Auburn Main Street

Auburn Main Street is a group of local people with a common interest in stemming the decline of downtown Auburn and ensuring that the City that we all love and depend on for our livelihood, recreation, and community spirit develops into a sustainable and thriving place to live, work and grow. Auburn Main Street is comprised of people like you-business and property owners, residents, civic minded individuals, and downtown users.

“I would like to thank Auburn Main Street for the grant that helped us paint our building. With their matching funds we were able to paint the entire outside of the building as well as all of the small detail pieces. I truly appreciate their devotion to revitalizing Downtown Auburn and helping the small business’ that operate here.” - Scott Pettis, Big Red Sports

In late 2009, a group of concerned citizens met with City of Auburn officials to discuss the need for a coordinated approach to reverse the physical decline of the downtown business district which was threatened by the excessive and increasing number of vacant storefronts as business moved out of the downtown. The historic character of the area was being eroded as more buildings fell into disrepair. It was felt that, in particular, there was a need for a single body to take responsibility for downtown initiatives and “Main Street” type programs.

Thus, the Auburn Development Advisory Committee was formed to begin the work of reversing the decline by undertaking activities that are focused on preserving Auburn as a healthy and economically vital center of commerce and social activity by promoting the preservation, rehabilitation and reuse of commercial, civic, residential and other buildings in the City.

This committee of volunteers grew into the core of what would ultimately be incorporated, in 2011, as Auburn Main Street, Inc.

In 2013, the IRS determined that Auburn Main Street INC is a public charity, exempt from income tax under section 501 (c)(3) of the tax code.

Auburn Community Exchange

Our Mission Statement

The Mission of Auburn Main Street is to collaborate with our community to promote, advance, and preserve a vibrant downtown – rich in character and engaging for all. Our approach is comprehensive, inclusive, place-based and people-focused.

Our Vision

To operate exclusively for charitable and educational purposes.
To support the revitalization and sustainable growth of the City of Auburn through public outreach, education and community involvement.
To network and collaborate with other organizations, individuals, City officials, municipal and State bodies who have an interest in the sustainable growth of the Cityof Auburn.

Nora Schwartz - Treasure

Nora Schwartz is the Area Development Manager for Junior Achievement covering Dekalb Central/ Eastern County, Garrett, LaGrange and Steuben Counties. She received a BS degree from Purdue University in Communications in 2005 and Masters in Education from Weber Stated University, Utah in 2012. Nora is also a veteran of the Air Force National Guard serving a six year term from 2000-2006 in the services unit. During this time she received accommodation medals and service awards for outstanding work in the field. She has spent her career in corporate promotions and training before becoming a teacher working in both Utah and Dekalb County.

Nora has been working with non-profit organizations for many years and wrote her graduate thesis for The Children of Ethiopia Education Fund in Utah. She spent 2 weeks in Ethiopia observing the private school sector that work with the organization to help identify needs the non-profit could use to improve the education system in Ethiopia. She is currently the vice president for the Auburn chapter of Tri Kappa and volunteers for the PTO at JR Watson and a classroom volunteer at her children’s schools. Nora resides in Auburn with her husband Tim, daughter Avery, and son Elliot.

Nora believes that if everyone does a little, no one has to do a lot. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and singing thru life. You will often find her helping out neighbors in her community or running a 5k for charity.

Mike Littlejohn - DABA Liaison

Mike Littlejohn has been in the jewelry business for 38 years and owns Carbaugh Jewelers in downtown Auburn. Mike is the President of the Downtown Auburn Business Association (DABA) and has served in that role for the past 17 years. Mike feels it is his duty to constantly strive to make this community the best it can be. His love of Downtown Auburn has always been his calling card first and foremost and anyone who knows him will tell you that. Having grown up just four blocks from Downtown Auburn has given him the prospective to have seen many changes over the years, but also see the current changes and excitement as the necessary path to travel toward the future. Mike is excited to be part of the current Main Street board, and hopes the community is enjoying the transformation that is making Auburn the best that it can be.

Jenn Gibson

Jenn is currently serving as the Director of Marketing and Business Development for Cameron Memorial Community Hospital. Previously, she served as the strategy and development liaison between corporate DeKalb County and DeKalb Health as the Corporate Health & Wellness Coordinator. Prior to this role, Jenn served as the Market Manager for MedPro Group’s dental division in Fort Wayne, where she led marketing efforts and traveled to dental and medical programs around the country speaking on various educational topics.

Born and raised in northeastern Indiana, Jenn has always had a deep passion for the work of non-profits and appreciates the impact it has on supporting a vibrant community. She also volunteers her time for several additional organizations such as United Way of DeKalb County, Young Professionals is DeKalb County and the Auburn Girls Softball League. Jenn has a B.S. in General Studies from Indiana University, Fort Wayne, with a double concentration in Arts & Humanities and Math & Sciences. She is married to Josh and has three children, Taylor, Emmett & Evelyn. Personal interests include fitness, golf, reading, and outdoor activities.