Vote now to advance St. Cloud Main Street to the next round
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Independent we stand -
America's Main Streets
On Feb. 24, Independent We Stand, a national small business movement, kicked-off its fifth annual America’s Main Streets contest to help consumers, small business owners and Main Street organizations reward a deserving Main Street with $25,000 in cash and sponsor-related prizes. St. Cloud Main Street is among this year’s nominees.
“Our Independent We Stand America’s Main Streets contest gives small business owners the opportunity to share their Main Street stories nationwide”, says Independent We Stand cofounder Bill Brunelle. “But we know it takes a community to make that possible, so we’re inviting
consumers to help recognize their favorite indie businesses.”
About St. Cloud Main Street:
St. Cloud was founded in 1910 as a settlement for Union soldiers and is fondly known as Soldier City. St. Cloud Main Street is celebrating 20 years of working diligently to preserve historic buildings and features, while actively promoting economic development within our vibrant, historical city.
St. Cloud Main Street is a not-for-profit corporation that raises community awareness and funds through sponsorships, memberships, city and county governments and is run by community volunteers. We also host special fundraising events such as our annual Soldier City Veterans Dinner Salute, Redneck Gala, and Smokin’ Blues, Cruise & BBQ.
St. Cloud Main Street is a comprehensive revitalization program designed to encourage ongoing economic development. As part of our commitment to economic development, our Economic Revitalization Committee oversees the disbursement of funds for Business Assistance Grants to businesses within the Main Street District for improvements to their business façade and building interior.
St. Cloud Main Street has been the driving force behind 15 murals and 5 historic markers in St. Cloud. Recent projects include working with Soldier City Chapter of Osceola History for submission and approval of a historical marker at Mt. Peace Cemetery, in which 427 soldiers from the Civil War are buried; submission for a historical marker at Fisk Funeral Home; assisting the Women’s Club with the application for The Heritage Museum to be put on the National Registry; planning a new mural on the historical Coble’s Garage building; procuring a grant to update the inventory of the historic district; recommendations to the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) for the St. Cloud Hotel, Makinson/O’Doherty’s Building, St. Cloud Power Plant, Kisselback property, and an expansion of the Main Street District.
Current projects include hosting an informational seminar on Opportunity Zones for property owners and investors. The Main Street District, the historic district, central CRA district and Opportunity Zone in St. Cloud have almost the same boundaries and we feel this is an important opportunity for the economic future of our historic district.
If St. Cloud Main Street were to win the contest, the money would be used for refurbishment of existing murals, the installation costs of new historical marker(s), and additional funding for Business Assistance Grants.
The first round of voting in the contest began as soon as St. Cloud Main Street was nominated and runs through April 19. All nominations and voting take place at https://www.mainstreetcontest.com/nominate.
Important dates:
• Feb. 24 to April 19: “America’s Main Streets” nominations and quarterfinalist voting
• March 16-20: The Great American “West Coast Cruisin’” road trip
• April 27 to May 24: “America’s Main Streets” semifinalist voting
• June 2: “America’s Main Streets” winner announced
• July 4: “Main Streets Make Us Better” event; “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.
• Do it Best Corp. $500 shopping spree
• Free one day downtown assessment from Flip This Town
• Nationwide Marketing Group $500 shopping spree
• PPG Paints $500 shopping spree
• Public relations and social media recognition
• A special plaque for the winner to proudly display
