Main Street Arkansas

Main Street Arkansas Update - January 23, 2012

2012-01-23T08:18:00.001-06:00

Main Street Arkansas Calendar – January 23 - 27, 2012

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MONDAY

TUESDAY Cary, Sam, Mark, Susan – Blytheville (board training & merchant site visits)

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

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IN THIS ISSUE:

Beatles Devotee Opens Shop in Walnut Ridge

Parking & Its High Cost

Taking Parking Lots Seriously as Public Spaces

Grant Opportunity

IRS Ruling

Beatles Devotee Opens Shop in Walnut Ridge

http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=baxterbulletin&sParam=38287613.story&fb_source=message

Parking

http://www.lamag.com/features/Story.aspx?ID=1568281#.Twm99Ltvwq0.gmail

Taking Parking Lots Seriously as Public Spaces

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/08/arts/design/taking-parking-lots-seriously-as-public-spaces.html?_r=1&emc=eta1

Reinventing Historic Assets

http://urbanland.uli.org/Articles/2011/Nov/BinetteHistoric?utm_source=uli&utm_medium=eblast&utm_campaign=010912

Grants from the National Trust Now Available

The National Trust for Historic Preservation is now accepting applications for grants from the National Trust Preservation Fund, the Hart Family Fund for Small Towns, the Johanna Favrot Fund for Historic Preservation and the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Fund for Historic Interiors. The application deadline for all four programs is Feb. 1. Guidelines and links to applications can be found here. (Please note: the Hart Family Fund for Small Towns uses the general National Trust Preservation Fund grant application. Grants from the Hart Fund are awarded to projects in communities with populations of 5,000 or less.)

Any questions can be sent to grants@nthp.org.

IRS Ruling

On December 3, the Internal Revenue Service issued the 2011 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2011, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:

· 51 cents per mile for business miles driven;

· 19 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes; and

· 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations.

Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates. For more information, see our article on charitable deductions for volunteers and IRS Revenue Procedure 2009-54.

Question: What Can a Volunteer Deduct?

Answer: First, you can’t deduct the value of your time or services. If you volunteer for a Qualified Organization (QO), however, you can deduct on your income taxes:

· For the use of your car: actual costs of gas and oil to and from the QO location, or 14 cents per mile (it’s your choice) – plus tolls and parking, in either case.

· Other costs, if they are (i) unreimbursed, and (ii) directly connected with the services you gave, and (iii) incurred only because of the services you gave, and (iv) not personal, living or family expenses.

See IRS Publication 526. Be sure to keep good records.

Of course, you can only deduct these costs if you (a) file an income tax return and (b) itemize your deductions

Clean Lines, Open Spaces - Mid Century Modern Architecture in Arkansas

2012-01-17T19:32:00.001-06:00

MAIN STREET ARKANSAS AWARDS RECOGNIZE LOCAL EFFORTS ACROSS STATE

2012-01-13T13:45:00.004-06:00

People and projects in thirteen Arkansas communities were honored January 11 with Main Street Arkansas awards, Main Street Arkansas Director Cary Tyson announced today. Main Street Arkansas is a program area of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage.

The Main Street Arkansas awards are presented biannually to recognize outstanding achievements by individuals, organizations and communities in helping to revitalize their downtown areas. The Main Street Arkansas Advisory Board selects the winners. The awards were presented at the annual conference of the Arkansas Municipal League in Little Rock.

Those receiving Main Street Arkansas Awards were:
Best Special Event – Main Street Searcy’s “Get Down Downtown”
Best New Exterior Signage – Main Street Batesville and Gilbert and Melody Gomez’s Impulse/Body Fit
Main Street Hero – Shelly Simmons of Main Street Siloam Springs and Dina Mason of Main Street Paragould
Best Façade Renovation over $10,000 – Ellington/Holifield Building, Main Street Paragould
Best Façade Renovation under $10,000 – Stotts Drugstore, Main Street Searcy
Best New Downtown Business – Pour Jon’s Coffee & Tea, Main Street Siloam Springs
Best Upper Floor Development – JKJ Architects and Main Street Rogers, and Iron Mountain Lofts and Main Street Paragould
Best Main Street Merchant – Hoffman’s, Main Street Ozark
Best Adaptive Reuse – Masonic Hall/Russellville City Hall and Main Street Russellville, and Greyhound Bus Station and Main Street Blytheville
Best Interior Design Project – Old National Bank of Commerce Building, Main Street Paragould
Best Downtown Public Improvement Project – Intersection/Lighting and Walnut Street Awning Removal Projects, City of Rogers and Main Street Rogers
Best Web Presence and Use of Social Media –Main Street El Dorado
Best Public/Private Partnership – Citizens for Downtown Batesville, Citizens Bank of Batesville and Main Street Batesville
Bootstrap Award – SoMa (Little Rock)
Outstanding Executive Director – Kerry Jensen, Main Street Rogers
Back from the Brink Award – Landers Theater/Fellowship Bible Church, Main Street Batesville
Heritage Preservation Award – Main Street DumasAward of Merit – Main Street Texarkana Revolving Loan Fund and Main Street West Memphis CDBG Façade Grant Program.

To see more photos from the event, click https://www.facebook.com/#!/MainStreetArkansas.

Main Street Arkansas Update - January 9, 2012

2012-01-09T08:24:00.002-06:00

Main Street Arkansas Calendar – January 9 - 13, 2012

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MONDAY AHPP Staff Planning

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY all staff – Municipal League

THURSDAY all staff – Mosaic Templars

FRIDAY

SATURDAY Cary, Greg, Sam, Susan, Mark – Russellville Board Retreat & Training

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IN THIS ISSUE:

It’s the Staff’s Job to Make Committees Effective

Take Back the Alleys

Blytheville Hosts MSA Seminar

Grant Opportunities

How to Become a Non-Profit Rockstar

Festival & Event Conference in MS

5 Grant Opportunities

It’s the Staff’s Job to Make Committees Effective

http://www.nonprofitquarterly.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18666:committees----love-them-or-hate-them&catid=145:unraveling-development&Itemid=1006

Take Back the Alleys

http://www.lbpost.com/life/brian/12954

Blytheville Hosts MSA Seminar

http://www.couriernews.net/story/1801881.html?response=no

How to Become a Nonprofit Rockstar

Trista Harris will discuss her book, "How to Become a Nonprofit Rockstar: 50 Ways to Accelerate Your Career," in which she and co-author Rosetta Thurman provide a do-it-yourself map of how to navigate the nonprofit sector. Harris is executive director of Headwaters Foundation for Justice, a Minneapolis-based community foundation with a mission to act as a catalyst for social, racial, economic and environmental justice. This lecture is sponsored by the Clinton School, the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Little Rock and the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

When: Wednesday, January 11, 2011

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. – Lecture, *Book signing to follow.

Where: Clinton School of Public Service, Sturgis Hall

*Reserve your seats by emailing publicprograms at clintonschool.uasys.edu, or calling 501-683-5239.

“BACK STAGE PASS” FESTIVAL AND EVENT CONFERENCE

WHEN: JANUARY 24-25, 2012
WHERE: HOLLYWOOD CASINO, BAY ST. LOUIS
WHY: VIEW THE AGENDA

EARLY BIRD RATE EXPIRES JAN. 15, 2012!

Want to register for the conference? Email your contact information to Denise Halbach. $75 registration fee (in state) until Jan. 15, 2012. Click here for more information on the conference or to pay online. Questions about registration? Call 601-944-0113.

Reserve your hotel room at the Hollywood Casino in Bay St. Louis for special group rate of $79 until Jan. 15th. Call (866) 7-LUCKY-1. Please let them know you are with the Back Stage Pass conference group.

The 2012 Back Stage Pass Festival & Event Coordinators' Conference is presented by the Mississippi Main Street Association, the Mississippi Arts Commission and the Mississippi Development Authority Division of Tourism.

Back Stage Pass is a symposium that focuses on planning for festivals and special events through the sharing of ideas and like experiences with fundraisers and event planners throughout the Southeast. The Festival and Event conference is a new collaboration among the Mississippi Main Street Association, Mississippi Arts Commission and the Mississippi Development Authority. For the first time, the three statewide organizations will be partnering to present one high quality festival and event coordinators’ program. Please join us at the Hollywood Resort, in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi, on January 24-25, 2012 for fun, camaraderie and learning, as we explore ways to develop and enhance events that build community character and contribute to the creative economy and community members’ quality of life.

Click here to download Exhibitor information and application. Please email or fax the Exhibitor application to Jeannie Waller, 601.353.3469 (f). All applications must be received by Jan. 15th.

Grants for Arts Projects

Application guidelines for the next round of Grants for Arts Projects are now available on the NEA's website. To view the guidelines, go to www.arts.gov/grants/apply, select the field or discipline most relevant to your project, and choose Grants for Arts Projects from the list of funding opportunities.

Organizations may apply under the following categories:

Art Works: To support the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence, public engagement with diverse and excellent art, lifelong learning in the arts, and the strengthening of communities through the arts. Within these areas, innovative projects are strongly encouraged. Grants generally range from $10,000 to $100,000. (Two application deadlines: March 8 and August 9, 2012)

Challenge America Fast-Track: To support projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations. Grants are for $10,000. (Application deadline: May 24, 2012)

Thanks to the National Main Street Center for pointing this one out

Urban Sustainability Directors Network/Local Sustainability Matching Fund

· In partnership with the Urban Sustainability Directors Network, the Funders' Network is pleased to announce the formation of the Local Sustainability Matching Fund. The Fund has been created with leadership support from four Network members: the Kendeda Fund, the New York Community Trust, the Summit Foundation, and the Surdna Foundation.

· The purpose of the Local Sustainability Matching Fund is twofold: to catalyze partnerships between local government sustainability directors and local, place-based foundations, including community foundations, and to advance important community-based sustainability initiatives. The Fund will provide partnership investments between $25,000 and $75,000, with a 1:1 match required by one or more local foundation. The Network anticipates that the Fund will support up to ten partnership projects in the first year in two rounds in the spring and fall of 2012.

· The application deadline for the first round is March 5^th, and you may download the Request for Proposals here. Applications must be submitted in MS Word and use the application Cover Sheet. The Network will host a conference call to provide more information on the fund and review the selection criteria. The call will be held on January 24th, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern, and you may register for the call by clicking here.

· A selection committee comprised of foundation representatives and urban sustainability directors will make selection decisions on behalf of the matching fund, and awards will be announced on May 5, 2012. For more information on the Local Sustainability Matching Fund, please contact Ann Wallace at ann@fundersnetwork.org or 617-524-9239.

National Endowment for the Arts

NEA Challenge America Fast-Track, FY2013 Grant

http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=136713

The Challenge America Fast-Track category offers support primarily to small and mid-sized organizations for projects that extend the reach of the arts to underserved populations -- those whose opportunities to experience the arts are limited by geography, ethnicity, economics, or disability. Age alone (e.g., youth, seniors) does not qualify a group as underserved; at least one of the underserved characteristics noted above also must be present. Grants are available for professional arts programming and for projects that emphasize the potential of the arts in community development. This category encourages and supports the following two outcomes: •Engagement: Engaging the public with diverse and excellent art. •Livability: The strengthening of communities through the arts. You will be asked to select the outcome that is most relevant to your project (you also will be able to select a secondary outcome). When making selections, you should identify the outcome(s) that reflect the results expected to be achieved by your project. If you receive a grant, you also will be asked to provide evidence of those results.

ACF Giving Tree Grant

20 of Arkansas Community Foundation’s 27 affiliate offices will be participating in this year’s spring giving tree grant cycle. Since you all serve a broad constituency we, as always, thought we’d enlist your support to help us get the word out about this opportunity. Please feel free to forward this announcement to all those in your networks that meet the eligibility and could benefit from this program. More information on this program can be found by following this link ARCF Giving Tree Grants.

AmeriCorps Grants Available

AmeriCorps programs address disaster services, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, economic opportunity, veterans and military families, and capacity building as defined by a local sponsoring organization. AmeriCorps programs recruit and place members in direct service to their community to fulfill these initiatives. Applications will be accepted for grants in the 2012-2013 Arkansas state AmeriCorps formula funding cycle. Successful applicants will be expected to establish programs and begin recruiting members to serve in programs beginning September 1 or October 1, 2012 for up to a one year period.

State Formula Grants

· Provide funds for AmeriCorps member living allowances (full-time $12,100 per year), post service education awards of $5,550 and program operational costs.

· The program must provide at least 24% cash and/or in-kind non-federal match.

· The program must be able to manage the intricacies of a federal grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service and the compliance and reporting requirements it entails and be a 501c (3) or be associated with a local government, state agency or educational institution.

· A minimum of eight (8) full-time AmeriCorps member slots constitutes a program to be considered for this application. Programs may serve as intermediary organizations, distributing fewer members to collaborating organizations to compose a program.

· Program staff must be able to devote time to recruitment, training and management of AmeriCorps members, including time keeping, records maintenance, supervision of service sites and member training and development.

· Program staff should include strong fiscal oversight.

· Program staff are required to attend quarterly meetings and monthly conference calls, complete quarterly financial and program progress reports, participate in statewide service days and cooperate in site visits from the Arkansas Service Commission. Program Staff will be trained by the Commission in program management.

This application is for program funds only. Persons interested in serving as AmeriCorps members should contact the Commission office. The Commission encourages persons with disabilities to serve as AmeriCorps members. Concept paper for new applicants is due January 26, 2012. A free Grant Writing workshop will be held February 24, 2012. Applications must be entered in eGrants system to be accepted. Original full application with budget and 16 copies are due no later than 12 p.m. (noon) Friday, April 6, 2012. Application instructions, NOFO, concept paper template and workshop registrations are available on the Arkansas Department of Human Services web site:

http://hs.ar.gov/Pages/procurement.aspx

Contact Beverly Moody at 501-682-7540 or TDD 501-682-1605 or

Beverly.moody at arkansas.gov for further information.

DHS/DCSNS/ASC

P. O. Box 1437, Slot S-230 or 700 South Main St., Slot S-230

Little Rock, AR 72203 Little Rock, AR 72201

Main Street Arkansas Update - December 19, 2011

2011-12-19T08:20:00.001-06:00

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

2011-12-12T11:08:00.001-06:00

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

2011-12-08T10:49:00.001-06:00

December E-Newsletter

2011-12-01T14:05:00.001-06:00

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

2011-11-28T08:44:00.003-06:00

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

2011-11-23T08:33:00.001-06:00

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

2011-11-06T10:47:00.000-06:00

Main Street Arkansas Update - October 31, 2011

2011-10-31T14:50:00.014-05:00

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

*******************************************************************************

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
**********************************************************************************

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

2011-10-17T15:53:00.020-05:00

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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

****************************************************************************************************

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

2011-10-10T08:33:00.003-05:00

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

**********************************************************************************

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

Main Street Arkansas Update - October 3, 2011

2011-10-03T08:19:00.005-05:00

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 3 - 7, 2011
*******************************************************************************
MONDAY Susan – out
TUESDAY Cary – Ft. Smith; Susan – out
WEDNESDAY Susan – Dumas (merchant visit)
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
********************************************************************************

Walnut Ridge in the WSJ
Main Street Searcy: Get Down Downtown
Downtown Batesville: Living the Landers
Main Street Russellville Hosts Tech Downtown
MSR Sets Masterplan Public Input
Watch CharityBuzz.com Founders’ Speech in LR
SBA Seeks Noms for Small Biz Awards
Reclaim Your Alleys
AHPP to Host National Register Training

Walnut Ridge Makes the WSJ
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424053111904106704576578662518738784.html

Main Street Searcy Get Down Downtown Press:
http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2011/sep/29/searcy-ready-get-down-downtown-20110929/?news-arkansas

Living the Landers
http://www.areawidenews.com/story/1762769.html

MSR Hosts New Students Downtown
http://www.arkansastechnews.com/index.php/university-news/5164-destination-downtown-coming-soon

Main Street Russellville Sets Masterplan Public Input
http://www.couriernews.com/view/full_story/15642682/article-Stakeholder--public-meetings-set-for-downtown-master-plan

Watch the CharityBuzz.com Founder’s Speech at the Clinton School
http://www.clintonschoolspeakers.com/lecture/view/charitybuzz-do-good-live-well/

SBA Seeks Nominations for Small Business Awards
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article.aspx?zone=AB%255FENEWS%255FSmallBusiness&lID=&sID=&ms=&cID=k&aID=128530.54928.140655

Reclaim Your Alleys
http://daily.sightline.org/2011/08/26/alley-alley-in-come-free-2/

AHPP OFFERS FREE NATIONAL REGISTER NOMINATION TRAINING
The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program will offer a free training session Wednesday, October 12, for anyone interested in nominating a property to the National Register of Historic Places, the country’s official list of historically significant sites, AHPP Director Frances McSwain announced today.
The training session will be held from 9 a.m. to noon in Room 170 of the Tower Building at 323 Center Street in Little Rock. The session will include background information on the National Register, the criteria for listing properties on the National Register, and instruction on completing a successful National Register application.
For more information on the free session, call the AHPP at (501) 324-9880 [TDD 501-324-9811] or send an e-mail message to ralph at arkansasheritage.org. Registration is limited to the first 20 applicants.

