At the Heart of Ellsworth, we model Main Street America’s Four-Point Approach. Together, the four committees build a sustainable and complete community revitalization effort. Each point has an important role in supporting and building a stable organization.
DESIGN
The Design Committee supports the community’s transformation by enhancing the physical and visual elements of downtown while capitalizing on the unique assets that set the downtown district apart, encouraging the preservation of the built environment, visitation, community pride, and volunteer opportunities for our residents and businesses. The committee meets year-round six times a year. Between meetings, committee members work to implement projects and initiatives downtown.
Current projects include: Downtown Map, Flowers and Trees on Main Street, Historic Preservation, Holiday Lights
PROMOTION
The Promotion Committee gathers monthly to coordinate community events that attract ideas, innovation, and people to Main Street district. They develop marketing concepts, relationships, and community to benefit and bring vibrancy to Downtown Ellsworth.
Current projects include: Downeast Cider + Cheese Festival, Coffee & Donuts, Meet the Candidates, Art of Ellsworth, Jane’s Walk
ECONOMIC VITALITY
The Economic Vitality Committee brings economic and financial tools and assistance to new and existing businesses in the downtown district. They find ways to encourage investment downtown and identify gaps and assets in our district. Check out the Entrepreneurial Resource Hub and our business benefits to learn more about what we offer businesses in our district.
Current projects include: Entrepreneur Ecosystem, Downtown Grants, Bricks & Clicks, Asset Map
ORGANIZATION
The Organization Committee is responsible for developing a strong foundation for essential Heart of Ellsworth activities and functions. This committee cultivates partnerships, considers community involvement, and develops guidelines and implementation strategies.
Areas of focus include: Relationship and partnership building, helps to build structure for our board and staff
ADDITIONAL COMMITTEES
PRIDE
Heart of Ellsworth is the fiduciary agent of Ellsworth Pride, so we have a close relationship with the committee that puts on Pride Month events like PrideFest in Knowlton Park. If you’d like to get involved, we’re happy to forward your information to the Pride committee and get you connected to the community of local LGBTQ+ people and allies.
Current projects include: Pride Month Activities, Christmas Parade, Winter Drag Show
CIDER + CHEESE
Every year, Heart of Ellsworth’s Cider + Cheese Committee organizes the Downeast Cider + Cheese Festival. The festival celebrates a revival of two traditional foods, hard cider, and cheese. This unique event includes a tasting event that people come back for year after year. Join the Cider + Cheese Committee if you’re a passionate regular at the November festival or simply love the taste and tradition of Maine-made ciders and cheeses.
Interested in joining? Join our network of volunteers!