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mission statement

The Pratt Street Merchants Association is comprised of business owners, on and adjacent to, historic Pratt Street in Hartford, CT.

The retail businesses on Pratt Street are unique, curated, and destination-worthy. Owned by individuals who share a passion and vision for this historic street, and the capital city in general, their positive energy is matched by their dedication and commitment to the vibrancy and success of all of Hartford’s stakeholders.

These business leaders have joined together to create the PSMA with the purpose of serving as the unified voice representing the needs and interests of the merchants on Pratt Street. By speaking as one group, the PSMA seeks to advocate on its own behalf, and positively impact public and governmental policies that affect this street. Additionally, the PSMA seeks to streamline the various individual marketing, programing, and PR efforts with the intention of effectively leveraging the available resources for greater value and benefit.

By owning a business on this street, these business leaders not only deserve to have their voices heard but are best suited to propose ideas and solutions.

By Pratt Street For Pratt Street

  • Membership is solely for those who own a business on Pratt Street.
  • The PSMA has no affiliation with any outside groups.
  • The PSMA is non-political and takes no position on outside matters.
  • The PSMA represents businesses located on and adjacent to Pratt Street as highlighted in GREEN by the map below:
  • All businesses that are located in the above highlighted area are invited and encouraged to become an active member of PSMA, regardless of who their landlord is.
  • Qualified businesses are not compelled to join PSMA. They join purely of their own volition and benefit.
  • At this initial stage there are no dues or fees to join PSMA. The group may decide to change that at a later date if the necessity arises.

governance

  • To ensure the effectiveness and fairness of this group, PSMA will be governed by a basic set of by-laws and guiding principles.
  • The PSMA by-laws will guarantee that every member of the group has an equal voice in all matters pertaining to the goals, mission, and decisions of PSMA.
  • Proposing and voting on such a self-governance framework will be one of the first objectives of the PSMA.

shelbourne and PSMA

  • Shelbourne’s position is that the long-term success of all stakeholders on Pratt Street are interconnected with each other. Shelbourne remains committed to the benefit and growth of all the stakeholders on this street.
  • It is not Shelbourne’s intention or desire to control or manage the PSMA. The PSMA should be run and managed by the merchants.
  • In order to get this association off the ground, Shelbourne will facilitate the establishment of this group. Once the group’s by-laws and officers have been voted in, Shelbourne will step away from “caretaker” status for the independent governance and self-determination of the association
  • As a business owner on the street, Shelbourne will be a member of this group. They will be only one vote – the same as every other business on the street. Fair and equal representation for all.
  • Shelbourne will offer whatever resources it is able for the benefit of the group. As such, Shelbourne has set up a basic website, letterhead, been in communication with various governmental agencies and taken the initiative to benefit the businesses of Pratt St.

next steps

  • Shelbourne is actively reaching out to each individual business in the highlighted area of Pratt Street to encourage their participation and membership.
  • A meeting will be scheduled for the newly joined members to discuss, propose, and establish the governance structure of the PSMA.
  • A list of priorities to be worked on will be adopted by the PSMA.

membership form

Submit the form below to join the Pratt St Merchants Association.

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