Main Street Arkansas Update - December 19, 2011

MSA Awards & Quarterly Training – January 11, 2012 – Little Rock (in conjunction with the Municipal League meeting)

Main Street Arkansas Calendar - December 19 - 23, 2011

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MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY Susan – Rogers

THURSDAY

FRIDAY Office Closed

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IN THIS ISSUE:

Downtown El Dorado Honored

Thousands Attend Holiday Parade in Downtown Hardy

Something’s Cooking in West Memphis

Clinton School Recruiting Field Service Partners

Shoppers Too Lazy to Park Far Away, Turn to Tech

Festival/Event PR Opportunity

Downtown El Dorado Honored

http://www.eldoradonews.com/news/localnews/2011/12/09/a-distinguished-honor-26.php

Thousands Attend Holiday Parade in Downtown Hardy

http://myspringriver.com/2011/12/14/thousands-attend-hardy-parade/

Something’s Cooking in West Memphis

http://westmemphis.com/somethings-cooking-in-west-memphis

Clinton School Recruiting Field Service Partners

http://clintonschoolblog.com/cblog/?p=4766

Shoppers Too Lazy to Park Far Away, Turn to Tech, Tricks

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204026804577098451316357124.html?mod=wsj_share_tweet

Festival & Event PR Opportunity

Since 1985, the Southeast Tourism Society has published the Top 20 Events publication. Through a nomination process, the society chooses the Top 20 events going on in the Southeast for each month of the year, and publishes this list of winners quarterly. This publication is sent to over 300 newspapers, magazines, radio stations, TV stations, and others, as well as 125 AAA publications. The combined circulation runs into the millions. Current Top 20 Events are listed online.

Festivals and events in Arkansas may be submitted for the Top 20 Events publication, if they meet the following requirements set forth by the Southeast Tourism Society:

• 1,000 in attendance
• 3^rd year in existence
• Payment of $20 nomination fee per event

Top 20 Events strongly encourages you to strengthen your nomination by providing supporting material such as:

• Photos
• Posters
• Brochures
• Press Releases
• News Clippings
• Volunteer Programs

Main Street Arkansas Update - December 12, 2011

MSA Awards & Quarterly Training – January 11, 2012 – Little Rock (in conjunction with the Municipal League meeting)

Greg – out all week

Main Street Arkansas Calendar - December 12 - 16, 2011

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MONDAY Susan – out

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY Sam – Helena

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

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IN THIS ISSUE:

Our Town NEA Grant

TED Prize – The City 2.0

SoMa Press

Main Street Russellville Press

I Survived an IRS Non-Profit Audit – Tips

Funding Opportunities for AR Small Biz

Our Town 2012 NEA Grant – Due March 1, 2012

http://arts.gov/grants/apply/OurTown/index.html

TED Prize 2012 – the City 2.0

http://www.tedprize.org/an-idea-takes-the-ted-prize/

The TED Prize grants its winner $100,000 and “one wish to change the world.” How will this prize be accepted on behalf of the City 2.0? Through visionary individuals around the world who are advocating on its behalf.

We are listening to them and giving them the opportunity to collectively craft a wish. A wish capable of igniting a massive collaborative project among the members of the global TED community, and indeed all who care about our planet’s future. (Individuals or organizations who wish to contribute their ideas to a TED Prize wish on behalf of The City 2.0 should write to tedprize@ted.com)

- Our Main Street programs are filled with those visionary individuals. I hope you will enter the contest. CT

SoMa Snowflakes

http://littlerocklove.wordpress.com/2011/12/09/soma-snowflakes/

- More good SoMa press (Loblolly Creamery)

http://www.arktimes.com/EatArkansas/archives/2011/12/09/loblolly-creamery-opens-in-green-corner-store

Main Street Russellville Sponsors “An Evening with Mr. Conductor”

http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2011/dec/11/evening-mr-conductor-planned-main-street--20111211/?sports-prep-football

