Categories: Business NewsElizabethton, TNEvent PlanningNews

Courtney Bean Recognized as 2025 40 Under 40 Recipient

The revitalized downtown of Elizabethton showcasing beautiful murals and community events.

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News Summary

Elizabethton is celebrating as Courtney Bean, Director of Main Street Elizabethton, is awarded a spot in the 2025 40 Under 40 list. Her leadership since the program’s launch in 2019 has revitalized the downtown area, reducing vacancy rates and fostering public art projects. Initiatives like the Firefly 5K and First Friday events emphasize community engagement and collaboration with local businesses. Bean’s efforts promise a bright future for Elizabethton, focusing on both culture preservation and economic growth.

Big News for Elizabethton: Local Leader Gets Recognized!

Elizabethton is buzzing with excitement as Courtney Bean, the incredible Director of Main Street Elizabethton, has been honored as a 2025 40 Under 40 recipient! This announcement comes from The Business Journal of Tri-Cities TN/VA, and it’s a huge nod to Bean’s tireless work over the years since the launch of the Main Street program in 2019. Her mission? To breathe new life into our beloved downtown area, and boy, has she delivered!

A Revitalized Downtown

One of the most impressive changes in the downtown business district has been a significant drop in the vacancy rate from a concerning 16% to a much healthier 10%. This decline is no accident, as Bean and her team have implemented creative strategies to attract businesses to our charming town.

Art and Culture Flourish

Art lovers in Elizabethton have a lot to cheer about! Bean has successfully partnered with the City of Elizabethton on an array of exciting public art projects that add vibrancy to the downtown landscape. Among these is the stunning “Tracks of the Wild” mural created by talented artist Ernesto Maranje and the “History in the Making Community” mural, which was crafted by Caitlin Maupin. And that’s not all! A new postcard mural is on the horizon, along with plans for a Breezeway Art Project that will further enhance the beauty of our streets.

Blooming Beautification Efforts

In addition to art, there are also some fantastic landscaping efforts taking place. The downtown aesthetic has received a boost from carefully designed landscaping initiatives, complete with 20 newly installed planters and three eye-catching flower beds. These touches make a stroll through downtown not just enjoyable, but also visually appealing.

First Friday Fun

Looking for a fun night out? Main Street Elizabethton hosts the popular “First Friday” event each month! This special occasion encourages local businesses to extend their hours, turning our downtown into a lively scene filled with live music and delicious food trucks during the warmer months. It’s a great way to gather with friends and soak in the community spirit!

Creating Active Experiences

Sports enthusiasts have something to look forward to too! Bean launched the Firefly 5K event, which not only promotes fitness but also draws visitors from surrounding areas. This initiative demonstrates her knack for bringing people together through fun and healthy activities.

Working Together for a Brighter Future

Bean knows the importance of collaboration and team spirit. Main Street Elizabethton works hand in hand with various partners, including the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce, Carter County Tourism, and Northeast TN Tourism. These partnerships are vital to the success of events like the Meet the Mountains Outdoors Festival, where the community can celebrate all that our beautiful area has to offer.

Seeking New Opportunities

Beyond her current projects, Bean is always on the lookout for grant opportunities to fund exciting new projects that can further elevate the downtown district. She is committed to making Elizabethton flourish through comprehensive planning and grassroots support.

Listening to the Community

To ensure the voices of the local citizens are heard, Main Street Elizabethton has initiated a community feedback survey, aimed at gathering input on how to further enhance our small businesses and public spaces. Previous surveys have been crucial in shaping events like the Firefly 5K and First Friday, proving that the community’s input is invaluable!

Preserving History and Culture

Main Street Elizabethton is on a mission that goes beyond just development—it’s about preserving the rich culture and heritage of our city while reviving the downtown hub as a center for shopping and interaction. As mall developments posed challenges to local mom-and-pop stores, Bean’s work is more essential than ever to ensure the continuity of our downtown story.

With Courtney Bean at the helm, the future looks bright for Elizabethton. The community is not just witnessing revitalization; it’s participating in the journey to reclaiming a vibrant downtown that we can all be proud of!