Main Street Arkansas Update - September 26, 2011

2011-09-26T08:25:00.003-05:00

Siloam Springs, the newest Main Street community

Main Street Arkansas Calendar September 26 - 30, 2011
**********************************************************************************
MONDAY
TUESDAY Samantha – Wynne (ADN presentation)
WEDNESDAY Susan, Sam, Mark – Eureka Springs (site & board visits)
THURSDAY Susan, Sam, Mark – Eureka Springs (site & board visits)
FRIDAY all staff - Future of Historic Preservation Symposium – LR
*********************************************************************************

Main Street Blytheville Press
Main Street Helena Receives Grant
LR Start-Up Offers Marketplace for Tax Credits
The Bias Against Tradition
MIT’s Free Urban Planning Software
Subtle Tactics Effecting Your Shopping Experience
Micro-Lending Summit Oct 4 in LR

Main Street Blytheville’s Third Thursdays
http://www.couriernews.net/story/1763073.html?response=no

Main Street Helena Farmers’ Market Grant
http://www.helena-arkansas.com/newsnow/x539254235/Main-Street-Helena-receives-grant-for-Farmers-Market

LR Start-Up Offers Marketplace for Tax Credits
http://innovation.arkansasbusiness.com/article/128163/little-rock-startup-offers-marketplace-for-tax-credits

The Bias Against Tradition
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304569504576403841372798886.html

MIT’s Free Urban Planning Software
http://www.fastcompany.com/1778514/open-source-program-released-to-redesigning-tomorrows-cities

Subtle Tactics Effecting Your Shopping Experience
http://www.fastcompany.com/1779611/priming-whole-foods-derren-brown

MICRO-LENDING SUMMIT SET FOR OCT. 4 IN LITTLE ROCK
by Gwen Green, Communication Coordinator, UALR Lead Center
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center will host the 2011 Arkansas Small Business Summit: Micro-Lending for Entrepreneurs on Tuesday, Oct. 4, from 3-7 p.m. at the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Building at 2301 S. University Ave. in Little Rock.

Intended to bring micro-business lenders and entrepreneurs together, the summit will include
. Group discussions on "Road Map for Small Businesses" and "How to be a Loan-Ready Entrepreneur"
. Networking reception
. Panel discussion on "Micro-Business Lending in Arkansas"
. Personal credit review (optional)

Micro-business lending is an often overlooked source of capital for small businesses. A micro-loan is $25,000 or less made to a company with five or fewer employees, according to the Association for Enterprise Opportunity, a trade association representing some 450 micro-enterprise organizations. The industry average micro-loan is $12,000.

Arkansas small business owners and lenders are invited to attend this free event. Pre-registration is required. To register or get more information, contact ASBTDC's Maradyth McKenzie at mgmckenzie at ualr.edu or (501) 683-7700.

Main Street Arkansas Update- September 19, 2011

2011-09-19T13:32:00.020-05:00

Main Street Arkansas Calendar September 19-23, 2011

**************************************************************************************
MONDAY Cary and Susan - out
TUESDAY Cary, Susan, and Samantha - Siloam Springs

WEDNESDAY Cary, Susan, and Samantha - Rogers

THURSDAY

FRIDAY Greg

***************************************************************************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

Arkansas Historic Preservation Program to Host One-Day Symposium

Historic Preservation: Past, Present and Future - Where do we go in the next 30 Years.

Friday, September 20, 2011, at 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Darragh Center- Central Arkansas Library System, 100 Rock Street, Little Rock, AR.

This one-day symposium will present panel discussions on historic preservation in the United States. We will discuss how the movement grew and gained momentum, what is happening currently in all areas of historic preservation, and what preservationists need to do to build the movement in the next 30 years.

This symposium is presented by the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program in honor of the 30

year anniversary of the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas.

There is no charge for the symposium, but you must register to reserve your space. You can register by calling Travis Ratermann at 501-324-9874 or click here.

New data from the United States Conference of Mayors and The Council for the New American City

http://www.usmayors.org/metroeconomies/2011/report.pdf

The annual U.S. Metro Economies Report provides an insight into the sheer scale of the U.S. economy, even when it is in crisis.

Rogers to Host Destination Downtown Sep 17-19, 2012

2011-09-15T14:04:00.002-05:00

ROGERS SELECTED AS HOST CITY OF 2012 DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION CONFERENCE

LITTLE ROCK—Rogers has been selected as the 2012 host city for Destination Downtown, the annual tri-state conference on downtown revitalization, Main Street Arkansas Director Cary Tyson announced today. Main Street Arkansas is a program of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program and a co-sponsor of the conference.
“We are excited that Rogers, the first Arkansas city to achieve the Great American Main Street Award by the National Trust for Historic Preservation recognizing the nation’s top downtown revitalization programs, has been selected to host the 2012 conference,” Tyson said. “The conference will be held September 17-19, 2012, and will attract downtown revitalization professionals from throughout the region.”
“The Main Street Rogers Board of Directors and staff are thrilled at the opportunity to welcome other Main Street cities to our revitalized downtown area for Destination Downtown 2012,” Main Street Rogers Executive Director Kerry Jensen said. “We are excited to showcase our thriving businesses, inviting parks and vibrant historic district nestled in the beautiful Ozark Mountains. We hope everyone will stay an extra day and enjoy all that Northwest Arkansas has to offer.”
In addition to Main Street Arkansas, Destination Downtown hosts include Louisiana Main Street and the Mississippi Main Street Association.
Main Street Arkansas provides technical assistance and design services to help create economic development in the state’s downtown areas. The Main Street approach to downtown revitalization focuses on four areas: design, economic restructuring, organization and promotion.
Cities currently involved in Main Street Arkansas are Batesville, Blytheville, Dumas, El Dorado, Hardy, Helena, Little Rock’s South Main Street (SoMa), Osceola, Ozark, Paragould, Rogers, Russellville, Searcy, Siloam Springs, Texarkana and West Memphis. Members of Main Street’s Arkansas Downtown Network are Pine Bluff, Heber Springs, Fort Smith, Eureka Springs, DeWitt, Morrilton, Walnut Ridge, Rector, Jonesboro, Crawfordsville and Monticello. Other sponsors of the Main Street Arkansas program are the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. To learn more about Main Street Arkansas, visit www.MainStreetArkansas.org
The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program is the agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage responsible for the identification, evaluation, registration and preservation of the state’s cultural resources. Other agencies in the department are the Arkansas Arts Council, the Delta Cultural Center in Helena, the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, the Old State House Museum, the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission and the Historic Arkansas Museum.

Main Street Arkansas Update- September 6, 2011

2011-09-06T09:58:00.008-05:00

Downtown Russellville

There’s still time to register for Destination Downtown, September 12-14 in Tupelo, Mississippi: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e4anbnlp70918cb9&llr=sx4ttydab

Main Street Arkansas Calendar September 6-9, 2011

***************************************************************************************************************

TUESDAY Cary – vacation; Mark Miller – Siloam Springs

WEDNESDAY Cary – vacation; Mark Miller – Rogers; Susan - Russellville

THURSDAY Susan & Mark – Searcy; Greg and Cary - SoMa

FRIDAY

***************************************************************************************************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

Congratulations to Eureka Springs, one of America’s 10 Coolest Towns

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-40652048

Downtown Walnut Ridge Press

http://www.thetd.com/freepages/2011-08-31/news/story3.php

Opportunity for inclusion in the 2012 Sustainable Design Assessment Team (SDAT) Program

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Center for Communities by Design is pleased to release the 2012 Sustainable Design Assessment Team program Application Packet. The application solicits submissions for inclusion in the 2012 SDAT program.

The mission of the SDAT program is to provide technical assistance and process expertise to help communities develop a vision and framework for a sustainable future. By achieving balance between cultural, environmental, and economic systems, communities can sustain a place as a stage for human settlement. http://www.aia.org/about/initiatives/AIAS075425

Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas now accepting nominations

Each year the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas recognizes and honors individuals and organizations for outstanding achievement in historic preservation in Arkansas with the Arkansas Preservation Awards. The Alliance invites you to participate by nominating an individual, organization or project. Submit your nomination online at PreserveArkansas.org or download a printable Nomination Form here. Nominations must be received by Friday, October 14, 2011.

Quapaw Quarter Branding Press

http://www.arktimes.com/arkansas/whats-in-a-name/Content?oid=1892299

Grant Opportunity for Preservation Technology and Training

The National Center for Preservation Training and Technology seeks innovative projects that advance science and technology for historic preservation. The PTT Grants program funds projects that develop new technologise or adapt existing technologies to preserve cultural resources. For more information: http://ncptt.nps.gov/grants/call-for-proposals/

Main Street Arkansas Update - August 29, 2011

2011-08-29T08:37:00.003-05:00

Downtown Walnut Ridge

Destination Downtown September 12-14; Tupelo, MS

Main Street Arkansas Calendar August 29 – September 2, 2011
**********************************************************************************
MONDAY Susan – Russellville (merchant visits); Samantha – annual leave
TUESDAY Susan – Osceola (merchant visits)
WEDNESDAY Cary – annual leave
THURSDAY Cary – annual leave
FRIDAY Cary – annual leave
*********************************************************************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

Downtown Walnut Ridge Press
Main Street Russellville on YouTube/Press
Main Street Helena Receives Grants
No Cost Trainings for Non Profits in AR
Greening the Capitols – Little Rock
Tiger II Grant Webinar

Downtown Walnut Ridge Press
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article.aspx?aID=127875

Main Street Russellville’s Betsy McGuire Featured in Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWlcbANFnvk
& more MSR press
http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2011/aug/18/main-street-russellville-keeps-busy-20110818/

Main Street Helena Receives Grants
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/press/press_releases_media_advisories/2011/HUDNo.11-173

www.arkansasarts.org/grants/recipients.aspx.

No Cost Trainings for Non-Profits Throughout AR
The DHS – DCSNS – Arkansas Service Commission is providing training on five different days at three locations throughout the state. Some of the topics that will be covered (depending on location) are Getting the Grant, Community Mapping, Team Building, Putting Together a Successful Community Event, and Keys to a Successful Volunteer Program.

The training is open to the public. Online registration is required. Each location has a separate registration form so please access the correct survey through the links below.

Monticello Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22CYJMKRBTS
Springdale Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22CYJJPRA3L
Ferndale Survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22CYJT9RFAW

Dates and locations for the trainings are below. Please note the registration deadline differs for each location.

Date Location Online Registration Deadline
• Sept. 29, Thursday Monticello Must register online by Sept. 7
• Sept. 30, Friday Monticello Must register online by Sept. 7
• Oct. 11, Tuesday Springdale Must register online by Sept. 19
• Nov. 1, Tuesday Ferndale (Ctrl. Ark.) Must register online by Oct. 7
• Nov. 2, Wednesday Ferndale (Ctrl. Ark.) Must register online by Oct. 7

Greening the Capitols – Little Rock
http://epa.gov/smartgrowth/pdf/GAC_LittleRock.pdf

Tiger II Grant Webinar
The U.S. Department of Transportation recently announced a new grant opportunity for rural communities across the country. The Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant program is a great opportunity for rural communities to leverage federal funds for local transportation projects. To help communities apply to these very competitive grants, the American Public Transportation Association, the National Association of Development Organizations, the National League of Cities, PolicyLink, Reconnecting America, Rural Assembly, Smart Growth America, and Transportation for America have joined together to encourage rural communities to submit superior applications for this funding.

If you plan to apply for this year’s round of TIGER grants or wish to learn more about the program and the application process, join us for a webinar on Wednesday, August 31, 2011 at 2:00 PM EDT. The webinar will build on the overview provided by our first webinar in this series, which took place earlier in August, by exploring in-depth the various aspects of the TIGER application process.

Presenters on next week's webinar include grant writers who have been successful in getting TIGER funds in the past, an expert in benefit-cost analysis from the funding source, and a leader in the transportation field who has years of experience getting projects both funded and completed.
What: "TIGER Grants and Rural America, Part II"
When: Wednesday, August 31, 2011, 2:00 PM EDT
Where: Webinar information will be sent to registrants
RSVP: Click here to register.

Main Street Arkansas Update - August 22, 2011

2011-08-22T13:52:00.001-05:00

Destination Downtown September 12-14; Tupelo, MS

Main Street Arkansas Calendar August 22 - 26, 2011
*********************************************************************************
MONDAY Cary – AR Economic Developers Conference; Mark & Susan – Osceola & Blytheville
TUESDAY Cary – AR Economic Developers Conference; Mark & Susan – Osceola & Blytheville
WEDNESDAY Cary – AR Economic Developers Conference; Mark & Susan - SoMa
THURSDAY Cary - Winrock
FRIDAY Samantha – off
*********************************************************************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

Downtown Eureka News
Main Street Russellville Master Plan News
Study – Dense Downtowns = Higher Tax Yield
Linking American Individualism to Transportation Planning
Restaurants Report Mixed Results from Groupon, Imitators
2 Grant Opportunities

Downtown Eureka Springs Press
http://www.arts.gov/about/NEARTS/storyNew.php?id=06-yourtown&issue=2011_v2

Main Street Russellville Lead Downtown Master Plan Efforts
http://www.couriernews.com/story.php?ID=28743

http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2011/aug/18/main-street-russellville-keeps-busy-20110818/?news-arkansas

Study: Dense Downtowns = Higher Tax Yield
http://www.postindependent.com/article/20110712/VALLEYNEWS/110719986/1083&ParentProfile=1074

Linking American Individualism to Transportation Planning
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/31/opinion/sunday/the-dutch-way-bicycles-and-fresh-bread.html

The Importance of On-Street Parking
http://www.originalgreen.org/blog/the-importance-of-on-street.html

Restaurants Report Mixed Results from Groupon, Imitators
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/printable.aspx?aid=127804

ENTERPRISE COMMUNITY PARTNERS (OPEN)
Enterprise Green Communities, an initiative of Enterprise Community Partners, is the first national green building program developed for affordable housing. The Program focuses on the use of environmentally sustainable materials, reduction of negative environmental impacts, and increased energy efficiency. In addition to loans and other funding options, Green Communities awards grants for Charrettes and Sustainability to help cover the costs of planning and implementing green components of affordable housing developments, as well as tracking their costs and benefits. Charrettes grants of up to $5,000 assist housing developers with integrating green building systems in their developments and engage in a serious discussion of green design possibilities. Grants will be awarded to affordable housing developers to coordinate a green design charrette, an intense working session that brings together a diverse group of housing development professionals along with residents, technical experts, funders, policy makers, and community stakeholders. These charrettes seek to integrate green design principles into affordable housing developments. Sustainability grants of up to $5,000 each are provided for affordable housing developers to maximize the health, economic, and environmental benefits of green development throughout a project’s life cycle. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, tribally designated housing entities, and for-profit entities participating through joint ventures with qualified organizations. Additional information including a list of Enterprise representatives is available on the Web site. | Avg. Grant: $5,000 | Contact Info: ENTERPRISE COMMUNITY PARTNERS, 10227 Wincopin Circle, Suite 500, Columbia , MD, 21044, Ph: 410-964-1230, Visit Website

