By Heidi Hood, Managing Director of the Downtown Franklin Association 

 

The Downtown Franklin Association (DFA) – a division of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County – is gearing up for a productive fall! As a nationally accredited Main Street program, the Downtown Franklin Association’s mission is to lead the continued revitalization and purposeful evolution of downtown Franklin – in the context of historic preservation – by maintaining a diverse economic base, promoting a unique local shopping experience, fostering accessible and attractive public spaces, and forging partnerships across all sectors. 

 

Having hosted a successful summer season, the DFA is recruiting another team of volunteers to provide hospitality on the streets, answer questions and welcome new friends on Main Street this fall for downtown’s favorite hospitality program, Franklin Locals. To learn more and apply to join this fun crew, visit DowntownFranklinTN.com/FranklinLocals. 

 

To accomplish its mission, the DFA hosts an evergreen membership program for nonprofits, businesses and building owners within one mile of the public square. This program includes unique opportunities for members to network, be promoted on public platforms and connect with exclusive resources and influential opportunities. To join the membership, enroll online at DowntownFranklinTN.com/Membership. 

 

DFA University, a benefit to DFA membership, will host a session on August 25^th at the Heritage Foundation headquarters for DFA members on “Cultivating Mental Health & Success Mindsets in the Workplace,” featuring guest speakers Amy Alexander, LMFT, and Pike Williams, LMFT, from The Refuge Center for Counseling in Franklin. The session will also include an interview on the subject with a panel of downtown business leaders, Julie Walton Garland (Co-Owner, Walton’s Antique & Estate Jewelry), Brian Moyer (Co-Owner, Moyer & Co.) and Shelley Kirkman (Manager, EVEREVE). 

 

True to its mission, DFA continues to host small round table discussion groups for retailers, nonprofits, service businesses and building owners through DFA Masterminds. Each gathering discusses relevant issues, ideas and strategies for creating solutions and collaboration. 

 

The DFA continued to share the stories of its service business members and nonprofits downtown during August and is featuring downtown shopping in September. Follow the story online at Instagram.com/DowntownFranklinTN and Facebook.com/Downtown.Franklin. 

 

In the ever-changing landscape of Franklin, the DFA is working hard to ensure downtown remains one of America’s favorite historic districts.