I Survived an IRS Non-Profit Audit – Tips for Survival

http://www.blueavocado.org/node/718

Funding Opportunities for Arkansas Small Businesses

http://www.asbtdc-asu.com/funding-opportunities-for-arkansas-small-businesses/

SoMa's Cornbread Festival

December E-Newsletter

Christmas Extravaganza in El Dorado EL DORADO - The holiday season for El Dorado has arrived! El Dorado, known for its award-winning festivals and events, is going into the Christmas season with the same zeal and tenacity it has done in the past. This year, Main Street El Dorado kicks off the Christmas season with the long-standing tradition of glowing Christmas lights filling the streets. On Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7:00 p.m. El Dorado will celebrate this year's parade theme "It's a Wonderful Life." The El Dorado parade annually draws thousands of spectators. Festivities do not stop there. El Dorado, the 2009 Great American Main Street Winner, is home to some of the most unique shops, boutiques and cafés in the area. Downtown businesses will remain open during the holiday to serve both locals and tourists. Cafés and restaurants provide a variety of homemade holiday treats, including pecan pies from the Olde Towne Store that were featured in Southern Living. Whether one is doing last minute Christmas shopping for dad at Sports Alley or having a girl's night out to look for name brand boots and heels at Shelly's shoes, the downtown shops offer an array of options. Pedestrian friendly, artsy and sophisticated, El Dorado has plenty of special attractions planned for the family to enjoy. Performances of It's a Wonderful Life will be presented by the South Arkansas Arts Center and The Nutcracker, by the South Arkansas Symphony. Horse and carriage rides will be offered every weekend through the holidays. A life-size snow globe makes a perfect backdrop for photo ops and an ice skating rink appeals to locals and tourists.

"Come Back for Christmas" Contest Winner Announced EUREKA SPRINGS - The Eureka Springs Downtown Network (ESDN) is proud to announce that the Hollis Family from Hominy, Okla., is the winner of the 3rd annual "Come Back for Christmas" contest. After a brief phone call to the Hollis household, Keith Hollis called back to confirm that they would be able to take advantage of the prize. Stunned that they had won, they were thrilled at the prospect of coming back to Eureka Springs during the holiday festivities. "We developed a twist on the contest this year," shares Jacqueline Wolven, ESDN Executive executive Directordirector. "We did the entire contest through the use of QR codes and digital marketing. The Hollis family scanned the QR code and was one of the thousand that entered the contest. We are thrilled that they used new technology to enter and are getting the opportunity to come back to Eureka Springs during the holidays." The "Come Back for Christmas" contest consists of a prize package valued at over $1000. It includes: 2 night stay at the 1905 Basin Park Hotel, gift certificates to Devito's of Eureka Springs, Mud Street café and Local Flavor, tickets to the Tour of Homes, reservations to Santa's Brunch at the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, entries into the Santas on Spring Fun Run, family portrait with Santa in Basin Spring Park, Eureka Springs Shopping Discount Card, and the Official Parade Guests in the Eureka Springs Downtown Network Parade Car during the Annual Christmas Parade. The Come Back for Christmas contest consists of a prize package valued at over $1000. The prize includes: 2 night stay at the 1905 Basin Park Hotel, Gift Certificates to Devito's of Eureka Springs, Mud Street Cafe, Local Flavor, tickets to the Tour of Homes, reservations to Santa's Brunch at the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, entries into the Santa's on Spring Fun Run, family portrait with Santa in Basin Spring Park, Eureka Springs Shopping Discount Card, and the Official Parade Guests in the Eureka Springs Downtown Network Parade Car during the Annual Christmas Parade. The Eureka Springs Downtown Network, in partnership with Main Street Arkansas and the National Trust for Historic Preservation Main Street Center, strives to support preservation, business education, promotional programming, economic development and beautification in downtown Eureka Springs with the understanding that a vibrant downtown is in the best interest of the whole community. FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://eurekaspringsdowntown.com Russellville Semifinalist for Great American Main Street Award RUSSELLVILE - Russellville Main Street has been selected as a semifinalist for the 2012 Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA). The award is sponsored by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Norma Miess of the National Trust said the competition was very close this year and Downtown Russellville should be commended for reaching this point. Main Street Russellville must now submit additional information for the GAMSA jury, composed of representatives from the commercial district revitalization field, to consider as they review all 10 semifinalist applications and choose the five winners for the 2012 Great American Main Street Award. It will be presented at the National Main Street conference in Baltimore, Md., April 1-4, 2012. Main Street Russellville's Executive Director Betsy McGuire said: "It is an incredible honor for our local Main Street Program and for our city as well, to receive word of our selection as a semifinalist for a Great American Main Street Award. This is one of the most sought-after honors among Main Street professionals. Every time I mention it I keep getting chill bumps...literally!" She added: "As we look forward to celebrating our organization's 20th anniversary in 2012 and as we move forward with the development of the Downtown Master Plan, this recognition would be the ultimate icing on the cake! But we are facing some incredibly stiff competition from nine other amazing communities located throughout the United States, and some seem to have the most enviable of resources to work with. We have approximately 30 days to mount this challenge with the help of our board of directors, our dedicated volunteers, and our supportive community, and as we have done over these 20 years of our program's downtown revitalization efforts, we will be tenacious in our efforts!" Each year, the National Trust Main Street Center recognizes exceptional Main Street communities whose successes serve as a model for comprehensive commercial district revitalization. Main Street Advisory Board to Meet on December 5 LITTLE ROCK - The Main Street Arkansas Advisory Board will meet Monday, Dec. 5, to review award nominations and discuss Main Street activities during FFY11. The board consists of nine members charged with providing advice and guidance to the Main Street Arkansas staff regarding downtown revitalization. Current members include Renee Doty, Melinda Faubel, Frances "Missy" McSwain, Mark Goodman, Antoinette (Toni) Johnson, HPAA; Vanessa McKuin, HPAA; Drew Pack, Federal Reserve; Tim Wooldridge, HPAA; and ex-officio Kathy Holt who is the Governor's Liaison to the Department of Arkansas Heritage.

Main Street Arkansas Update - November 28, 2011

MSA Awards & Quarterly Training – January 11, 2012 – Little Rock (in conjunction with the Municipal League meeting)

Main Street Arkansas Calendar November 29 – December 2, 2011

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MONDAY Susan – Rogers & Russellville (merchant visits)

TUESDAY Susan – Rogers & Russellville (merchant visits)

WEDNESDAY Cary, Greg, Sam – Russellville GAMSA semi- finalist meeting; Susan – Rogers & Russellville (merchant visits)

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

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IN THIS ISSUE:

Great Video on Downtown El Dorado

To Rethink Sprawl, Start with Offices

The Death of the Fringe Suburb

New Report on Economics of Outdoor Recreation, Conservation & Historic Preservation

2 Grant Opportunities

Great Video on Downtown El Dorado

http://www.ktbs.com/video/29850406/index.html

To Rethink Sprawl, Start With Offices

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/26/opinion/to-rethink-sprawl-start-with-offices.html?_r=1

The Death of the Fringe Suburb

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/26/opinion/the-death-of-the-fringe-suburb.html?src=tp

New Report on the Economics of Outdoor Recreation, Conservation and Historic Preservation

A new study on the economic impact of outdoor recreation, natural resources conservation and historic preservation was released in October. Among its findings, the combined value of these activities is 9.4 million jobs, $1.06 trillion in economic activity, and $107 billion in federal, state, and local tax revenues. The study is online at http://www.preservationaction.org/Reports/TheEconomicValueofOutdoorRecreation.pdf.

EPA Requests Proposals for Urban Waters Small Grants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency expects to award between $1.8 to $3.8 million in funding for projects across the country to help restore urban waters by improving water quality and supporting community revitalization. The funding is part of EPA’s Urban Waters program, which supports communities in their efforts to access, improve, and benefit from their urban waters and the surrounding land. Healthy and accessible urban waters can help grow local businesses and enhance educational, recreational and employment opportunities in nearby communities.

The goal of the Urban Waters Small Grants program is to fund research, studies, training, and demonstration projects that will advance the restoration of urban waters by improving water quality through activities that also support community revitalization and other local priorities such as public health, social and economic opportunities, general livability and environmental justice for residents Information about Urban Waters Small Grants including the Request for Proposal (RFP) and registration links for the webinars is available at
http://www.epa.gov/urbanwaters/funding. EPA expects to award the grants in Summer 2012.

Rural Community Grant Applications Available

http://www.state.ar.us/drs/news.html

Rural Community Grant applications are now available from the

Department of Rural Services. You may download an application by clicking

on DRS Grants to the left of this page or request one by calling 1.888.787.2527.