THE INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION (05/15/12)
The Foundation exists to help people of the developing world in their endeavors to solve some of their problems, to attain a better standard of living, and to obtain a reasonable degree of self-sufficiency. The Foundation funds only projects of nonprofit philanthropies based in the United States. The Foundation does not set geographical boundaries for its grants except that it gives priority to needs outside of the United States. Grants are made in five areas: agriculture, health, education, social development, and environment. To be considered for funding for the current year, proposals should be received no later than mid-May of that year. Additional information can be found on the Web site. | Grant Range: $5,000 To $25,000 | Contact Info: THE INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION, 1700 Route 23 North, Suite 300, Wayne, NJ, 07470, Ph: 973-406-3970, Fax: 973-406-3969, Send Email, Visit Website

Main Street Arkansas Update - August 15, 2011

2011-08-15T08:31:00.004-05:00

Our newest Main Street program, Siloam Springs

Destination Downtown September 12-14; Tupelo, MS

Main Street Arkansas Calendar August 15 - 19, 2011
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MONDAY
TUESDAY Susan & Mark – Rogers (merchant site visits); Samantha – AEDC
WEDNESDAY Susan & Mark – Rogers (merchant site visits)
THURSDAY
FRIDAY Cary – Governor’s Volunteerism Commission
**********************************************************************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

Jackie Wolven, Downtown Eureka Springs Praised
HistoryPin
Fundraising Methods that Worked in 2010
Creating 3rd Places
Embrace the Smart City
2 Grant Opportunities
AR Shine Awards

Jackie Wolven of Downtown Eureka Springs Praised:
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/printable.aspx?aid=127736

HistoryPin Mashes Up Historic Photos With New Photos
http://www.good.is/post/historypin-app-uses-augmented-reality-to-visualize-the-past/

Free Report – Fundraising Methods that Worked Best in 2010 & What Could Work in 2011
http://www2.guidestar.org/rxg/news/publications/fundraising-methods-worked-best-2010.aspx

Creating 3rd Places (pdf)
http://www.uwex.edu/ces/cced/downtowns/ltb/documents/DE1210.pdf

Embrace the Smart City
http://www.brookings.edu/opinions/2011/0726_cities_katz.aspx

Grant Opportunity
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has announced the release of the FY 2011 Request for Applications (RFA) for the People's Garden Grant Program (PPGP). The program is designed to facilitate the creation of produce, recreation, and/or wildlife gardens in urban and rural areas, which will provide opportunities for science-based informal education. This program is a joint initiative supported by USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Food and Nutrition Service, Forest Service, and Natural Resources Conservation Service, in addition to NIFA. Successful applicants will provide micro-subgrant support to smaller local projects.
Deadline for applications must be received by Grants.gov by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on Friday, August 26, 2011. The funding opportunity number is: USDA-NIFA-OP-003503.
Interested potential applicants can participate on a teleconference to get details about the People’s Garden Grant Program on Aug. 4, 2011 at 1 p.m., EDT. To participate, call toll-free (888) 858-2144; the access code is 1059897. For those unable to participate in the call, NIFA will post a summary of the questions and information provided to our website.
For more inforamtion about this grant, please visit http://www.nifa.usda.gov/fo/peoplesgardengrantprogram.cfm.

HUD Announces $95 million for Regional and Community Challenge Grants
The US Department of Housing and Urban Development recently announced that $95 million is available in Regional and Community Challenge grants to support local efforts to build more livable and sustainable communities. The programs work to expand housing choices, improve connections between employment centers and homes, and reduce barriers to achieving affordable, economically vital, and sustainable communities.
Pre-applications for the Regional Planning Grant Program are due August 25, 2011.
Community Challenge Planning grant program applications are due September 9, 2011

2011 ARKANSAS SHINE AWARDS
Entries now being accepted; due Sept. 15
Statewide program recognizes 'Clean & Green' communities

Entries are now being accepted for the fourth annual Arkansas Shine Awards which honors communities across the state that have adopted a comprehensive approach to keeping their hometowns clean and green. The entry deadline is Sept. 15.

New to this year's awards program is the Arkansas Shine Superstar Award, which will be given to one community that has previously won two or more Arkansas Shine Awards, regardless of population size.

There is no fee to enter the Arkansas Shine Awards

Main Street Arkansas Update - August 1, 2011

2011-08-01T08:19:00.002-05:00

Downtown Little Rock Surface Parking Lots

Destination Downtown September 12-14; Tupelo, MS

Sam – CDI all week

Main Street Arkansas Calendar August 1 - 5, 2011
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MONDAY Susan – Searcy & Heber Springs
TUESDAY Susan – Osceola & Blytheville; Mark, Monticello
WEDNESDAY Susan – Osceola & Blytheville ;Cary – CDI
THURSDAY Cary – Jonesboro (Johnny Cash Dyess Home Benefit)
FRIDAY Greg & Cary – off
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IN THIS ISSUE:

Main Street Texarkana Issues 1st Revolving Loan Check
Old Windows Find a New Following
Rural America Disappearing? Population Hits a New Low
NW AR New Regional Tourism Effort
14 (yes 14) Grant Opportunities

Main Street Texarkana Issues First Revolving Loan Check
http://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/2011/07/26/main-street-texarkana-issues-first-revol-624158.php

Old Windows Find A New Following
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/28/garden/old-windows-find-a-following.html?_r=4&pagewanted=1&emc=eta1

Rural America Disappearing? Population Hits a New Low
http://www.kait8.com/story/15165671/rural-us-disappearing-population-share-hits-low

NW AR Developing New Regional Tourism Effort
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/printable.aspx?aid=127534

14 Grant Opportunities

Open Spaces Sacred Places National Awards
The Open Spaces Sacred Places (OSSP) National Awards highlights the importance of nature in urban settings. The grants seek to support research that shows the many benefits of green spaces as a civil amenity and investment. Grants will be awarded from a pool of $5 million to plan, implement, and execute a planned natural environment. Grant proposals for up to $50,000 will be accepted.
Application deadline: September 1, 2011

Public Works, Economic Adjustment, and Global Climate Change Mitigation Grants
This U.S. Department of Commerce grant program supports projects that foster economic competitiveness while enhancing environmental quality. These funds will be used to advance the green economy by supporting projects that create jobs through - and increase - private capital investment in initiatives to limit the nation's dependence on fossil fuels, enhance energy efficiency, curb greenhouse gas emissions, and protect natural systems. Available funding is likely to be near $25 million.
Application deadline: September 15, 2011

Smart Growth Action Grants - National Association of Realtors®
The Smart Growth Action Grants program of the National Association of Realtors® supports a wide range of land-use-related activities. Each year $120,000 is distributed to state and local Realtor® associations to support smart growth activities. Applications for $1,000 grants to host smart growth speakers or cosponsor events are available year-round. Larger grants of $5,000 to $15,000 are available twice a year for local community engagement and more in-depth smart growth projects.
Application deadline: First Friday in April and October for larger grants; smaller grants accepted year-round.

Hope VI Main Street Grants
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/program_offices/administration/grants/nofa11/HOPE%20VI%20Main%20Street

Community Challenge Planning Grant
http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&oppId=108994

The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Challenge Planning Grant Program fosters reform and reduces barriers to achieving affordable, economically vital, and sustainable communities. Such efforts may include amending or replacing local master plans, zoning codes, and building codes, either on a jurisdiction-wide basis or in a specific neighborhood, district, corridor, or sector to promote mixed-use development, affordable housing, the reuse of older buildings and structures for new purposes, and similar activities with the goal of promoting sustainability at the local or neighborhood level. This Program also supports the development of affordable housing through the development and adoption of inclusionary zoning ordinances and other activities to support planning implementation.

HUD Regional Planning Grant
http://blogs.planning.org/policy/2011/07/28/hud-funding-for-sustainable-communities-grants/

Bikes Belong Announces Special Grant Round for Community Collaborations to Promote Bicycling
http://www.bikesbelong.org/grants/apply-for-a-grant/
Bikes Belong, which provides grants to organizations and agencies within the United States that are "committed to putting more people on bicycles more often," is accepting applications for Community Partnership Grants, which are designed to foster and support partnerships between city or county governments, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses working to improve the environment for bicycling.

Arkansas Department of Rural Services Rural Community Development and Rural Community Fire Protection Grants
08/19/11
12/09/11
03/16/12 Enhance quality of life - assist rural communities with improvement of local fire protection & related emergency services & construction, development and improvement of local facilities Incorporated cities and towns and unincorporated communities in RURAL areas of less than 3,000 in population; up to $15,000 award available; match required; number available will vary RCGP Grants Coordinator
101 East Capitol, Suite 202
Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 682.6011
888.787.2527 Toll Free
Email: Rural.Arkansas at arkansas.gov
www.arkansas.gov/drs

Bikes Belong Coalition
Community Partnership Grants 08/26/11
02/29/12
06/29/12 Designed to foster and support partnerships between city or county governments, non-profit organizations, and local businesses to improve the environment for bicycling in the community Non-profit organizations, public agencies and departments; max award up to $10,000; an average of 20 awards made annually Elizabeth Train, Grants and Research Director
303-449-4893 ext. 3
http://bikesbelong.org/grants

Verizon Foundation
10/16/11 Improving lives in literacy, knowledge and a readiness for the 21st Century 501c3 non-profit organizations; award range $5,000-$10,000; number available is unknown http://foundation.verizon.com/grant/guidelines.shtml

AR Department of Parks and Tourism Trails for Life Grant
10/28/11 To construct trails or other facilities that encourage physical exercise for health
reasons Incorporated city & county governments; max award $70,000; number available will vary; cash match is not required 501-682-1301
http://www.outdoorgrants.com

Institute of Museum and Library Services Museums for America
11/01/11 Supporting projects and ongoing activities that build museums’ capacity to serve their communities Unit of state or local government or private nonprofit museums; award range $5,000-$150,000; 1:1 cost sharing is required; number available will vary http://www.imls.gov/applicants/grants/forAmerica.shtm
Sandra Narva, Senior Program Officer
Phone: 202/653-4634
E-mail: snarva at imls.gov

Arkansas Department of Rural Services General Improvement Fund Grant Program – Community Enhancement Cycle 1 11/18/11 Enhance Arkansas’ quality of life by assisting rural communities with development/improvement of local facilities
Incorporated cities or unincorporated communities of less than 20,000 in population and unincorporated rural areas; max award $150,000; match required GIF Community Enhancement Grant Coordinator
101 East Capitol, Suite 202
Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 682.6011
888.787.2527 Toll Free
Email: rural.arkansas at arkansas.gov
www.arkansas.gov/drs

USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Program
OPEN Finance & facilitate development of essential community facilities servicing rural areas & maximize job creation & economic benefit Hospitals, medical clinics, elderly care facilities, police stations & vehicles, fire & rescue stations & vehicles, vocational/medical rehabilitation centers, educational facilities; amounts will vary; number of awards available will vary; cost sharing not required USDA Rural Development State Office,
700 West Capitol Avenue, Room 3416,
Little Rock, AR 72201–3225 501-301–3200
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/HCF_CF.html

Main Street Arkansas Update - July 18, 2011

2011-07-18T08:44:00.003-05:00

Historic Downtown Osceola

As we mentioned last week in Ozark, if you are interested in producing an ice skating event in your community this winter, please contact Sandy Key.

Destination Downtown September 12-14; Tupelo, MS

Main Street Arkansas Calendar July 18 - 22, 2011
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MONDAY Mark – South Main (merchant visits)
TUESDAY Mark, Susan – Rogers (merchant visits) ; Greg, Samantha – Monticello & New Edinburg
WEDNESDAY Mark, Susan – Rogers (merchant visits) ; Greg, Samantha – Helena
THURSDAY Greg – DeWitt; Susan – Osceola (merchant visits)
FRIDAY Susan – Osceola (merchant visits)
**********************************************************************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

Rural Business Opportunity Grant (RBOG)
Companies Head Back Downtown
Downtown Beating the Suburbs
Too Busy for Social Marketing Could Be Fatal
Post Office Offers Discounts for QR Codes on Biz Mail

As promised in Ozark
Rural Business Opportunity Grant
http://www07.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=ntD0TfBhk2KSQH1rFQPKzq4G6v9dqVLV34G5hD5vcZfq29lylpyh!-1346687983?oppId=102914&mode=VIEW

The USDA Rural Development's Rural Business Opportunity Grant program has $2.5 million available for proposals that support job creation and sustainable, economic development strategies in regions with exceptional needs Applications are due August 1.

Entities wishing to apply for assistance should contact a Rural Development State Office for further information and copies of the application package. Applications may be submitted in electronic or
paper format. Electronic applications must be submitted through http://www.grants.gov by following the directions posted for the RBOG program. Paper applications must be submitted to the USDA Rural Development State Office in the State where your project is located or, in the case of multi-state projects, in the State where the majority of the work will be conducted.

USDA Rural Development State Office, 700 West Capitol Avenue, Room
3416, Little Rock, AR 72201-3225, (501) 301-3200/TDD (501) 301-3279.

Companies Head Back Downtown
http://management.fortune.cnn.com/2011/07/14/companies-head-back-downtown/

The suburban office market, a sector dominated by corporate office parks near highways, is being left in the dust by the recovery of major U.S. downtown
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304584404576442121473072328.html

Too Busy For Social Marketing Could Be Fatal
http://www.businessinsider.com/too-busy-for-social-media-marketing-could-be-fatal-2011-7

POST OFFICE OFFERS DISCOUNT FOR USING QR CODES ON BUSINESS MAIL
by Gwen Green, Communication Coordinator, UALR Lead Center
The U.S. Postal Service's Mobile Barcode Promotion for July and August offers business mailers a 3% discount on first-class and standard mail letters and flats that include a QR (quick response) code, a two-dimensional mobile barcode. According to the Postal Service, the promotion "is intended to build awareness of mobile technology and demonstrate to mailers how mobile barcodes can increase the value of mail."

To qualify for the discount, business mailers must use the barcodes to "initiate interaction with consumers via mobile smartphones to market, promote, or educate," and when scanned, the barcode must direct consumers to information relevant to the mailpiece's content. For additional guidelines and information, visit your local post office or see http://delivermagazine.com/mobilebarcodepromotion/.

Main Street Arkansas Update - July 5, 2011

2011-07-05T10:15:00.002-05:00

Main Street Arkansas Calendar July 4-8, 2011
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MONDAY office closed
TUESDAY Susan – Paragould & Rector
WEDNESDAY Cary & Greg – Helena
THURSDAY Susan – Osceola
FRIDAY
**********************************************************************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

SoMa REQ for Mural
Main Street Searcy Call for Recipes
Main Street Blytheville Press
Main Street Paragould Press
Non-Profit Secretary of State Reports Due Aug 31
Historic Preservation as a Spectator Sport
Grant Opportunity
Arkansas/China Business Summit

Southside Main Street Project (SoMa) in Little Rock will begin accepting responses to a Request for Qualification beginning July 1, 2011 from artists interested in designing a new mural. The mural, which will be selected by the SoMa Wall Mural Design Committee, will find a home on the wall of the United Systems of Arkansas Building owned by Glenn Petkovzek located at 1201 S. Main Street. Costs for the project are expected to range from $10,000 to $15,000. The application deadline is August 31, 2011. The mural project was originated by local businesses and residents wanting to increase SoMa's unique identity, its cultural cohesiveness and contribute to its public art. The mural project will compliment other artistic ventures in the area such as The Bernice Garden. If you would like a copy of the RFQ, it can be obtained online here or by emailing a request. If you are interested in making a contribution towards this project, please mail your donations to SoMa, P.O. Box 165494, Little Rock, AR 72216. For more information about this project, contact SoMa at 501.410.4875.

More SoMa News:
http://arkansasmatters.com/search-fulltext?nxd_id=438207

Attention all Main Street Searcy Businesses, Supporters, Volunteers and Committee Members:

Main Street Searcy is seeking additional recipes for our cookbook! If you would like to see your recipes published in the Main Street Searcy cookbook, please submit them by with your name by Wednesday, July 6.

