Tuesday

Jodie Willobee - Day 3 of my first Main Street conference and I am officially, “Wow’d”. For cities wondering if becoming a Main Street is the way to go, attending this conference would certainly cinch the deal. Sure the sessions so far have been spot on just as you would expect. But it is the solid, positive energy from 1,600 attendees who know the Main Street 4-Point® works that has been the most amazing. There is genuine pride in the people here. You can see it in their face – hear it in their voice – and literally feel it in the room.

On of our Main Street Managers, Tom from Calumet described this conference as a “revival”. I can see how having more than a thousand people all nodding their head in agreement that historic preservation IS economic development could bring up that image. But this isn’t just a case of group-think. I have heard some staggering statistics to support the head nods. Proven results and enthusiastic downtowns will keep me singing Main Street’s praises for a long time. Hallelujah!

NOTE: Actual references to specific religions or political affiliations have been left out of this blog to keep the editor happy (and keep my job in tact).