VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Is your Main Street already awesome, but you want to give it even more curbside appeal? Or, is it crying for a makeover and in need of a little T.L.C.? A new contest kicking off March 1 promises to liven up one of America’s Main Streets, and allows the country to have a hand in making it happen. Since Main Streets are the lifeblood of our cities and towns, play an important role in the long-term success of communities and help build a sense of place, Independent We Stand invites the public to nominate and vote for a deserving Main Street. The winning Main Street receives $25,000 in cash and related prizes for revitalization.
“The goal of this inaugural Independent We Stand “America’s Main Streets” contest is to promote the importance and strong economic benefits of Main Streets and the small businesses that help them thrive,” saif Independent We Stand co-founder Bill Brunelle. “We expect to see communities rallying for their Main Streets simply by going online and encouraging others to do the same. We want to know what already makes your Main Street tick or what you think would make it even better.”
Here’s how it works: Voting begins as soon as an area is nominated. Need help finding a formal main street group to nominate? Main Street AmericaTM has a list of nationally designated main street programs that can be found by clicking here. All nominations and voting take place on MainStreetContest.com.
Nothing says “Americana” like the iconic Route 66, also known as “America’s Main Street”! Right after the contest kick-off, the Independent We Stand team hits the famed highway for “The Great American Route 66 Road Trip.” The team will stop in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Amarillo, Texas; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Flagstaff/Sedona, Arizona and Santa Monica/Los Angeles, California to promote the contest, as well as interview and engage with small businesses, their customers, Main Street groups and small business organizations. Follow their journey on Facebook and Twitter.
Important dates:
• March 1-April 24: “America’s Main Streets” nominations and quarterfinalist voting
• March 14-18: “The Great American’s Route 66 Road Trip”
• May 2-29: “America’s Main Streets” semifinalist voting
• June 3: “America’s Main Streets” winner announced
• July 4: “Main Streets Make Us Better” press conference; “America’s Main Streets” winner announces plans for $25,000 grand prize
Additional contest prizes include:
• STIHL Equipment Certificate for $1,000 worth of STIHL equipment good at any STIHL dealer in the U.S.
• Tire Pros $500 certificate towards a set of Continental tires
• Do it Best Corp. $500 shopping spree
• PPG Pittsburgh Paints $500 shopping spree
• Public relations and social media recognition
• An Alignable small business social media “Neighborhood” on the site
• Special plaque for winner to proudly display
Co-presenting Sponsors:
Supporting Sponsors: