BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Communities can learn about a hands-on, proven approach to revitalize downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts during one of three workshops this month. Main Street Alabama, a non-profit organization and state coordinating program of Main Street America, will explain the different tiers of membership including the application process of becoming a state-designated community and nationally accredited Main Street program in Jasper on January 12, Foley on January 19, and Athens on January 26. All workshops are 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and registration is required through Main Street Alabama’s website, www.mainstreetalabama.org.
Mary Helmer Wirth, President and State Coordinator, will describe the assistance Main Street Alabama can offer to position revitalization programs for success by implementing the nationally recognized Main Street Four-Point Approach®. A unique economic development tool, the Main Street Four-Point Approach® is the foundation for local initiatives to revitalize their districts by leveraging their unique assets, from cultural or architectural heritage to local enterprises and community pride.
Attendees will also hear from the local Main Street director on the impact Main Street has in their community.
In Foley, Darrelyn Dunmore, Foley Main Street Executive Director, explains, “as a new city in the Main Street program, I enjoy the structure of the Four-Point Approach which is comprised of Organization, Promotion, Economic Vitality and Design,” Dunmore continues. “By working to keep the four points in balance, you will always be moving forward and provides a structured way to approach projects that leads to success."
Since becoming a designated community in June 2017, Foley has reported 21 net new businesses creating 55 new jobs, $947,053 in public investment and $4,457,074 private investment in the downtown district. Foley Main Street was also recently awarded Main Street Alabama’s Award of Excellence in Promotion for the Lucky to Love Foley event and in Public Relations for their Faces of Foley social media campaign.
Designated communities include Alexander City, Anniston, Atmore, Athens, Birmingham, Calera, Columbiana, Decatur, Dothan, Elba, Enterprise, Eufaula, Florence, Foley, Fort Payne, Gadsden, Headland, Heflin, Historic 4th Avenue Business District in Birmingham, Marion, Monroeville, Montevallo, Jasper, Opelika, Oxford, Scottsboro, South Huntsville and Wetumpka in using Main Street\'s comprehensive and incremental approach. Each Designated community listed above reports their success by tracking their reinvestment statistics. Main Street Alabama’s Designated communities have reported 698 net new businesses, 2,618 net new jobs, $542,813,074 in private investment, $86,813,178 in public improvements, and 114,564 volunteer hours in their districts collectively since June of 2014.
For more information, contact Mary Helmer Wirth, Main Street Alabama President and State Coordinator, at mary@mainstreetalabama.org or 205-910-8819.
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Photo: Residents participating in “Lucky to Love Foley” event
