Rediscover Main Street
For more than 30 years, the people who have been investing, shopping and living in Main Street communities have been waiting for the rest of the nation to figure out what we have known all along - Main Street's time is now.
National retailers, most notable "big box" stores are shrinking so they can fit into urban areas and downtowns. A flurry of national "shop local" campaigns and media attention has put a continuous spotlight on small businesses and how important they are to the economy. Sustainability concerns and shifts in quality of life preferences are forcing sprawling development and super sized retail footprints out of favor.
What does this mean?
Next April, Baltimore will become the first city to host the National Main Streets Conference twice. We are pleased to partner with our co-host Baltimore Main Streets on educational opportunities and events that will inspire and excite you. Learn more about the educational opportunities in Baltimore.
Annual Trends Survey
Please take our annual trends survey to help us take the pulse of Main Street and collect your successes so we can celebrate your achievements. This year we ask for salary and benefits data as well as your input into the future of Main Street as the National Trust for Historic Preservation explores a full range of options for the program’s future. Go to the survey now, or preview the survey. Deadline: Friday, February 24.
Quick Conference Links
National Symposium on Arts/Cultural/Entertainment Districts
Scheduled in conjunction with the National Main Streets Conference on April 4-5, 2012, The National Symposium on Arts/Cultural/Entertainment Districts seeks to bring policy makers, practitioners, and artists together to engage in dialogue on the economic, social and cultural impact of designated arts and entertainment districts. With numerous states and cities employing arts districts as a revitalization strategy, the symposium presents an opportunity to reflect on best practices for the first time. This two-day symposium will offer the opportunity to learn about existing policy and incentive programs, and discuss critical issues facing diverse arts and entertainment districts throughout the U.S. Visit: http://www.stationnorth.org/calendar/nsaced for more information.
