ABSTRACT
The term vernacular is used to “convey that the people who create the culture and the businesses must own the culture and be rooted in place.” 1 At the same time, communities evolve and change through the years, as people and events flow through them. This definition of vernacular as being rooted in place can be interpreted as being particularly supportive of locally-owned businesses as opposed to absentee owners or remotely controlled enterprises (large big box or chain stores, for example). This definition also implies that both authenticity and historic culture can serve as the basis for community economic development approaches. Carr and Servon 2 (2009, p. 30) explain this ability as:
An economic development strategy grounded in vernacular culture achieves a balance between small, cultural diverse businesses and larger chain establishments, develops and celebrates the historical character and nature of the community to make it attractive to residents and investors, and fosters uniqueness that serves the needs of the resident community and likely attracts outside shoppers and tourists.
