focused on design, economic restructuring, promotion and
organization. Our goal is to become a designated California
Main Street Community by successfully completing CAMBA’s
certification process.”
Other cities whose ‘Main Street communities’ have been
recognized include Livermore, Pleasanton, San Luis Obispo
and Paso Robles. The program utilizes public-private partner-
ships to help revitalize historic commercial districts. CAMBA
advocates on behalf of Gilroy and other member cities, at state
and national levels, in collaboration with the National Trust for
Historic Preservation, the California Preservation Foundation
and other organizations, tracking state legislation that affects
cities and their businesses, as well as legislation regarding
historic preservation.
“The focus is really on economic impact through broad
community engagement with tangible, measurable outcomes as
the end goal,” Corona said. Learn more at camainstreet.org.
Morgan Hill’s Holiday Magic
The Morgan Hill Downtown Association states that dollars
spent in locally-owned businesses have three times the impact
on the community as dollars spent at national chains.
The Association’s Board President, John McKay, said the
Association collaborates with local businesses, the Morgan Hill
Chamber of Commerce and the City of Morgan Hill as well as
other local organizations. “Small business is the backbone of
our community. Local merchants invest in and have a vested
interest in Morgan Hill’s success. Our association focuses on
awareness-building and fundraising. Our members actively
promote events such as the Brew Crawl, Safe Trick or Treat,
the Indie Market, and this fall’s new Moveable Feast series.
Our winter season promises to be busy downtown. We kick off
December with the Granada’s formal grand opening celebration,
the Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony, and Ladies
Shopping Night Out.”
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GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
As John Horner pointed out, “Small and even micro
businesses are a relevant business model now and in the future.
They can create and test new ideas quickly and pivot more
easily than large companies in times of disruption.” John is
President of the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce and owner
of Thinker Toys, located in the Vineyard Town Center.
“Our local businesses proactively seek ways to connect
with each other, forming an ecosystem. Within that ecosystem
they invest in resources, management advisors, business loans,
operating facilities, IT support, accounting services, marketing
gurus, employment and training specialists and more. As commu-
nity-minded citizens we nurture this system, we don’t starve it.”
This conversation would not be complete without the
voice of Edith Ramirez, Morgan Hill’s Economic Development
Director and Chair of Joint Venture Silicon Valley’s Economic
Development Alliance. She has been praised for her work
in building Morgan Hill’s brand through focused economic
development and helping to make Morgan Hill more business-
friendly. Her passion for local community-building is palpable.
“People are looking for experiences, and that includes down-
town and regional experiences,” Ramirez said. “Throughout
South County, in Morgan Hill, San Martin and Gilroy, we
have so much to offer. Not only in terms of quality goods and
services, but quality of life.
“As we head into the holidays, it’s important for each of us to
remember why we chose to make this place our home. We vote
with our dollars when we shop and give locally.
“It’s also important to remember why we are celebrating.
We create community when we get out and do things together
in our community, whether it involves cultural arts and
entertainment, sports and fitness, social gatherings, education
and leisure hobbies, or philanthropy and community service.”
Ramirez expressed the hope that South County families
would consider the many options to think and act locally
during the holiday season.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016
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