Three Main Street America Staff members standing in front of a mural in Marion, Iowa.

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

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We work in collaboration with thousands of local partners and grassroots leaders across the nation who share our commitment to advancing shared prosperity, creating resilient economies, and improving quality of life.

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Two community members in Emporia Kansas pose with a sign saying "I'm a Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

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Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, the thousands of organizations, individuals, volunteers, and local leaders that make up Main Street America™ represent the broad diversity that makes this country so unique.

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Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

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Looking for strategies and tools to support you in your work? Delve into the Main Street Resource Center and explore a wide range of resources including our extensive Knowledge Hub, professional development opportunities, field service offerings, advocacy support, and more!

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People riding e-scooters in Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo

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Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.

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Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

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Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

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Three Main Street America Staff members standing in front of a mural in Marion, Iowa.

Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams

About

We work in collaboration with thousands of local partners and grassroots leaders across the nation who share our commitment to advancing shared prosperity, creating resilient economies, and improving quality of life.

Overview Who We Are How We Work Partner Collaborations Our Supporters Our Team Job Opportunities Contact Us
Two community members in Emporia Kansas pose with a sign saying "I'm a Main Streeter"

Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street

Our Network

Made up of small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban commercial districts, the thousands of organizations, individuals, volunteers, and local leaders that make up Main Street America™ represent the broad diversity that makes this country so unique.

Overview Coordinating Programs Main Street Communities Collective Impact Awards & Recognition Community Evaluation Framework Join the Movement
Dionne Baux and MSA partner working in Bronzeville, Chicago.

Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America

Resources

Looking for strategies and tools to support you in your work? Delve into the Main Street Resource Center and explore a wide range of resources including our extensive Knowledge Hub, professional development opportunities, field service offerings, advocacy support, and more!

Overview Knowledge Hub Field Services Government Relations Main Street Now Conference Main Street America Institute Small Business Support Allied Member Services The Point Members Area
People riding e-scooters in Waterloo, Iowa

Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo

The Latest

Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.

Overview News & Stories Events & Opportunities Subscribe
Woman and girl at a festival booth in Kendall Whittier, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street

Get Involved

Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

Overview Join Us Renew Your Membership Donate Partner With Us Job Opportunities

August 20, 2020 | Community Spotlight: The Derecho on Main Street | By: Abby Huff, Executive Director, Czech Village/New Bohemia Main Street District | 
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Damage and debris caused by the Derecho in Czech Village-New Bohemia Main Street. Photo credit: Abby Huff

On Monday, August 10, at approximately 12:00pm CST while the Czech Village-New Bohemia Main Street promotions committee was having their monthly meeting outside at a local restaurant—one of the first since February and pre-Covid 19—the meeting was interrupted by tornado sirens that started blasting in the District. Although the sun was shining, we moved the meeting indoors. Within minutes the sky darkened and the winds picked up incredible speed. For the next 45 minutes we watched in disbelief as trees, lamp posts, street signs, and other debris flew by in the winds that reached over 100 mph.

the_District_windows_blown_out.jpgWhen the storm passed and we were able to step outside the sight was unfathomable. Not only were large trees down but roofs on historic buildings had been blown off, brick buildings crumbled, and one cafe had all of its windows blown out. To add to the devastation, power went out throughout the entire metro area. 

Over a week later, nearly half of businesses in the District are still without power. These organizations that worked hard through COVID 19 to remain in business, have now been forced to close their doors and throw away hundreds of pounds of food due to lack of electricity, pay for costly repairs due to the storm, and find more ways to continue to support employees who are out of work until they can, again, get their doors open.

When all is said and done, the total cumulative loss for businesses in the Czech Village-New Bohemia Main Street District will be between $2 - $3 million. This includes cost of clean-up and repairs, lost inventory, and lost revenue for being closed for over a week. (Ten days and counting as 8/19/2020.)

One thing we all keep telling ourselves is “It could be worse.” This is because as Iowans faced with an additional disaster in the middle of a pandemic, we step up and help each other. We wear brave faces, help our neighbors and go to bed worn out from work and worry. But, now, even though we hesitate to ask for it, we could really use everyone's help.

Please think about ordering from the businesses in Czech Village-New Bohemia. You can find all businesses listed on our website at crmainstreet.org.

Ways to Support Communities Effected by Derecho

Our thoughts are with Cedar Rapids as well as the other Main Street communities affected by the Derecho. If you are able, please consider donating to one of the following organizations to support recovery efforts.

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