Our Main Streets need us now more than ever! Please consider making a donation today.Donate any amount to help us continue our vital work with over 80 CT communities.
There are many other ways to help us make a difference in CT's communities:
Join our Professional Affiliate Network - Connect your expertise with our Main Street communities.
Give back to your community - Find your local Main Street program & opportunities to volunteer.
Show your Main Street pride - Share your love for our downtowns by saying what #MainStMeans to you!
With thanks to our 2021 Corporate Investors:
Legislators Discuss Importance of Downtowns, Offer Tips on Engaging Colleagues
As you know, CMSC regularly engages with state and local leaders to bring awareness to the needs and benefits of Connecticut’s commercial corridors and historic Main Streets, in addition to communicating the critical work our members do on-the-ground. So we were excited to connect our members and others with the co-chairs of the legislative Downtown Working Group in our most recent webinar, Advocating for Main Streets.
The group's co-chairs, Reps. Quentin Phipps, Jane Garibay and Jennifer Leeper each discussed their personal connection to their local downtowns, and how that understanding influences the overall work of the group. The webinar also covered currently proposed legislation that will impact CT’s Main Streets, as well as giving several insightful suggestions on how downtown professionals and stakeholders can engage their local legislators and the Downtown Working Group to support their commercial districts. Watch the webinar!
CMSC Welcomes New Member, Professional Affiliate
Hello to the Town of Plainville
Plainville is looking forward to learning more about the Four Point Approach, CMSC’s Professional Affiliates, and participating in our educational and networking programs. They have a great opportunity to add vibrancy to their downtown with a mixed-use development proposed for the White Oak property.
Introducing The Community Builders
The Community Builders is a nonprofit affordable housing/mixed-income developer based in Boston that works across Connecticut and a variety of other states. As a CMSC Professional Affiliate, they’re looking forward to the opportunity to learn more about towns and organizations that might be interested in the type of development that they focus on. “Our business, infrastructure, and community investments help make neighborhoods work for people of all incomes,” says Kristin Anderson, Development Project Manager.
CCM Data & Research Capabilities Highlighted in CT Mirror
“Finally, a study commissioned by the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities seeks to quantify what often has been thought but never actually measured – how much money, if any, towns and the state can save by sharing services.”
So says a recent CT Mirror article about three measures before the CT legislature that seek to promote regional sharing cost savings. This type of data and research-gathering is just one of the services CCM provides that can benefit Connecticut’s downtowns and Main Streets. CCM can also provide local officials with research on a variety of topics to help enable job creation and business growth.
A strong community brand and marketing strategy can help your community capitalize on its assets and reach its economic development goals. Learn how to get better results and where to start in our latest blog from Rachel Bright of FHI Studio.
New Development Bringing New Vitality to Downtown Sandy Hook
There’s lots of new economic development happening in Sandy Hook. To start, The Riverwalk at Sandy Hook Village will begin renting 74 new apartments within walking distance of the downtown. Twenty percent of the units will be affordable. The local developer, Michael Burton (pictured below), is also converting a barn in the rear of 107 Church Hill Road. Additionally, The Inn on Main Street has been renovated into a restaurant, a downstairs pizza place, and soon approximately 7 one-bedroom townhouse style rentals. (Photo Credit Tyler Sizemore)
Celebration of Life Event
for Jason Vincent
A memorial celebration of life event will be held on April 25th to honor Jason Vincent, former president of the Norwich Community Development Corp. and town planner in Stonington.
The event will be held at the Bozrah Farmers Market and is open to the public, although registration is requested.
Eversource Named America's 'Most Sustainable' Energy Company
For the second year in a row, CMSC Founding Sponsor Eversource has been named one of the nation’s top energy companies, ranking as the #1 energy utility and 42nd company overall on Barron’s list of America’s Most Sustainable Companies.
“We’re incredibly honored to receive this distinguished recognition from Barron’s, which demonstrates our commitment to be the most responsible energy company in the nation,” said Jim Judge, Chairman, President and CEO. Read the full announcement.
Main Street America Announces 2022 Conference Location
Mark your calendar for Main Street Now 2022 in Richmond, Virginia from May 16-18 where you’ll find three days of engaging discussions, thoughtful conversations, and the endless energy of conference attendees from Main Streets across the country!
Sponsorship is key to CMSC's ability to provide services to our members, and education & technical assistance to CT's downtowns. We proudly thank our many generous sponsors below.
Our Professional Affiliates are Here To Help You!
We encourage you to reach out to them directly by clicking their links.
