About the Main Street Sylva Association
Nestled between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway, Sylva, NC is the hub of cultural and recreational resources for our community and the center of independent businesses and services, unique restaurants and quality events for families and visitors.
The Main Street Sylva Association is a non-profit entity formed with the mission to spur economic development in the town of Sylva using the National Main Street Center’s Four Point Approach: Design, Organization, Promotion and Economic Restructuring. The initiatives will not only benefit downtown Sylva, but all of the Sylva Main Street Corridor and arteries from the Dillsboro city limits through the end of the Sylva City limits on Highway 107.
The organization has taken on some of Sylva’s longstanding events such as Greening Up the Mountains, Treat Street and the Christmas Parade. Board members represent key areas of Sylva related to the Main Street program, such as independent businesses, the arts, garden & streetscape, historic preservation, county and town planning and residential.
Mission statement:
The mission of the Main Street Sylva Association is to promote downtown revitalization through community and economic development within the context of historic preservation.
"As a Main Street America™ Accredited program, the Main Street Sylva Association is a recognized leading program among the national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. All Main Street America™ Accredited programs meet a set of National Accreditation Standards of Performance as outlined by Main Street America.
Meet The MSSA Board of Directors
Mike Poston, President
Laurie Bryson, President Elect
Lindsay McCardle
Natalie Newman
Jackson County Planning Director
Economic Vitality Chair
Owner, Balsam Falls Brewing
Promotions Committee Chair
Sylva Art & Design Committee Chair
Lulu's On Main
Sylva Town Board Representative
Rusty Ellis
Jeannine Sowers
Jay Spiro
Marne Harris
Director, Jackson County Parks
& Recreation
Owner, Fusions Spa
Berkshire Hathaway
Great Smokies Realtor
Mary Brown
Corey Bryson
Patricia Bryson-Wink
Pastor, First United Methodist
Church - Sylva
Owner, Balsam Falls Brewing
State Farm Insurance
How to Get Involved
Committee members volunteer to help meet the goals of the Yearly Economic Development Plan. Committees typically have monthly meetings and volunteer for special projects and events. A year of committee service qualifies members to apply for a seat on the Board of Directors. The 3 Committees are: Promotions, Economic Vitality and Design. If you would like more info. about getting involved, please email mainstreet@townofsylva.org or call Town Hall at 828-586-2719.
Director, Small Business Center
Southwestern Community College