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Main Street America Network,
Unfortunately, this week – like so many in recent memory – has brought with it renewed national anguish, with the violent insurrection at the United States Capitol. We join with our parent organization, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, in condemning this act in the strongest possible terms and standing with the causes of peace and justice.
The early days of a new year usually carry with them a feeling of hope and anticipation as we think back on what has passed and what is to come. Even amidst the tumult of the last 48 hours – or maybe because of it – I believe this is an important moment to stop and reflect on what we’ve been through together these last 12 months. How are we to ‘make sense’ of 2020, and given 2021 thus far, how do we prepare ourselves for what’s to come?
The COVID-19 pandemic will forever define 2020. The ensuing public health crisis, with its far-reaching effects on individuals and families, small businesses, and the economy has left a permanent mark on all of us. The killing of George Floyd at the hands of police and the subsequent nationwide protests also brought about a long overdue reckoning with issues of racial justice that has deeply impacted all levels of society. 2020 changed us in ways that will probably take years to fully unpack.
While I won’t attempt too much of that ‘unpacking’ here today, I am struck by several key ways in which the events of 2020 reshaped our work. It was an incredibly difficult year, and yet by many counts, the Main Street movement has proved itself more resilient and relevant than ever.
When the pandemic hit the U.S. in full force last March, local Main Street leaders sprang into action and addressed the dire situation head-on, rallying to support local businesses. Despite the struggles, loses, and economic uncertainty we faced over the days, weeks, and months that followed, you did not give up in your effort to support your communities. I will forever remember the commitment and sense of purpose that I witnessed and continue to witness of Main Streeters all over the country.
And in the midst of the protests and demonstrations for racial justice this summer, many Main Street programs embraced the imperative to act and took on a leadership role around issues of racial justice, equity, and belonging. As a leader myself, that was – and continues to be – an impetus to reflect and act on that imperative.
I am immensely proud of our team here at Main Street America, and you – the individuals, organizations, companies, and small businesses – that make up the Main Street movement. Before closing the chapter fully on 2020, I want to share some of last year’s milestones with you. You can see our ‘2020 in Review’ highlights here.
And looking ahead to 2021, I remain optimistic that we have what it takes to meet the moment during what I hope will be a year of rebuilding and renewal.
Happy New Year,
Patrice Frey
President & CEO
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The National Main Street Center, Inc. announced the 2017 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) during its annual conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The Reality of Main Street — Letter from the President
The National Main Street Center and the Brookings Institution have jointly authored a response to Mr. Hyman’s piece, The Reality of Main Street, that is featured on Brookings’ blog.
Michigan Main Street Refresh Implementation: Our Process and Lessons Learned So Far
Michigan Main Street Center was the first Coordinating Program to implement the new Main Street approach on a large scale. In this article, they share their robust process and valuable lessons.
The Reality of Main Street
There is another way for smaller communities to compete in today’s economy and we believe a strong main street strategy is at the heart of it.
The Myth of Main Street? Letter from the President
Letter from past MSA President, Patrice Frey
The Lowdown in Downtown LaBelle
Fritz the dog has made his way into the hearts of the residents of LaBelle, Florida, and helped our Main Street Community find a way to make what we do more noticeable.
Strategic Planning Through Transformation Strategies – Saline, Michigan
Back in October 2015, we introduced the three key components of the refreshed Main Street Approach: inputs, outputs and Community Transformation Strategies.
Revitalization and Main Street Transformation
For a lucky few downtowns, greatness may happen effortlessly with a strong sense of place that seems to develop organically and simply sustain itself. For most places, success doesn’t happen by chance.
Revisit Your Community’s Unique Assets: Connecting Asset-Based Economic Development to Community Transformation Strategies
This need for change results from the heavy emphasis on three components of the refreshed Main Street Approach.
The 2016 Great American Main Street Award Winners
The 2016 winners are a diverse group in geography and character, but together demonstrate the broad applicability of the Main Street Approach:
Main Street Nation Radio
The first official show under the Main Street Nation banner aired in June 2015 on WJR-760 AM Detroit.
The Path To The Future
The economic value of historic preservation on Main Street.
Refresh Demonstration Project Sites: Learning Labs for the Updated Main Street Approach
A series of demonstration projects providing the opportunity to test new strategies on the ground, learn from practitioners, and refine the approach.
Why Business Retention and Expansion Plans are Important for Downtowns
A business retention and expansion plan, properly implemented, not only helps keep businesses open but possibly even helps them expand.
Wisconsin Main Street: 27 Years of People, Places and Progress
While there have been over $1.2 billion in public and private investment in Wisconsin Main Street communities over the past 27 years, what really makes it special are the people and places that have been involved.
Pop-Up Art Tour
Main Street Bartow's empty storefronts become pop-up art galleries to promote economic development.
A Walk Through Rehoboth Beach Main Street
Although a “beach town,” Rehoboth Beach is open 365 days a year, and with that has the unique challenge of catering to both year-round residents and tourists within a wide range of ages, interests and economic levels
Independent We Stand Makes Main Streets a Priority
In communities across the country, hardworking business owners and buy local advocates come together to foster an organized effort to reinvent and revitalize Main Streets and downtown districts.
Announcing the 2015 Great American Main Street Award Winners
The National Main Street Center is pleased to announce that Cape Girardeau, Mo., Montclair Center, N.J., and Rawlins, Wyo. were selected as the 2015 Great American Main Street Award® (GAMSA) winners.
