamber, Small Business Saturday in November, a Sadie Hawkins Dance, and, possibly, ice skating this winter," Harvey said.
And, he will continue doing what he "loves."
"The future plans for Main Street Greencastle are to continue to support local businesses, increase awareness of the great history we have in this community, keep bringing exciting and fun things to downtown to, hopefully, bring people together. I am also working on a series of workshops for local businesses and, possibly, community members that would like to start a business here in historic downtown Greencasle," Harvey said.
Harvey said anyone wishing to obtain more information on Main Street Greencastle or volunteer, can do so by visiting mainstreetgc.org, following them on Facebook or sending an email to Hello@Mainstreetgc.org.
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