Downtown LaGrange is always one of the first places I take my buyer clients when they come in to tour Oldham County.  They are always intrigued by our piece of Americana, and love to watch the train roll by, right in the middle of Main Street.  That's why, when I was asked if I'd like to be a member of the board of "Discover Downtown LaGrange", I eagerly said, "Yes!"

Our board recently met with local merchants and members of downtown LaGrange's farmer's market to discuss the many facets of our Main Street Program.  As a new board member,  I learned a lot about the important role everyone plays in the success of a thriving downtown.

Discover Downtown LaGrange Executive Director, Barbara Manley-Edds, cited some interesting statistics from the Kentucky Heritage Council:

In 2006, Kentucky Main Street and Renaissance on Main programs reported more then $292 million invested in downtowns through these programs, representing the creation of 1,923 new jobs in Main Street districts, 401 new businesses and 345 downtown buildings rehabilitated. 

This investment, totalling $292,189,114, includes $69,383,808 in public improvements such as steetscape projects, $127,983,338 in private investment and $94,821,968 in new construction.  In fact, through this program over the last 27 years, more than $2 billion has been reinvested in Kentucky downtowns.

Nationwide, statistics show that shopping dollars spent downtown have a greater return back into the community:

*  6 cents of every dollar spent with a "big box" retailer is retained/recirculated in a community. (Source:  Rocky Mountain Institute)

*  20 cents of every dollar spent with a chain store is retained/recirculated in a community. (Source: Small Business Institute)

*  60 cents of every dollar spent with a sole proprietorship is retained/recirculated in a community. (Source: Small Business Adminstration)

Okay, so these are stats, and I find them very impressive, and they truly drive home the point that it's economically wise to promote our downtowns across Kentucky - and across America.

Downtown LaGrange is not just a great place to find wonderful shopping and great restaurants.  It's a gathering place.  It's a place to go to be with people you know.  It's a place alive with exciting events all year round.  Let me just share some upcoming happenings:

*  Girls Night Out - May 7th: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. 

*  Model T Tour - May 6th thru May 9th

*  Rifficolone - May 16th

*  Farmers Market - April thru October

*  History Walks - June thru August

*  Oldham County Day - July 18th

*  Ironman - August 30th

*  Ghost Tours - September thru October

*  Light Up LaGrange - December 4th

I'm very proud to be a small part of the effort to keep downtown LaGrange a place people enjoy visiting often.  Personally, over the 25 years Jerry and I have lived in Oldham County, I have watched it evolve into, as Barbara calls it, "a gem of a town".

Jacki and Jerry Shafer are "mega agents" with The Shafer Team and Keller Williams Realty Louisville East.  Long-time residents of Oldham County, Jacki and Jerry specialize in residential sales in their own "back yard".