The Gap Partnership Foundation

ABOUT THE GAP PARTNERSHIP FOUNDATION

The Gap Partnership Foundation was incorporated in April of 2017, with the mission of being a collaborative movement involving local businesses, residents, and town leaders to focus on downtown economic development, preservation and beautification in order to advance shared prosperity, build a resilient​ local economy, preserve our rich history and improve the quality of life in Big Stone Gap. 

The Gap Partnership Foundation was born from the The Gap Corporation (established 1983), a business focused organization and Bridging the Gap (established 2006), a residents focused organization whose main goals were to revitalize the downtown community and to attract the filming of Adriana Trigiani’s film, Big Stone Gap, to the town because of the economic impact the film could have on future tourism. Citizens and businesses came together with a renewed energy, and the film location was chosen as the historical little town at the center of the book by the same title.

By 2016, an agreement had been reached between the directors of The Gap Corporation and Bridging the Gap to merge into a new entity; The Gap Partnership Foundation. 

The Gap Partnership Foundation’s intention was to bring the energy of residents who had mobilized for Bridging the Gap and merge it with the long-standing business community support The Gap Corporation provided; completing projects in process.  

New board members and committee chairs participated in training at The Brushy Fork Institute, and a younger and new generation of community leaders were identified and nurtured.

The Gap Partnership Foundation’s mission is unwavering, we are committed to fostering the growth and success of the businesses in Big Stone Gap by bringing together local leaders and involved community members to share ideas, collaborate, and develop strategies for the betterment of our community. Fostering a diverse and vibrant member base of businesses and residents working in alignment with the town of Big Stone Gap and their tourism and economic development plans, we are creating a desirable business environment in our historic community that will benefit all who reside, work and visit Big Stone Gap.   

The Gap Partnership Foundation’s values are focused on efforts to promote local businesses and foster involvement through membership.  Campaigns like a collaborative bil-board, focused social media posts, businesses promoting other businesses, and the coordination of good old fashion “have your heard '' sharing.   All events are linked from the websites and social media accounts of The Gap Partnership Foundation and the Town of Big Stone Gap, and are shared in regional social media groups as well as the Big Stone Gap VIsitors Center.  

The Gap Partnership Foundation's most vital relationship is with the Town of Big Stone Gap.  Working in collaboration allows The Gap Partnership Foundation to host events like The Grizzly and The Polar Plunge, provide supportive services on Small Business Saturday like complimentary gift wrapping at the Visitor’s Center, to name a few.. This relationship is sustained by communications and planning with the Tourism and Development Director and an assigned board member of The Gap Partnership Foundation being a liaison with the Big Stone Gap Town Council  meetings each month. This communication is now even more vital as the The Gap Partnership Foundation is in the two year certification process to become a members of Main Street America which will facilitate creating an inviting inclusive atmosphere, celebrate the historic character, continue to build a diverse economic base and cultivate smart new investment, communicate unique features through storytelling while ensuring broad community engagement and support buy local experiences.  

The Gap Partnership Foundation is a vital part of the continued growth of our community; we invite all interested businesses and community members to join us on the journey!