Madisonville Area Revitalization Initiative, Inc. (MARI) is a not for profit, IRS 501(c) (6) corporation committed to Madisonville, Texas. All members are volunteers and are residents of, property owners in or a representative of a business doing business in Madison County, Texas. This makes its members true Stakeholders in what happens in Madisonville. In a small community like ours, resources are almost always limited. Limited income to the city and the county makes it hard for those government entities to do all that needs to be in a city that is 100+ years old. That’s where organizations like MARI try to help. Helping with those projects and beautification projects that are not infrastructure related or government related. MARI was created to help increase citizens pride in Madisonville and help Madisonville become an inviting place for retail businesses and visitors and venue organizations are looking for. To do this, MARI works very closely with various other betterment organizations (i.e. Chamber of Commerce, Texas Mushroom Festival, Hispanic Heritage Association of Madisonville, etc.), local businesses and various local government departments. MARI helps match up donations (monetary, volunteers, reduced costs, etc.) from individuals and businesses to projects that have been approved. And are now trying to find federal, state and charitable grants to help fund some of the projects. Every year MARI attempts to tackle new projects. Project ideas can come from anywhere. From a MARI member, someone working for the County or City, a local resident, a local business. Anywhere. Some projects are ongoing. Here is a list of recent projects… • Paint handrails around the square - Completed (some were black, some red, some silver) • Paint the 12 concrete trash cans around the Square - Completed • Paint the concrete planters around the Square – Completed • Hang Banners seasonally around the Square – Completed (to date we now have Christmas, Spring and Patriotic banners) • Help orchestrate and acquire funds for Murals around town • Maintain the lamp posts in downtown • Organize annual Trick or Treat Party around Madisonville with the Madison County Chamber of Commerce • Putting up/Replacing Christmas Lights on businesses around the Square • Work with City and County to help support their events See our Facebook page for the most recent projects and updates from MARI. Search for Madisonville Area Revitalization Initiative – MARI If you would like to volunteer or join a meeting, contact us using one of the methods listed on the Contact Us page. Meetings are held the last Tuesday of each month at Noon. Place to be determined.