What is Ocala Main Street?

Ocala Main Street (OMS) is our community’s program for improving and maintaining the heart of our community. OMS is more than a merchant’s or business association – it is a volunteer driven, nonprofit organization working to revitalize downtown Ocala. Officially designated as one of the first five Main Street communities in Florida in 1985, OMS employs the National Main Street 4-Point Approach to downtown revitalization.

What is the 4-Point Approach?
Organization

Billy Gilchrist

Involves creating a strong foundation for a sustainable revitalization effort, including cultivating partnerships, community involvement, and resources for the district.

 

Promotion

Tom McDonald

Positions the downtown district as the center of the community and hub of economic activity, while creating a positive image that showcases a community’s unique characteristics.

Design

Bryce Peek

Supports a community’s transformation by enhancing the physical and visual assets that set that downtown district apart.

Economic Vitality

Angie Lester

Help the downtown district reposition their districts economy through market-driven business retention & development strategies.

How is the program funded?

The National Main Street program recommends a funding mix that includes municipal support, event income, and corporate, business, and community donors. OMS currently receives funding and support from the Ocala/Marion Chamber & Economic Partnership, the City of Ocala, and individual board members and businesses. The most successful Main Street programs are those that receive support – both financial and volunteer – from a broad base of community stakeholders.

Thank you for your interest in OMS and the future vitality of downtown Ocala as it becomes a stronger core of this beautiful town. Ready to get involved? Please consider one of our sponsorship packages and/or volunteer some of your time!

Board of Directors:
Angie Lewis

President
Angie Lewis State Farm

Angie Lester

Vice-President
The Boyd Group

Laura McCormick

Secretary
Florida Local Exchange

Tim Rogers

Treasurer
Anchor Accounting Services

Bryce Peek

Immediate Past President
The Boyd Group

Larry Bush

LB Media Services, LLC

Billy Gilchrist

Insight Credit Union

Ted Schatt

Schatt, Hesser, and McGraw

Tom McDonald

Past President
Infinite Ale Work / Pi on Broadway

Joe Reichel

Program Director
Ocala Main Street Program Director

Meeting Dates

Please email your committee chair for the upcoming meeting dates.

Organization Committee

Billy Gilchrest

Design Committee

Bryce Peek

Promotional Committee

Tom McDonald

Economic Vitality Committee

Angie Lester