Aprenda soluciones basadas en datos para retos complejos en el Taller de Transformación Comunitaria 2025 en Columbia y Hartsville, Carolina del Sur, del 13al15 de octubre.
Más información
Marion, Iowa © Tasha Sams
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.
Emporia, Kansas © Emporia Main Street
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.
Chicago, Illinois © Main Street America
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!
Waterloo, Iowa © Main Street Waterloo
Your one-stop-shop for all the latest stories, news, events, and opportunities – including grants and funding programs – across Main Street.
Kendall Whittier — Tulsa, Oklahoma © Kendall Whittier Main Street
Join us in our work to advance shared prosperity, create strong economies, and improve quality of life in downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.
%20(1).png)
“When you pass by something day in and day out, you tend to forget about it if nothing changes,” said Mark Wicks, Community Development Director of Main Street Charles City in Charles City, Iowa. That's why the Design Committee of Main Street Charles City annually organizes 'WonderFall,' a business decorating contest designed to have some fun with the autumnal season as well as provide a reminder of the importance of curb appeal in attracting the public’s attention.
“This was a great opportunity for our businesses to remind folks about who they are, what they offer, and to provide something cool for people to check out," said Mark. "It’s also a good reminder to take a look at your storefront, sidewalk, yard, or driveway to see if there are things needing attention or that you could do to improve their appeal. People do take notice – of the good and the bad.”
The public voted for its favorite fall or Halloween-themed storefront decorations by scrolling through the WonderFall photo album on Main Street Charles City's Facebook page. To vote, participants simply had to click “Like” under the photos of the 11 participating businesses. In addition to the “People's Choice Award,” there was also a “Judges' Choice Award” determined by a panel of three independent judges.
This year, the People’s Choice and Judges’ Choice voting were both swept by Apple Valley Assisted Living. Apple Valley also ended up running away with the public vote, earning 80 “Likes.” Runner-up Hy-Vee earned 28 votes and third-place finisher 11th Street Chautauqua Guest Home earned 27 votes. The Judges' Choice voting was closer, with Apple Valley just edging out 11th Street Chautauqua. Hy-Vee was third in that voting. Take a look at their decorations below!
Apple Valley Assisted Living | People's Choice and Judges' Choice
Hy-Vee | People's Choice Runner-Up & Third in Judges' Choice
11th Street Chautauqua Guest Home | Third in People's Choice & Judges' Choice Runner Up
Other participating businesses this year included Cardigan at 101 North Main Street (in rear); Darbe & Co. Boutique at 200 North Main Street Suite #1; First Citizens Bank at 300 North Main Street; First Security Bank & Trust at 809 Clark Street; Main Street Drug at 204 North Main Street; Pizza Hut at 1003 Blunt Street; Schiller Fine Art, Photography Framing at 105 North Main Street; and The Rustic Corner at 413 North Main Street.
Main Street Charles City is a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization affiliated with Main Street Iowa and dedicated to making Charles City a great place to live, work and play. To learn more, call (641) 228-2335 or email info@charlescitychamber.com.
Generously sponsored by U.S. Bank, this live, three-week course centers the real challenges of entrepreneurs and equips Main Street leaders with invaluable insights and practical tools to respond. Register today!
Oregon City, Oregon. Photo by Adam Wickham.
Applications are now open for the broader round of the Backing Small Businesses grant program, supported by American Express, which will award 400 grants of $10,000 to help locally significant small businesses overcome economic hardship, invest in growth, and make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Main Street Morgantown leveraged strategic partnerships to create a retail incubator that supports downtown, the local university, and the local arts community.
