Banner campaign to aid downtowns

By Staff
Jonathan Willis
The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce wants to do its part to help area downtowns.
With ongoing renovation projects in Russellville and Phil Campbell, the chamber is selling banners to enhance the downtown areas.
"These banners are in towns all across the country and they really enhance the look of the areas," said Cheryl Bradford, executive director of the chamber of commerce.
The "Buy a Banner……..It Matters" campaign will be ongoing through May 22.
Each banner costs $185 and is guaranteed to last for five years.
"I encourage all local businesses, churches and organizations to buy one and individuals can purchase them in memory of or in honor of someone," Bradford said.
Though both towns are working on downtown renovation projects, these banners will not be paid for city funds.
"This is a project of the chamber to complement what the two cities are doing in their beautification efforts," Bradford said.
The Phil Campbell banner will be red, white and blue and includes a storefront. The Russellville banners will be red and yellow with three oak trees on each side. Both will welcome visitors to the respective cities.
Red Bay placed the banners throughout town two years ago.
The chamber hopes to sell 20 for downtown Phil Campbell and 40 in Russellville.
"We have already started selling them," Bradford said.
The Phil Campbell Civitan Club bought that town's first banner while Atkins Marble, David Grissom, Country Cottage, Hospice of the Tennessee Valley, Russellville Water Department and the Russellville Housing Authority bought one each in Russellville. Bank Independent has bought two for Russellville.
Photos of the banners can be seen on the chamber's website, www.franklincountychamber.org