Main Street Arkansas Update - December 3, 2007

December 3 - 7, 2007
Monday - Cary & Caroline - Conway
Tuesday - Susan & Mark – Texarkana; Greg – Batesville
Wednesday - Susan - Conway
Thursday -
Friday –

Check out Main Street Paragould’s new website at www.mainstreetparagould.info

IN THIS ISSUE:
***************************************************************************************************************
NLR Prepares for New Urbanism
TIF District’s Creation Supported by UALR Study
NLR Riverfront Development
Downtown Heber Springs Looking Up
AgriTourism Article
Falling Home Sales May Stifle Urban Revitalization
Make It An Arkie Christmas
Mega Moves
ZipSkinny.com – get the low down on your zip code
***************************************************************************************************************


The latest issue of Arkansas Business focuses on Downtown Redevelopment.

NLR Prepares for New Urbanism
http://arkansasbusiness.com/article.aspx?lID=61&sID=77&ms=62&cID=Z&aID=101157.12610.113283
http://arkansasbusiness.com/printable.asp?aid=100938
- nice pull quote in the hard copy issue from Michael Drake

related note: UALR study supports need for TIF District in NLR
http://www.rockwatervillage.com/newsrelease.html

and
KTHV: NLR Development Will Change Riverfront
http://www.rockwatervillage.com/thvnov.html

Downtown Redevelopment Looking Up in Heber Springs
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/printable.asp?aid=100927
- nice quote from Mary Margaret about ADN and MSA

Down on the Farm with Your Sleeves Rolled Up – AgriTourism
http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/11/23/travel/escapes/23agritourism.html?pagewanted=print

Falling Home Sales May Stifle Urban Revitalization
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16650420&sc=emaf

Make It an Arkie Christmas
http://www.arktimes.com/Articles/ArticleViewer.aspx?ArticleID=eac5bb05-a4c2-496d-b502-435c5e19a881
- nice mention of the ArkansasDelta Made program

MEGA MOVES

Historic Preservation Office,

My name is Lee Reading and I’m a researcher with Windfall Films in the UK. We produce the US television show MEGA MOVES for the National Geographic and the Discovery channels (http://www.windfallfilms.com/html/productions/monstermoves.htm).

Our programmes aim to film the entire journey of whole structures being moved from one location to another, hopefully giving an audience something they haven’t seen before. I’m currently looking for historic buildings that are due for relocation; be they stone cottages, farm houses, train depots, monuments, wooden barns or even giant machinery. As long as they have interesting back stories, history, character and an interesting move route, I’d be interested in putting them forward for filming. We’d very much like to work with the each state’s Historic Preservation Office should they be involved in any projects, or know of any projects, over the next month or two. These films should provide excellent publicity to all those involved, as well as the building themselves.

If you have anything in the pipeline or know of a project coming up, wherever it maybe, feel free to send me an email, fax me or drop me a line and I shall investigate further. Any information or pictures you have would be extremely useful to the third season of Mega Moves.

Lee Reading
Researcher/ Coordinator UK
Windfall Films

T: +44 (0)207 251 7656
F: +44 (0)207 253 8468
lee@windfallfilms.com

Woman preserving history of Japanese-American internment in Arkansas
http://www.arkansasnews.com/archive/2007/11/27/News/344163.html

thanks to CEOs for Cities for this:
ZIPSkinny.com
Want quick stats on your neighborhood? Check out ZIPSkinny.com. While not a substitute for more thorough research, this handy website provides an easy reference to compare zip codes on a number of factors including population density, median age, education and many others. Based on Census 2000 data the site does note that it should be used only as a “first glance” at a ZIP Code area, not as a source of hard facts upon which to base a decision. Regardless, it is still very exciting to have data at your fingertips to explore.

Main Street Arkansas Update - November 26, 2007

There are quite a few good stories listed below which I collected during my time off last week. I particularly recommend the Argenta Express article by Kane Webb from yesterday’s D-G and the ShopMainStreet.org reminder.

Congratulations to Michael Drake on his wedding to Beth Gaines. I was privileged to attend the service where the pastor incorporated an Elvis mention into the ceremony. It warmed my heart.