The deadlines for Fiscal Year 2012 are December 9, 2011 (Cycle 2), and March 16, 2012 (Cycle 3).

Main Street Arkansas Update - November 21, 2011

MSA Awards & Quarterly Training – January 11, 2012 – Little Rock (in conjunction with the Municipal League meeting)

Main Street Arkansas Calendar November 21 – 25, 2011

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MONDAY Cary, Greg, Nancy - Rogers

TUESDAY Susan – Russellville; Greg – off

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY Thanksgiving, office closed

FRIDAY office closed

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Architectural Review Ordinance Passed for Downtown Paragould

Main Street El Dorado Sponsors Oak Ridge Boys

Google + for your Non Profit

4 Grant Opportunities

Architectural Review Ordinance Passed for Downtown Paragould

http://www.paragoulddailypress.com/articles/2011/11/16/top_story/doc4ec2c302a1209467001867.txt

Main Street El Dorado Sponsors the Oak Ridge Boys

http://www.eldoradonews.com/news/localnews/2011/11/09/main-street-el-dorado-focuses-on-oak-rid-66.php

hat tip to National Trust Main Street Center

How to Create a Google+ Account for your Non-Profit

http://nonprofitorgs.wordpress.com/2011/11/07/how-to-create-a-google-page-for-your-nonprofit/

Professional Expertise for Cities Worldwide
IBM Smarter Cities Challenge
The Smarter Cities Challenge is a three-year IBM Corporate Citizenship initiative to enable up to 100 cities around the world to become smarter by enhancing their capacity to address some of the critical challenges facing urban areas today. Each city participating in the Challenge will receive the time and expertise of IBM top experts from different business units and geographies. For three weeks these experts will work closely with city leaders and deliver recommendations on how to make the city smarter and more effective. The application deadline is December 16, 2011. Visit the Smarter Cities Challenge to learn more about the initiative and submit an online application.

Grants Enhance Public Hiking Trails
American Hiking Society: National Trails Fund
The National Trails Fund, sponsored by American Hiking Society (AHS), provides funding to grassroots nonprofit organizations throughout the country working toward establishing, protecting, and maintaining foot trails in America. The Fund’s grants, ranging from $500 to $5,000, help give local groups the resources they need to secure access, volunteers, tools, and materials to protect America's public trails. The following types of grants will be considered for the 2012 program: projects that have hikers as the primary constituency; projects that secure trail lands, including acquisition of trails and trail corridors and the costs associated with acquiring conservation easements; projects that will result in substantial ease of access, improved hiker safety, or avoidance of environmental damage; and projects that promote constituency building surrounding specific trail projects. Applying organizations must be AHS Alliance Members. The application deadline is December 15, 2011. Visit the American Hiking Society website for application guidelines as well as information on becoming an AHS Member.

Support for Revitalization Strategies to Transform Distressed Neighborhoods
Department of the Treasury
The Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Program provides the following types of support to promote economic revitalization in low-income communities: Financial assistance in the form of equity investments, loans, deposits, or grants is provided for financing capital, loan loss reserves, capital reserves, or operations. Technical assistance grants are awarded to build the capacity of certified CDFIs to provide affordable financial products and services to low-income communities and families. Technical assistance awards may be used for a wide range of purposes, including the purchase of equipment, materials, or supplies; consulting or contracting services; salaries and benefits of certain personnel; and/or training of staff or board members. The application deadline is January 11, 2012.

Grants Available for Arkansas Heritage Month Projects

Organizations across the state are invited to apply for grants for projects and events for May'sArkansas Heritage Month that support the theme Dreams & Determination: Arkansans at Work.

Arkansans are encouraged to plan activities that explore the jobs of the past, how particular crafts or trades left their mark on communities, and which jobs were necessary to settle towns and cities.

Applications for grants will be accepted at the Department of Arkansas Heritage through 4:30 p.m. Dec. 12.

The grants are designed to help foster awareness and enjoyment of Arkansas heritage and to assist non-profit and community groups in planning and implementing meaningful Arkansas Heritage Month projects.

An application packet is available by clicking here. Guidelines and application forms are also available from the Heritage Month Grant Coordinator, DAH, 1500 Tower Building, 323 Center St., Little Rock, 72201 or by e-mailing randy@arkansasheritage.org.

