Mission Statement
The mission of Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. is to promote the promise of the Oxford Area with a focus on the Downtown Commercial Center through revitalization and economic development. Oxford Mainstreet’s position is to preserve and promote the goodness, historic values and economic turnaround of the Borough of Oxford by implementing a comprehensive plan of action developed through a process of public participation and consensus building.
Vision Statement
Oxford’s Commercial Business District will undergo a successful economic turnaround, putting into place an effective combination of quality retail businesses offering a variety of distinctive products and services. The downtown business mix will compliment the diverse neighborhood and attract area consumers. Downtown properties will be restored and historic assets preserved. A fully revitalized streetscape will add vitality and restore community pride. Oxford’s downtown will be a thriving commercial center, attracting new investors and entrepreneurs.
History:
If these buildings could talk, oh, the stories they would tell….Stories of constructing beautiful storefronts rich in material and architectural elements. Stories of busy streets, bustling sidewalks, thriving merchants and downtown shopping. Stories of movie theaters, restaurants and places to meet neighbors and friends. Stories of leisurely evening strolls and finding a safe place to rest. These are stories of a time of prosperity and progress – this is Oxford’s history and its future.
Crossroads:
“All roads lead to Oxford,” or so they say, from far east to west, from south to north, many travelers have stopped in Oxford along their journey. Roads to and from larger cities all criss-cross to create this village. The Borough itself serves as the hub of a promising economic region with a population of 20,000+ and arteries leading to several major cities on the eastern seaboard.
Agriculture:
The greater Oxford area is rich with fertile soil and industrious people. Oxford’s diverse landscape and open space is still being farmed in the traditional fashion – the family farm still accounts for a large part of the local economy. Amish and “English” working farms are interspersed throughout Oxford’s five surrounding townships. Beltways of farmland and agricultural preservation are balanced with new housing developments.
Opportunity:
“First the lonely cabin in the wilderness; second, the struggling village; third , the ambitious Borough; and fourth, the rushing city?” The late John T. Kelly wrote these prophetic words in the year 1894. The promise of Oxford is alive today as we continue to move forward and grow. As symbolized by the 300-year old oak tree that stands in downtown Oxford, our village has roots in a rich past, while stretching into a future full of opportunity.
Oxford Mainstreet's Timeline:
January 1999
A group of passionate and dedicated leaders from the Oxford Community and local Chamber of Commerce join together to discuss a serious revitalization project for Oxford’s Downtown Commercial Business District. The idea to become an extended arm of the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce is considered and voted on to pursue.
A 21-member Board of Directors, Officers and Committees form under Oxford Mainstreet, Incorporated.
March 2000
501 C-3 status is approved and Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. begins operations under the non-profit designation. Initial development projects include: The commission of the “Historic Oxford Print” by Local Artist, Bruce M. Coyle, Music on Mainstreet Concert Series, Annual Downtown Clean-Up Day, A Membership Encouragement Drive and Downtown Trash removal. Board of Directors meetings total six (6) sessions and initial discussions and fact-finding begins with the Pennsylvania Downtown Center and PA State Department of Community and Economic Development. OMI is funded by major contributions from area businesses and individuals. Foundational support and rich volunteer spirit move the project forward.
January 2001
OMI launches oxfordmainstreet.org and prepares for future development. A part-time Mainstreet Manager is hired. OMI Board of Directors meet regularly and focus committee work following the National Trust for Historic Preservation and guidelines under the National Main Street Center. The mission and vision begin to take shape.
June 2001
OMI, Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce and Borough of Oxford release findings from Market Research Study performed by West Chester University School of Business and Public Affairs. Data delivers valuable information in demographics, shopping trends and behavior(s), and voids in business.
August 2001
OMI experiences a defining moment in its existence! By hosting a day-long assessment visit with representatives from the Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC) and PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), OMI is ready to meet the challenge of filing for grant assistance through the State’s Main Street Program. OMI Promotions Committee Launches “Toolbox” reference guide to doing business downtown.
September 2001
OMI opens new downtown office with Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce at 23 South Third Street.
November 2001
Oxford Borough Council passes resolution to support Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. in its application for financial assistance through the DCED New Communities, Main Street Program. A Year II application is prepared. OMI Design Committee completes criteria and Design Guidelines for “ Oxford’s Façade Restoration Grant Program.”
January 2002
OMI Mainstreet Manager, April Ennis-Pierson fills position as “full-time” Main Street Manager. Year II Application filed with the PA State Department of Community and Economic Development. $55-thousand in grant funds are requested.
OMI’s Action Plan drives committee work in the four following areas focused on downtown revitalization: Design, Promotions, Economic Restructuring and Organization.
March 2002
News of OMI Successful Grant Application is received. OMI’s 1 st Annual Major Fundraising endeavor, The Mainstreet Gala & Auction is planned for April 2002.
Oxford’s downtown begins to take an impressive upward turn. Property sales and new business openings are happening.
July 2002
OMI is honored with a Townie Award for its business start-up kit, “The Toolbox.”
Oxford Mainstreet’s first 5K Race for a Healthy Downtown is held.
September 2002
OMI formally launches its Façade Improvement Grant Program. “ Oxford’s Façade Restoration Grant Program.”
November 2002
First Façade Improvement Grant approved. OMI holds 2nd Annual Town Meeting. OMI’s Promotions Committee unveils new downtown identity created by Tom & Dave Marketing and Design. The image is created to exemplify the rich history and prosperous future of Oxford.
December 2002
Oxford’s downtown experiences continued growth and investment. Over $1-million is tracked in property sales, building rehab projects and new business fit-outs.
January 2003
OMI begins Year III Application for Assistance, grant due at the DCED. Borough council again supports OMI’s Application. Six (6) Façade Grants are awarded and several new businesses open downtown. Planning for 2 nd Annual Mainstreet Gala begins.
March 2003
OMI focuses on making a visual impression. Downtown Beautification Program is launched with the Annual Clean-Up day activities.
May 2003
OMI hosts stellar fundraiser - $20-thousand raised for revitalization of Oxford’s downtown during 2 nd Annual Mainstreet Gala & Auction.
June 2003
OMI once again a Townie Award Winner! OMI received the prestigious honor from the Pennsylvania Downtown Center for Physical Improvement and Design. OMI’s “Design Guidelines” become a model. OMI receives notice of a successful $20-thousand Community Revitalization Grant. The grant initiated by Senator Dominic Pileggi provides funding for coordinated Parking/Gateway Welcome Signs and Custom Banners. A downtown business guide is also designed and printed.
September 2003
OMI’s Design Team funds eleven (11) Façade Improvement Projects. The 2 nd Annual Mainstreet 5K Race takes off.
November 2003
OMI holds Third Annual Town Meeting. New parking signs are presented along with a special presentation from Mr. William Fontana, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Downtown Center. Fontana was on hand to discuss the concept of Business Improvement Districts or BID.
December 2003
Oxford’s downtown enjoys thrilling trend and strong comeback of business base. Several new businesses opened downtown including: Peppercorns and La Sicilia Restaurants, Mainstreet Bagel & Bakery, Flipside Skate Shop, Edward Jones, Sneakertown of Oxford, Genesis Hair Design, Curves, Momentum Design.
The Downtown Beautification Program launched in the Summer of 2003 brought vibrant color and energy to the landscape. Business owners purchased street planters for the storefronts and a host of volunteer gardeners maintain and plant seasonally.
February 2004
OMI and the Borough of Oxford apply for a Year-4 Continuation Grant for Mainstreet Assistance. 65K is sought.
March 2004
Senator Dominic Pileggi, 9th Senatorial District, joins OMI board members, manager, business owners and borough officials for a downtown reception. The focus of the meet/greet gathering was to formally thank the Senator for his great support of downtown revitalization. Pileggi was instrumental in assisting OMI to secure a Community Revitalization Grant from the State Department of Community of Economic Development. The $20,000 grant helped to purchase signage, banners and to print a downtown business guide brochure. OMI was able to purchase a new printer and digital camera for the OMI Office.
May 2004
OMI hosts first annual Downtown Plant & Garden Sale. Many visited the downtown vendors to purchase flowers, plants and shrubs in time for spring planting season.
June 2004
OMI Receives 65K in State DCED grant assistance.
$25-thousand earmarked for Façade Improvement Program. Annual OMI Gala nets nearly $19-thousand to benefit OMI special projects.
September 2004
OMI implements new parking signage, gateway welcome signs.
New crosswalk signs implemented through OMI and Borough of Oxford. The impact recovery crosswalk signs are a significant deterrent and traffic calming device to protect pedestrians crossing downtown streets.