Check out Main Street El Dorado on myspace at http://www.myspace.com/mainstreeteldorado

MSA Staff Calendar – November 26-30, 2007

Monday – Cary & Caroline – Paragould: Workplanning Session
Tuesday – Cary & Caroline – Paragould (a.m.); Mark & Susan – Texarkana
Wednesday – Mark & Susan – Texarkana
Thursday – Advisory Board Meeting
Friday

IN THIS ISSUE:
**************************************************************************************************************
Harsh Realities for those Who Buy in Historic Districts?
Fighting Over Historic Designation
$52 Million Invested in Phillips County in Last Two Years
Why Conservatives Should Care About Cities
Federal Heritage Areas Catching On
El Dorado Looking at Uses for Building
Progress Brings New Problems: Meredith Oakley Editorial on Parking in Argenta
The Argenta Express: Kane Webb feature
Baby Boomers a Higher Portion of Arkansas’s Economy vs. National Comparisons
Merchants weigh in on NLR Street Beat plan
ShopMainStreet.org Holiday Reminder
**************************************************************************************************************
Harsh Realities for those Who Buy in Historic Districts?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/17/AR2007111700221.html

Fighting Over Historic Designation
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/16/AR2007111602402_pf.html

$52 Million Invested in Phillips County in Last Two Years
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/A/AR_DELTA_PROGRESS_AROL-?SITE=ARMOU&SECTION=STATE&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2007-11-20-14-55-24

Why Conservatives Should Care About Cities
http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/?p=898

Federal Heritage Areas Catching On
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jTzsEHIehbhbqmzhqt_JLTn-yqawD8T4MAGG0

El Dorado Looking at Uses for Building
http://www.nwanews.com/adg/News/208696

Progress Brings New Problems: Meredith Oakley Editorial on Parking in Argenta
http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Editorial/208807

The Argenta Express: Kane Webb feature
http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Perspective/208794

Baby Boomers a Higher Portion of Arkansas’s Economy vs. National Comparisons
http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Business/208774

Merchants weigh in on NLR Street Beat plan
http://www.nlrtimes.com/articles/2007/11/24/news/nws01.prt

ShopMainStreet.org Holiday Reminder
Dear Main Street Member,
The busiest time of the retail year is fast approaching - nearly one quarter of all online sales each year occur between November 1 and December 22. So now is the time to make sure your downtown stores are listed on ShopMainStreet.org.
ShopMainStreet.org, an online directory of e-commerce-enabled, independent Main Street businesses, is now entering its second holiday season. We have a great marketing plan ready to get some of those online dollars directed to Main Streets – including a special holiday challenge to National Trust members and others who care about supporting traditional downtowns. But the site is only as good as the businesses that are listed – so please ask your stores to sign-up today.
To get started:
Go to www.shopmainstreet.org/Member_Login.asp and login with your MainStreet.org user name and password. You will then be able to send e-mail invitations to your local businesses, allowing them to edit and submit their own listings. It's quick and simple to use - for you and your businesses. And remember, this is a benefit of your Main Street Network Membership so there is no cost to the businesses for their listing!
________________________________________
Special Holiday Challenge to our Members:
To help motivate you, our Main Street members, we are instituting a Members Challenge for this holiday season:
Get 3 businesses listed on our website by November 30th and be entered into a raffle for a free year of membership (a $250 value)*
________________________________________
Important Reminders:
• ShopMainStreet.org is only for independently owned, retail businesses located in your downtown, neighborhood, or Main Street commercial district.
• All businesses must have some sort of e-commerce capability – whether a full online store or just an online catalog of items.
• We review all businesses and those that are not appropriate for the site will not be approved.
________________________________________
*: This means 3 total for your district, not 3 new ones (although we would love 3 new ones too). We didn't want to penalize those of you that supported us last year during the pilot phase.

Main Street Arkansas Update - Novembe 19, 2007

November 19 – 23, 2007 Staff Calendar
Monday Cary, off
Tuesday Cary, off
Wednesday Cary, off; Mark & Nancy - Dumas
Thursday Happy Thanksgiving
Friday Office Closed

Congratulations to South Main (SoMa) and Main Street Helena on their receipt of an AT&T Technology grant.