The Department of Arkansas Heritage sponsors Arkansas Heritage Month each year in May to celebrate a particular aspect of our state’s history and culture. Activities include art shows, poetry readings, nature walks, research projects and festivals that support each year’s theme.

Retrofitting Suburbia

Main Street Arkansas Update - October 31, 2011

Historic Downtown Dumas

Main Street Arkansas Calendar October 31 – November 4, 2011
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MONDAY - Cary, Mark- off
TUESDAY - Cary, Mark- off
WEDNESDAY - Cary, Mark, Greg- off, Susan & Samantha – Pine Bluff
THURSDAY - Cary, Mark, Greg- off
FRIDAY - Mark, Greg- off

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THIS ISSUE:
South Main to host 2011 Cornbread Festival
Three Main Street cities recognized as Main Street Preservation Cities of Distinction
The Reality TV Approach to Public Participation
Grant Opportunities
Three weeks remain to submit applications to the AIA’s 2012 Sustainable Design Assessment
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South Main to host 2011 Cornbread Festival
http://www.thebernicegarden.org/2011/07/cornbread-festival-set-for-november-5th-calling-all-arkansans/

Three Main Street cities recognized as Main Street Preservation Cities of Distinction
http://www.pageturnpro.com/Arkansas-Business-Group/32107-Arkansas-Business-City-of-Distinction-2011/index.html#/12

The Reality TV Approach to Public Participation
Urban planning professors from the University of Kansas suggest that televising community meetings and using techniques from reality TV could significantly increase public participation.
http://www.news.ku.edu/2011/october/28/realitytv.shtml

Grant Opportunities
The National Endowment for the Humanities offers planning and implementation of historical and cultural exhibits or other project formats that creatively engage audience in humanities idea.
http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=SvDTTnxNQrLbL6pyfxLmyGXksLNGL9vcJyNSxyDnt4vbND7Gm1Lc!-102435184?oppId=129114&mode=VIEW

The National Endowment for the Humanities also offers another grant opportunity through the Division of Public Programs America’s Media Makers grant. Grants are available for projects that encourage dialogue, discussion, and civic engagement, and foster learning among people of all ages.
http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=qz5MTnMVDR92cLdGJr2BCXZ61fyFKf8qYfGGG2Jh6xXD3n2bpVb4!-102435184?oppId=129115&mode=VIEW

Three weeks remain to submit applications to the AIA’s 2012 Sustainable Design Assesssment Program

http://www.aia.org/about/initiatives/AIAS075425

Main Street Arkansas Update - October 17, 2011

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MONDAY Cary (NTHP Conference), Susan - Rogers & Bentonville (site visits), Greg- off

TUESDAY Cary (NTHP Conference), Susan - Rogers & Bentonville (site visits), Greg- off

WEDNESDAY Cary (NTHP Conference), Susan - Rogers & Bentonville (site visits), Greg- off

Mark & Samantha – Helena (board meeting)

THURSDAY Cary (NTHP Conference), Greg- off

FRIDAY Cary (NTHP Conference), Greg- off

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IN THIS ISSUE:

Eureka Springs Downtown Network host free blogging for Business 101 Class

Paragould business owners recognized

Russellville Downtown Rendezvous

New Technologies Increase Citizen Investment In Cities

Three Keys to Creating Great “Good Places”

Small Business Saturday

Find your city or county municpal codes online

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Eureka Springs Downtown Network host free blogging for Business 101 Class

Stephanie McCratic, Social Media Developer for The Belford Group, will be teaching a Blogging for Business 101 class for the Eureka Springs Downtown Network. This is for anyone interested in getting started blogging for their business or who need a kick start. Learn about how to get started, what to do, and what to expect.For more information, click here.

