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When I was in elementary school and the rain poured down, we were trapped inside, forced to solve puzzles. I was not a fan of this activity at all, I just wanted to go outside and play and get fresh air.
As I embarked on my Main Street journey 25 years ago, I realized that the frustration I felt as a young girl trying to complete a puzzle was a metaphor for life itself. Each piece represents a person, a situation, or an opportunity. And by understanding each shape, we can make the puzzle of life complete. We can unlock the power within us to navigate through the twists and turns, the ups and downs, and create a masterpiece.
“There are no extra pieces in the universe. Everyone is here because he or she has a place to fill, and every piece must fit itself into the big jigsaw puzzle” — Deepak Chopra
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June 1st was my 10th anniversary as the state coordinator for Main Street Alabama. Over the years, we have witnessed countless pieces falling into place and our strategic plan evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of our communities. Together, we have elevated the economic growth in downtowns across Alabama, leaving an indelible mark on small towns, neighborhood commercial districts, and urban centers alike. As I reflect on this incredible journey, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the countless individuals who have contributed to our success. Together, we can make the impossible possible and create a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
During this year we will be working with PlaceEconomics “We at PlaceEconomics pride ourselves on robust analytical research and creative policy solutions that advance historic preservation and support vibrant, cohesive communities. They will conduct a study on the economic impacts of Main Street in Alabama. We will hear more about this from Donovan Rypkema, Principal of PlaceEconomics, at our annual conference in August, registration is open now!
Join us on a remarkable journey of growth and prosperity in Alabama as we bring together a diverse group of passionate individuals, who, like puzzle pieces, fit perfectly to create an unstoppable force. Together, we are revolutionizing small towns and commercial districts, igniting economic growth, and paving the way for a brighter future. With unwavering dedication and unyielding determination, we are shaping a strategic plan that empowers local communities, encourages innovation, and unleashes the full potential of Alabama. Be a part of this transformative puzzle, and witness the remarkable impact we can make, piece by piece!
Mary Helmer Wirth
President/State Coordinator
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Main Street Alabama and South Huntsville Business Main are pleased to announce that LAB 2023 — “Navigating Through Main Street” will be held in Huntsville, August 16-18. Session topics will cover all Four Points of the Main Street Approach and will benefit communities that are ready to advance or start their redevelopment efforts.
The Keynote/Opening Plenary will be given by Kristin Scroggin of genWHY Communications.
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Kristin Scroggin can’t do math or bake a pie, but she knows her stuff when it comes to Generational Diversity and Communication. Kristin has a Master’s degree in Communication Studies and a Bachelor’s in Communication Arts. She has been a Communications Professor at the University of Alabama in Huntsville for 15 years. In 2017 she launched her company, genWHY Communications, and has been a Keynote Speaker at more than 100 conferences and 250+ organizations across the United States, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to tiny non-profits. Her research has been published in magazines, and she’s been a guest on multiple podcasts. Kristin consults on attracting, developing, and retaining Rockstar Millennial and GenZ talent. Obsessed with travel, and desperate to see the world, she and her husband try to keep their four children alive while trying to keep their heads above water. | |
Alabama Department of Tourism
Created with the purpose of promoting Alabama as a travel destination, the Alabama Tourism Department serves as a valuable resource for visitors seeking information about the state's attractions, events, and accommodations. The Sweet Home Alabama website offers a wealth of resources to help plan a memorable trip to Alabama, including detailed information on attractions, events, accommodations, and helpful travel tips.
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Main Street Scottsboro has hosted two successful Trade Days, Market on the Square and Salsa on the Square. Market on the Square featured over 100 vendors and the group Worth the Wait from the television show The Voice performed. Over 300 people attended their Salsa on the Square salsa competition. They are also in the process of refreshing their downtown flowerbeds for spring. | |
Economic Impact Since June 2014 | | |
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Centreville (pop. 2,781) was selected to receive Main Street Alabama Designation. According to their application, Centreville is interested in the historic restoration of existing buildings while creating a more vibrant and sustainable community. Centreville is in Bibb County and is the county seat. Centreville was founded in 1823 by John Williams Walker, a former governor of Alabama. This community is dedicated to honoring its history through preservation projects, cultivating the natural resources of the Cahaba River, and developing an uptown center focused on economic and community vibrancy. It was incorporated in 1870 and is home to the iconic Bibb County Bank and Trust Building, which was recently purchased to be restored. | |
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Russellville (pop. 10,866) expressed interest in improving building facades and creating an inviting downtown area for residents and visitors alike. Russellville is a city in Franklin County and is the county seat. Russellville was founded in 1819 by John Russell, a pioneer from North Carolina. The city was named for him and was incorporated in 1824. In recent years, downtown Russellville has seen streetscape improvements, eight loft apartments, and a five-room boutique hotel. Since June 2022, Russellville reported 6 new businesses creating 7 jobs and private investment of $805,531.
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Governor Kay Ivey declared April 12, 2023, Main Street Alabama Day!
Governor Kay Ivey declared April 12th Main Street Alabama Day!
April 12, 2023 will always hold a special place in our hearts as we celebrated the economic and community impact the state-wide non-profit, Main Street Alabama, has accumulated over its ten years...
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2024 Main Street Now Conference | |
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Birmingham Was Announced As The 2024 Main Street Now Conference Host City!
Birmingham will serve as the host city for the 2024 Main Street Now Conference. Hosted by Main Street America in partnership with Main Street Alabama and the Alabama Tourism Department, the industry-leading conference is poised to attract local leaders from across the country to downtown Birmingham.
The Main Street Now Conference is a one-of-a-kind event, providing downtown revitalization practitioners with opportunities to convene and learn time-tested techniques and innovative methods that make the Main Street Approach™ one of the most powerful preservation-based economic and community development tools in the nation...
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The Main Street Alabama program has grown from serving 10 communities to our current membership of 32 Designated districts and 43 Network communities. 2022 was a big year for us and our communities.
From assisting in opening 105 new businesses and 402 jobs to putting in over 22,500 volunteer hours, we have seen so much growth and have so much to celebrate in 2023.
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Main Street Alabama cannot provide the services we do across the state of Alabama without donors. As we continue to expand Main Street's footprint, the need for donations also grows.
Please consider donating to Main Street Alabama today through our PayPal link.
Thank you for your support of Main Street Alabama.
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