The notion of a Main Street Association is a national and statewide movement that has been in the minds of many Delphi business owners since the early 1990s. The group met periodically to discuss the significance of such a group to the local economy, but no plans were formalized. However, the idea would not go away.

A revitalized group of likeminded individuals met in February to gage the interest level of addressing the economic and community pride issues at hand and six business owners or concerned citizens attended.

A second meeting was held March 7 and 11 people were present. Facilitator Jean Howell, grants administrator for the city of Delphi, guided participants through an exercise to identify the downtown area's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

According to a Main Street publication, the approach is community-driven and is used to revitalize older, traditional business districts throughout the United States.

The national organization suggests a four-point approach to commercial district revitalization which includes members working toward the same goal, promoting a positive image of the area, getting the downtown into top physical shape and strengthening the community's existing economic assets while expanding and diversifying its economic base.

For inspiration, Howell presented the "10 Things You Can Do Today: Getting Started with Main Street" from the national Web site.

She also led the group to vocalize Delphi's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

The next meeting is April 4 at 5:30 p.m. at the Stone House Restaurant. Committees will be assigned and a timeline for events developed at that time. For more information, contact Howell at (765) 564-6692.