Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about our community.
Columbia Main Street is a community-driven revitalization program focused on preserving the historic character, economic vitality, and cultural charm of Downtown Columbia, Tennessee. It operates under the Columbia Main Street Corporation, a nonprofit organization established in 1983, making it one of the first five Main Street communities in the state of Tennessee.
The First Fridays Phenomenon
Experience historic downtown Columbia like a local every First Fridays of the month! Make an evening of it in historic downtown Columbia, Tennessee where this family-friendly event transforms downtown into a high energy scene of live music, friendly faces, and local flavor every first Friday of the month, April through December each year.
Experience the local restaurants, craft beverage scene, boutiques, and shops you’ll find every day, but with that extra kick of outdoor live music, food trucks, vendors, and makers. This favorite event has been enchanting visitors and locals since 2017. Shops keep their doors open late, inviting you to browse their unique offerings. Street musicians add a touch of magic to the atmosphere, while delicious aromas from local restaurants and food trucks are calling, ready to satisfy your cravings. And we’ve even added a mini cruise-in for car lovers! Bring your friends, bring your family, connect with the locals, and experience the spirit of this charming town under the Tennessee sky.
First Fridays Enhanced!
Columbia Main Street Corporation, in partnership with the City of Columbia, is the official event organizer of Columbia First Fridays. This beloved community event takes place the first Friday of each month April through December from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. To ensure a safer and more elevated First Fridays for attendees, vendors, and other participants, the West 7th block and half of the square will be closed for First Fridays.
New for the 2025 Season:
Columbia Main Street is adding community-driven themes to bring even more excitement to each event! These themes are designed to encourage participation, creativity, and community spirit. These themes do not change the style/type of vendor for First Fridays. The theme adds a level of community participation in the common areas.
2025 First Fridays Dates & Themes:
April 4 – “Muletown Celebration”
May 2 – “Blooming with Charm”
June 6 – “Culture Quest”
July 4 – “Stars and Stripes”
August 1 – “Ready, Set, School!”
September 5 – “Art on the Street”
October 3 – “Team Jersey Night”
November 7 – “Happy Feast-mas”
December 5 – “Merry Makers Market”
Click here for attendee and vendor FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)!
Follow us on Facebook for info & updates on First Fridays!
Want to share your First Fridays photos with us for a chance to be featured? Click here!
The streets are now closed for First Fridays and completing a vendor application for booth space is required. Most importantly, the event will be more spacious, secure, and pedestrian friendly! Please read carefully. The FIRST FRIDAYS APPLICATION will be accepted between the 1st and the14th of the month prior to First Fridays. Application categories including vendors, street musicians, performers, food trucks, cruise-in participants, and young entrepreneurs. Completing an application does not guarantee acceptance.
FIRST FRIDAYS
APPLICATIONS
We’re glad you’re interested in being part of First Fridays! Read carefully and complete one of the various First Fridays application links below. Columbia Main Street First Fridays takes place the first Friday of each month, April through December, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.
Vendors and other participants are not allowed to set up on the sidewalks anywhere in downtown, only in the First Fridays event area, and only as an approved participant. The first block of West 7th Street and the west half of the public square will be closed off for First Fridays where vendors will set up in designated areas of the street.
It’s important to know that SPACE IS LIMITED. Submitting a completed First Fridays application does not mean guaranteed acceptance into First Fridays. All applications must be reviewed by the Columbia Main Street First Fridays Committee. Every effort will be taken to ensure a great and varied lineup each month.
If you’re interested in participating, submit a First Fridays application between the 1st and 14th of the month prior to First Fridays. Applicant will be informed by the 19th of acceptance status. If accepted, you will have five days to submit booth fee and certificate of insurance.
Thank you for applying to be a Vendor Participant for Columbia Main Street First Fridays. This popular event takes place the first Friday of each month, April through December, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
The first block of West 7th Street and the west half of the public square will be closed off for First Fridays where vendors will set up in designated areas of the street. (Vendors and other participants will no longer be allowed to set up on the public sidewalks anywhere in downtown, only in the First Fridays event area and only as an approved participant.)
It’s important to know that SPACE IS LIMITED. Submitting a completed First Fridays application does not mean guaranteed acceptance to be a vendor. All applications must be reviewed by the Columbia Main Street First Fridays Committee. Every effort will be taken to ensure a great and varied lineup each month.
