Rockwood is currently in the process of becoming a National Main Street Community. City Council, merchants, industry, civic groups and residents are involved in this process.  The Business and Professional Women’s Organization has compiled by-laws and organizational materials for the board of the commercial district revitalization committee (CDRC).  This board will request assistance in strategic planning from the East Tennessee Design Center.  Four subcommittees will be formed that report to the board, they are:  economic restructuring, design, organization and promotion committees.  For further information on this program, contact John Evans (865) 354-1337.

 

 

MAIN STREET ROCKWOOD BOARD CHAIR SEATED

ROCKWOOD – Rockwood’s Main Street program is underway with the selection of the Board of Directors in progress.  The board typically is composed of between nine and fifteen volunteers who come from government, business, industry, civic groups and residents.  The first chairman of the newly formed Rockwood Main Street board will be Mr. John Evans, of the Evans Agency, Rockwood, TN.  A set of by-laws for the organization has been provided by the Business & Professional Women of Rockwood. 

    The Main Street approach advocates a return to community self-reliance, local empowerment, and the rebuilding of traditional commercial districts based on their unique assets: distinctive architecture, a pedestrian-friendly environment, personal service, local ownership, and a sense of community.  This approach results in greater economic prosperity for those communities utilizing this methodology.

    Evans graduated from Rockwood High School in 1980 and received a scholarship to play football at Carson-Newman College. After graduating from Carson-Newman with a degree in biology he accepted an entry level laboratory position with a local industrial facility. After 12 years of employment resulting in his promotion to the position of Assistant Plant Manager, he left to become the Manager of Special Projects for Scancarbon, most notably developing a Quartzite mining and processing facility in Labrador City Newfoundland. With a desire to stay closer to home, Evans began 5 years of employment with MetLife before becoming a fully independent broker of insurance and financial products forming the Evans Agency in July of last year.

    During the fall of 2008, Evans was on the volunteer committee that resurrected and successfully conducted the Rockwood Fall Festival.  He serves as the Vice President of the Rockwood Business & Industrial Association.  Evans is married to his wife Tiffany, who is a professional educator at Ridgeview Elementary School in Rockwood. The couple are expecting their first child. 

    Personnel interested in the Main Street Rockwood program can contact Evans at (865) 354-1337 for more information.