Mail: P.O. Box 1127, Searcy, AR 72145
Email: mainstreetsearcy at sbcglobal.net

Main Street Blytheville’s Farmers’ Market a Success
http://www.couriernews.net/story/1738312.html?response=no

Main Street Paragould Press
http://www.paragoulddailypress.com/articles/2011/06/30/local_news/doc4e0ba5e51b227299175279.txt

Annual Report to Arkansas Secretary of State due August 1, 2011

It is time for the Annual Report to the AR Sectretary of State's office. The report is due August 1, 2011. It is a requirement for all nonprofits registered in Arkansas. This year, there are two new questions on the report as a result of ACE's advocacy work with the Secretary of State's Office. You --our members and nonprofit friends-- have asked for a way to get a clear list of nonprofits in Arkansas. The best practice in states across the country is to have a list accessible through the Secretary of State's office since all nonprofits file their updated contacted information annually with the office.

To make this possible, we need to help the Secretary of State's office make this possible! Please take a few minutes and complete the questions. Note 1) whether or not you are registered with the IRS as a nonprofit and 2) that you are a 501 c(3) organization with a charitable purpose. This will help ALL charitable nonprofits in our state!!!

Currently, the Secretary of State's office groups all nonprofits whether 501 c(3), c(4), c(6) or otherwise in their database. When someone requests a list of Arkansas nonprofits from the Secretary of State's office, they get a list of ALL nonprofits even if they request charitable nonprofits only. Also, they get a list of organizations registered with the state but not necessarily with the IRS. The two optional questions asks for type of exemption---this means are you a c(3), c(4), c(6) or other. Secondly, it asks if you are registered with the IRS. Some nonprofits stop with the IRS and do not go through the full tax exempt process.

You will receive a form from the Secretary of State's office this week. See the form here. You can also complete the form online, though there are a few tweaks still being made to the online process. Contact ACE with any questions at (501) 375-1223. Thanks!

Has Historic Preservation Become a Spectator Sport?
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20110628/OPINION04/306280003/Charles-Birnbaum-Has-historic-preservation-become-spectator-sport-

Grant Opportunity
Choice Neighborhood Initiative Planning Grant
http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=98093&mode=VIEW

2011 Arkansas & China Business and Economic Summit
University of Central Arkansas, Acxiom and Wal-Mart present the inaugural Arkansas and China Business and Economic Summit. This annual event will provide executives and entrepreneurs a forum to network and share business experiences related to China and opportunities to establish new business relationships. Guest speakers include U.S. multi-national corporations, United States and Chinese commerce officials/diplomats, and Chinese research scholars.
University of Central Arkansas
201 Donaghey Avenue
Conway, Arkansas 72035
College of Business Building
July 21, 2011
8 AM -- 4:30 PM

Register online: www.uca.edu/chinasummit
Registration: $90
Before July 8: $50
Major Credit Cards are accepted!

Main Street Arkansas Update - June 27, 2011

2011-06-29T14:46:00.002-05:00

Main Street Arkansas Calendar June 27 – July 1, 2011
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MONDAY Cary – off
TUESDAY Cary – off
WEDNESDAY Susan – Helena
THURSDAY
FRIDAY Greg – off
**********************************************************************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

Snapps donate building for pocket park to house Beatles sculpture in Walnut Ridge
If Every Family Spent $10 A Month Locally, We Would All Feel Better About The Economy
Do you know who your Arkansas Travel writers are?
Grant Opportunity for Farmer’s Markets
Workshop in Fayettevile on the composition of nonprofit oversight: strategic, tactical, and visionary.

Snapps donate building for pocket park to house Beatles sculpture in Walnut Ridge
Charles Snapp oulines planned changes to two buildings he and his wife, Jackie, have purchased and docated to the Downtown Walnut Ridge organization. Brett Cooper, a member of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee, said the two buildings will be renovated into a pocket park to display The Beatles sculpture being planned as one of two attractions in the downtown area. http://www.thetd.com/freepages/2011-06-22/news/story5.php

If Every Family Spent $10 A Month Locally, We Would All Feel Better About The Economy
Just think. If every family in the country spent just $10 a month with a locally-owned, independent business instead of a national chain, over $9.3 billion* would be directly returned to local economies. That means better schools, better roads, more support for police, fire and rescue departments and stronger local economies. Find out what kind of economic impact you could make by doing the same in your metro area. http://www.independentwestand.org/spend_local/

Do you know who your Arkansas Travel writers are?
http://www.visitmyarkansas.com/default.aspx

Grant Opportunity for Farmer’s Markets
The Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) was created through an amendment of the Farmer-to-Consumer Direct Marketing Act of 1976. The grants, administered by the FMPP, are targeted to agriculture programs, agri-tourism, activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer market opportunities. Approximately $5 million is allocated for FMPP for Fiscal Year 2010 and $10 million for Fiscal Years 2011 and 2012. The maximum amount awarded for any one proposal cannot exceed associations, local governments, nonprofit corporations, public benefit corporations, economic development corporations, regional farmers’ market authorities and Tribal governments. http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/fmpp

Workshop in Fayettevile on the composition of nonprofit oversight: strategic, tactical, and visionary.
One of the primary components missing from any organization’s strategic plan (if they have one) is an implementation phase; in other words, between staff and board, who’s responsible for what and when will specific objectives be accomplished. In this course, led by Maxie Carpenter, you will learn that the reason for this is a lack of understanding of the following three things;
1. Strategy and what it really looks like.
2. The difference between strategy and tactics.
3. How vision is the underpinning of the entire process.

About Maxie Carpenter:
Maxie Carpenter is an independent consultant and advisor. He was formerly Vice President of the People & Training/Development Divisions for Wal-Mart Stores, benefiting from a 27+ year career. As President of MVC Advisory Resource, Inc, he brings an experiential corporate perspective to individuals and organizations across the country, assisting them with process management that includes, but is not limited to: Organizational Development / Culture / Ethics; Leading Change / Building Teams; Executive Coaching / Leadership Development / Training; Non-profit / For Profit Board Development.

Workshop Details: Thursday, July 7th. 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Fayetteville Public Library, 401 West Mountain St., Fayetteville AR. Fee: $40 for ACE members/ $60 for non-members. This workshop is being presented by the Arkansas Coalition for Excellence (ACE) and the Fayetteville Public Library Nonprofit Resource Center. Register at: https://acenonprofit.org/index.php?option=com_civicrm&task=civicrm/event/register&id=10&reset=1

Main Street Arkansas Update - June 20, 2011

2011-06-20T08:21:00.003-05:00

Historic Downtown Batesville

Main Street Arkansas Calendar June 20 -24, 2011
**********************************************************************************
MONDAY Greg – Eureka Springs
TUESDAY Greg – Eureka Springs; Cary – Russellville, Fayetteville; Mark, Susan – Rogers
WEDNESDAY Cary – Rogers, Eureka Springs
THURSDAY Cary – Harrison, Morrilton
FRIDAY Cary – off
**********************************************************************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

Main Street Batesville/Citizens Bank $1 Million Low-Interest Loan Pool Announced
Paragould Passes Sales Tax for Economic Development
A Logo Is Not A Brand
Grant Opportunity for Cooperative Development Centers
NPS TRCA Community Assistance Available
3 Grant Opportunities

Main Street Batesville/Citizens Bank $1 Million Low-Interest Loan Pool Announced
Robb Roberts, Senior Vice President and Head of Lending at Citizens Bank, announces the banks plans to commit $1 million for loans that's designed to facilitate revitalization, beautification and business development in Batesville's downtown historic district. Citizens also is committing $15,000 for the remainder of 2011 in grant funds with a 3-1 match for aesthetic exterior improvements. http://youtu.be/RWlBfSYlLHQ

Paragould Passes Sales Tax for Economic Development
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/printable.aspx?aid=127053

A Logo Is Not A Brand
http://blogs.hbr.org/pallotta/2011/06/a-logo-is-not-a-brand.html

Grant Opportunity for Cooperative Development Centers
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to help rural businesses create jobs through cooperative development centers. Under the RCDG program, grants of up to $225,000 may be awarded to colleges, universities and non-profit groups to create and operate centers that help individuals or groups establish, expand or operate rural businesses, especially cooperatives. Grants may be used to conduct feasibility studies, create and implement business plans, and help businesses develop new markets for their products and services. Funds may finance up to 75 percent of the cost of establishing and operating the cooperative centers. Recipients must match 25 percent of the total project cost. Applications are due July 22, 2011. For more information, see page 32943 of the June 7 Federal Register, http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2011-06-07/pdf/2011-13927.pdf.

National Park Service RTCA Community Assistance Available
The NPS Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program (RTCA) assists community-led natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation initiatives. Communities throughout the United States are invited to apply for a full year of RTCA technical assistance. RTCA staff will provide guidance to selected communities to help them conserve waterways, preserve open space, and develop trails and greenways.

THE 1675 FOUNDATION (10/01/11)
One of four Ware Family foundations created in 2004 upon the termination of the Oxford Foundation, this Foundation focuses its grantmaking on the following areas: health, human services, education, environment, and the arts. Health grants support access to health care for the uninsured and underinsured, behavioral and mental health, reproductive rights, and health research. Human services grants are awarded for programs and projects in food security, protection of the children and the elderly, and violence prevention and amelioration. Education grants seek to provide opportunities for educational enrichment for under-served children, early childhood education, and after-school programs. Land and water conservation/preservation is the priority of the environmental grants. Arts institutions and programs that provide access to and awareness of the arts are the priority of the arts grants. Grants are awarded to organizations located in Chester County, PA. Occasionally the trustees will make grants out of the area. Additional details can be found on the Web site. | Grant Range: $2,000 To $50,000 | Contact Info: THE 1675 FOUNDATION, Daphne Rowe, Executive Director, c/o Pembroke Philanthropy Advisors, 16 E. Lancaster Ave., Suite 102, Ardmore, PA, 19003, Ph: 610-896-3868, Visit Website

TKF Foundation Invites Planning Grant Applications for Urban Green Spaces

http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/rfp_item.jhtml?id=340800035

Tourism Cares Invites Letters of Inquiry for Worldwide Grants Program
Tourism Cares, a philanthropic organization of the tourism industry, works to preserve the travel experience for future generations. As part of this mission, the organization awards grants to preserve and facilitate access to important natural, cultural, and historic sites around the world.
In 2011, Tourism Cares will award grants of $10,000 to twelve organizations in two funding rounds. Letters of Inquiry are now being accepted for the second round. (Please note: In 2011, the worldwide grant application process will take place online only.)
Applicants must be organizations with nonprofit 501(c)(3) status (or the equivalent for non-U. S. organizations). Native American tribes that have U. S. government tax-exempt status are also eligible. Applications from organizations working with, or in, developing countries are welcome.
The physical site for which an applicant is requesting funding must be a tourism-related site with actual visitation (not projected future visitation) or a cultural, historic, or natural site of exceptional significance, defined as "critical to the interpretation of the local area, or essential to the maintenance of the history or culture of local indigenous peoples."
The project or program the organization is requesting funding for may be either a self-contained project, or an identifiable component of a larger project. The project or program must also involve one of the following: 1) brick-and-mortar capital improvements that help conserve, preserve, or restore the structures or its contents at the cultural, historic, or natural site; or 2) educational programs that will enhance the way the site is interpreted.
Visit the Tourism Cares Web site for complete program information and application procedures.
Contact:
Link to Complete RFP

Main Street Arkansas Update - June 13, 2011

2011-06-13T08:58:00.002-05:00

Historic Downtown Heber Springs

Nancy Update – Her surgery went well & she’s on the road to recovery. She’ll be back in 3-5 weeks. When we know more, we’ll let you know.

Main Street Arkansas Calendar June 13 -17, 2011
*********************************************************************************
MONDAY All Staff - Downtown Network Training – Heber Springs
TUESDAY All Staff - Downtown Network Training – Heber Springs
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY Samantha – Batesville (board meeting)
FRIDAY Susan – Paragould (merchant visits)
**********************************************************************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

Main Street Batesville Receives Grant
Main Street Helena Launches 2nd Saturdays
Arkansas Road Priorities
The Future of the Strip
Redesigned 990
Are Millennials Driving Downtown Corporate Relocations
Top 20 Events Publication

Main Street Batesville Receives Grant
http://www.guardonline.com/content/downtown-gets-2500

Main Street Helena To Launch 2nd Saturdays
http://www.helena-arkansas.com/newsnow/x530606149/Helena-to-launch-Second-Saturdays-June-11th

Arkansas Road Priorities
http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/repair-priorities/arkansas

The Future of the Strip
http://urbanland.uli.org/Articles/2011/Mar/McMahonStrip

tip of the hat to our friend Stephanie Redman for this one
Redesigned 990
The Internal Revenue Service is accepting public comment on its redesigned Form 990, the annual reporting form used by tax-exempt entities (including many Main Street organizations). There are 11 specific categories of the 990 for which the IRS has invited comment.

If you or your communities are interested in commenting, please see the notice at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/a-11-36.pdf. Comments are due by August 1, 2011 and can be submitted by letter or email.

Are the Millennials Driving Downtown Corporate Relocations
http://www.tnr.com/blog/the-avenue/89745/are-the-millennials-driving-downtown-corporate-relocations

Top 20 Events Publication
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.
Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism is a member of the Southeast Tourism Society. As a result, 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
• 3rd year in existence
• Payment of $10 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
If you would like to nominate your event, contact the Tourism Development Section at (501) 682-5240 or e-mail kristine.puckett at arkansas.gov.
Deadlines for Applications:
Event Occurring In: Submit by:
January/February/March 2012 July 8, 2011
April/May/June 2012 October 7, 2011
July/August/September 2012 January 6, 2012
October/November/December 2012 April 6, 2012
January/February/March 2013 July 6, 2012
April/May/June 2013 October 5, 2012
July/August/September 2013 January 4, 2013
October/November/December 2013 April 5, 2013

Main Street Arkansas Update - May 30, 2011

2011-05-31T10:15:00.002-05:00

Des Moines, Iowa

We’re glad to be back in the office (and already hitting the road). Lots of good stuff learned at the National Main Streets Conference. We tweeted throughout the conference. Don’t forget to follow us at twitter.com/MainStreetAR

Reminder – Nancy will be out 3-6 weeks with a knee replacement beginning Monday, June 6.

Main Street Arkansas Calendar May 30 – June 3, 2011
********************************************************************************
MONDAY Memorial Day – office close
TUESDAY Mark & Susan – Helena (merchant visits)
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY Cary – Hardy (meet with board)
FRIDAY
*********************************************************************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

Help Main Street Helena Win
Reminder – Vote for AR Favorite Places
Watch National Main Street Conference Sessions
Participate in Non-Profits Sector Salary & Benefit Survey
Apply for a Scholarship to Attend the National Preservation Conference (June 1 deadline)
AHPP Offers Free Cell Phone Tours of Historic Sites

Help Main Street Helena Win
http://www.preservationnation.org/take-action/this-place-matters/community-challenge/
- Starting June 1st vote for Helena, AR

Vote for Arkansas’s Favorite Places – includes many of our friends
http://www.arkansas.com/175/Default.aspx

Missed the National Main Streets Conference?
Watch a number of sessions here:
http://www.preservationnation.org/main-street/training/conference/2011-des-moines/virtual-attendee/

Participate in the Non-Profit Sector Salary & Benefits Survey
http://www.nptimes.com/salary/survey/?tr=y&auid=8387198

Apply for a Scholarship to Attend the National Preservation Conference!
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is now accepting applications for the 2011 Diversity Scholarship program for the National Preservation Conference, to be held in Buffalo, NY, October 19-22, 2011. The program provides financial assistance to community leaders from diverse social, economic, racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.During the conference, attendees will have the opportunity to network with preservationists from around the country while learning more about preserving historic places and revitalizing communities.

In addition, there are statewide scholarships available for New York residents, students attending a New York school, and museum/non-profit professionals in New York. Visit our website for more information on the various scholarship opportunities and how to apply. Have questions? Email: scholarship@nthp.org. Applications are due electronically by June 1, 2011. – TOMORROW!

AHPP Offers Free Cell Phone Tours of Historic Sites
http://www.inarkansas.com/24937/free-cell-phone-tours-of-historic-sites-available

Main Street Arkansas Update - May 9, 2011

2011-05-09T14:31:00.002-05:00

Update on the Hardy flooding – it hasn’t hit downtown but rather is in the surrounding areas. Downtown is open for business. Sorry for any confusion.