VENDOR FEE $25
Vendor is defined as artist, artisan, farmer, crafter, maker, baker, boutique, local business, political interest, church, non-profit.
APPLICANT GUIDELINES & RESTRICTIONS
- All Vendors must complete a First Fridays application (below) between the 1st and14th of the month prior to First Fridays to be considered for participation. Applicants will be informed via email of their acceptance status by the 19th of the month. For those accepted applicants, space is not guaranteed until $25 fee is received via payment portal and certificate of insurance has been provided within five days of acceptance email. See “CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE” section below for more details;
- Vendor shall comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Failure to comply may result in revocation of vendor status;
- All artists are required to submit photos of their work to be considered for First Fridays;
- Vendor is responsible for setup and teardown. Absolutely no early teardown is allowed. Vehicles will not be allowed in the event area;
- Vendor booth space is 10 feet wide x 10 feet deep. Please be courteous, do not spill over into neighboring vendor space;
- Vendor is responsible for all vendor needs: tables, chairs, shade device, staffing, materials, etc. If vendor chooses to use a shade device such as a canopy or tent, it must be clean, in working condition, and secured. It must fit in the booth space and be no larger than 10 feet wide x 10 feet deep. No exceptions;
- Tents and canopies must be properly secured by sandbags, weights, etc. Ground stakes are NOT allowed;
- Generators are prohibited by all vendors with the exception of approved food trucks and no electricity access will be provided;
- Vendor is responsible for removal and clean up of all waste and items brought to the event. Vendor must leave vendor space completely clean. Waste dumpsters are available in the north parking lot (through the breezeway beside Square Market);
- Vendor is not permitted to sell or distribute alcohol, mind-altering substances, or illegal substances;
- Vendor shall not leave their booth space, cart, trailer unattended at any time during the event;
- Vendor is not permitted to share booth space with another vendor or sell their booth space to another vendor;
- Vendor shall not leave their vehicle or trailer overnight in public parking areas;
- No-Show Policy – vendor will be considered a no-show if they don’t set up or staff a booth by the assigned set-up time and shall forfeit any fees paid. In the event of a no-show, the space may be reassigned by the First Fridays Committee.
COMPLIANCE & REGULATIONS FOR VENDOR FOOD SALES
If selling food, ALL prepared foods must be sold in compliance with the TN Department of Agriculture and Health Department regulations. The Tennessee Food Freedom Act ALLOWS Tennessee homemade food businesses to sell their food products directly to consumers in the state AS LONG AS the following requirements are met:
- Products must be produced at a private residence. (Any production in a kitchen that is not at a private residence will require a Food Manufacturing License from Tn Dept of Agriculture);
- The end products do not require temperature control for safety;
- Sellers must post prices for food sales. All fees must be marked and visible to patrons;
- Label requirements for each packaged product: Producer’s name, full street address, name of food, full ingredients list, and required disclaimer: “This product was made at a private residence that is exempt from state licensing and inspection. This product may contain allergens”;
- It is expected that prices will be fair to consumers, the seller, and fellow vendors; collusion among sellers to attempt to influence prices is strictly prohibited.
For details, click on TN Food Freedom Act. If vendor does require any license/permit, copies must be on file with event organizers before First Fridays.
CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE
In order to participate at First Fridays, ALL approved vendors must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 liability insurance and are required to provide a Certificate of Insurance naming the City of Columbia and Columbia Main Street Corporation as additional insured. Failure to provide a certificate of insurance results in forfeiture of participation.
Please CLICK HERE for additional information and various insurance options.
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
Inclement weather is described as either undesirable or unsafe weather conditions for outdoor events. Inclement weather can come in different forms, a outlined below. This policy is designed to help the event management team identify when forecasted or actual weather conditions require event cancellation.
GUIDELINES FOR CANCELLATION BASED ON FORECASTED WEATHER
Event management shall use the National Weather Service for forecasting weather conditions regarding First Fridays.
