Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, November 17, 1993 TAG: 9311190383
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Medium
The alliance will meet at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Renaissance Restaurant to consider reorganization, bylaws, its relationship to the Pulaski Main Street program and how merchants might work together for the Christmas shopping season.
Meetings will continue at the same time and place every other Tuesday.
Only about a dozen people attended a special meeting Tuesday so some of the matters that were to be considered were put on hold.
``I guess I was hoping for a better turnout than this,'' said Renaissance owner Paul Etzel, who is vice chairman of the alliance.
Janette Stephens of Main Street Galleries was elected chairwoman of the alliance in August but has not attended meetings in recent weeks.
She said Tuesday that she has been unable to participate because of business. Besides Main Street Galleries in Pulaski, she operates C&S Galleries in Dublin.
Stephens said she had no plans of resigning from the alliance but did not think she could continue as its chairwoman. ``I don't really intend to,'' she said.
Etzel has been presiding at recent meetings but said Tuesday that, although he is willing to continue as vice chairman, he cannot provide the effort necessary to lead the organization. ``It's the follow-up I don't have time for,'' he said.
Etzel said the leadership vacuum in recent weeks has slowed the alliance's momentum. ``I think a reorganization definitely has to take place,'' he said.
Several of those at Tuesday's meeting were approached about being nominated for the chairmanship, but all declined for the same reason - lack of time.
Etzel said the new chairperson would have to delegate duties.
The alliance had its own bylaws at one point, but abolished them when it became a committee of Pulaski Main Street. Some merchants Tuesday were unsure as to where that left the alliance as far as having to get approval from the Main Street board before doing any spending for promotions.
The group also discussed a need for more unified business hours during the approaching holiday season. Some merchants expressed doubts about there being many shoppers downtown on Friday nights when the Pulaski Cougars football team has games, but most seemed to think that holiday season hours should be extended and stores should be open Saturday evenings.
Etzel said he plans to gear his restaurant advertising after Thanksgiving to the theme of shopping downtown Pulaski, because shoppers also would be diners. He said he would even promote other businesses that would be staying open later.
``This is pretty much a freebie for everyone,'' he said. ``Anybody who wants their name on the ad, contact me.''
by CNB