Paragould business owners recognized

http://www.paragoulddailypress.com/articles/2011/10/02/local_news/doc4e86418311a0f240392854.txt

Russellville Downtown Rendezvous

http://www.couriernews.com/view/full_story/15999576/article-Downtown-rendezvous?instance=top_news

New Technologies Increase Citizen Investment in Cities

A recent Pew Research study revealed that 58% of 25-34 year old Americans own smartphones, and communicate with each other and their city governments in new ways. Learn how you can increase engagement with mobile technologies.

http://americancityandcounty.com/technology/mobile-citizen-engagement-20111012/

Three Keys to Creating Great “Good Places”

The liveliest public spaces share a few core ingredients.

http://www.fastcodesign.com/1665202/3-keys-to-creating-great-good-places

Small Business Saturday

Mark your calendars for November 26 is Small Business Saturday. As the movement grows, find out how you can take advantage of the Big Event.
http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/small-business-saturday-1869/

Find your city or county municipal codes online

http://www.municode.com/

Main Street Arkansas Update - October 10, 2011

Make Plans to Attend the Arkansas Community Development Society’s Annual Conference – October 19, Conway, AR. Agenda & more information here

Main Street Arkansas Calendar October 10 - 14, 2011

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MONDAY Cary & Sam – Texarkana (program visioning); Susan – Blytheville & Osceola (merchant visits)

TUESDAY Cary & Sam – Texarkana (program visioning)

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY Susan – annual

FRIDAY Cary & Susan – annual

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Great Main Street Siloam Springs Vide

Main Street Paragould Press

Facebook to Offer $50 Ad Credit for Small Biz

8 Amazing Facts About Downtowns

Anatomy of a Grant Proposal

2 Grant Opportunities

RFP Mayors’ Institute on Design

Great Main Street Siloam Springs Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnblrM5Xw6E

Main Street Paragould’s Octoberfest

http://www.paragoulddailypress.com/articles/2011/10/02/top_story/doc4e8640e2b234e670177658.txt

MSP Gives Awards

http://www.paragoulddailypress.com/articles/2011/10/02/local_news/doc4e86418311a0f240392854.txt

Facebook To Offer $50 Ad Credit for Small Biz in Jan

http://adage.com/article/digital/facebook-launches-program-small-businesses-pages-ads/230038/

8 Amazing Facts About Downtowns

http://www.destinationdevelopment.com/2011/06/02/8-amazing-facts-about-downtowns/

Anatomy of a Grant Proposal

http://www2.guidestar.org/rxa/news/articles/2011/anatomy-of-a-grant-proposal.aspx?hq_e=el&hq_m=1333760&hq_l=7&hq_v=fd3771e936

Community Enhancement Programs Funded
Office Depot Foundation
The Office Depot Foundation supports nonprofit organizations, government agencies, libraries, and schools on a local and national scale that bring systemic change to the communities they serve. The Foundation provides grants averaging $1,000 in three distinct categories. The focus of the “Making a Difference in Children’s Lives” category is on activities that serve, teach, and inspire children, youth, and families. The “Building Communities” category targets civic organizations and activities that serve the needs of company communities. The purpose of the “Disaster Relief” category is to support the relief efforts of recognized local, regional, and national agencies. Priority is given to organizations that participate in the Office Depot Foundation Leadership Network. Requests are reviewed monthly. Visit the Foundation’s website to review the grant application guidelines and take the eligibility survey.

http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/rfp_item.jhtml?id=354600044

KaBOOM! Offers Let's Play Spruce Grants for Playground Maintenance

With support from Dr Pepper Snapple Group, KaBOOM! is awarding grants of $750 to communities that wish to make their playgrounds cleaner, safer, and more inviting.

Let's Play Spruce grants are designed to reward communities that have maintained and "spruced up" their playspaces since their playground build. Communities must demonstrate that they have maintained their playspace and have led an improvement project in the last sixty days.

Selected communities will receive a $750 gift card to further enhance or improve their playspace. Gift cards also can be used to refill the playground's wood fiber playground surfacing.

Applications will be accepted throughout the year; however the priority deadline is October 15, 2011.

Visit the KaBOOM! Web site for complete program guidelines and application requirements.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP

Hat Tip to National Trust Main Street Center for this one:

Funding for Microbreweries. If you have an interested entrepreneur in your town, tell them about the Samuel Adams small business loans and financial business education seminars. Learn more.

Request for Proposals--Governors' Institute for Community Design
EPA's Office of Sustainable Communities is seeking proposals to fund one applicant to operate the Governors' Institute for Community Design. The institute will select and work with interested state leaders to deliver technical assistance to implement smart growth and sustainable community development approaches.

Application deadline: December 5, 2011