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Mary's Minute
Main Street Districts are the Ultimate "Business Recovery Zones"
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis in the United States, the National Main Street Center (NMSC) and State Coordinating Programs like Main Street Alabama have been providing guidance and support to communities throughout the country, disseminating best practices, sources of funding, and other valuable tools to help small businesses. NMSC created a well-organized, easy-to-use website directing users to the most relevant and useful resources for Main Street communities. Click here to be directed to the webpage.
Downtown Professionals Network created a website reopenmainstreet.com taking a look ahead at the “new reality” possibilities, and they continue to compile potential reopening strategies, ideas, hints and tips for businesses, business districts and organizations as we enter the COVID-19 recovery phase.
Main Street Alabama released a series of free on demand videos providing specific strategies to aid businesses from how to set up their business online to merchandising tips as well as a graphics package our local programs are using to create professional signage to promoting social distancing, leading customers to curbside pickup areas, promote online sales, etc. Read More
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Reserve Your Car Tag Today
Last month, Main Street Alabama announced the "Shop Local Support Small" license plate that will be produced late next year if 1,000 people commit by June 30, 2021, with a $50 registration fee. Funds raised will be used for small business workshops and grants. Email your confirmation receipt to mary@mainstreetalabama.org and we'll mail you some Shop Local Support Small swag. Also, hold on to that receipt, you'll need it to pick up your tag as well.
Click here for the full press release.
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What's Happening in Main Street Alabama Communities
Athens Main Street led the effort to designate the Square and approximately one block in all directions as The Square Arts & Entertainment District which was unanimously ratified by the City Council in June. They also worked with the Mayor and City Council to convert temporary expanded outdoor dining established in April to permanent status. Athens Main Street purchased, with public funding, wrought iron stanchions and chains to extend outdoor dining on the sidewalk, even in front of other professional and retail businesses. Private contributions also allowed Main Street to purchase 15 matching patio umbrellas with the entertainment district branding. Over the summer, tables on loan from Athens City Schools were temporarily placed on the courthouse lawn. The tables were such a hit that Athens Main Street launched a fundraising effort to purchase tables. With public and private contributions, black metal tables will be placed soon to give patrons more space to enjoy a meal outside. To read what's happening in other Main Street Communities, click here.
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Countdown to be Counted Census Campaign
If you follow Main Street Alabama on social media, you've likely seen our Census graphics being pushed out this month as we countdown to the Census deadline of September 30. This campaign was created by Victoria Black, a recent Auburn University graduate with a degree in Public Relations.
Each graphic features a quote, former slogan, or fact about the census. If you have not already completed your Census, visit www.2020Census.gov to learn more.
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Reopen Main Street Resources
Main Street Wetumpka is using graphics made through Downtown Professionals Network's Reopen Main Street campaign. To learn more on tips and strategies for businesses and community leaders check out this free online resource.
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Winners of Awards of Excellence Released
Communities across the state are receiving their Awards of Excellence from Main Street Alabama after names of winners were released earlier this month. Pictured above is Cassidi Kendrick, Main Street Enterprise Executive Director, with their program's awards. To see full list of winners, click here.
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As a Main Street America™ Coordinating Program, Main Street Alabama helps to lead a powerful, grassroots network consisting of over 40 Coordinating Programs and over 1,200 neighborhoods and communities across the country committed to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development.
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Stay in touch with Main Street Alabama |
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Main Street Alabama
880 Montclair Road, Suite 245
Birmingham, AL 35213
205.910.8819
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