History of Vernal Merchants Association /  Old Towne Alliance  

Wednesday, October 27, 1999 Vernal Express

In 1996 a group of independent business people were brought together by Marie Yoder, the Economic Development Director for Uintah County.

Organizational meetings were held and soon after the Old Towne Alliance was formed to include all the businesses located in the three block downtown area of Vernal.

It was agreed that some of their goals and mission would include the following:

1. Promote business and shopping in old town heart of Vernal City.

2. Join and work together to create a business area "outdoor mall" where people can come to have fun and participate in events, promotions, ect.

3. Create a hometown atmosphere and character.

4. Improve the areas appearance, landscaping, cleanliness, ect.

5. Coordinate and interact with Vernal City, Uintah County, Chamber of Commerce, and other entities to insure cooperation and to make sure that old towne is included in plans for new development and revitalization.

In 1999, Kathy Searle was appointed Old Towne President, she was born and raised in Vernal. Kathy spent 15 years leaning the Optical business, and opened K.C. Optical in may of 1997 on the Old Towne area and has been a member of Old Towne Alliance since 1996.

Cathy Calder was appointed Old Towne Vice President, she has been a Bernal resident since 1971, Cathy and her husband Bill are the parents of four children. In 1992 they started New Horizons Travel, Cathy is a charter member of the Old Towne Alliance.

Wayne Justice was appointed Old Towne Secretary, He is a life time resident of the Uintah Basin. Wayne and his wife Kim are the parents of four sons. They have lived in Vernal since 1983. In November of 1995 they opened Gale's Office Supply & Books Inc. in Vernal. When the Old Towne merchants formed the Old Towne Alliance, Wayne and Kim were charter members.

by Wayne Justice,

The Old Towne Alliance is a very beneficial organization for promoting the downtown area businesses. We appreciate the help that the mayor and city council have provided us in making the downtown events successful. A big 'thank you' goes to those who provided help with advertising for the Old Towne events. The Old Towne Alliance would like to thank the many customers who shop downtown Vernal during the big events and on a daily basis. Without their support we could not provide the services that Vernal needs.

Old Town Alliance is celebrating their 4th Fall Festival on October 29th, 1999 form 6-11pm.

All stores participating will be open for business and each will have a discount for their customers and patrons. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come out and enjoy the fun and festivities that evening. A midnight movie will be playing at the Vernal Theatre after the drawing at 11:00 p.m in the Sather building. All participating stores in Old "Towne have donated gift certificates and merchandise for this event. Come one, come all enjoy Fall Festival in Old Towne Vernal.

Wednesday, October 27, 1999 Vernal Express page 21.