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Mary's Minute
Farewell, 2020!
We are all so ready to get 2020 in our rearview mirror – what an incredibly crazy year this has been. As we look forward to the new year, there are some things that have changed for the better that I hope will be a part of our business landscape from now on.
- Cities working with small businesses on parklets, literally taking down barriers to doing business for restaurants and retailers needing more space to safely serve customers. In some cases, this was not allowed in the zoning or codes. What before may have taken months to approve became streamlined and easier to navigate. I am very encouraged and hope to see more of this in 2021.
- Curbside pickup will continue to be expected – business hospitality has been amped up during the pandemic.
- Businesses that never had an online presence took the plunge and now have websites and are marketing to a new audience!
- Masks became a normal thing and people got creative with designs, logos, and more.
- Shop local with people you know, and trust will continue and grow!
- We will navigate the realities of this business-changing pandemic, continue to be creative, and support our Main Street businesses and friends! 2021 is right around the corner, and I am looking forward to a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year for all of you!
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Wetumpka is Getting Ready for 2021 Debut |
Ben and Erin are going business to business to give the public a chance for a photo. Well, not the "actual" couple but instead a life-sized cardboard cut-out of the pair. But if you've visited Wetumpka recently or plan to in the near future, you might just see that vintage pickup around town as they renovate homes, businesses, and public spaces for Home Town Takeover due to air later in 2021. Jenny Stubbs, Main Street Wetumpka's Executive Director, said they've seen a 30% increase in foot traffic since the July announcement, based on business sales.
Read more about Wetumpka and their HGTV experience in this article published by the Alabama NewsCenter. |
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Main Street Alabama will host three workshops next month for communities interested in learning more about the Main Street program and for those seeking to apply for designation status. The workshops will be held from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Jasper January 12, Foley January 19, and Athens January 26. The workshops are free but registration is required.
To register, click below:
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Community Highlights
Montevallo just installed 11 temporary wayfinding signs with a spin inspired by the “Walk [Your City]” project and featuring their branding. Another design project underway is the “Pendleton Hydrant Parade” trail. Local artists are invited to paint fire hydrants in and around the Main Street District. This project was originally done in 2007 but is now being redone with support from their Economic Vitality Committee. When complete, there will be 27 total. Additionally, three new businesses opened in the district during the last couple of months with five more slated to open soon. Click to read more highlights .
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Don't Wait to Reserve Your Car Tag
The "Shop Local Support Small" license plate 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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Special Thanks to the Holle Family Foundation
Thanks to the Holle Family Foundation for helping us supply COVID-19 safety supplies like hand sanitizing stations, foot door pulls, and social distancing signage for several central Alabama communities.
Main Street Alabama has worked in # of communities on COVID response to assist businesses as they navigate through the pandemic and move forward.
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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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