Trigger to Cancel Event:
- 0 to 24 Hours Advance Notice = Heat Advisory or Excessive Heat Watch
- 0 to 12 Hours Advance Notice = Tornado Watch, Severe Thunderstorm Watch, Excessive Heat Warning, Rain Chance Greater than 50% during event setup and/or event time
- During Event = Heat Index of 108 Degrees Fahrenheit, Observed Winds more than 25mph
WEATHER INFORMATION DISSEMINATION
- Email sent to all approved vendors, city officials, and any other parties involved in event management regarding cancellation
- Social media post on Columbia First Fridays and Columbia Main Street Facebook and Instagram accounts
- Columbia Main Street website, www.ColumbiaMainStreet.com will be updated to reflect the cancellation
- If a decision is made to cancel First Fridays based on guidance contained in this policy, vendors may be offered (a) a credit for First Fridays booth space in the current calendar year or (b) a refund of booth fee. Vendor and event management must confirm agreement in writing.
APPLICANT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & COMPLIANCE
- Applicant agrees to hereby indemnify and hold harmless Columbia Main Street Corporation and the City of Columbia, its appointed or elected officials, employees, agents and sponsors, board members, or representatives from any and all actions, causes of action, or claims of any kind or nature which I or my representative may incur as a result of participation in First Fridays;
- Applicant agrees to and acknowledges the guidelines and restrictions outlined above;
- Applicant agrees to and acknowledges the Inclement Weather Policy;
- Applicant understands that notice of acceptance status will go out via email by the 19th of the month prior to First Fridays;
- Payment and certificate of insurance will be due by the 24th of the month prior to First Fridays;
- Applicant further understands that the organization and its representatives may be photographed or videotaped during the event, and hereby releases and consents to reproduction of such photos and videos for publicity purposes by Columbia Main Street Corporation and the City of Columbia;
- Once applicant is accepted, this document and the submitted application serve as a contract between applicant, City of Columbia, and Columbia Main Street Corporation to abide by the guidelines and restrictions of the event;
- Applicant understands that any non-compliance with these guidelines and restrictions may result in the discontinuation of applicant’s ability to participate in First Fridays for a timeframe deemed appropriate by the Columbia Main Street First Fridays Committee;
- By selecting “YES” at the bottom of the application, the applicant is signifying they have read and agree to the terms of this agreement as outlined by Columbia Main Street Corporation and the City of Columbia.
Questions? Please contact Columbia Main Street First Fridays Committee: FirstFridays@columbiatn.com
First Fridays Vendor Application
FIRST FRIDAYS
FOOD TRUCK APPLICATION
Thank you for applying as a Food Truck participant for Columbia Main Street First Fridays. This popular event takes place the first Friday of each month, April through December, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
The first block of West 7th Street and the west half of the public square will be closed off for First Fridays where food trucks will set up in designated areas of the street. (Vendors and other participants will no longer be allowed to set up on the public sidewalks anywhere in downtown, only in the First Fridays event area and only approved participants.)
It’s important to know that SPACE IS LIMITED. Submitting a completed First Fridays application does not mean guaranteed acceptance to participate. All applications must be reviewed by the Columbia Main Street First Fridays Committee. Every effort will be taken to ensure a great and varied lineup each month.
FOOD TRUCK FEE $90
Defined as: Food Truck, Food Tent or Food Trailer
APPLICANT GUIDELINES & RESTRICTIONS FOR FOOD TRUCKS
- All Food Truck, Food Trailer, and Food Tent participants must complete a First Fridays application (below) between the 1st and the14th of the month prior to First Fridays to be considered for participation. Applicants will be informed via email of their acceptance status by the 19th of the month. For those accepted applicants, space is not guaranteed until the $90 fee is received via payment portal, mobile vending permit is confirmed (for Food Trucks & Food Trailers), and certificate of insurance has been provided within five days of acceptance email. See “CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE” section below for more details;
- All Food Truck, Food Trailer, and Food Tent participants are required to have an active Mobile Vending Permit with the City of Columbia. If you do not, you can visit https://www.columbiatn.com/568/Mobile-Vending to obtain one;
- Participants shall comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Failure to comply may result in revocation of participation;
- Participants will be responsible for their equipment and supplies; There is no electricity available;
- Participants are required to stay for the duration of the event, 5 pm to 8 pm since this is an enclosed area with pedestrian traffic;
- Participants must post prices for food sales. All fees must be marked and visible to patrons. It is expected that prices will be fair to consumers, the seller, and fellow vendors; collusion among sellers to attempt to influence prices is strictly prohibited;
- Assigned locations will be provided by the First Fridays Committee upon arrival at First Fridays and participants must stay at their assigned locations;
- Food Truck, Food Trailer & Food Tent participants are welcome to bring their own seating arrangements for attendees but are fully responsible for setting up, breaking down, and maintaining the overall cleanliness of the area during First Fridays. Please note it on your application if you plan to provide seating.
CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE
ALL approved Food Trucks, Trailers & Food Tent participants at First Fridays must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 liability insurance and are required to provide a Certificate of Insurance naming the City of Columbia and Columbia Main Street Corporation as additional insured in order to participate in First Fridays. Failure to provide a certificate of insurance results in forfeiture of participation.
Please CLICK HERE for additional information and various insurance options.
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY
Inclement weather is described as either undesirable or unsafe weather conditions for outdoor events. Inclement weather can come in different forms, a outlined below. This policy is designed to help the event management team identify when forecasted or actual weather conditions require event cancellation.
GUIDELINES FOR CANCELLATION BASED ON FORECASTED WEATHER
Event management shall use the National Weather Service for forecasting weather conditions regarding First Fridays.
Trigger to Cancel Event:
- 0 to 24 Hours Advance Notice = Heat Advisory or Excessive Heat Watch
- 0 to 12 Hours Advance Notice = Tornado Watch, Severe Thunderstorm Watch, Excessive Heat Warning, Rain Chance Greater than 50% during event setup and/or event time
- During Event = Heat Index of 108 Degrees Fahrenheit, Observed Winds more than 25mph
WEATHER INFORMATION DISSEMINATION
- Email sent to all approved vendors, city officials, and any other parties involved in event management regarding cancellation
- Social media post on Columbia First Fridays and Columbia Main Street Facebook and Instagram accounts
- Columbia Main Street website, www.ColumbiaMainStreet.com will be updated to reflect the cancellation
- If a decision is made to cancel First Fridays based on guidance contained in this policy, vendors may be offered (a) a credit for First Fridays booth space in the current calendar year or (b) a refund of booth fee. Vendor and event management must confirm agreement in writing.
APPLICANT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT & COMPLIANCE
- Applicant agrees to hereby indemnify and hold harmless Columbia Main Street Corporation and the City of Columbia, its appointed or elected officials, employees, agents and sponsors, board members, or representatives from any and all actions, causes of action, or claims of any kind or nature which I or my representative may incur as a result of participation in First Fridays;
- Applicant agrees to and acknowledges the guidelines and restrictions outlined above;
- Applicant agrees to and acknowledges the Inclement Weather Policy;
- Applicant understands that notice of acceptance status will go out via email by the 19th of the month prior to First Fridays;
- Payment and certificate of insurance will be due by the 24th of the month prior to First Fridays;
- Applicant further understands that the organization and its representatives may be photographed or videotaped during the event, and hereby releases and consents to reproduction of such photos and videos for publicity purposes by Columbia Main Street Corporation and the City of Columbia;
- Once applicant is accepted, this document and the submitted application serve as a contract between applicant, City of Columbia, and Columbia Main Street Corporation to abide by the guidelines and restrictions of the event;
- Applicant understands that any non-compliance with these guidelines and restrictions may result in the discontinuation of applicant’s ability to participate in First Fridays for a timeframe deemed appropriate by the Columbia Main Street First Fridays Committee;
- By selecting “YES” at the bottom of the application, the applicant is signifying they have read and agree to the terms of this agreement as outlined by Columbia Main Street Corporation and the City of Columbia.
Questions? Please contact Columbia Main Street First Fridays Committee: FirstFridays@columbiatn.com
Thank you for applying to be a Young Entrepreneur Participant for Columbia Main Street First Fridays. We support the youthful entrepreneurial spirit! That’s why we have a very limited number of booth spaces free of charge and open to young people who make a product to sell.
First Fridays is a very popular event takes place the first Friday of each month, April through December, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The first block of West 7th Street and the west half of the public square will be closed off for First Fridays where vendors will set up in designated areas of the street. (Vendors and other participants will no longer be allowed to set up on the public sidewalks anywhere in downtown, only in the First Fridays event area.)
It’s important to know that SPACE IS LIMITED. Submitting a completed First Fridays application does not mean guaranteed acceptance to be a Young Entrepreneur Vendor. All applications must be reviewed by the Columbia Main Street First Fridays Committee. Every effort will be taken to ensure a great and varied lineup each month.
YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR VENDOR FEE $0
Young Entrepreneur is defined as a young person(s) 12-17 years old who make a product by hand to sell.
Thank you for applying as a Street Performer Participant for Columbia Main Street First Fridays. This popular event takes place the first Friday of each month, April through December, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.
The first block of West 7th Street and the west half of the public square will be closed off for First Fridays where street performers & musicians will set up in designated areas of the street. (Street performers and other participants will no longer be allowed to set up on the public sidewalks anywhere in downtown, only in the First Fridays event area and only approved applicants.)
It’s important to know that SPACE IS LIMITED. Submitting a completed First Fridays application does not mean guaranteed acceptance to participate. All applications must be reviewed by the Columbia Main Street First Fridays Committee. Every effort will be taken to ensure a great and varied lineup each month.
Submit a First Fridays application between the 1st and the 14th of the month prior to First Fridays. Applicant will be informed by the 19th of acceptance status. If accepted, applicant will have five days to submit booth fee and certificate of insurance.
STREET PERFORMER FEE $0
Street Performer defined as acoustic musicians, performance groups, and street entertainers.
Columbia’s History
The City of Columbia is the county seat for Maury County, Tennessee nestled along the banks of the Duck River. Maury County was first opened to settlement after the Federal government signed a treaty with the Cherokee Indians in 1805. At first, the new lands were a part of Williamson County but, so rapid was the increase in population, that by November of 1807 the General Assembly voted to create a new county. It was named Maury County after Abram Maury, a prominent surveyor/politician of the region.1
The same act that established Maury County designated Joshua Williams, William Frierson, Isaac Roberts, John Lindsey, and Joseph Brown to select the location for the county seat near the center of the County, to be known by the name of Columbia.”2 The committee purchased 150 acres of land and set about subdividing it into lots with streets 100 feet wide. The City of Columbia was chartered in November 1807.
Columbia is the ancestral home of James Knox Polk, the 11th President of the United States who served from 1845-49. The Federal style home was built by father Samuel Polk in 1816 while James was attending the University of North Carolina. President Polk is credited for expanding the borders of the United States to the Pacific Ocean, adding three states to the Union, overseeing the opening of the Naval Academy and the Smithsonian Institute, commissioning the Washington Monument, and issuing the first postage stamp. Polk served on the Tennessee legislature, the U.S. House of Representatives and as Governor of Tennessee. He is the only president, to date, that also served as Speaker of the House. This site was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1961.
Columbia was incorporated on November 17, 1817 by the General Assembly. The town continued to grow and by 1836, Columbia “was a very thrifty town with a population of 1,500, next in size in this section to Nashville with its 7,000 population.”3 And Columbia would continue to grow in size and prominence.
The Civil War, however, brought much suffering to the area. Columbia, being a crossroads, changed hands numerous times between the Confederate and Union armies. Each of the armies left their sick and wounded to be cared for and their dead to be buried. But, for everything they left, the armies took much more, including the food, livestock, and resources Columbia residents needed to survive. When the war was over, Columbia was a battered and drained town. Residents looked once more to the land.
William Shirley discovered phosphate on Gholston Hill in Columbia in 1888. The impact phosphate made on the local economy is still visible today. Columbia’s Union Station train depot, U.S. Post Office (Memorial Building), and County Courthouse were all built within the first decade of the 20th century.
Phosphate and chemical production—along with agriculture—powered the local economy for nearly 100 years. Then, one by one, the chemical companies began to close. In 1985, General Motors purchased land just north of Columbia to build the GM Spring Hill Facility, known as Spring Hill Manufacturing for their Saturn brand that launched in 1990. The GM Spring Hill facility still operates in Maury County today as do a variety of businesses and industries.
True to its roots, agriculture is still one of the major industries in the area. Columbia is referred to as “The Mule capital of the world” and celebrates Mule Day each April, highlighted by the Mule Day Parade.
