June 7, 2024 - In a significant move towards bolstering the local economy and fostering community spirit, a group of downtown merchants and landowners gathered last night to lay the groundwork for the Dalhart Downtown Business Association. Hosted by the Dalhart Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and the Dalhart Chamber of Commerce, the meeting marked a pivotal moment in the city's efforts to enhance and rejuvenate its downtown area.

Joe Livingston, the director of the Dalhart EDC, spearheaded the meeting, emphasizing the progress made over the past two years. "In the last two years, meetings have been held and the group has accomplished a lot such as creating a mission statement, creating a design committee and setting guidelines for signs, exterior paint, awnings, canopies, and doors," Livingston said. "It is time to establish and formalize the Dalhart Downtown Business Association."

Livingston clarified the EDC's role, stating, "Though the EDC and City are here to support and help in any way possible, it is not the EDC’s or the City’s intent to oversee forming a merchant's/property owner's association." He added that his role in facilitating the meeting was temporary until officers could be elected and the management of meetings transitioned to the association's members.

The gathering was marked by vibrant discussions, with participants sharing ideas, voicing concerns, and contemplating the future of downtown Dalhart. The enthusiasm was palpable, with even City Council members in attendance expressing their excitement and pledging their support for the initiative.

Although the meeting did not result in the election of officers, it concluded on a promising note. A subsequent meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 6:00 PM at Unlimited, located at 109 E. 2nd Street. It is hoped that a wider attendance from downtown merchants, landowners, and businesses will facilitate the election of officers and the adoption of by-laws.

The Dalhart EDC is optimistic about the future of the association, offering its support while stepping back from a leadership role. "The EDC is excited to see what the association's future will be and offers their support but will no longer be leading the way," Livingston remarked.

As Dalhart's downtown business community prepares for the next meeting, the momentum generated promises to translate into tangible improvements and a strengthened sense of community. The establishment of the Dalhart Downtown Business Association represents a collaborative effort to not only beautify but also invigorate the heart of the town, ensuring it remains a vibrant hub for commerce and social interaction.

For more information and to stay updated on the association's progress, interested parties are encouraged to attend the upcoming meeting or reach out to the Dalhart EDC and the Dalhart Chamber of Commerce.

Next Meeting:

• Date: Thursday, June 27, 2024
• Time: 6:00 PM
• Location: Unlimited - 109 E. 2nd Street

The formation of the Dalhart Downtown Business Association marks a new chapter in the city's history, with the promise of a brighter, more unified future for all its downtown stakeholders.