Main Street Arkansas Calendar May 9-13, 2011
**********************************************************************************
MONDAY orientation, Al Corte, new Main Street Hardy executive director
TUESDAY briefing in-district congressional staff
WEDNESDAY Mark – out
THURSDAY Cary – Trustees meeting; Greg – out
FRIDAY Cary – Trustees meeting; Samantha – out
***********************************************************************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

Expanding the Role of Downtown Retail
Blytheville Mayfest TV Spot
Downtown Monticello Square Renovations
Businesses Relocating to Downtown Siloam Springs
Jobs & Innovation Accelerator Challenge

Expanding the Role of Downtown Retail
http://fredburkhardt.wordpress.com/2011/04/29/the-expanding-role-of-downtown-retail-development/

Blytheville Mayfest TV spot
http://www.americanbankingnews.com/2011/05/04/blythevile-mayfest-music-on-main/
- This is the longest TV spot for a Main Street program I’ve seen in sometime

Downtown Monticello Square Renovations
http://mymonticellonews.net/articles/2011/05/04/news/local_news/doc4dc1a8b4ac91f061328449.txt

Businesses Relocating to Downtown Siloam Springs
http://hl.nwaonline.com/news/2011/apr/27/tulips-are-better-one-20110427/

JOBS AND INNOVATION ACCELERATOR CHALLENGE PROMOTES REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
by Rebecca Norman, Innovation Consultant, UALR Lead Center
The Obama Administration recently announced the Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge, an initiative of 16 federal agencies and bureaus to accelerate innovation-fueled job creation and economic prosperity through public-private partnerships. The Accelerator Challenge will foster broad regional innovation, job creation and global competitiveness.

The Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge offers a combination of funding from three agencies and bureaus and technical assistance resources from 13 additional agencies and bureaus to support customized solutions for approximately 20 competitively selected industry clusters in urban and rural regions across the nation and across all sectors. Each Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge investment will serve as a catalyst for leveraging private capital in the regions from an array of sources such as foundations, financial institutions, corporations and other private sector partners.

Subject to funding availability, total proposed funding for the Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge is approximately $33 million in direct federal support from funding agencies.

For more information about the Jobs and Innovation Accelerator Challenge, go to www.eda.gov

ENERGY FOUNDATION (OPEN)
The Foundation is a partnership of major donors interested in solving the world’s energy problems. Its mission is to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy, new technologies that are essential components of a clean energy future. The Foundation is focused on advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy policy in the United States and China, the largest and fastest growing energy markets in the world. Grantmaking is focused on four areas: Climate, transportation, buildings, and sustainable energy in China. The Foundation supports efforts to reduce carbon emissions from the utility industry; policies to increase the energy efficiency of U.S. homes and businesses; policies that reduce vehicle pollution and oil consumption; national policies to cap and reduce carbon pollution; and sustainable energy programs in China. Local projects are not supported unless they have been designed for further replication or have broad regional or national implications. Additional information can be found on the Web sit. | Grant Range: $15,000 To $550,000 | Contact Info: ENERGY FOUNDATION, 301 Battery St., Floor 5, San Francisco, CA, 94111, Ph: 415-561-6700, Fax: 415-561-6709, Send Email, Visit Website

Quapaw Quarter Association's Rhea Roberts

2011-05-05T14:03:00.000-05:00

Main Street Arkansas Update - April 25, 2011

2011-04-25T08:26:00.003-05:00

Downtown Siloam Springs

The Siloam Springs Resource Team is this week. Greg, Susan & Samantha will be in Siloam all week.

Main Street Arkansas Calendar April 25 - 29, 2011
**********************************************************************************
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY Cary – Summit on Volunteerism - LR (leading Capacity Building session); Cary, Mark & Nancy – Siloam Springs Resource Team presentation in the evening
FRIDAY Return from Siloam
**********************************************************************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

Main Street El Dorado Press
Development in Downtown Ft. Smith
New Freeware Forecasts Impact of Historic Preservation Investment
IRS Webinar: What 501c3 Organizations Need to Know
Seminar for New Restaurants
4 Grant Opportunities

Main Street El Dorado Press:
http://www.magnoliareporter.com/entertainment/festivals/article_29f07030-6b1b-11e0-988e-001cc4c03286.html

Development in Downtown Fort Smith
http://www.swtimes.com/business/article_24a1c6c8-6b53-11e0-8547-001cc4c03286.html

New Freeware to forecast the total economic effects of the rehabilitation of commercial historic buildings
http://ntcicfunds.com/services/preservation-economic-impact-model-2-0/

IRS webinar re-broadcast entitled Starting Off Right: What New 501c3 Organizations Need to Know.

The 45-minute webinar is scheduled for 2 p.m., Eastern, on Thursday, April 28. Content includes:
• Doing what you said you would - meeting your organization's "operational test"
• Five ways to avoid jeopardizing your 501(c)(3) status.
• Annual filing requirements for exempt organizations
• What records should your organization maintain?
• Tools you can use for tax compliance as your organization grows
For more information or to register, go to http://www.visualwebcaster.com/IRS/78434/reg.asp?id=78434.

New Seminar: Restaurant 101

Restaurants are among the hardest businesses to start up and to operate. This seminar covers the step-by-step details such as menu development, site configuration, personnel, financing, marketing, advertising and legal issues.
Restaurant 101 Tuesday, May 312:30 pm to 4:30 pm Reynolds Business Center, UALR Cost: $40

Resources for Current and Potential Restaurant Owners

Clients of the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center enjoy access to not just free consulting services, but also amazing resources for current and potential restaurant owners. For instance, the ASBTDC can provide its clients with a copy of The 2010 Restaurant, Food & Beverage Research Handbook. With a thorough and in-depth analysis of the $580 billion restaurant and foodservice industry, this handbook provides consumer spending data, market forecasts, trends assessments for all segments, and more.

The trends assessments include discussions of consumer behavioral trends, menu trends, daypart analysis (including snacks and late-night), and more. Comprehensive demographic data for all dayparts at full-service and quick-service restaurants as well as an analysis of restaurant spending in each state and dining statistics for 85 metro areas are provided. The handbook also assesses post-recession consumer spending, discusses restaurant strategies for sales growth, and identifies market opportunities brought on by changing consumer behaviors.

Contact an ASBTDC consultant today to setup an appointment and begin receiving your free services!

Grant Opportunities
2011 Kodak American Greenways Awards
The Eastman Kodak Company, The Conservation Fund and the National Geographic Society team up each year to present the Kodak American Greenways Awards. One major element of the Greenways Program involves "seed" grant awards to organizations that are growing our nation's network of greenways, blueways, trails and natural areas. These projects connect Americans to the outdoors and their heritage. For 2011, the Greenways Program anticipates awarding up to fifty percent of the grants to those greenways projects that demonstrate the convergence of economic prosperity and the environment. Grants range from $500 to $2,500. The 2011 application deadline is June 15th.
For more information and to download an application, visit: http://grants.conservationfund.org

Home Depot is Giving Truckloads of Merchandise to Needy Charities and Nonprofits
It's literally true. Qualified nonprofits often receive entire truckloads of Home Depot merchandise thanks to Good360’s product donor partnership. If your organization needs the types of merchandise typically carried at Home Depot, or one of our other hundreds of partners, visit Good360.org to determine if you qualify to be a recipient. If so, you could soon be receiving merchandise from the Home Depot right in your neighborhood. Visit Good360.org now to find your perfect donation partner.

Support for Community and Public Education Enhancement Projects
Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation
The Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the communities where Lowe's operates stores and distribution centers throughout the United States. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 are provided for community improvement initiatives and K-12 public education projects. Funding priorities for community improvement initiatives include park, neighborhood, and community facility enhancements; outdoor learning programs; and community clean-ups. Funding priorities for public education projects include construction-related education initiatives; playground enhancements; clean-up, landscaping, and painting projects; and minor repair of public school buildings. Since schools and community groups are struggling to make ends meet in 2011, this year the Foundation will give priority to basic, one-time project needs. Requests may be submitted at any time. Visit the company’s website to take the eligibility test and submit an online application.

Department of Housing and Urban Development: Healthy Homes Production Program
Application deadline: June 9, 2011
This program provides support for coordinated efforts to address a variety of high-priority environmental health and safety hazards, including the identification and remediation of multiple housing-related diseases and injuries, with a focus on units or buildings where children and elderly reside. Priority will be given to efforts that integrate healthy homes principles and practices into existing housing rehabilitation, property maintenance, weatherization, energy efficiency improvements, and other housing improvement programs.

Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission Video

2011-04-21T13:01:00.001-05:00

Main Street Arkansas Update - April 18, 2011

2011-04-18T08:44:00.002-05:00

Downtown Eureka Springs

Main Street Arkansas Calendar April 18 - 22, 2011
*********************************************************************************
MONDAY Cary & Mark – Eureka Springs (microenterprise workshop)
TUESDAY Cary & Mark – Eureka Springs (microenterprise workshop); Susan & Samantha – Searcy (merchant visit)
WEDNESDAY Susan & Nancy – Blytheville (property owner site visit); Cary – UALR a.m.
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
*********************************************************************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

Fire in Downtown Fort Smith
Eureka Springs Save America’s Treasures Grant Still Unfunded
Downtown Rogers Awning Removal Press
12 Economic Benefits of Historic Preservation
Road Diet video
Urban Centers Drawing More Young, Educated Adults

Fire in Downtown Fort Smith
http://www.swtimes.com/news/article_b90fb990-646f-11e0-ad66-001cc4c002e0.html

http://www.swtimes.com/news/article_32970212-650d-11e0-8b03-001cc4c03286.html

http://www.5newsonline.com/news/kfsm-boomerang-bounces-back-in-fort-smith-20110413,0,5943167.story

Eureka Springs SAT grant still unfunded
http://www.lovelycitizen.com/story/1718445.html

Downtown Rogers Awning Removal Press:
http://www.5newsonline.com/news/kfsm-downtown-rogers-awnings-coming-down-20110411,0,3460909.story

12 Economic Benefits of Historic Preservation (pdf download)
http://my.preservationnation.org/site/DocServer/Economic_Benefits_of_HP_April_2011.pdf?docID=9023

Road Diet video – worth your time watching
http://www.streetfilms.org/mba-road-diet/

hat tip to Ron Drake for this one
Urban Centers Drawing More Young, Educated Adults
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2011-04-01-1Ayoungrestless01_ST_N.htm?sms_ss=gmail&at_xt=4da325749a45c218%2C0
“Educated 20- and 30-somethings are flocking to live downtown…”

Road Diets

2011-04-13T15:42:00.001-05:00

Moving Beyond the Automobile: Road Diets from Streetfilms on Vimeo.

Main Street Arkansas Update - April 11, 2011

2011-04-11T10:43:00.001-05:00

Welcome Samantha Evans to our staff as the new Assistant Director. Her email is samantha at arkansasheritage.org

Main Street Arkansas Calendar April 11 - 15 , 2011
**********************************************************************************
MONDAY Mark – Rogers
TUESDAY Nancy & Susan – West Memphis (design committee training & site visits for CDBG project)
WEDNESDAY Cary – LR (Greening the Capitols); Mark & Susan – Monticello (merchant site visits)
THURSDAY Cary – Dardanelle (AR Downtown Network presentation); Susan – South Main (merchant site visits)
FRIDAY Cary – LR (Greening the Capitols)
**********************************************************************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

Main Street Trends Survey
Main Street Blytheville Launches New Website
National Tourism Week May 7-15
2 Grant Opportunities
USDA Survey

Main Street Trends Survey
The annual Main Street Trends Survey is OPEN! Your information provides vital feedback to help us determine the "State of Main Street," and track revitalization patterns, identify trends, and promote your successes.

Please take the survey by COB Friday, April 18.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HZZBSBX

If you’d like to preview the survey before you start taking it, you can find the link on our conference website.

Main Street Blytheville Launches New Website
www.mainstreetblytheville.com

National Tourism Week May 7-15
www.arkansas.com/national-tourism-week.

Grant Opportunity
TONY HAWK FOUNDATION (10/01/11)
The Foundation’s grantmaking focuses on encouraging and facilitating the design, development, construction, and operation of high-quality, public skate parks in low-income areas. Grants are awarded to projects that are designed and built by qualified and experienced skate park contractors; include local skaters in the design process; are in low-income areas and/or areas with a population of at-risk youth. Other *** include demonstrating a strong grassroots commitment; have a creative mix of street obstacles and transition/vert terrain; do not require skaters or their parents to sign waivers; and encourage skaters to look after their own safety and the safety of others. The Foundation also seeks proposals that allow the skate parks to be open during daylight hours year round; don’t charge an entry fee; and are in areas that currently have no skateboarding facility. Additional information including an online grant application can be found on the Web site. | Grant Range: $1,000 To $25,000 | Contact Info: TONY HAWK FOUNDATION, 1611-A S. Melrose Drive, Suite 360, Vista, CA, 92081, Ph: 760-477-2479, Visit Website

Support for Community Improvement Programs
Home Depot Community Impact Grants Program
The Home Depot Community Impact Grants Program provides support to nonprofit organizations, public schools, and public service agencies in the U.S. that are using the power of volunteers to improve the physical health of their communities. Proposals for the following community improvement activities will be considered: repairs, refurbishments, and modifications to low-income and/or transitional housing or community facilities (schools, community centers, senior centers, etc.); weatherizing or increasing energy efficiency of low-income and/or transitional housing or community facilities; planting trees or community gardens and/or landscaping community facilities; and development of community parks or green spaces. Grants of up to $5,000 are made in the form of The Home Depot gift cards for the purchase of tools, materials, or services. Requests will be accepted from April 4 through October 31, 2011. Visit the Home Depot website to submit an online application.

US EDA Asks Your Opinion
The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), in collaboration with Portland State University, is creating a tool that will help practitioners and policy-makers better identify and describe the impacts of their economic development investments. This on-line tool may be used by a range of policymakers, investors, and economic development professionals at the local, regional, state, and national levels.

To ensure that this tool is relevant and user-friendly, economic development practitioners and policymakers from across the US are invited to share their input through a short survey. Your participation is strongly encouraged!

The survey is brief and should take about fifteen minutes to complete. The survey can be found at

https://portlandstate.qualtrics.com//SE/?SID=SV_81Es0ivGicycwzq

and may be completed between March 31st, 2011 and April 26th, 2011.

You are eligible to complete this survey if you are 1) an economic development practitioner or policymaker 2) whose organization makes decisions about economic development priorities, investments, or activities and are 3) familiar with your organization's process for making investment priorities and decision.

Main Street Arkansas Update - April 4, 2011

2011-04-04T13:57:00.002-05:00

Two bits of staffing news – Samantha Evans will join us as our new Assistant Director. Samantha has a B.A. in Political Science from Spelman College and a Masters in Urban Planning and Regional Development from the Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota. We’re very excited about her becoming part of our team.

Also, Nancy Lowe will be out of the office beginning June 6 to have her knee replaced. We expect her to return on or about July 18. So, if you have exterior design projects, please contact us ASAP. I’ve told Nancy to stop taking major technical assistance requests after May 1 so as to meet our 30 day turnaround. However, we will still be providing design technical assistance in her absence, it just may take us a bit longer than usual.

Main Street Arkansas Calendar April 4 - 8, 2011
**********************************************************************************
MONDAY
TUESDAY Greg – out p.m.
WEDNESDAY Greg – Texarkana (Promotion Committee training)
THURSDAY Susan & Nancy – Rector; Mark – West Memphis
FRIDAY Greg – off
**********************************************************************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

1000s of Brand New Products Available to Qualified Nonprofits
Downtown Jonesboro Association Press
Is Green Fading?
USDA Offers Grants for Energy Efficient Rural Small Businesses
Save America’s Treasures – Lost

Thousands of Brand New Products Available to Qualified Nonprofits
Good360
Relationships with nearly 50 percent of Fortune 100 technology, retail, and consumer companies enable us to offer a wide array of product donations. Whether it’s clothing, diapers, mattresses, furniture, office/school supplies or personal hygiene products, we’re sure to have something that will help you with your mission. New products arrive nearly every day, so please visit Good360.org to see we what have for your nonprofit today!

