As Published in the Courier-Tribune on June 24, 2011
by Hugh Martin*
STAR — The Star STEP (Small Town Economic Prosperity) Community leadership team has formed four sub-committees, each to work on a different strategy to reach the goals that the team wants to establish. Star’s coach, Art Jackson from the N.C. Rural Center, has led the group through the process of developing the mission and move into the planning stage.
At the June 20 STEP meeting, the teams revealed their strategies to develop their mission, which is “to preserve the heritage of our town as well as encourage, support and provide revitalization opportunities to new and existing businesses so the community will prosper.”
The first strategy team is co-chaired by Star Town Commissioner Alice Clemens, Jim Callicutt and Mary Callicutt. Their strategy is to “support and assist existing local commercial businesses, agriculture, industry and new endeavors.”
They had decided on six projects, which include:
• The purchase and installation of brackets and banners along Main Street to promote the town.
• The placement of informational signs at the north and south ends of Main Street to advertise events taking place in the town throughout the year.
• An annual dinner to recognize businesses and recognize their anniversary dates.
• Offer a $1,000 matching grant to businesses for improving the exteriors of their premises, such as structural improvements or landscaping.
• Identify 100 low-income families in town and provide them with $20 certificates to be used for fresh local foods at the Star Farmers Market.
• Development of a digital marketplace for selling products produced in Star over the Internet.
The second team is co-chaired by Star businesspersons Eddie Bernard and Donna Strong. Their strategy is to “develop quality of life facilities and amenities that will attract regional workers and retirees to Star.”
They chose three projects:
• Develop a “Concert in the Park” series by the summer of 2012.
• Hold an annual county fair in Star.
• Improve the buildings along Main Street.
The third team is chaired by Marla Coulthard, associate director of Central Park NC. Their strategy is to “strengthen tourism and market Star as an entrepreneurial community and innovation hub.” Team member Judy Stevens reported that this committee had chosen 16 projects:
• Ensure that the Star History Museum is open at least four days a week.
• Refurbish the Leach Cabin, which is where the town was officially formed.
• Promote the Shamburger House, which sits on an eight-acre tract and is currently for sale. Stevens mentioned that the property was being marketed for $150,000 and could possibly be developed as a retreat center or a bed & breakfast.
• Place bicycle racks in town for the convenience of cyclists who frequent the area.
• Develop a brochure to promote “21 Things to do in Star.”
• Produce T-shirts promoting Star as the geographic center of North Carolina.
• Issue press releases on a regular basis to promote the events happening in Star.
• Development of the actual geographic center of N.C., which is marked by a granite monument. The development could include a wishing well, a wedding destination, a picnic area and more bicycle racks.
• Develop a Little River Park for kayaking and gold panning.
• Apply for National Historic District designation and refurbish the old Star Jail.
• Capitalize on the town’s name, “Star,” by becoming affiliated with the “Dark Park” astronomy region of Montgomery and Moore counties.
• Add a Christmas Festival for the entire day that the annual Star Christmas Parade is held.
• Improve the Main Street area by burying utilities and installing lampposts along the street.
• Promote the glass blowing industry in Star.
• Continue the development of the “Pink House” as the Star Heritage Center.
• Turn a downtown building into a music performance center.
The fourth team is co-chaired by Mayor Susan Eggleston, Town Management Advisor John Gowan and Gay Roatch. Their strategy is to “develop a coordinated branding, promotions and communications program.”
Roatch and web developer Mike Watson, presented a new website that is under development for the town. Watson explained the different parts of the site that would allow multiple administrators the ability to update the site on a regular basis.
The STEP team will next meet July 18 at 6 p.m. and is open to the public.
*Note: byline was published as Mary Anderson, which is incorrect
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