WRMS Volunteer Committees
To inquire about joining a WRMS volunteer committee, please submit this form.
Volunteers and The 4-Point Approach
West Roxbury Main Streets (WRMS) strives to support and promote a vibrant, healthy and active commercial district in West Roxbury through the following four-pronged approach: improving the district’s economic vitality through supporting existing businesses and attracting new ones; marketing the district to attract new and repeat visitors to support local businesses; enhancing the physical appearance of the district with an emphasis on safety for pedestrians and cyclists; and increasing community connection to the district through events that involve its businesses and residents.
Our mission is carried out by the Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers and focused through the efforts of four standing committees. WRMS structures its work and committees in accordance with the Main Street America 4-Point Approach (TM):
WRMS Design Committee
Committee Chair: Lauren Stakutis
Design means intentionally shaping the physical image and character of the district as a destination that is attractive to the community, business owners, and visitors. It takes advantage of the visual opportunities inherent in the commercial district by directing attention to all of its physical elements: public and private buildings, storefronts, signs, public spaces, parking areas, street furniture, public art, landscaping, merchandising, window displays, and promotional materials. An appealing atmosphere, created through attention to all of these visual elements conveys a positive message about the commercial district and what it has to offer. Design activities also include instilling good maintenance practices in the commercial district, enhancing the district’s physical appearance through the rehabilitation of historic buildings, encouraging appropriate new construction, developing sensitive design management systems, educating business and property owners about design quality, and long-term planning.
2023 Meeting Frequency: First Tuesday of the month.
WRMS Marketing & Events Committee (PROMOTION)
Committee Co-Chairs: Brian Trabish and Elizabeth Hoenscheid
Marketing takes many forms, but the goal is to create a positive image that will rekindle community pride and improve consumer and investor confidence in the commercial district. Advertising, retail promotions, special events, and marketing campaigns help sell the image and promise of the West Roxbury business district to the community and surrounding region. Marketing efforts communicate the district’s unique characteristics, business establishments, and activities to shoppers, investors, potential business and property owners, and visitors. Events such as Art Walk, Westie Fest, and the Holiday Market provide an enriching sense of place and create bridges between our local businesses and the community.
2023 Meeting Frequency: Meets the second Thursday of the month.
Economic Vitality Committee
Committee Chair: Danielle O’Brien
Economic development strengthens our community’s existing economic assets while diversifying its economic base. This is accomplished by retaining and expanding successful business to provide a balanced commercial mix, sharpening the competitiveness and merchandising skills of business owners, and attracting new business that the market can support. Converting unused or underused commercial space into economically productive property also helps boost the profitability of the district. The goal is to build a commercial district that responds to the needs of today’s consumers.
2023 Meeting Frequency: Fourth Tuesday of the month.
Board of Directors (ORGANIZATION)
Organization is the key to a successful commercial district revitalization program. A strong, viable organization provides the stability necessary to build and sustain long-term revitalization. Developing a management program that is well structured, well funded, and committed to the future is the only way to sustain the revitalization effort. The WRMS Board oversees the organization’s strategic direction, fiduciary responsibility and establishes cross-sector partnerships to ensure success of WRMS’s mission and vision. The WRMS board works to educate, build consensus, stimulate action in the commercial district, and involve volunteers in the revitalization process. Each board member is responsible for being knowledgeable about WRMS’ mission and goals, and for overseeing implementation of WRMS’ strategic plan.