
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 2, 1990                   TAG: 9005020130
SECTION: BUSINESS                    PAGE: A7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: GEORGE KEGLEY BUSINESS EDITOR
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

ROANOKE GROUPS JOIN

The 37-member Roanoke Area Market Association and Downtown Roanoke Inc. have merged, and the resulting organization will "market downtown with one voice and one focus," according to Kim Kimbrough, its executive director.

Kimbrough, whose title does not change, said the Roanoke City Market is "one of the biggest success stories, the heart of downtown."

Peggy H. Spiegel, who has been president of the City Market group, said the merger is "one of leadership and support with new energy for our historically unique area. There is a lot of potential there."

The merged organization, Downtown Roanoke Inc., has 171 members. It will expand its board from 24 to 27 members, with four seats reserved for market area business owners, farmers or property owners.

F. Edward Harris, president of Downtown Roanoke, said the merger does not seek to eliminate any special interest but to create "a conscious linking of activities, efforts and undertakings to produce a greater visibility and market penetration" for businesses throughout downtown, especially in the market.

Downtown Roanoke will create a standing committee to promote the City Market and an image advertising campaign is planned by early July "to promote the special image and attributes" of the market.

The announcement said the Downtown Roanoke staff will recruit additional farmers who sell produce, as well as those who have unusual handmade items, for daily rentals in the market.

A historic market area town meeting also will be held twice a year to get opinions and ideas for better marketing and managing of the area.

The market group was formed in 1978 to promote special events, improve farmers' stalls, print and distribute promotional literature, attract new businesses, get government grants, improve sanitary facilities and create a shopping area "with a family atmosphere."

Downtown Roanoke was formed in 1960 to promote the interests of downtown businesses and improve the economic climate for investment and business operations.

Its mission statement says it will provide leadership and support for "a vibrant downtown area as the heart of Western Virginia."

by CNB