Established in 2022 as a nonprofit, Vernal Downtown Alliance champions businesses in the historic downtown area through:
Providing networking opportunities for downtown business owners and individuals engaged in downtown development
Connecting downtown business owners to resources to help them thrive
Coordinating with local agencies and municipalities, including Vernal City, Uintah County Economic Development, Uintah County Travel and Tourism, Vernal Area Chamber of Commerce, and Vernal Innovation Hub, to create a prosperous and welcoming downtown
Vernal Downtown Alliance follows the Main Street Approach from Main Street America. This approach is centered around Transformation Strategies. A Transformation Strategy articulates a focused, deliberate path to revitalizing or strengthening a downtown or commercial district’s economy. Each Transformation Strategy is implemented through activities in four broad areas of work represented by the Four Points: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization.
Board Liaison: Aaron Averett
Committee Goals:
Build a diverse collection of businesses.
Facilitate investment in the local economy.
Attract new businesses to downtown Vernal.
Foster a supportive environment for entrepreneurs.
Coordinate with and complement the work of the Vernal Innovation Hub, Vernal Chamber of Commerce, and Uintah County Economic Development Department.
Board liaison: Quinn Bennion
Committee Goals:
Create an inviting, inclusive atmosphere for residents and visitors.
Celebrate downtown Vernal’s unique and historic character.
Foster accessible, people-centered public spaces.
Board liaison: Nashelle Jackson
Committee Goals:
Market the defining assets that set downtown Vernal apart from other places.
Communicate unique features and events to residents and visitors through strategic storytelling.
Boost the “buy-local” experience.
Position the downtown Vernal as the center of the community and hub of economic activity.
Create a positive image that showcases our community’s unique characteristics.
Board liaison: Laura Chynoweth
Committee Goals:
Take the lead on organizing events benefitting downtown business owners.
Facilitate strong leadership and capacity of the Vernal Downtown Alliance.
Laura Chynoweth, Chair
Granted Fundraising Consultants
Nashelle Jackson, Vice Chair
Vernal Theatre: LIVE
Aaron Averett, Secretary
Sunrise Engineering
Sydney Millett, Main Street Coordinator