Columbia’s crown jewel is the historic downtown district exemplifies the classic Southern town complete with an iconic courthouse square surrounded by vibrant retail shops, local eats, boutiques, antique finds, and various businesses. 1. Excerpts from Maury Historical Society
2. Turner, William Bruce (1955). History of Maury County, Tennessee. Nashville, TN: Parthenon Press, p43.
3. Turner, p60
Columbia Commercial Historic District
Columbia is proud to be a Nationally accredited Main Street Community, working to preserve, protect, and showcase a vibrant downtown district. The Columbia Commercial Historic District is composed of 91 buildings arranged around the Maury County Courthouse on the Public Square of Columbia in south central Tennessee. These buildings, which occupy a six block area, are predominantly commercial, with churches and government buildings interspersed. The buildings date from the 1820s, with examples from each succeeding decade, and reflect a variety of architectural styles. 
Twenty-six buildings within the district are listed as non-contributing due to construction or alterations to the point they no longer retain their original integrity.
Click below to find out more about the Main Street Four-Point Approach, a successful strategy for growth and preservation developed by Main Street America.
Columbia is proud to be a member of the Tennessee Main Street Program and a nationally accredited Main Street Community designated by the Main Street America program of the nonprofit National Main Street Center, Inc., a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Columbia Main Street is among the first five Main Street communities in Tennessee to receive this national designation. The Main Street program is supported at the state level through TnDEC.
Columbia Main Street utilizes The Main Street Approach™ which offers community-based revitalization initiatives with a practical, adaptable framework for downtown transformation that is easily tailored to local conditions.
Transformation Strategies
The Main Street Approach is centered on Transformation Strategies, which articulate a focused, deliberate path to revitalizing or strengthening a downtown or commercial district’s economy. A program’s work on Transformation Strategies should be organized in four broad areas known as the Four Points: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion and Organization.
The Four Points
ECONOMIC VITALITY
Focuses on capital, incentives, and other economic and financial tools to assist new and existing businesses, catalyze property development, and create a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and innovators that drive local economies.
DESIGN
supports a community’s transformation by enhancing the physical and visual assets that set the commercial district apart.
PROMOTION
Positions the downtown or commercial district as the center of the community and hub of economic activity, while creating a positive image that showcases a community’s unique characteristics.ORGANIZATION
Involves creating a strong foundation for a sustainable revitalization effort, including cultivating partnerships, community involvement, and resources for the district.
Vision: Columbia Main Street aspires to be the top-visited Main Street in Tennessee because of the historic appeal of its economically-vibrant downtown, where residents and visitors enjoy a quality experience.
Mission: Columbia Main Street champions the charm, community, and commerce of Columbia by strengthening the authentic identity and historic character of the downtown through partnerships with the local government, local businesses, and community members. Together, we unify the downtown district by creating a family-focused destination where people want to live, desire to work, love to play, and wish to return.
This Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) is entered into by and between the City of Columbia, Tennessee (hereinafter referred to as “City”) and the Columbia Main Street Corp. (hereinafter referred to as “CMSC”), collectively they are referred to as the “Parties.” RECITALS WHEREAS, the City of Columbia is a municipality in the State of Tennessee; and WHEREAS, the Columbia Main Street Corporation is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation organized under Tennessee’s non-profit corporation statute; and WHEREAS, the City of Columbia and its Tourism & Marketing Department’s Main Street Division are responsible for creating economic, cultural, tourism, and community-minded development opportunities throughout downtown Columbia; and WHEREAS, Downtown Columbia is designated as a Tennessee Main Street Community and the City’s Main Street Manager is responsible for the administration of the National Main Street Program and implementing the Program’s Four Point Approach™ of Organization, Economic Vitality, Design, and Promotion; and WHEREAS, the City, with the advisement of the CMSC, is responsible for promoting Downtown Columbia as a vibrant destination that builds community and support for local business; and WHEREAS, the City and CMSC desire to memorialize a relationship between the City and CMSC by setting forth a series of mutual expectations. NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants, promises, and commitments herein, the Parties agree as follows: PURPOSE The purpose of this MOU is to establish a general framework for cooperation and collaboration between the City and CMSC. This MOU is intended to assist in defining the relationship between the Parties in order to ensure that the goals of each are accomplished in a mutually supportive way that promotes Downtown Columbia as one of the state’s most attractive Tennessee Main Street Communities. GUIDING PRINCIPLES The guiding principles and assumptions for this agreement are as follows: 1. Parties agree to communicate between each other regarding downtown events, development activities, and initiatives. 