News Summary
Elizabethton is celebrating as Courtney Bean, Director of Main Street Elizabethton, is awarded a spot in the 2025 40 Under 40 list. Her leadership since the program’s launch in 2019 has revitalized the downtown area, reducing vacancy rates and fostering public art projects. Initiatives like the Firefly 5K and First Friday events emphasize community engagement and collaboration with local businesses. Bean’s efforts promise a bright future for Elizabethton, focusing on both culture preservation and economic growth.
Big News for Elizabethton: Local Leader Gets Recognized!
Elizabethton is buzzing with excitement as Courtney Bean, the incredible Director of Main Street Elizabethton, has been honored as a 2025 40 Under 40 recipient! This announcement comes from The Business Journal of Tri-Cities TN/VA, and it’s a huge nod to Bean’s tireless work over the years since the launch of the Main Street program in 2019. Her mission? To breathe new life into our beloved downtown area, and boy, has she delivered!
A Revitalized Downtown
One of the most impressive changes in the downtown business district has been a significant drop in the vacancy rate from a concerning 16% to a much healthier 10%. This decline is no accident, as Bean and her team have implemented creative strategies to attract businesses to our charming town.
Art and Culture Flourish
Art lovers in Elizabethton have a lot to cheer about! Bean has successfully partnered with the City of Elizabethton on an array of exciting public art projects that add vibrancy to the downtown landscape. Among these is the stunning “Tracks of the Wild” mural created by talented artist Ernesto Maranje and the “History in the Making Community” mural, which was crafted by Caitlin Maupin. And that’s not all! A new postcard mural is on the horizon, along with plans for a Breezeway Art Project that will further enhance the beauty of our streets.
Blooming Beautification Efforts
In addition to art, there are also some fantastic landscaping efforts taking place. The downtown aesthetic has received a boost from carefully designed landscaping initiatives, complete with 20 newly installed planters and three eye-catching flower beds. These touches make a stroll through downtown not just enjoyable, but also visually appealing.
First Friday Fun
Looking for a fun night out? Main Street Elizabethton hosts the popular “First Friday” event each month! This special occasion encourages local businesses to extend their hours, turning our downtown into a lively scene filled with live music and delicious food trucks during the warmer months. It’s a great way to gather with friends and soak in the community spirit!
Creating Active Experiences
Sports enthusiasts have something to look forward to too! Bean launched the Firefly 5K event, which not only promotes fitness but also draws visitors from surrounding areas. This initiative demonstrates her knack for bringing people together through fun and healthy activities.
Working Together for a Brighter Future
Bean knows the importance of collaboration and team spirit. Main Street Elizabethton works hand in hand with various partners, including the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce, Carter County Tourism, and Northeast TN Tourism. These partnerships are vital to the success of events like the Meet the Mountains Outdoors Festival, where the community can celebrate all that our beautiful area has to offer.
Seeking New Opportunities
Beyond her current projects, Bean is always on the lookout for grant opportunities to fund exciting new projects that can further elevate the downtown district. She is committed to making Elizabethton flourish through comprehensive planning and grassroots support.
Listening to the Community
To ensure the voices of the local citizens are heard, Main Street Elizabethton has initiated a community feedback survey, aimed at gathering input on how to further enhance our small businesses and public spaces. Previous surveys have been crucial in shaping events like the Firefly 5K and First Friday, proving that the community’s input is invaluable!
Preserving History and Culture
Main Street Elizabethton is on a mission that goes beyond just development—it’s about preserving the rich culture and heritage of our city while reviving the downtown hub as a center for shopping and interaction. As mall developments posed challenges to local mom-and-pop stores, Bean’s work is more essential than ever to ensure the continuity of our downtown story.
With Courtney Bean at the helm, the future looks bright for Elizabethton. The community is not just witnessing revitalization; it’s participating in the journey to reclaiming a vibrant downtown that we can all be proud of!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Elizabethton Star
- Wikipedia: Elizabethton, Tennessee
- WJHL News
- Google Search: Main Street Elizabethton
- Elizabethton Star
- Google Scholar: Downtown Revitalization
- Elizabethton Star
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Development
- Elizabethton Star
- Google News: Main Street Programs
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