Downtown Jonesboro Association Press
http://www.jonesborosun.com/story.php?ID=46664

Is Green Fading?
http://innovation.arkansasbusiness.com/article/125923/is-green-fading-jim-karrh-on-marketing

USDA OFFERS GRANTS FOR ENERGY-EFFICIENT RURAL SMALL BUSINESSES
by Rebecca Norman, Innovation Consultant, UALR Lead Center
Rural small businesses and farmers are encouraged to explore funding opportunities through the Rural Energy For America Program (REAP) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. REAP provides grants and loan guarantees to rural small businesses for up to 25 percent of the cost to purchase and install renewable energy generation systems.

The maximum award size is $500,000 per renewable energy project, although grants of $20,000 or less are strongly favored. In FY2009, more than $50 million in REAP grants were awarded. Complete program details can be found at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/or/biz/REAP_RESoverview.pdf.

USDA REAP applications are accepted throughout the year, though they are typically only funded during specific funding windows. The application deadline for FY2011 funding has not yet been announced. Awards are likely to be announced in summer 2011. In the past, REAP grants have been awarded to solar photovoltaic projects, wind projects, and biomass processing equipment.

Save America’s Treasures – Lost
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CUTTING_HISTORYS_BUDGET?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=pingfm

Main Street Arkansas Update - March 28, 2011

2011-03-28T08:23:00.003-05:00

Historic Downtown Rogers, A Great American Main Street Award winning city

Main Street Arkansas Calendar March 28 – April 1, 2011
**********************************************************************************
MONDAY Mark, Susan – Rogers
TUESDAY Mark, Susan – Rogers & Ozark; Cary – guest lecture at UALR Economic Development course
WEDNESDAY Cary – Sherwood Rotary, LR Downtown Partnership; Greg, Russellville & Searcy (assessments)
THURSDAY Greg, Russellville & Searcy (assessments)
FRIDAY Greg & Susan – Siloam Springs
*********************************************************************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

A Day on Main Street, Blytheville
Main Street Rogers Removes Shake Shingled Awnings
National Volunteer Week April 10-16
Event Promo Opportunity
2 Grant Opportunities
Governor’s Arts Awards
Application for 100 Best Communities

A Day on Main Street, Blytheville
http://www.couriernews.net/gallery/dayonmain

Main Street Rogers Takes Down Shake Shingled Awnings
http://nwahomepage.com/fulltext-news?nxd_id=225906

http://www.4029tv.com/money/27294292/detail.html

National Volunteer Week April 10-16, 2011
To learn more about national recognition programs:
http://www.handsonnetwork.org/nationalprograms/signatureevents/nvw

Festival & Event Producers –

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.

Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism is a member of the Southeast Tourism Society. As a result, 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
• 3rd year in existence
• Payment of $10 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
If you would like to nominate your event, contact the Tourism Development Section at (501) 682-5240 or e-mail kristine.puckett at arkansas.gov.

Deadlines for Applications:

Event Occurring In: Submit by:
October/November/December 2011 April 8, 2011
January/February/March 2012 July 8, 2011
April/May/June 2012 October 7, 2011
July/August/September 2012 January 6, 2012

Grant Opportunity
http://kaboom.org/take_action/playful_city_usa
Let’s Play grants program launches with $2.1 MM in grants over the next three years exclusively for Playful City USA communities (New for 2011) Priority status for KaBOOM! playground builds and grants (totaling over $3.8 million since 2007) Local public relations and media support from KaBOOM! Highway signs identifying your community's commitment to children. Access to publications, research studies, and training opportunities Personalized activation materials to celebrate your Playful City USA status Recognition at national municipal leadership and recreation conferences

National Endowment for the Humanities: Preservation Assistance Grants for Smaller Institutions
Application deadline: May 3, 2011
This program provides support to small and mid-sized institutions in order to improve their ability to preserve and care for their significant humanities collections, including special collections of books and journals, archives and manuscripts, prints and photographs, moving images, sound recordings, architectural and cartographic records, decorative and fine art objects, textiles, archaeological and ethnographic artifacts, furniture, historical objects, and digital materials. Preservation activities eligible for support include general preservation assessments; consultations with professionals to address a specific preservation issue, need, or problem; purchase of storage furniture and preservation supplies; purchase of environmental monitoring equipment for humanities collections; and education and training.

2011 Governor’s Arts Awards – Applications Now Being Accepted
The Arkansas Arts Council is now accepting nominations for the 2011 Governor’s Arts Awards. The annual awards recognize Arkansas artists, arts patrons and corporations for their outstanding contributions to the arts community.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, May 6, 2011. Nominees must be current Arkansas residents or Arkansas-based corporations.

Nominations are accepted in seven categories: Arts Community Development, Arts in Education, Corporate Sponsorship of the Arts, Individual Artist, Folklife, Patron, and Lifetime Achievement.

A distinguished panel from the Arkansas arts community reviews the nominations, and the award winners will be honored at an awards ceremony later this year. Each nomination will be judged on the significance of the contributions made, the range of the individuals and groups served and the length of time and degree of the activity or contributions.

Governor’s Arts Awards nomination forms are available at www.arkansasarts.org. For more information, call Cheri Leffew at (501) 324-9767 or e-mail cheri at arkansasheritage.org.

Applications for 100 Best Communities Now Available
America's Promise Alliance: 2011 100 Best Communities for Young People
Is your community one of the nation’s best places for young people? If so, America’s Promise Alliance and the ING Foundation want to know about it! The 100 Best Communities for Young People presented by ING celebrates communities of all sizes – including cities, towns, counties and school districts – dedicated to improving life for young people and increasing graduation rates. The 100 Best Communities are intended to be representative of the nation as a whole. Each year, the winners vary dramatically in size, location, demographics, resources, and approaches to their unique challenges. Applications for the 2011 cycle are now available and are due by May 27. Please visit the America’s Promise Alliance website to learn more about the competition and to begin the application process.

Historic Tax Credits Lead in Revitalization

2011-03-23T13:15:00.000-05:00

Main Street Arkansas Update - March 21, 2011

2011-03-21T08:36:00.002-05:00

Historic Downtown Russellville

Susan – annual leave M-F

Main Street Arkansas Calendar March 21 – 25, 2011
**********************************************************************************
MONDAY Greg – out
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY Nancy – Russellville (site visit)
**********************************************************************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

Main Street Searcy Press
AEDC Unveils Revised, Updated Target Industries List
BR&E Success Stories
AR State Parks Survey
AR Urban Forestry Conference
Workshop for Rural Bizs: Online Marketing

Main Street Searcy Press:
http://arkansasmatters.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=404336

http://searcy.todaysthv.com/news/business/farmers-market-prepares-season-opening/56844

Arkansas unveils revised, updated target industries

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission has revised and updated its target businesses – those that create strategic investments designed to transition the state’s economy to one supported by higher-paying, knowledge-based jobs. These targets provide specific niche opportunities based on existing strengths and competitive advantages. The target industries are:
• Advanced Manufacturing (Advanced Food Manufacturing and Packaging, Aerospace/Aviation, Automotive – Electric Cars and Suppliers, Energy Storage Devices, and Paper and Timber Products);
• Green Energy and Related Products (Green and Sustainable Building Products, Sustainable Agriculture – Bioenergy and Supporting Industries, Power Electronics – Smart Grid Enabling Technologies, Solar Component Manufacturing, and Wind Component Manufacturing);
• Information Technology (Data Centers, Software Development and Data Management Services, Technical Support Centers, and Telecommunications)
• Biosciences, Distribution and Logistics Services and Regional Headquarters

For more information about AEDC’s target industries, click here.

Business Retention and Expansion Division seeks success stories

AEDC’s Business Retention and Expansion Division recently sent messages to community leaders in an effort to gather local experiences and best practices that promote business retention, identify challenges to growth or prosperity, or laud innovative work done by communities. The information will be shared to help others with similar experiences statewide. For more information or to share your story, contact LaJuana Delph at 501-682-7382 or ldelph@arkansasedc.com.

Arkansas State Parks Survey
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2011ASPGuestSurvey

Arkansas Urban Forestry Council’s 20th Annual Conference
"Forests for All: Managing Modern Urban Forests"
April 18-20, 2011 Clarion Resort on the Lake. Hot Springs
http://www.arkansastrees.org/register.html

WORKSHOPS TO TEACH RURAL BUSINESSES HOW TO USE ONLINE MARKETING TO DRAW TOURISTS
Rural tourism expert Joanne Steele wants to help Arkansas’ rural communities and businesses capture the immense potential of the Internet for attracting tourists.

In April, she will present the workshop “Promoting Rural Tourism: Making the Internet Work for Your Business and Your Town” in seven locations around the state. The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center is sponsoring the training, which is funded through a grant award from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

As owner and operator of Rural Tourism Marketing Group, Steele has worked for more than 15 years to help rural communities become tourist destinations. She served 11 years as director of tourism for rural Siskiyou County, Calif. Through her acclaimed blog, http://RuralTourismMarketing.com, she shares her knowledge of the rural tourism industry and her dedication to rural culture and values.

Steele’s 6-hour presentation will show participants how regular small-town business practices such as knowing your customers and serving their needs are exactly the principles that are used to create an effective online marketing strategy. Participants will learn how all the pieces of this strategy – including a business website, social media, e-mail marketing, review sites and directories – work together. They will use this new knowledge to create a personalized Internet marketing strategy that fits their business, their time constraints and their skill level.

The workshop schedule:
• April 16 – Van Buren, Adult Continuing Education Center, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• April 18-19 – Eureka Springs, The Basin Hotel, 6-9 p.m.
• April 20-21 – Mountain Home, Liberty Bank, 1-4 p.m.
• April 23 – Little Rock, University of Arkansas at Little Rock Reynolds Center, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• April 25-26 – Hot Springs, Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce, 6-9 p.m.
• April 27-28 – Magnolia, Southern Arkansas University Science Center, 1-4 p.m.
• April 30 – Dumas, Dumas Community Center, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Registration fee for the workshop is $30 per person. Advance registration is required and available by phone or email. Contact the ASBTDC’s Shannon Roberts at (501) 683-7700 or toll-free (800) 862-2040, or e-mail her at sxroberts at ualr.edu.

Main Street Arkansas Update - March 14, 2011

2011-03-16T14:20:00.002-05:00

West Memphis of a Few Years Ago

Main Street Arkansas Calendar March 14 - March 18 , 2011
**********************************************************************************
MONDAY Cary – annual leave
TUESDAY Greg, Mark & Susan – West Memphis
WEDNESDAY Greg, Mark & Susan – Heber Springs
THURSDAY Susan – South Main
FRIDAY
**********************************************************************************
IN THIS ISSUE:

Main Street Looking to Boost Tourism with Street Performershttp://www.eldoradonews.com/news/localnews/2011/03/09/main-street-looking-to-boost-tourism-wit-28.php

Main Street Russellville Participating in Clean and Green Programhttp://www.couriernews.com/story.php?ID=27406

The Keys for M-Es – Micro Enterprise Business Conference (http://esdn.ticketbud.com/keysconference), April 18 and 19, 2011 at the 1905 Basin Park Hotel will be presented by the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) and Eureka Springs Downtown Network and is sponsored by the 1905 Basin Park Hotel. The 2-day conference focuses on the tools needed for Small Businesses to survive, thrive, and grow. Most small businesses in our region are 1 - 15 people and they have different needs then other larger businesses - the Keys for M-E's Conference is developed just for you and what you need.
The conference will give Real World Tools that you can apply immediately to your business and will focus on three areas: Internet Marketing, Customer Service and Motivating You & Your Staff. With these three areas you will be able to power into 2011 with confidence and the knowledge to grow your success.
Featuring noted Marketing Expert, Joanna Steele presenting Making Internet Marketing Work for You, Your Business and Your Town – Sponsored by the University of Arkansas - Small Business and Technology Development Center. Steele’s 6 hour workshop, part of the Keys for M-Es Conference, will show participants how regular small town business practices such as knowing your customer, and serving his or her needs are exactly the principles that are used to create an effective internet marketing strategy. Members will learn how all the pieces of this strategy including a business website, social media, email marketing, review sites and directories work together. They will use this new knowledge to create a personalized Internet marketing strategy that fits their business, their time constraints and their skill level.
“The internet has given small towns and rural businesses a chance they have never been able to afford to compete with the biggest corporations and most popular tourism destinations. With the advent of internet marketing and social media, anyone can speak directly to people who are online looking for exactly what these towns and businesses have to offer,” states Joanne Steele. “But the internet requires a little knowledge and grit to conquer and get comfortable with. That’s my job.”
Three other sessions are planned to round out the conference and provide ongoing training and tools that small businesses can use the moment they return from the conference. Linda McFarlin, noted Customer Service Trainer will focus on bringing best practices to very small businesses. When the economy is down the only thing that really matters is customer service and she will build your skills to enhance your business. Sharon Spurlin, personal coach and mentor, will present a workshop featuring tools to keep yourself motivated and your staff. Her approach is to build your communication skills and refuel your passion for what you do everyday. Walk away feeling like you can share your enthusiasm with your customers and your staff to create excellence in your business. The ASBTDC will include a session on resources that are available with easy access through the University of Arkansas Center.
Tickets are $65 for the 2-day conference and include all sessions and the Reception Monday evening and can be purchased at http://esdn.ticketbud.com/keysconference.

###
About ESDN: Eureka Springs Downtown Network in partnership with Main Street Arkansas as part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation program and the City of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, works 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 City as a whole.
For more information regarding ESDN, its programs, initiatives and volunteer opportunities, one should contact Wolven by phone at 479-244-5074 or via email at .

Main Street Arkansas Update - March 7, 2011

2011-03-07T07:57:00.002-06:00

South Main, Little Rock

If anyone has a Heritage Month event for May 2011, please register it at your earliest convenience at http://www.arkansasheritage.com/plan/heritage_month_registry.aspx.

Main Street Arkansas Calendar March 7 – 11, 2011
*********************************************************************************
MONDAY Cary – Governor’s Conference on Tourism, LR
TUESDAY Cary – Governor’s Conference on Tourism, LR
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY Mark – Hardy (interviews); Cary – out
FRIDAY Cary – out
*********************************************************************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

Main Street El Dorado Press
Main Street Texarkana Press
Main Street Russellville Press
Delta Byways Award Winners
Clinton School Seeks Field Service Partners
Scholarship to Community Development Institute
Scholarship to National Trust Conference
National Trust Survey
Americorp Workshop

Main Street El Dorado Welcomes Travis Tritt
http://www.eldoradonews.com/news/localnews/2011/02/26/tritt-to-perform-unplugged-show-at-munic-99.php

Main Street Texarkana Press
http://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/2011/02/28/preserving-the-past-planning-the-future-310813.php

Main Street Russellville Press
http://russellville.todaysthv.com/news/community-spirit/volunteer-main-street-russellville/55154

Congratulations to Arkansas Delta Byways Award Winners:
• Boot Strap Award: Main Street Paragould’s Holiday Traditions
• Promotional Award: Main Street Programs in Blytheville, Helena, Paragould and West Memphis (sponsored by MSA)
• Outstanding Member Award: Rep. Sheilla Lampkin, Monticello (board member of Downtown Monticello)

Clinton School Seeks Field Service Partners
The Clinton School invites non-profits, government agencies, businesses, foundations or other organizations working on issues of social change to submit ideas for field service partnerships to be completed during the 2011-2012 academic year.
Field service at the Clinton School emphasizes the practice of public service through student projects focusing on systemic social justice issues. Clinton School students complete three for-credit public service projects during the two-year Master of Public Service (MPS) degree program.
“The students, the partner organizations and the community have all benefited from the field service projects,” said Clinton School Dean Skip Rutherford. “We encourage interested organizations to submit proposals to work with us next year.”
Projects appropriate for partnerships with Clinton School students include:
• Conducting needs assessments to study a problem and determine a plan to develop and implement solutions
• Identifying and developing community/organization assets
• Designing and implementing surveys to collect information about a problem
• Building or strengthening partnerships, coalitions and/or teams
• Conducting interviews and focus groups
• Mobilizing people to take action on social issues
• Researching best practices
• Facilitating public discussions on social issues
Click here for all application materials. An information session for interested organizations will be on Wednesday, March 30 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Sturgis Hall. To attend that session or obtain additional information about how to apply contact Jeanne Busbea at jbbusbea at clintonschool.uasys.edu or (501) 683-5130.

