Better Bennington Corporation

Purpose

The Better Bennington Corporation (BBC) is the lead organization which coordinates public and private efforts to maintain Downtown Bennington as the commercial and cultural heart of the community.

The BBC utlizes the National Main Street Program Four Point Approach of Downtown revitalization. These four points mirror the standing Committees that accomplish much of the work and progress in Downtown. These are Design, Economic Development, Marketing & Promotions and Organization. As a result of the active arts community in Bennington an Arts & Entertainment committee has also been established. For detailed information on any Committee and their activities, click on the Committee name.

Each of these five areas strengthens the Downtown economy, fostering the continued use of existing commercial buildings while promoting and preserving Downtown Bennington's unique assets, charm and history.

A membership-based community wide organization, the BBC partners with Town Government and numerous other organizations through its Board of Directors and Executive Director to achieve its Mission to coordinate and direct resources - human and financial, public and private - in support of a vital downtown. These efforts are made to advance the Vision for Bennington Downtown - Vermont's Main Street Experience: the Place for Vermont products, crafts and antiques; a Hub for recreation and entertainment; a Home for artistic and cultural activities; an Experience rich in American history and hometown heritage; a Center for business, civic activity and downtown living.

Downtown Bennington is also a Vermont Designated Downtown, making it eligible for various state programs and grants.

We encourgae you to look around, find out more about our Downtown area and even consider becoming a member of the BBC. Membership brings many benefits not only to you, but to our Downtown revitalization efforts.

BBC News

The BBC creates a newsletter which is mailed to all members. Past issues of these newsletters can be found on the the BBC News page.

An attractive, functional and safe downtown are the goals of the design strategy. The BBC oversees ongoing implementation of a comprehensive streetscape plan including lighting, street furnishings, informational signage, sidewalk improvements, promotional banners and holiday decorations. The BBC's Bennington in Bloom is a community supported program of floral planting throughout the downtown. The BBC administers a Design Assistance Program to support facade improvements within the Design Review District. BBC also consults with the Town to design and implement traffic and parking improvements.

Full occupancy, re-use of existing historic buildings and a vital community center are the goals of the economic development strategy. BBC actively supports the retention of existing businesses and the recruitment of new businesses by coordinating and publicizing educational programs, maintaining a downtown space inventory and providing a business recruitment package with current market information.

Effectively promoting downtown is the goal of the BBC marketing strategy. The BBC maintains an information Kiosk at Putnam Square and a web site; sponsors and/or promotes special events including Mayfest, Summer in the Park, Midnight Madness, and the Holiday Tree Lighting. BBC also promotes new, expanding or relocating businesses.

Providing the structure and coordination for the effective and efficient implementation of the downtown revitalization strategy is the organizational goal. Collaboration with public and private sectors through expanded partnerships is a critical part of fulfilling this goal.