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| Our mission is to be the catalyst that ignites Connecticut's Main Streets as the cornerstone of thriving communities. |
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#MainStMeansOpenForBusiness
Opportunities abound in our downtowns, and CMSC is thrilled to share the many possibilities they have to offer. Whether it's new transit, housing, shops or recreation, our main streets are buzzing with activity. Read on to learn more about the many activities taking place around CT. Or better yet, take an afternoon to enjoy the weather and visit one of our many member communities. You just might be surprised with what you find!
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CMSC Welcomes New Chamber Leaders
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As you may have heard, there are new leaders at the helm of some of the state's largest Chambers of Commerce:
- David Griggs recently began his tenure at the MetroHartford Alliance after spending over six years at the Greater Minneapolis St. Paul Regional Economic Development Partnership.
- Garrett Sheehan was named the new President of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce. A former Community Relations executive at Eversource (CMSC's Founding Sponsor), Garrett is well known to CMSC.
- PJ Prunty, meanwhile, has taken over as President & CEO of the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce. PJ is also well-known by CMSC, as he comes to the Chamber from his prior position as director of CityCenter Danbury, a CT Main Street member.
Our congratulations and best wishes to David, Garrett and PJ. All of us at CMSC are looking forward to working with you to promote and advance economic development in our downtowns!
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Several CT Towns Named in Top 500 Best Cities to Open a Small Business
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Three CT Main Street member communities are among several Connecticut towns named in the Top 500 best cities to start a small business. Storrs/Mansfield ranked the highest at #89, while Farmington came in at #214 and Windsor ranked #247.
The list was compiled by LendEDU based on "their receptiveness to new businesses." Criteria included population score, income score and expense score.
Read the full article.
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Program Reminder: Small Business Express Program
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For those looking to start a small business, help is available from the State's Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD). The Small Business Express Program provides loans and grants to small businesses to spur job creation and growth.
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Official Hartford Line Opening Date Announced
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced the Hartford rail line will begin on June 16th, with free weekend train service on Saturday and Sunday, June 16 and 17. Full, expanded weekday service will begin on June 18 with trains running approximately every 45 minutes during the morning and evening peak periods. A total of 17 trains a day will operate between New Haven and Hartford and 12 trains will operate daily between Hartford and Springfield, Massachusetts.
The train line is already spurring development around the stations, and will make connecting people to jobs easier.
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CIL Has Opening for 2 Accountants
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Good with numbers? Love people? Want to be part of an epic team? CIL is hiring for two Accountant positions! If interested, email your cover letter and resume to info@cil.org with ACCOUNTANT in the subject line.
Read the job posting.
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CMSC Out in the Community -
CMSC's Associate Director Kimberley Parsons-Whitaker recently presented to students from University of Hartford's Barney School of Business & Upper Albany Main Street's Micro Business Incubator program.
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May Event Showcases Development Opportunities in Downtown Waterbury -
Downtown Waterbury features outstanding architecture by some of the most renowned architects of the 19th & early 20th centuries. Add in millions of dollars of investment in infrastructure and transportation by the state, city, and others, and you've got a downtown ready for a new chapter! With presentations and discussion by development practitioners, this conference will provide you with the information necessary to easily navigate the process of historic building conversion.
Click for more info.
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Meriden Event Matches Entrepreneurs with Downtown Space -
Mark your calendars for an upcoming event on June 28th at the Silver City Ballroom in Meriden. A casual, interview style format will feature charismatic social entrepreneurs and influencers in the urban planning industry. The event will focus on "Finding Your Space (and Place) on Meriden's Entrepreneurial Map" and learning why small business is the backbone of a thriving downtown district. The agenda also includes a walking tour of nearby commercial spaces, a business match-up session, cocktails and networking.
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New Design Handbook Available from Main Street America - Main Street America released a new guide that supports communities in their efforts to implement the Main Street Approach. Market Analysis for Community Transformation walks practitioners through 'Market Analysis Lite,' a process that allows Main Street leaders to get a handle on the market analysis process without an overly burdensome time or financial investment. Click to learn more.
▪ 2018 Awards Sponsorships Available - CMSC is still accepting sponsorships for our 2018 VIBRANT MAIN STREETS Awards program in Danbury. This popular event draws a broad cross-section of downtown professionals, municipal officials and key stakeholders while showcasing the best in Main Streets across Connecticut. CMSC offers a broad range of sponsorship opportunities. View our sponsorship brochure (pages 5-6) or email kim@ctmainstreet.org to learn more
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