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| Our mission is to be the catalyst that ignites Connecticut's Main Streets as the cornerstone of thriving communities. |
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Fall is a great time to rediscover downtown. . .
Whether it's food festivals, trick-or-treating events or getting a jump on holiday shopping, there's a lot to see and do on Main Streets all across Connecticut. We urge everyone to get out and explore Connecticut's downtowns, participate in local public events (often free!) or enjoy the latest seasonal wares and produce offered by local Main Street merchants. We promise you'll fall in love with your downtown all over again, and while you're at it, check out a new one, beginning with one of our our 75 member communities.
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Small Business Resources from Main Street America
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With Small Business Saturday only six weeks away, it's a good time to review Main Street America's Roadmap to Small Business Saturday. First posted in 2015, this blog offers helpful information on how small businesses and main streets can prepare merchants and excite visitors for the annual local shopping event that takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving (which falls this year on Saturday, November 25th). Those interested in additional resources can also contact Connecticut's Small Business Development Center for advice and guidance.
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New RPA Brief Helps Region Prepare for
Driverless Future
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The Regional Plan Association (RPA) is out with a new guide for policymakers on how the New York metro region can begin preparing for autonomous vehicles. The report discusses the potential impact new driverless technology will have, and describes how preparing for it now can lead to more mobility and safer streets, easing congestion and freeing up parking spots for biking and walking.
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Space Available for November Vacant, Abandoned, & Deteriorated Properties Training Academy
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This 2-day "boot camp" is designed to help public, nonprofit, private, and community leaders take a comprehensive approach to addressing tough property challenges. The VAD Academy is offered by the Center for Community Progress and takes place at the Hilton Hartford on November 6-7. Space is limited and expected to sell out, so register soon.
There will also be a local add-on event, Fighting Blight in Connecticut Cities: On-the-Ground Perspectives, featuring speakers from Hartford, Waterbury, and New Haven. The add-on event will take place on Monday morning, Nov. 6th, and will include a tour of Hartford.
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CMSC's educational series
Main Street
Forums for the 21st Century
continue into fall with several upcoming events:
- Join us October 25th for our next Webinar Wednesday!,
Introducing CMSC's New CEO: Patrick McMahon. Passionately committed to Main Street revitalization and community development, Patrick was also instrumental in drafting Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District master plans in Windsor Locks and Suffield. Join us as Patrick shares what he's heard from visiting Connecticut communities and his vision for CMSC's future.
- Our next BRIDGE Series event takes place
November 3rd as we present The Power of Inside Out Storytelling: Build Community Support, Generate More Revenue. Fundraising
consultant Judith Green from NetMark Associates will lead an interactive workshop exploring how innovators and thinkers sell their ideas, and how you can do the same to generate more revenue.
- Our Celebrating CT's Main Streets photo exhibit will be on display in the CT Dept. of Transportation lobby through October 30th. Stop in to see our tribute to the beauty and variety of Connecticut's main streets. Can't make it to Newington? Don't worry, you can still view the photos on our Facebook page.
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Leadership Greater Hartford Hosts November Wake Up! Leadership Breakfast
Event -
Learn how non-profits and businesses can begin
translating "social responsibility" and "employee engagement" from trendy phrases into meaningful new partnerships that grow companies and employee loyalty. As a result of CMSC's recent partnership with LGH, CMSC member communities can attend the November 17th event for the reduced price of $40.
Click to learn more.
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Mansfield Downtown Partnership Seeks Program Assistant - The MDP is looking for a new Program Assistant to provide event planning and administrative support. Click for more information on the position and how to apply.
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2017 CT Main Street Keystone Award Winner:
New Britain Historic Trails & Signage Program
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sponsored by Webster Bank
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The idea for New Britain's Historic Signage Walking Tour was developed by the Downtown Streetscape Working Group, and was a major component of the Complete Streets Master Plan for Downtown. The new signage celebrates the city's rich history in a way that puts "feet on the street", helping bring a sense of vibrancy to the downtown while supporting local businesses with new customers.
The
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| CT Main Street Keystone Award sponsored by Webster Bank. |
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walking tour involves three distinct urban trails, all of which begin at Central Park. Along each of the three loops - the Historic Downtown Gold Loop, the Walnut Hill Park Green Loop, and the Little Poland Red Loop - viewers learn many interesting facts about the city's history, points of interest, and the people of New Britain. The 25 signs and 50 panels are natural community conversation starters, and tours led by community leaders from local organizations like the New Britain Industrial Museum, City staff, the Greater New Britain Arts Alliance and others sprang up organically to provide additional information and context to visitors.
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