Page 102 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2016

DOWNTOWNS leader of the pack TAKINGS LEAD
tacy K. Pair of Gulfport brings enthusiasm and leadership experience to her new position as state coordinator for the Mississippi Main Street Association, working from the Biloxi office. The position’s title changed from executive director to state coordinator, but the duties remain the
same. She functions as the liaison between the local, state and national Main Street programs. Additionally, she works with elected officials and investors, sets the program of work and manages administrative duties.
The state has 51 fully-certified Main Street programs, seven downtown network members and 12 municipal members. “There really is a level for all cities to participate,” she said. “We looked at the needs to have a fit for everyone.”
Pair says the basic mission of the association has not changed, which is to promote economic development in historic downtown districts. However, a new mission adds
marketing analysis and branding. “We’ve expanded our services to better serve members,” she said.
Main Street America was founded in 1980 as an effort to reverse a wave of urban renewal that left many American cities and towns with fewer historic buildings and a reduced sense of place. With Mississippi’s sense of history, the movement found traction in the state. Since 1993, the state association has generated $4.9 billion in investments.
“We have many shining star programs, including Ocean Springs, Gulfport, Bay St. Louis, Hattiesburg, Starkville and Water Valley,” Pair said.
Pair began her Main Street career 15 years ago as the first local director for the Philadelphia Main Street Association. Leaving the state for a time, she worked for Colonial Williamsburg, Corning, Inc. in New York and was executive director of the successful Gaffer District. She returned to the Mississippi Gulf Coast six weeks before Hurricane Katrina.
Pair has served on the board of Mississippi Heritage Trust
and chaired the Mississippi Gulf Coast Preservation Task Force immediately following Hurricane Katrina. As an advocate for saving and restoring the Coast’s hard hit historic downtown districts, she worked directly with former Gov. Haley Barbour’s office.
The Mississippi Main Street Association will host a training session in Bay St. Louis October 26 – 28.
Gulfport woman leads Mississippi Main Street Association
story by Lynn Lofton
photo courtesy of MS Main Street
www.msmainstreet.com 601.944.0113
102 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • August 2016
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