Monday, July 30, 2012

Main Street Arkansas Update - July 30, 2012


Statewide 5-Year Preservation Plan Listening Sessions
July 31 Batesville, City Municipal Building, 5pm
August 14, Hot Springs, Board Chambers in City Hall, 5pm
August 21, West Memphis, Main Street Office, 5pm  

Main Street Arkansas Calendar – July 30 - August 3, 2012 
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MONDAY                            
TUESDAY                           Mark & Sam – Rogers
WEDNESDAY                    Mark & Sam - Rogers
THURSDAY                        Sam, Mark, Nancy – Morrilton (4-Point training); Cary - off     
FRIDAY                                Cary, Sam – off
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IN THIS ISSUE:
MSA on Public Radio
Main Street Batesville Partnership Highlighted Nationally
Main Street West Memphis Event
Incredible Resources from Illinois Main Street
Shrinking Cities – Preserving Buildings Helps Tide Population Loss
Placemaking Debate Continues
F-Commerce
Workshop on Successful Volunteer Programs
4 Grant Opportunities

Making A Difference – Main Street Arkansas (and Paragould & Osceola)

Main Street Batesville & Citizens’ Bank Partnership Highlighted Nationally

Main Street West Memphis Events Highlighted

Incredible Resources from Illinois Main Street
-          not the least of which is a three hour fundraising video. 

Shrinking Cities – Preserving Buildings Helps Tide Loss of Population

Creative Class Placemaking Debate Continues

Small Retailers Profit from Facebook Pages (aka F-Commerce)

Workshop – Keys to a Successful Volunteer Program
The DHS/Division of Community Service and Nonprofit Support will be conducting “Keys to a Successful Volunteer Program” on Wednesday August 22nd from 1-4 pm at the Arkansas Food Bank.  The address if 4301 West 65th Street in Little Rock.   You must preregister to attend. 
This interactive workshop presented by the staff of the Division of Community Service and Nonprofit Support is designed to provide an overview of effective volunteer management techniques.  Class participants will explore and identify the keys to a successful volunteer program while gathering valuable tips from other volunteer managers.  The workshop will cover topics such as building a successful volunteer program, recruitment and recognition that motivates volunteers, plus much more.

If you are interested in attending contact beth.jacks@arkansas.gov  for more information. 

Research and Development Grants Support Innovations in Agribusiness
Department of Agriculture
The Small Business Innovation Research Program provides support for high quality, advanced concepts research related to important scientific problems and opportunities in agriculture that could lead to significant public benefit if successful. Proposed investigations should be designed to stimulate technological innovation in the private sector, thereby strengthening the role of small businesses in meeting federal research and development needs, increasing private sector commercialization of innovations derived from USDA-supported research and development efforts, and fostering and encouraging participation by women-owned and socially and economically disadvantaged small business firms in technological innovation. The application deadline is September 6, 2012.

2013 Sustainable Design Assessment Team Program
The American Institute of Architects seeks partner communities that can demonstrate the capacity to convene a diverse set of community leaders and stakeholders for an intensive, collaborative planning process focused on long-term sustainability. Funded communities receive pro bono services and funding up to $15,000. A cash match of $5,000 is required. Application due date: November 16, 2012.

Promoting Health and Equity through Built Environment and Healthy Food Access Policy
The Convergence Partnership invites proposals that will support the launch of grant-making initiatives to enhance the built environment and/or expand healthy food access in low-income communities and communities of color to improve health and promote equity. A 50 percent match, up to $200,000 total, will be provided for a three-year period. Submittal deadline: August 9, 2012.

EPA Provides $950,000 to Improve Water Quality Using Green Infrastructure in 17 Communities
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is providing $950,000 to help 17 communities expand "green infrastructure" use to improve water quality and protect people's health and benefit communities. Green infrastructure uses vegetation and soil to manage rainwater where it falls, keeping polluted stormwater from entering sewer systems and waterways in local communities. The communities selected —and their awards— are listed online.