4 minute read
Downtown Visalians Celebrates 60 Years
Words by Lifestyle Staff | Photos by Kreatve Content
A vibrant economy is often reflective of a thriving downtown district, where its community’s heart and soul exist. A healthy downtown community focuses on culture, innovation, and collaboration to support each other and invest in future generations. Over the years, downtown Visalia has been leading by example throughout the Valley—due, in large part, to the support of the Downtown Visalians organization, which turned 60 this year. The organization and its members work hard to maintain the charm and traditions that honor the intentions of the many who came before them. They’ve adapted and evolved over the years to keep a healthy balance of mom and pop shops, locally owned restaurants, and specialty services. This month, we sat down with Steve Nelsen and Lauren Walters who both work for the association, and learned what it takes to represent the approximately 1,000 businesses that are located in the downtown district.
FROM THE BEGINNING
The Downtown Visalians organization was established in 1963 as a means to maintain a strong retail environment. In the early days, it consisted of more retail shops than restaurants. The organization recognized early on that hosting events brought people downtown and continues to be a priority for the organization today. One of the most popular events, Candy Cane Lane parade, will have been happening for 77 years this November. It’s a local favorite where the community gathers to kick off the holiday season with decorated trucks, floats, dancers, and marching bands. Steve shares, “Hosting downtown events helps keep the vibrancy alive and draws people to the area who may not normally visit otherwise. Participating in events like the Taste of Downtown and the spring and winter Wine Walks gives the community an opportunity to visit downtown and engage with small business owners.”
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
In order to ensure all areas of the downtown district were properly maintained, the POA (Property Owners Association) was also established. This association of board members manages the environmental enhancements for the district, which includes landscaping, maintenance (including overnight graffiti removal), and 24/7 security. Some expenses are shared between the two associations like holiday decorating, sound systems, and security systems. Overall, both associations work alongside each other for the common good of downtown.
FOCUSED IN PURPOSE
“Our focus is to get the word out about all that downtown Visalia has to offer and to build relationships with our merchant members” says Steve. He says the association aims to accomplish those things through regular social media posts along with other marketing partnerships, hosting many community events throughout the year, and offering support to its downtown members. The daily responsibilities of the association include taking daily walks to identify and resolve improvements needed, planning and coordinating the nearly 20 events happening throughout the year, and strategizing and implementing different marketing efforts.
Steve shares, “We have such a strong community that jumps in to support each other when in need.” When two recent fires occurred downtown in a short period of time, business owners did not hesitate to support out-of-work employees. Witnessing the heart of the people in the community is what Steve and Lauren love most about what they do. They both recognize that running a small business isn’t easy, so they help however they can—the purpose of its founders 60 years ago remains its mission today. They recently launched quarterly merchants’ meetings, where a collaborative environment is encouraged and any member can share their ideas for the downtown district.
A downtown area cannot thrive alone—it requires the support of many. Shopping small and engaging with local artists and entrepreneurs provides a strong community connection. A reminder that whatever we invest in our community today, is part of its future.
@downtown_visalians
