Historic Manassas, Inc. Kicks off the Year with a BANG!

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

The new fiscal year started off with a ‘bang’ at the July 4th “Celebrate America” event. Over 50,000 people came in to the City starting early in the afternoon and enjoyed the food, fun and entertainment that led up to another spectacular fireworks display. The weather was a perfect complement to the large crowds of smiling faces and excited children that filled the streets and sidewalks of Old Town.

Among many other accomplishments this past fiscal year, Historic Manassas, Inc. (HMI) has:
• opened a second location at 9366 Main Street to accommodate the growth in staff in response to an expanded program of work;
• established and filled the position of Visitor Center Manager;
• the corporate by-laws were updated;
• received another Virginia Main Street Milestone award;
• enjoyed an increase of over 30% in the number of Partners joining the organization; and
all of this was accomplished by a great staff under a new Executive Director supported by a wonderful and hands-on Board of Directors.

The most notable accomplishment this past year has been the increased attendance and participation in the major events for which HMI is responsible. The Fall Jubilee held this past October had over 42,000 people visit our beautiful City. The addition of the parking garage made for a very pleasant parking experience for everyone. The Railway Festival held on June 6th saw more vendors and attendees than in the past 3 years combined. Not to mention the overwhelming success of the Wine & Jazz Festival just this past month. Wineries are now vying for spots for next year’s event.

Another very visible accomplishment this year has been the approval and completion of the new Battle St. Streetscape. The original idea came from an HMI Board member. Her vision of the future of the City captured the attention of Vice Mayor Andrew Harrover and became the starting point for the implementation of the “Manassas Next” initiative. “I am very pleased to see an idea that began at an HMI Design Committee meeting several years ago actually become a reality,” said Bren Compton, a long time member of the HMI Board of Directors and owner of Alyssa Bryn Market Place.

Starting off the new fiscal year, HMI is gearing up to launch an exciting new Community Calendar that will engage all groups and organizations in creating a single point of reference for events and happenings in and around Old Town Manassas. This calendar is scheduled to be launched early this fall. HMI is also working closely with the City on economic development and retail recruitment in filling the available office and commercial space in the City. “The City has positioned itself perfectly to capitalize on the next wave of economic prosperity and HMI, an award-winning Virginia Main Street Program, is prepared to assist the City in any way we can,” says Creston Owen, President of the Board of Directors of HMI and owner of Falcon Communications Solutions, Inc.

Historic Manassas, Inc. will also be gearing up to celebrate its 25th Anniversary in 2010.

Among the first priorities in July was hiring Mary Thompson as HMI’s new Media & Communications Coordinator. Mary’s primary responsibility will be the management of the Community Calendar and expanding HMI’s visibility on the internet through Facebook & Twitter. “I’ve looked for a long time for the perfect job that would include my love for history and the local community, and I really think I’ve found it here at HMI, “ says Mary.

Established in 1985, Historic Manassas, Inc. has played a significant role in the revitalization of Old Town Manassas through management of the Main Street Program through promotion, design, organization and economic restructuring efforts to bring new and exciting businesses to the area. Historic Manassas, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the revitalization, preservation and enhancement of the economic base that insures the rich traditions, history, charm and friendly ambience of Old Town Manassas.

For more information about Historic Manassas, Inc. please contact Patty Tracy, Executive Director at 703-361-6599 or by email at pattytracy@historicmanassasinc.org. More information about the Farmers Market and upcoming events and volunteer opportunities can be found on our website at www.visitmanassas.org.