Scholarships to Community Development Institute
http://www.uca.edu/cdi/scholarship.php

2011 Diversity Scholarship Program Applications Now Available
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is now accepting applications for the 2011 Diversity Scholarship program for the National Preservation Conference, to be held in Buffalo, NY, October 19-22, 2011. The program provides financial assistance to community leaders from diverse social, economic, racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. It also gives attendees an opportunity to network and participate in the conference, and provides them with tools to strengthen their commitment and effectiveness in preserving historic places and revitalizing communities. Visit our website for more information on the program and how to apply. Have questions? Email: scholarship@nthp.org. Applications are due electronically by June 1, 2011.
Dear National Trust Partners and Colleagues:
Almost eight months ago, I was honored to become the 8th president of the National Trust. During my short time at the Trust, I have been energized by the excellent work and track record of the organization’s wide range of partner networks across the United States—Statewide and Local Partners, Main Street organizations, Forum members, National Trust Historic Sites, Save America’s Treasures projects, and others.
To ensure these partnerships continue to be relevant and mutually rewarding, the National Trust is conducting a number of assessments over the next few months to evaluate the effectiveness of our efforts, including how we relate to partners and constituents, and how they relate to us. This Needs Assessment Survey, the first in a series of targeted surveys, will help us determine where to focus our energy and resources in the future.
Access the survey here.
As a member of one or more of our partner networks, the information and feedback you offer in this confidential survey will provide valuable insight into National Trust services and resources that have the potential to have the greatest impact. As you know with respect to your own organization and work, it is not possible to be all things to all organizations, especially in a time of limited resources. We are striving to focus our work with partners on areas that are most needed and will achieve the most meaningful results.
We appreciate your setting aside approximately 20 to 30 minutes over the next few weeks to complete the online survey and submit it no later than Friday, March 18. The information gathered will be compiled and analyzed, and we will be glad to share how the results influence our decision-making in the months to come.
Many thanks for your help as we move forward together to save more places that matter.
With warmest regards,
Stephanie Meeks, President, National Trust for Historic Preservation

AmeriCorps Grant Writing Workshop Registration
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Friday, March 18, 2011

This workshop is for AmeriCorps specific grant applications. In it, participants will learn the information necessary to put forward an application for AmeriCorps program funding in the 2011 grant cycle. We will cover the service corps and six focus areas of Corporation for National and Community Service programs, identify performance measures with their outputs and outcomes and discuss the financial and programmatic requirements of a federal grant. You will learn the basics of AmeriCorps, the Arkansas Service Commission and the grant review and application process. This workshop is free of charge and open to any agency interested in hosting an AmeriCorps program. (Registration deadline March 10th.)

Main Street Arkansas Update - February 28, 2011

2011-02-28T08:33:00.001-06:00

Downtown Rector

Main Street Arkansas Calendar February 28 – March 4 , 2011
*********************************************************************************
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY Greg & Susan – Texarkana
THURSDAY Greg, Susan, Mark, Nancy – Walnut Ridge & Rector
FRIDAY
*********************************************************************************
IN THIS ISSUE:

The Smart Money’s on Historic Presevation (AR Green Guide)
Rogers Frisco Festival Admission Fee
Main Street Helena Gets Grant
Historic Wood Window Repair Assistance
RFP
Grantseeking Class in NW AR

The Smart Money’s On Historic Preservation/Downtown El Dorado Presshttp://www.inarkansas.com/23679/el-dorado-preserves-its-historic-downtown - one of the cover stories for the Arkansas Green Guide. We have some nice quotes. Check it out.

Rogers’ Frisco Festival Admission Feehttp://www.nwaonline.com/news/2011/feb/22/frisco-festival-board-eyes-admission-fee/

Main Street Helena Gets Grant http://www.helena-arkansas.com/newsnow/x1596408404/Main-Street-Helena-to-get-Heritage-Month-Grant

Historic Wood Window Repair Assistance
- following up on our discussion at last week’s training, if you need help with historic wood window repair, contact Brian Driscoll in our office 501.324.9880 or brian at arkansasheritage.org

Technical Assistance to Build More Sustainable Communities, Request for ProposalsEPA's Office of Sustainable Communities is seeking proposals to create and deliver technical assistance programs to local and tribal governments facing common land use and development challenges. This Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks to fund up to three applicants that will provide technical assistance to multiple communities on the use of standardized, "ready to go" tools that lead to changes in local policies and development regulations. As a result of this RFP, the grantees will select and work with communities to increase their capacity to successfully implement smart growth and sustainable communities development approaches that protect the environment, improve public health, facilitate job creation and economic opportunity, and improve overall quality of life.
The maximum amount of funding for all awards under this RFP will be approximately $2.5 million, for up to three five-year assistance agreements, depending on funding availability and other applicable considerations. EPA expects to have approximately $500,000 for the first year of awards.
The closing date for receipt of hard copy proposal packages is March 31, 2011.

"GRANTSEEKING 101" CLASS – MARCH 8, Bentonville
Grantseeking 101 offers a fast-paced introduction to finding and obtaining grants for nonprofits and municipalities/counties. Discuss how to find funders, how to read guidelines, tips for strong proposals, and grant budgets. Grantseeking 101 will be held at the Compton Gardens Conference Center (312 N. Main, Bentonville) Tuesday, March 8, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm.
Registration fee: $50*/$45 for Priority Registrants
*Priority Registration: Priority and discount given to Board Member/Staff pairs from non-profits or two staff from municipalities/counties.
Size Limit: Class limited to 18 participants
To Register: E-mail Cheryl Kester at ckester at cox.net or call 479-582-1053.
Registration Deadline: March 1, 2011

Main Street Arkansas Update - February 21, 2011

2011-02-21T13:21:00.002-06:00

Main Street Arkansas Calendar February 21 – 25 , 2011
*********************************************************************************
MONDAY Quarterly Training – 5:30 Curran Hall, 615 East Capitol
TUESDAY Quarterly Training – Mosaic Templars 501 West 9th Street
WEDNESDAY Quarterly Training – Mosaic Templars 501 West 9th Street
THURSDAY Mark – Morrilton; Susan, Nancy – Helena
FRIDAY Susan – SoMa
**********************************************************************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

Winrock BIG DEAL for Small Businesses
SBA Program for Refinancing
Eureka Springs Voted One of Coolest Towns in US
The Future of the Strip Mall: Downhill
Grant Opportunity
Green Streets: Webinar

Winrock’s BIG DEAL Program Offers Services for Small Business
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/printable.aspx?aid=125287

http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/printable.aspx?aid=125459

SBA Announces Program for Refinancing Owner-Occupied Property
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/printable.aspx?aid=125485

Eureka Springs Voted One of the Coolest Towns in America
http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=143988

- And take a look at the slide show ESDN put together for their annual picnic last week
http://www.slideshare.net/MoxieWorks/3rd-annual-esdn-company-picnic-2011

The Future of the Strip Mall: Downhill
http://citiwire.net/post/2517/

EPA Seeks Applicants for $1.2 Million in Environmental Justice Grants to Address Local Health and Environmental Issues

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting grant applications for $1.2 million in funding to support projects designed to research, educate, empower and enable communities to understand and address local health and environmental issues. Eligible applicants from non-profit, faith-based and tribal organizations working in the community of the proposed project are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted through March 31, 2011.

Environmental Justice Small Grants funding is available for two categories of projects:

* 40 grants of up to $25,000 each to support projects that address a community’s local environmental issues through collaborative partnerships, and;

* 4 grants of up to $50,000 each to gather better science on the environmental and health impacts of exposure to multiple sources of pollution in communities.

More information on eligibility and how to apply: http://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/resources/publications/grants/ej-smgrants-rfp-2011.pdf

More information on the Environmental Justice Small Grant program: http://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/grants/ej-smgrants.html

GREEN STREETS as a Community Revitalization Strategy Webinar
Tuesday - March 1, 2011
12:00-1:30 PM Central
Register at:
https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/968278187

Explore how Green Streets can be a sustainable stormwater management strategy that also contributes to community redevelopment. Many Midwestern cities are using ‘green street’ strategies in place of routine street rehabilitation to address stormwater, transportation, and neighborhood stabilization goals. By combining transportation choice with environmental strategies, a green street product can support redevelopment efforts from multiple stakeholder perspectives. Attendees will see a blend of planning, engineering, and neighborhood revitalization strategies from each panelist in a case study format.

This webinar will focus on several green streets pilot projects in Lansing, MI; Toledo, OH; and Chicago, IL. From the rainwater management strategies to the materials used in the street infrastructure, there are many elements of a street rehabilitation project that can ‘go green’ to assist with sustainability objectives and neighborhood stabilization.

No webinar cost, however, attendees need to reserve a webinar seat in advance at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/968278187
HUD, DOT, and EPA representatives will highlight the federal and state options to use agency funding to implement green streets projects in your community.
This free webinar is a Region 5 EPA & DOT program aimed at municipal staff, local officials, and technical consultants about the practical implementation of the Livability Principles that are the basis for the Partnership for Sustainable Communities.

Main Street Arkansas Update - February 14, 2011

2011-02-14T13:31:00.001-06:00

Historic Downtown Batesville

NEXT WEEK -Reminder – Quarterly Training February 21-23, Little Rock
I’ve sent out the schedule a few times, but as a reminder Monday is a 5:30 legislative reception at Curran Hall. Expect at least one more email on that this week.

Main Street Arkansas Calendar February 14 – , 2011
**********************************************************************************
MONDAY
TUESDAY Cary – South Main; Greg, Susan, Mark – Texarkana
WEDNESDAY Cary – Paragould (program assessment)
THURSDAY Cary – Batesville (program assessment); Nancy – Texarkana (design committee training)
FRIDAY Cary – Volunteer Commission
*********************************************************************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

Main Street El Dorado Press
Award Opportunity
Find Your Legislator
Census Data Released
Applications for 100 Best Communities Now Available

Main Street El Dorado Press
http://www.eldoradonews.com/news/localnews/2011/02/09/mini-grants-offered-to-downtown-firms-88.php

http://www.eldoradonews.com/news/localnews/2011/02/09/few-seats-remain-for-tritt-concert-84.php

ADEQ Stewardship Award
http://www.adeq.state.ar.us/poa/envy_award/envy_award_nominations.asp
- I think many of our programs can make a strong case for stewardship through revitalization & preservation

Find Your Legislator At:
http://argis.ualr.edu/website/districtfinder/viewer.htm

Census Data Released for Arkansas
http://www.talkbusiness.net/article/CENSUS-DATA-SHOWS-BIG-GROWTH-IN-NW-ARKANSAS-DRAMATIC-LOSSES-IN-DELTA/1482/
- Make sure you take a look at your area as this will change everything from legislative districting to CDBG eligibility in some places, etc.
- More infor here: http://2010.census.gov/news/releases/operations/cb11-cn22.html

Applications for 100 Best Communities Now Available
America’s Promise Alliance: 2011 100 Best Communities for Young People
Is your community one of the nation’s best places for young people? If so, America’s Promise Alliance and the ING Foundation want to know about it! The 100 Best Communities for Young People presented by ING celebrates communities of all sizes – including cities, towns, counties and school districts – dedicated to improving life for young people and increasing graduation rates. The 100 Best Communities are intended to be representative of the nation as a whole. Each year, the winners vary dramatically in size, location, demographics, resources, and approaches to their unique challenges. Applications for the 2011 cycle are now available and are due by May 27. Please visit the America’s Promise Alliance website to learn more about the competition and to begin the application process.

Main Street Arkansas Update - February 7, 2011

2011-02-07T08:24:00.002-06:00

Borum Building Downtown Osceola (before the fire)

Reminder – Quarterly Training February 21-23, Little Rock

Main Street Arkansas Calendar February 7 – 11, 2011
*********************************************************************************
MONDAY
TUESDAY Susan, Tom Marr – Blytheville (merchant property assistance)
WEDNESDAY Cary – Osceola (program assessment)
THURSDAY Cary – Osceola (program assessment)
FRIDAY
*********************************************************************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

Legislative Updates
Grant Opportunity
Smart Parking
Seminars on Rural Tourism
Listserv/Parking Calculation

Improvement District Legislation
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article.aspx?aID=125303

More Information on HB 1118
http://arkeco.blogspot.com/2011/01/sustainalaw-legislative-update-hb-1118.html
and
http://arkeco.blogspot.com/2011/01/arkansas-legislative-update-hb-1118-and.html

Downtown Arkansas Legislative Proposals
http://talkbusiness.net/article/A-LITTLE-LOVE-FOR-DOWNTOWN-ARKANSAS/1445/

SB 212
This bill would require re-voting every four years to re-approve Advertising & Promotions tax. Full bill text at: http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/assembly/2011/2011R/Bills/SB212.pdf (pdf file)

Grant Opportunity
The Arkansas Humanities Council, in cooperation with the Department of Arkansas Heritage, is accepting applications form Operating Grants for Small Museums through May 1. For more information, contact jamabest at sbcglobal.net

Smart Parking
http://www.urbandaddy.com/sfo/gear/12426/Park_Circa_Like_Zipcar_but_for_Parking_San_Francisco_SFO_Application

April Arkansas Small Business & Technology Development Center Workshop on Rural Tourism

In April, the ASBTDC Lead Center hosts speaker Joanne Steele for her seminar "Promoting Rural Tourism: Making the Internet Work for You, Your Business, and Your Town." Steele's 6 hour workshop will show participants how regular small town business practices such as knowing your customer, and serving his or her needs are exactly the principles that are used to create an effective internet marketing strategy. Register early to guarantee your seat for these innovative seminars!

From the mainstreet listserve last week:
what you can measure, you can manage
We figure $1250-$1500 per parking space (parallel).

It is an easy calculation. Take the annual gross sales of all of the business on one side of the street and divide that by 306 +/- (open 6 days a week less holidays). Divide that by the total number of parking spaces in front of those businesses.

Gross sales figures can be obtained from your cities taxing authority or business license office. In some places the business license tax figure is published on the business license hanging in the store. If you know the tax paid and the tax rate you can figure out a business gross sales.

I tell merchants that if their employees are parking in on street parking spaces, they can afford to pay their employees to stay home.

Main Street Arkansas Update - January 31, 2011

2011-01-31T13:03:00.003-06:00

Historic Downtown Blytheville

Reminder – Quarterly Training February 21-23, Little Rock

Main Street Arkansas Calendar January 31 – February 4, 2011
**********************************************************************************
MONDAY Greg – Blytheville (program assessment)
TUESDAY Greg – Blytheville (program assessment)
WEDNESDAY Susan – Blytheville (site visit); Mark – SoMa (business assistance)
THURSDAY
FRIDAY Mark – Russellville (business assistance visit)
*********************************************************************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

Main Street Blytheville’s New E-Newsletter
Free Webinar
Governor’s Conference on Tourism
Empower Your Elected Officials to Support Your Main Street Program
ESDN Members Join Chamber Board
AR Farmers’ Market Association Conference

Make sure you’re on Main Street Blytheville’s new e-newsletter list:
http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001WY2H_3RLHWohQQKlzP7TYw%3D%3D

Free Webinar at www.DestinationUniversity.com
“Jumpstart 2011: 12 New Ideas and Powerful Tools to Grow Sales and Eliminate Headaches in Your Independent Business.”
Wednesday, February 2. The two times to watch the webinar are 6:00 a.m. and at 12:00 p.m. (noon) Mountain Time

Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism March 6-8, Little Rock
http://www.arkansas.com/governors-conference/

Empower Your Elected Official to Support Your Main Street Program
http://www.preservationnation.org/main-street/main-street-news/story-of-the-week/2011/empower-your-elected.html

Eureka Springs Downtown Network Members Appointed to Chamber Board
http://www.lovelycitizen.com/story/1696398.html

Arkansas Farmers’ Market Association Conference February 25, Little Rock
http://www.arkansasfarmersmarketassociation.blogspot.com/

Main Street Arkansas Update - January 24, 2011

2011-01-24T08:30:00.001-06:00

Destination Downtown 2009 in Historic Downtown El Dorado, a Great American Main Street Community

Reminder – Quarterly Training February 21-23, Little Rock (detailed agenda to follow)

Main Street Arkansas Calendar January 24 - 28, 2011
**********************************************************************************
MONDAY
TUESDAY Cary – El Dorado
WEDNESDAY Cary – National Trust Trustees Meeting
THURSDAY Susan & Nancy – Helena (merchant visits); Cary – National Trust Trustees Meeting
FRIDAY Cary – National Trust Trustees Meeting
**********************************************************************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

Main Street Rogers Press
Main Street El Dorado Press
Report Your Volunteer Stats
Economic Impact of AR Volunteers
Mayor of Russellville Priorities
The Spaces Between
Grant Opportunity

Main Street Rogers Press
http://www.nwaonline.com/news/2011/jan/13/main-street-host-program/?nwa-state

Downtown El Dorado Hosts Senator
http://www.eldoradonews.com/news/localnews/2011/01/14/newly-elected-u-s-senator-enjoys-walking-78.php

Economic Impact of Arkansas Volunteers
Non Profits are encouraged to report their volunteer hours for 2010 to our Economic Impact of Arkansas Volunteers publication. (Individual volunteers will not complete the survey. Whoever coordinates the group of volunteers will report the total number of volunteer hours for that group.)
The link to the survey is: http://tiny.cc/DOVeis2010
If you have any questions regarding the survey or the Economic Impact of Arkansas Volunteers, please don’t hesitate to ask!

