Francela Salas steps into the Main Street Murfreesboro Board Chair position for 2024.

After serving on the Main Street board for two years, Francela Salas, is stepping into the chair position to help lead the nonprofit and guide the organization's mission in the historic downtown.

Joining the board in 2022, Francela loves supporting the historic downtown.

Francela shared, "I believe that our downtown is the heart of Murfreesboro and everything that Main Street has done is to bring our community together. I believe that by supporting Main Street we are also keeping part of the history of Murfreesboro alive; I want my children to enjoy it and appreciate it as they get older." Francela, who works as the Community Relation's Coordinator for Redstone Federal Credit Union, is extremely active in Murfreesboro with their partnering nonprofits through volunteering and supporting causes Redstone sponsors.

"Main Street Murfreesboro was fortunate to have the support of a large financial institution such as Redstone Federal Credit Union for many years and when they had someone join the board to volunteer and support with "boots on the ground" it made an even larger impact on our organization fulfilling its mission," said Sarah Callender, Executive Director of Main Street Murfreesboro.     

Consider volunteering downtown to get involved with the community.

"If you want to see your community thrive and grow then volunteering through Main Street is something people should consider.  It's always great to see people come up with new ideas and perspectives (on our board).  Never be scared to go out and do something that you are not use to; you never know what you might discover," encouraged Francela about what to expect when volunteering.

Main Street Murfreesboro has a 'working' board, which means volunteers serving on the board and on one of the many committees are expected to contribute by volunteering their time and expertise to move the mission of Main Street forward.  The Main Street board represents the diverse community we exist to serve in including community leaders of all ages and backgrounds, who serve in the city and county government, financial institutions, nonprofits, education, small businesses, downtown property owners, and different careers that bring a skill set needed in the organization.  Board members serve a three-year term and can serve two consecutive terms before stepping back to allow others the opportunity to serve. There are three committees that are active at Main Street including the Design Committee, Economic Vitality Committee, and Promotions Committee.  For special events such as Celebrate Christmas and Taste of Rutherford there are volunteers who help to serve and execute those activities.  

Francela's favorite downtown event is the tree lighting at Christmas.

"The Christmas lighting event, 'Celebrate Christmas,' is my favorite event I volunteer with.  The first year felt like madness, but as the night went along, everything fell into place.  I love seeing so many people in our downtown area supporting this (holiday) event and having such a blast," shared Francela who has served on the Christmas planning committee for three years now and takes on the role of stage manager behind the scenes during the one-hour community production.    

The Christmas committee is made up of volunteers who plan throughout the year this one night's event that occurs the first Friday in December around the historic Rutherford County Courthouse.  The lighting of the tree on courthouse grounds is just a small part of the many activities that occur for the community to enjoy during the night's festivities including pictures with Santa, carriage rides, free games and crafts with sponsors around the inner circle of the courthouse, and the hour-long program on stage featuring local school choirs, dancers, performers, storytellers, and Santa himself!  

"It takes a lot of help behind the scenes to pull off this event, now the largest of Main Street's annual events," explains Sarah Callender.  "If you are interested in getting to know new people in the community, sharing your talents and bringing some new connections to our program we would love to have you join the committee! Nothing gets you in the Christmas spirit like pulling off a huge production of lighting the county tree for thousands of people!"

Francela loves to have fun when she volunteers!

Francela is one to bring the laughter with her serious hard work ethic. She shares, "Volunteering doesn't have to be so serious all the time. And a lot can be done with a small team. I find it the most impactful when I let myself have fun with the task at hand. And even though I may not know what I am doing, getting out of my box is the most important thing I can do to grow."  

Everyone that volunteers with Main Street Murfreesboro makes an impact. It truly takes a village to make a difference.  "Our organization, coming up on 40 years old, has been successful at existing this long because we appreciate and utilize many hands and opinions and people who love the historic downtown. We function at a 'grassroots' effort to make change little by little. So, whether you have a business background and can help a new entrepreneur getting their first year under their belt as a downtown business, or you have a marketing background and can offer advice on promotions, you can be used at Main Street. We have architects, realtors, financial advisors, lawyers, professors, city planners...so many different skill sets on our board. It's all about relationships and loving other people with an enthusiasm for our community. We respect the history of our downtown and desire for healthy growth as we change, evolve and support a diverse group of small businesses in our historic downtown," shares Sarah Callender.  

If you are considering volunteering with Main Street Murfreesboro reach out to Sarah Callender at [email protected].