2. Parties agree to work together to create strategic marketing initiatives in an annual plan of work that assigns clear responsibilities to ensure collaborative efforts and initiatives. 3. Parties agree to work together to keep annual redevelopment statistics in compliance with the City’s Main Street Program required for national designation and accreditation. 4. Parties agree to collaboratively seek downtown grant opportunities to supplement downtown resources. 5. Parties agree to promote the guiding principles of this MOU mutually and beneficially to educate members of the downtown business, residential, and tourist communities. 6. The City agrees to assign their Main Street Manager as a permanent member of the CMSC board who will be expected to participate in monthly board meetings. 7. Parties agree that by entering into this MOU, Columbia Main Street Corporation will maintain an independent non-profit status and the City will fund a program of work for Main Street as administered by the Main Street Manager under the supervision of the Tourism & Marketing Department. CITY OF COLUMBIA AND COLUMBIA MAIN STREET CORPORATION RESPONSIBILITIES COLUMBIA MAIN STREET CORPORATION (CMSC) will use its best efforts to conduct philanthropic activities that support downtown businesses, residents, and visitors. CMSC agrees to: 1. Support the City in marketing City-sponsored downtown events, development projects, and initiatives 2. Utilize volunteer board to support the promotion of downtown and utilize committees to support special-interest downtown programs 3. Market and support Downtown Columbia 4. 5. Provide downtown design improvement feedback to the City’s Planning & Development staff Lead private-sector downtown fundraising efforts to support and enhance downtown events 6. Direct all new and existing business development issues to the City’s Development Services staff 7. Manage and bear financial responsibility for CMSC produced downtown events 8. The Columbia Main Street Corporation shall be responsible for maintaining the annual Main Street accreditation. The CITY OF COLUMBIA will use its best efforts to collaborate and communicate with CMSC on downtown activities that support downtown businesses, residents, and visitors. The City agrees to: 1. Provide a Main Street Manager to manage and administer the City’s Main Street Program reporting directly to the Tourism & Marketing Director, and indirectly to the City Manager 2. Manage the annual downtown events calendar and provide final approval for all proposed downtown events 3. Work with CMSC to create marketing materials that promote and support downtown projects, programs, and events 4. Ensure Main Street Manager will work to identify new business leads, vacant storefront opportunities, small business opportunities, and marketing opportunities for downtown 5. Provide updates to CMSC on planned downtown activities forthe fiscal year such as capital improvements, street closures, and events that would impact the downtown area, and to include CMSC in pertinent discussions when appropriate A. EFFECT, MODIFICATION, AND TERMINATION Parties acknowledge that no contractual relationship is created by this MOU, but agree to demonstrate best practices in communication and collaboration to foster downtown development activities that maximize benefits for downtown businesses, property owners, residents, and visitors. B. This MOU shall become effective upon full execution by the Parties. C. D. This MOU may be terminated by either party, effective upon written notice to the other party, sixty (60) days in advance. This MOU may be reviewed from time to time at the request of the Parties. If the Parties agree, the MOU may be modified in writing at any time with proper notice. NOTICES Any notice required or requested shall be in writing and addressed to the parties being notified. Notices shall be sent to the following administrators responsible for administration of this MOU.
WE are located inside the Visit Columbia Welcome Center at 713 North Main Street, Columbia TN, 38401. Our hours are 7:30 am – 4 pm Monday-Friday.
No, we help all busiensses and property owners within the 6-block district of our historic commercial district in downtown Columbia.
Yes,
| F NAME | L NAME | ORGANIZATION |
| Amy | Gibbons | Amy Montgomery Home |
| Jackie | Davis | Columbia Health Food |
| John | Davis | Finishing Touch Barber Shop |
| Lorie | Fisher | South Central Tennessee Development District |
| Suzanne | Ganser | Avison Young |
| Summer | Gray | Muary County Public Schools |
| Cassie | Benzinger | Mountain Ash Home and Design |
| Alex | Blackburn | |
| Ron | Ganser | Edward Jones |
| Jeff | Mingledoff | James K Polk Home Gardens |
| Nichole | Nace | Elia Day Spa |
| James | Murphy | Art Henry Tours |
| Exoffico | ||
| Chaz | Molder | City Mayor |
| Shelia | Butt | County Mayor |
| Rene | Lance | County Visitors Bureau |
| Wil | Evans | Chamber of Commerce |