By Jennifer Maier/Community columnist

Bragan Feldman is the new Executive Director for Main Street Columbiana, and she has already hit the ground running.

Her first order of business is to make certain the community plays an active role in Main Street Columbiana.  One way citizens can be involved is by attending the upcoming community visioning session at the Columbiana Senior Center on Aug. 2 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Columbiana was recently chosen to be a designated city within the Main Street Alabama Program.  Main Street Alabama uses a proven approach to revitalizing downtown areas by focusing on four key areas:  organization, promotion, design and economic restructuring.

Feldman grew up in Chelsea and graduated from Chelsea High School.  She graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Communications with minors in Business, Political Science and Theater.

She is a realtor with Coldwell Banker Preferred Properties.  Her husband, Zack, teaches geometry at Oak Mountain High School and is also an assistant band director for the school.  The couple have an 8-year-old daughter, Grier, and a 5-year-old son, Barrett.

The opportunity to help Columbiana grow is what attracted Feldman to the position.

“Being able to take the love this community has for Columbiana and work alongside them to bring new businesses and people while keeping the character of the community, brought a level of excitement that is rare,” she explained.

Feldman describes herself as highly organized with a strong ability to multi-task, which she attributes to years of experience in public relations and real estate.

Already, Feldman has formed a vision for Columbiana that she would like to see come to fruition.

“I see a rejuvenation that is brought on by being organized for success, promoting our city, improving our historic designs, and magnifying our economic development and sustainability,” she said.

Columbiana has an undeniable charm, but there is a common misconception that Feldman would like to change.

“The biggest misconception people have about Columbiana is that there is nothing to do here. Those that have never been to Columbiana have no clue about the excitement in the events that are held and what wonderful unique shops there are,” Feldman said.  “And boy, are they missing out on some of the most delicious restaurants in the entire state.”

Feldman has a large task ahead of her, but strong involvement from the community will play a key role in the success of Main Street Columbiana.  She is ready and willing to do her part.

“I believe we are to exhaust every talent that God gives each of us.  It is to be used and not wasted,” Feldman said.   “One of my favorite quotes is from Vince Lombardi, and he said that ‘Some of us will do our jobs well and some will not, but we will be judged by only one thing … the result’.”

 

From Aug. 2-4, experts from Main Street Alabama will be in town conducting assessments of the city.  The public is encouraged to participate in the community visioning session on Aug. 2 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Columbiana Senior Center.

 

On Aug. 4, Main Street Alabama will make a public presentation of initial findings and recommendations at the Columbiana Senior Center from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

 

Jennifer Maier is a community columnist for the city of Columbiana and can be reached at jmaier483@gmail.com.