About us
As directed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Kentucky Main Street program, Murray Main Street must follow the National Main Street four-point approach:
Organization (meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 4:30 pm): Focusing on the structure of the program, the Organization committee works toward fundraising and membership ensuring the foundation of the program will remain strong.
Economic Vitality (meets every 3rd Friday of the month at 8:00 am): The most difficult of the four points, E/V involves recruiting new businesses into downtown and historic areas, working on incentives for those businesses and working with the city government on those programs.
Promotion (meets every 2nd Friday of the month at 8:00 am): A healthy, vibrant downtown is created by awareness of activities and events happening and the promotion committee is the hub of successful events.
Design (meets every 2nd Thursday of the month at 8:00 am): Many design projects for streetscapes, signage, façade grants and restoration are developed and supported through the design committee.
These four points are the standards required for the voluntary, working board of Murray Main Street.
our mission
Murray Main Street will stimulate economic development and investment in the historic district by promoting its distinctive qualities through preservation and improvement making it a great place to live, work, shop and play.
our vision
Preserving history’s future
Since the inception of Murray Main Street in 1998, over 34 million dollars have been invested into the historic downtown. Over the years, 452 new jobs were created in downtown with over $7 million dollars of private money being invested. Almost 2,000 people work in the Downtown Commercial Historic District.
Located in the Historic Post Office on the court square, Murray Main Street has successfully rehabilitated a historic building downtown, creating two opportunities for economic development. Currently, Murray Main Street has taken on a project of rehabilitating a Victorian house in the historic district, known as the Higgins House.
Deana Wright, certified Main Street Manager, has been with the program over ten years. Serving as the regional manager for Kentucky Main Street, she works with other regional programs assisting in large projects and needs.
The Board of Directors for Murray Main Street consists of community members and pillars of the community from all walks of life. The cooperation of many community organizations such Murray Convention & Visitors Bureau, Chamber of Commerce and Town & Gown add to the success of the program.
Board of Directors
Steven Hunter, President
Steven is the minister at Glendale Road Church of Christ. He has been on the Murray Main Street board for four years. He is currently the Chair of the Promotions Committee.
DJ Story, Vice President
DJ is a Benefits Advisor for HUB-Peel & Holland Insurance. He has been on the Murray Main Street board for five years. He also serves as Vice President and is a member of the Organization Committee.
Karen Welch, Treasurer
Karen is the Manager of New Life Christian Bookstore and co-owner of The Maple Center. She has been on the Murray Main Street board for two years. She is a member of the Design Committee.
Joe Darnall , Past President
Joe is the Project Manager, Research and Acquisitions for Black Pearl Properties in Murray. He has been on the Murray Main Street board for four years. He is currently the Past President and the Chair of the Economic Vitality Committee.
Shanna Smith
Shanna is a professionally trained chef who is working on a new venture. She has been on the Murray Main Street board for four years. She is the past Secretary and Chair of the Organization Committee.
Chris Woodall
Chris is an Insurance Advisor with KY Farm Bureau. He has been on the Murray Main Street board for five years. He is a member of the Promotions Committee.
Matt Falwell
Matt is an Insurance Advisor with Tigrett & Pennington. He has been on the Murray Main Street board for three years. He is the Chair of the Design Committee.
Dan Otterson
Dan is the owner/trainer of The Garage on Main. He is new to the Board of Directors and is serving on the Promotions Committee.
AJ Cunha
AJ is a Retired Master Chief from the U.S. Navy. He is new to the Board of Directors and is serving on the Design Committee.
Ryan Houston
Ryan Houston is the Manager at Murray Supply Company. He is new to the Board of Directors and is serving on the Promotions Committee.
Alice Rouse
Alice retired from the Murray Ledger & Times as publisher. She currently serves as a City Council person for the City of Murray. She is new to the Board of Directors as is serving on the Organization Committee.
Melony Bray
Melony is the Marketing Director for the Murray Calloway County Hospital. She is new to the Board of Directors and is serving on the Promotions Committee.