Mayor of Russellville Priorities
http://www.russellvillearkansas.org/government/mayor/priorities.asp
Aiding MSR is 1 of 8 listed

The Spaces Between
http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2011/jan/23/guest-column-spaces-between-20110123/
- Subscriber only, sorry

Grant Opportunity
The Division of Public Programs at the U.S. National Endowment for the Humanities funds humanities projects that are intended for broad public audiences at museums, libraries, historic sites and other historical and cultural organizations. New application guidelines are now posted on the NEH website for its America's Historical and Cultural Organizations grant competition. The next two deadline is August 17. Other grant information is also available at the website. Grants support interpretive exhibitions, reading or film discussion series, historic site interpretation, lecture series and symposia, and digital projects. NEH encourages projects that offer multiple formats and make creative use of new technology to deliver humanities content. Program officers in the Division of Public Programs are available to discuss project ideas or to read a draft of a proposal. Call the NEH Division of Public Programs at 202-606-8269 for more information

Main Street Iowa video

2011-01-13T10:17:00.001-06:00

Main Street Arkansas Update - January 10, 2011

2011-01-11T13:24:00.002-06:00

Historic Downtown El Dorado

Reminder – Quarterly Training February 21-23, Little Rock (detailed agenda to follow)

Welcome to the new Siloam Springs executive director, Meredith Bergstrom. Send her a welcome note at: Meredith.mainstreetsiloam at gmail.com

Main Street Arkansas Calendar January 10 -14, 2011
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MONDAY office closed due to weather
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY Cary – LR (Community Development Society)
THURSDAY Cary – McGhee (Rohwer/Jerome public meeting)
FRIDAY
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IN THIS ISSUE:

Main Street Batesville Press
Giving Tree Grants
The Networked Nonprofit
America’s Most Romantic Main Streets
AHPP Accepting Grant Applications

Main Street Batesville Press http://batesville.todaysthv.com/content/recipe-revival
Giving Tree Grants via the Arkansas Community Foundation Giving Tree grants are here! Twenty-three of our local offices are accepting grant proposals now through February 15. Watch this 5 minute tutorial on how to apply online, and visit our website, arcf.org, to learn more.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxGu_Ka8fdA
"The Networked Nonprofit," author Allison Fine – at the Clinton School for Public Service
Thursday, January 27, 2011 at 12:00 p.m. (Sturgis Hall) *Book signing to follow
- Fine will discuss her book "The Networked Nonprofit: Connecting with Social Media to Drive Change," a straightforward guide for any nonprofit reviewing its social media strategy.
- I know many of you can’t attend this, but remember this will be archived on http://www.clintonschoolspeakers.com a few days after the event.

America’s Most Romantic Main Streets’ – from the National Trust
You’ve seen the top 10 places to live, the best places to retire, the top dog-friendly cities… but with Valentine’s Day, we want to share the most romantic Main Streets for a national media campaign.

We’ll be collecting your entries through our new My Main Street photo submission page now through Feb. 2 – so grab a camera and take some photos that capture why your Main Street should be on this list. Go online to
http://www.preservationnation.org/main-street/main-street-now/my-main-street-submissions.htmlto find out how to upload your photos. Use the caption area to submit your 5 reasons why your Main Street is the most romantic. (Not every photo has to correspond with the 5 reasons.) We’ll be working with our communications office to build some buzz over our list, which we hope will capture some national media attention next month. Contact me with questions about this.

So what is this My Main Street thing? Many of you have already used it. It is our photo submission system. Since we first told you about it several weeks ago, we have already received 500 photos. We put 25 of our favorites in our first slideshow that you can see on the link I posted above. The slideshow will change frequently, with the next one featuring some of the most romantic Main Street photos. You’ll also find these photos on the back cover of every Main Street Now journal, and I am sure they will pop up on our website and in our other publications and presentations. You can submit photos any time during the year and we’ll be using them constantly. The only deadlines are when we use the system for contests like the one announced above.

AHPP ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION GRANTS
The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage, will accept applications for its Historic Preservation Restoration Grant and County Courthouse Restoration Subgrant programs through March 11, AHPP Director Frances McSwain announced today.
Two Historic Preservation Restoration Grant options are available for rehabilitation of historic structures in Arkansas:
• Option 1 grants of up to $10,000 are available to the owners of properties that are listed on the Arkansas Register of Historic Places or are non-contributing structures in National Register historic districts if the grant project will make the property eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places and the owner follows through with the National Register listing process
• Option 2 grants of $10,000 or more are available to the owners of properties that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and owned by a not-for-profit organization or a local government.
Guidelines and applications for the Historic Preservation Restoration Grant and County Courthouse Restoration Subgrant programs can be downloaded from the AHPP web site at http://www.arkansaspreservation.org/preservation-services/grant-programs/; guidelines also can be acquired by writing AHPP Grants, 1500 Tower Building, 323 Center St., Little Rock, AR 72201. Requests also can be sent to the agency via fax at (501) 324-9184 or via e-mail at joia at arkansasheritage.org. All applications must be delivered to the AHPP office by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 11, 2011; faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted.

Main Street Arkansas Update - January 3, 2011

2011-01-03T08:33:00.000-06:00

Go Hogs!

The Assistant Director job (Caroline’s) closes tomorrow. We’ll spend the rest of the week going through resumes & will work to interview soon thereafter. It’s posted here:
http://tinyurl.com/MSADAH

Main Street Arkansas Calendar January 3 – 7, 2011
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MONDAY Susan – out (Sugar Bowl)
TUESDAY Susan – out (Sugar Bowl)
WEDNESDAY Susan – out (Sugar Bowl)
THURSDAY AHPP Planning Day – office closed
FRIDAY Susan – out
*********************************************************************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

Distinctiveness – The Secret to Cities Success
8 Strategic Mistakes Made with Membership
The Big Idea: Creating Shared Value
Get Your Downtown Businesses on Google Places

Distinctiveness – The Secret to Cities Success
http://citiwire.net/post/2467/

8 Strategic Mistakes with Membership
http://www.blueavocado.org/content/eight-strategic-mistakes-memberships

The Big Idea: Creating Shared Value
http://hbr.org/2011/01/the-big-idea-creating-shared-value/ar/1

Are All of Your Local Businesses on Google Places? They Should Be
http://smallbiztrends.com/2010/12/get-more-from-google-place-page.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SmallBusinessTrends+%28Small+Business+Trends%29

Main Street Arkansas Update - December 27, 2010

2010-12-27T10:15:00.002-06:00

Historic Downtown Rogers

We wish you the best for the coming year.

MSA Assistant Director job is posted until January 5
http://tinyurl.com/MSADAH

Main Street Arkansas Calendar December 27 - 31, 2010
*********************************************************************************
MONDAY
TUESDAY Susan – Rogers; Greg – out
WEDNESDAY Susan – Rogers; Nancy & Greg – out
THURSDAY Nancy & Greg – out
FRIDAY office closed
**********************************************************************************

Main Street Helena’s Paula Oliver Makes a Donation to the DCC
http://www.todaysthv.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=134441&catid=2

Main Street Batesville Press
http://www.guardonline.com/content/main-street-offers-gifts

The Giving Effect – connects donors of ‘things’ to non-profits
www.thegivingeffect.com/
Is your Main Street/Downtown organization signed up? You should be

The Placemaking Dividend
http://www.planetizen.com/node/47402

Main Street Arkansas Update - December 20, 2010

2010-12-20T09:19:00.001-06:00

Downtown Sheridan

Has your program received USDA funding? If so, please let me know as the National Main Street Center is collecting that data.

Happy Holidays from the MSA staff

Main Street Arkansas Calendar December 13 - 17, 2010
**********************************************************************************
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY Greg – out
THURSDAY office closed
FRIDAY office closed
*********************************************************************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

Newsweek Covers the Main Street Program
Downtown Helena Gets a Business Incubator
Downtown Eureka Springs Coverage
Downtown Ft. Smith Growth
High Profile: Vanessa McKuin
Arkansas – Tourism as an Export
Study Shows 3 Qualities to Attach People to Place

Newsweek Covers the Main Street Program
http://www.newsweek.com/2010/12/16/how-to-save-main-street.print.html
- they get the name of the National Trust Main Street Center wrong (calling it Main Street America) but we’ll take national coverage of downtown revitalization everyday

Downtown Helena Gets a Business Incubator
http://www.helena-arkansas.com/newsnow/x1714281391/DBP-awards-an-186-000-grant-for-Phillips-County-business-incubator

Downtown Eureka Springs Coverage
http://www.nwaonline.com/news/2010/dec/12/christmas-cavalcade-20101212/

Downtown Ft. Smith Going Great Guns
http://www.swtimes.com/news/article_6e2ca51c-0864-11e0-a2af-001cc4c03286.html

High Profile: Vanessa McKuin & the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas
http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2010/dec/19/historic-alliance-chief-blass-site-typifi-20101219/
- subscriber only, sorry. But, there’s still time to buy tickets to the January 14 Preservation Awards at preservearkansas.org

Arkansas Tourism as an Export
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/printable.aspx?aid=124679

Gallup-Knight Foundation Study Looks at Benefits of Loving Your Community
Gallup and the Knight Foundation partnered to look into the effects of attachment to place in 26 cities. The Knight Soul of the Community project found that people’s love and passion for their communities may be leading to economic growth. The project interviewed almost 43,000 people over three years and found three main qualities attach people to place. According to the study,
1)social offerings (entertainment venues and meeting places)
2) openness (how welcoming a place is), and the
3)area’s aesthetics (its physical beauty and green spaces)
are more important than people’s perceptions of the economy, jobs or basic services in creating an emotional bond.

“This study is important because its findings about emotional attachment to place point to a new perspective that we encourage leaders to consider; it is especially valuable as we aim to strengthen our communities during this tough economic time,” said Paula Ellis, Knight Foundation’s vice president for strategic initiatives.
Resource: http://www.soulofthecommunity.org/

Knox Heritage's Green House

2010-12-16T09:15:00.000-06:00

Main Street Arkansas Update - December 13, 2010

2010-12-13T10:12:00.002-06:00

Historic Downtown Ozark

Main Street Arkansas Calendar December 13 - 17, 2010
**********************************************************************************
MONDAY Mark – Ozark (sm. biz consult), Greg – out
TUESDAY Susan, Mark, Nancy – Walnut Ridge (design & sm. biz site visits)
WEDNESDAY Cary – out a.m. (training)
THURSDAY
FRIDAY Greg – out
**********************************************************************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

Main Street El Dorado in the News
Your Story About a Nonprofit
A Small Bypassed Town Reclaims Its Identity
Using Internet Marketing to Promote Your Events

Good Main Street/Downtown El Dorado Press
http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2010/dec/11/el-dorado-city-roll-20101211/
- Subscriber only, Sorry.

Your Story About A Nonprofit

This Season of Giving, help your favorite nonprofit gain visibility and attract donors and more volunteers. You can do that by writing a review about your experience with them.
Whether you're a volunteer, donor, client served or board member, you can give your favorite nonprofits the gift of a review. Tell others why you think they are great. You can write a review of any nonprofit at GreatNonprofits.org which lists over 1.2M nonprofits.

Nonprofits have few marketing resources, so you can help bring your favorite nonprofit some much needed visibility by writing a review. Won't you take 3 minutes to share your story?
Go to greatnonprofits.org

A Bypassed Small Nebraska Town Reclaims Its Identity
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/08/us/08land.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&hp

Using Internet Marketing to Promote Your Events
http://ruraltourismmarketing.com/2010/12/online-events-marketing-for-your-small-town-five-easy-steps/

Main Street Arkansas Calendar December 6 - 10, 2010

2010-12-06T08:29:00.000-06:00

Main Street Arkansas Calendar December 6 - 10, 2010
*********************************************************************************
MONDAY Mark – out
TUESDAY Mark – out; Susan & Nancy – Paragould & Walnut Ridge
WEDNESDAY Mark – Texarkana; Greg – out
THURSDAY Greg – out
FRIDAY Greg – out
*********************************************************************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

Online Review Sites Can Threaten Businesses’ Reputations
Statewide Workshops on CDBG
Grant Opportunity
Online Training for Property Repair

As Internet Review Sites Grow, Business’ Reputations Can be Threatened
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/printable.aspx?aid=124388
- This is a worthy piece to share with your local businesses. It’s worth your ER committee’s time to take a look at reviews & on the web to determine if they’re accurate.

Statewide workshops to focus on CDBG application procedures

AEDC’s Grants Management Division will host application workshops in five locations throughout Arkansas to inform the public on the procedures for applying for grants and loans from four different agencies and organizations. AEDC administers the state Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, as well as several state-funded grant programs aimed at economic development. For more information regarding workshop locations, contact Dana Heatley at (501) 682-1211 or dheatley at arkansasedc.com.

Outreach Programs in Company Communities Supported
Ameriprise Financial Community Relations Program
The Ameriprise Financial Community Relations Program supports nonprofit organizations in company communities throughout the United States whose shared goal is to improve the lives of individuals from all walks of life. The company's community outreach focuses on Meeting Basic Needs and Supporting Community Vitality. (Requests from nonprofit organizations where company employees/advisors/retirees volunteer are also considered.) The application deadlines are February 1, May 1 and September 1, annually. Visit the company’s website to review the Community Relations guidelines and submit an online application.

Online Training Videos for Historic Property Repair
http://www.youtube.com/user/KansasSHPO

Main Street Arkansas Calendar November 29 – December 3, 2010

2010-11-30T07:58:00.001-06:00

Main Street Arkansas Calendar November 29 – December 3, 2010
**********************************************************************************
MONDAY
TUESDAY Susan, Rogers
WEDNESDAY Cary – Downtown LR Partnership Meeting
THURSDAY Cary – Breakthrough Solutions Conference, NLR; Mark – out
FRIDAY Susan & Nancy – El Dorado (merchant site visit)
**********************************************************************************

IN THIS ISSUE:

Monticello Square Appropriation
The Old House is the Greenest
Downtown Greenwood, MS
A New World Approach to Historic Preservation

Council Appropriates $20k for Downtown Square in Monticello
http://mymonticellonews.net/articles/2010/11/19/news/local_news/doc4ce448966b4d2280068812.txt

The Old House May Be the Greener One
http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/11/17/pm-this-old-house-may-be-the-greener-one/

Good Piece on Our Colleagues in Greenwood, MS
http://www.rexnelsonsouthernfried.com/?p=1656
“Preserving our historic buildings has been our No. 1 asset other than the people,” Mayor Carolyn McAdams told the Delta Business Journal earlier this year.

A New World Approach to Historic Preservation
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/19/AR2010111900221.html