main street News

For downtown business owners, dollars saved are just as important as dollars earned. Energy audits and efficiency upgrades are two ways that businesses can cut operating costs without impacting customer service.

Cash Mobs are popping up in downtown areas across the country.

In city centers around the country, the role of parking and the full range of benefits that it provides are coming into question and creative solutions are emerging.

David Feehan considers different approaches to measuring the success of the downtown organization.

Around the country, pop-up art spaces take many forms, but all aim to draw visitors to the central business district.

Central to the visual enhancement plan in Elizabeth, NJ, is a detailed evaluation of every downtown property, interviews with merchants and shoppers, grants for improvements, and an enhanced partnership with the city.

The February issue of "Downtown Promotion Reporter" newsletter features six steps to increasing event attendance with Facebook.

Downtown group focuses on revitalization efforts through community wide effort to transform vacant lot into a pocket park.

Culinary tourism spurs economic development across the country.

Converting public space into an ice rink provides variety and wonderful programming opportunities downtown during winter months when city centers are traditionally not as active.

This year, downtown organizations are considering new responsibilities and new revenue sources while preparing for the economy to rebound.

The Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham, AL, offers a range of micro loan programs to keep businesses open and jobs downtown.

To enhance offerings during the busy holiday shopping season, many downtown areas are developing annual holiday pop-up programs that enliven their streets, highlight available spaces, and give entrepreneurs a valuable outlet for showcasing products.

Communities across the country are mulling the benefits of modern streetcars. An article in the November issue of "Downtown Idea Exchange" provides details and case studies.

Downtown hospitality training program engages, energizes and enhances community pride in Lansing, MI.

Fouteen vacant storefronts are transformed into works of art for the winter holidays.

MainStreetChamber™ announced that it will be opening a new local Chapter in Temecula Valley.

Friday, just minutes before the deadline, we submitted an application for the COSE Business Pitch Competition. That made it five (5) applications [out of approximately 170 total submitted] that came as a direct result of efforts "up on Main Street".

Unique lending service is thriving enabling small businesses to get working capital to run their businesses

The farmer's market in downtown Salt Lake City, expands its offerings with an annual kick-off party, farm tours and a sponsorship program.

Creation of a downtown plaza benefits local citizens and many local businesses who provided much needed materials and skills.

Cash-strapped festival and event producers are getting creative about finding and enhancing revenue sources for their activities. Smaller portions is just one idea with big potential.

As small and independent downtown businesses struggle for survival, this new report provides proven strategies for business retention and recruitment.

There is a growing body of evidence that thoughtful investment in arts and culture initiatives can generate significant economic benefits for cities large and small.

A harbor-side festival finds ways to draw in new visitors by speaking their language.

Cowork spaces are popping up all over the country bringing workers into downtown areas and filling often chronically vacant commercial space.

Is america's future filled with doubt and confusion, instead of positive notions of capitalism. Do we need a infusion of fresh blood in our veins, to energize us? What's the solution, where do we go from here? Maybe Brandon Jarod can help us here!

The April issue of "Downtown Promotion Reporter" newsletter explores the many benefits of social media in enhancing the image of a city center and stopping negativity in its tracks.

Wireless security cameras are being used in downtown's that can't afford a round-the-clock police presence.

Central Business Districts across the country are promoting the local economy with scavenger hunts.

With just $20,000 and 200 volunteer hours the Rosslyn Business Improvement District in Arlington, VA turned an eyesore into a colorful public space.

Transforming a blank wall into a mural brings people of all ages to downtown Traverse City, MI where they create a piece of history.

Chambers of commerce, convention and visitors bureaus, and other local organizations are all seeking ways to pool resources and avoid duplication of effort. The end result: cost savings and fewer demands on donors and volunteers.

From New Haven, CT, to Seattle, WA, creative partnerships are bringing artwork to vacant storefronts, drawing visitors into the downtown area, and filling vacant spaces with long-term tenants.

Giving the small businesses the advantage they need to survive and thrive in today’s business environment elevates MainStreetChamber™ to explosive growth.

Three top industry experts discuss what the New Year holds for downtown leaders in this timely article from "Downtown Idea Exchange" newsletter.

A team of experts from the National League of Cities provides practical recommendations for keeping troubled or abandoned property productive.

173 government programs highlight creative government initiatives around the country. Several focus on common problems faced in downtown revitalization.

A film festival draws thousands into the downtown area but not into downtown shops. A cross-promotion helps make the festival a hit with local film lovers and merchants.

While the Main Street Four-Point Approach has become the mantra for cities and towns seeking to revitalize their downtowns it may be time for four new points.

Businesses work together to fund billboard program and promote the downtown area.

Cutting costs for downtown businesses can help the downtown thrive.

Great Falls Construction was awarded a 3 unit commercial/residential condominium building in downtown Westbrook, ME.

You Do Yoga studio is conveniently located at 1319 Main Street in Downtown Cincinnati. Taoist Yoga, Yin Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Core Yoga, Partner Yoga, Pilates, Martial Arts, Thai Yoga Massage Therapy, Reiki. www.YouDoYoga.com Feel Better!

A photography competition draws people downtown and reminds them of all that makes the downtown area unique.

If you're digging up 54 blocks of downtown and disrupting business for several years, you'd better have community buy-in before your start.

You Do Yoga's upcoming specials events, teacher training, retreats, workshops. We offer a wide variety of daily yoga classes, private instruction, Reiki and Thai Yoga Massage Therapy. Our Mission is to make yoga accessible and affordable to everyone.

When a small community gets creative, a new logo can create a lot of buzz.

Downtown development priorites are changing in response to a weak economy in many regions of the United States.

Downtown development authority reacts to retail closures with a contest where everyone wins.