Become a Corporate Partner Become a Friend
Who We Are
The Oak Ridge Revitalization Effort [ORRE] is a private, not for profit partnership organization dedicated to the revitalization of Oak Ridge’s historic shopping areas & neighborhoods.
Our Purpose
The purpose of the Oak Ridge Revitalization Effort is to promote, protect and enhance Jackson Square and Grove Center as the heart of our community by encouraging business diversity and enhancing the unique physical characteristics through remedial actions that eliminate the physical, economic and social deterioration of these areas by actively promoting revitalization, rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of existing properties.
How We Operate
The Oak Ridge Revitalization Effort is coordinated by a part-time Executive Director, a Board of Directors, volunteer committees, business owners, property owners, residents, and community leaders to achieve our objectives.
Mission Statement
To invest in existing infrastructure, create new jobs, retain and attract new businesses , improve residential housing, returning long vacant and deteriorating properties to the tax rolls & bringing shoppers and families to our historic centers and neighborhoods while engaging citizens in creating stronger communities.
The Benefits of Membership:
Why belong to any organization, what is the benefit of any Partnership and finally why is it important to pay for that Partnership? Being a partner of any organization is probably one of those unique American things that differentiate us from the rest of the world. Partnership in the Oak Ridge Revitalization Effort is about uniting people with a common love for our historic shopping areas. Partners include all business sectors, provide a united forum for communication with City Government, work on the promotion of historic Oak Ridge and provide volunteers for events, festivals and projects for the area.
The real benefit from Partnership in the Oak Ridge Revitalization Effort is the ability to network with others with a similar interest in Oak Ridge. Build relationships that support partner businesses and help new businesses of any kind develop and grow in our city. Help find locations for new business and help keep our historic areas looking and functioning at their best. The partners of Oak Ridge Revitalization Effort include some of the oldest and most successful businesses in Oak Ridge. This group of business owners alone provides an invaluable resource for achieving success in partner businesses. Partnership also comes with many ways to efficiently and affordably promote your endeavor whether in retail, service or hospitality related sectors. Living in the historic housing? If so you also share a common need for communication as a unit on issues such as revitalizing/renovating, parking and city services.
Join Oak Ridge Revitalization Effort and be a part of what makes Oak Ridge great. Enjoy fellowship with giving people that give to our effort and become a lover of Oak Ridge.
ORRE’s immediate plans include:
- Working with the East Tennessee Community Design Center to develop a viable design plan for our district
- Webpage links to available property in the district
- Weekly activities in each center for community participation from Spring through Fall
- Community Christmas Tree Lighting
- Gingerbread House Exhibit [2010]
- CELT – an Irish Evening With Michael Londra
- Mardi Gras Bead Toss [2010]
We've Done A Variety of Projects
Through a comprehensive approach to revitalization; the ORRE serves the community through the following:
- Weekly Farmer's Market
- Lavender Festival
- Taste of Oak Ridge
- Pumpkin Fest
- Scarecrow Contest
- Santa In The Grove
- Tree Lighting at Jackson Square
We're Strengthening Revitalization Projects
- Technical assistance and information
- Monthly merchant meeting to give businesses a voice
- A monthly newsletter for partners
- An active ORRE webpage
- Applying for grant programs
- Advocating for the district through the Mayor & City Council
- Actively recruiting new businesses
- ORRE partners shop at and support other ORRE partner businesses
Benefits of ORRE Partnership include
- Making a positive difference in the health, vitality, and livability of historic Oak Ridge
- Access to Partnership Database
- Notary Service
- Networking Opportunities
- Opportunity to work on Community Events
- Having a voice with what happens in Oak Ridge
- Problem solving agency for concerns a business may have with the City, other business owners, etc.
- Monthly Newsletter keeping you informed on the current activities of the Revitalization Effort, our partners & our community
- All ORRE Partners are listed on the official website. Partners are able to link to their own company websites for FREE!
- All paid partners of the ORRE will receive an invitation to attend the ANNUAL MEETING where partners will be updated on our achievements and our future dreams.
- An important aspect of becoming a partner is becoming involved in your community. Partnership allows you to join in a committee of your choice and to participate “hands on” with the revitalization of your business community. By joining a committee you become exposed to new networking opportunities.
- Each month, a partner is selected to receive the ORRE Partnerr of the Month award. Awardees are chosen for their above-and beyond involvement with the program.
- ORRE hosts several community events throughout each year as well as a weekly Farmer’s Market. As a partner you will receive direct discounts when interested in setting up at the events. par
