About us - Main Street Union City

About Main Street Union City

Main Street Union City, Inc. is a combined partnership on all levels. It truly is a grassroots effort of downtown stakesholders, business and property owners, residents, not only of the HIstoric Union City area, but of the community as well. It is also made up of representatives of organizations who are working to preserve the economic health of the community such as Union City . Union City Main Street, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization that started in 1994 with a few concerned citizens. Main Street Union City has a board of directors consisting of thirteen memebrs plus additional committees organized in the traditional four-point approach. However, the true back-bone of Main Street is our large group of volunteers. Our organization is part of the TN Main Street program. We are also a member of the National Main Street Center.

Our Mission

To enrich the quality of life of all citizens of Obion County by revitalizing the economy the historical charm and preserving the architectural heritage of the downtown business district of Union City.

Our Four Point Approach

1. Design

Enhancing the physical appearance of the commercial district by rehabilitating historic buildings, encouraging new construction, and developing sensitive design management systems.

2. Organization

Building consensus and cooperation amount the many groups and individuals who have a role in the revitalization process.

3. Promotion

Marketing the traditional commercial district’s assets to customers, potential investors, new businesses, local citizens and visitors. The goal is to create a positive image.

4. Economic Restructuring

Strengthening the district’s existing economic base while finding ways to expand it to meet new opportunities and challenges from outlying development.

OUR TEAM

Katie Graves

Executive Director

May 2023-Present

Katie Graves is the executive director for Main Street Union City. She was born and raised in Memphis, Tenn., and received her bachelor’s degree in communications and public relations from The University of Tennessee at Martin.

Katie started her career in marketing and PR at Discovery Park of America, where she managed the website and social media pages for the museum before being named marketing director. After seven years at Discovery Park, Katie accepted the PR and Marketing Director position at Dynamix Physical Therapy in Milan, Tenn., where she helped promote and advertise the company’s services and helped open five new clinics.

Katie is excited to be back home in Union City to lead the Main Street program to new heights. “I love this town and this community, and I am so excited to put my skills to work in helping revitalize and grow downtown Union City,” said Graves. “I look forward to working with the merchants downtown and the community members to help our downtown thrive.”

Katie is married to her husband, Ben, and they live in Union City.