IN THIS ISSUE:
**************************************************************************************************************
SoMa Press
Eureka Springs First Impressions Press
Texarkana Video
Southern Literary Trail
NLR Press
Arkansas Living Treasure Nominations Open
Conservation Leadership Awards
**************************************************************************************************************


SoMa Press Coverage:
http://arkansasmatters.com/content/fulltext/?cid=61771
- note: you can both read & watch the TV spot from this link

Eureka Springs MSA First Impressions Press:
http://www.eurekaspringstimesecho.com/articles/2007/11/13/news/mw2.txt

Texarkana Video (note: launches external video player)
mms://63.81.191.27/tex-arkansas-promo-video
- 5:04 into the video there’s a section on the downtown revitalization of Texarkana. You’ll see Bethany & Anita. There’s a mention of Texarkana being in the Main Street program.

Southern Literary Trail
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/09/AR2007110900904.html
Arkansas, sadly, is not a part of this trail despite our ties to Maya Angelou, Donald Harrington, Charles Portis and others.
This article highlights the regional efforts of Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi.
Regionalism is something we need to focus more on in Main Street.

NLR Mill Closing May Change Downtown Skyline
http://www.nlrtimes.com/articles/2007/11/16/news/nws03.txt

NLR Leaders Trip to Downtown Memphis
http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Editorial/208132/
Kane Webb reports on meeting with Henry Turley. Those who attended last week’s Upstairs Downtown remember our speaker discussing Mr. Turley’s work on a pre-smart growth housing project on Mud Island.

Arkansas Living Treasure Nomination Forms Now Available
The nomination forms for the 2008 Arkansas Living Treasure are now available. This award is presented in recognition of an Arkansan who is outstanding in the creation of a traditional craft and has significantly contributed to the preservation of the art form.

The nomination form is available at www.arkansasarts.com/programs/alta or contact Sally A. Williams, artists services manager, at (501) 324-9348 or email sally@arkansasheritage.org . Deadline for nominations is Friday, December 14, 2007.

Community members are encouraged by the Arts Council to identify outstanding crafts artists who live or work in their community. An independent panel of practicing craft artists will meet in Little Rock to review submitted materials and select the recipient. The panelists weigh the following criteria in order to make their selection: quality of work, community outreach and total contribution to the field of traditional crafts. The recipient will be honored in May during Arkansas Heritage Month.

New Deadline for County Conservation Leadership Awards
Submit Applications by December 5

The Trust for Public Land (TPL) and the National Association of Counties (NACo) are now accepting applications for the fourth annual County Leadership in Conservation Awards. The awards recognize leadership, innovation, and excellence by forward-thinking county leaders in local land conservation.

Successful programs will be judged on the basis of:

* Innovation
* Financing Mechanisms
* Visioning and Planning
* Diversity and Strength of Partnerships
* Acquisition and/or Implementation Excellence
* Generating Public Awareness and Support
* Program Management

The Awards help NACo and TPL recognize innovative counties making great strides in local land conservation and help generate publicity for these groundbreaking efforts. Bringing recognition to the county's program, and providing "best practice" examples for county and other local officials to design landmark conservation programs across the country are the main goals of the Awards.

Access the Application Form for more information and to apply electronically. The extended deadline for submissions is December 5, 2007.

http://www.tpl.org/tier3_cdl.cfm?content_item_id=21816&folder_id=2867

Award winners will be recognized at NACo's Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. in March 2008.

More information about awards categories and criteria.
Read more about the 2007 County Leadership in Conservation Award winners

For more information contact awards@tpl.org

www.tpl.org


Trust for Public Land Home
Copyright 2007 - The Trust for Public Land
116 New Montgomery Street, 4th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105
1-800-714-LAND

Main Street Arkansas Update - November 12, 2007

November 12-17



Monday - Cary, DeWitt – office closed, Veteran’s Day

Tuesday - Cary – West Memphis; Greg & Caroline – Texarkana

Wednesday - Cary - Osceola

Thursday - Cary – Blytheville

Friday – Cary – off



DAH just opened a new one time grant program made possible by appropriation from the General Assembly. Up to $25,000 no match requirements. Municipalities, historical societies, museums, art centers, and non-profit organizations will be eligible for this money. If you know of anyone that may benefit is the link http://www.arkansasheritage.com/heritage_month/grants.asp. It will be very competitive only $600,000 available to a broad range of applicants and projects. The deadline to apply is January 14, 2008.



IN THIS ISSUE:
**************************************************************************************************************

LR to Host National Trail Symposium

Growing City Will Decide if Big-box Retail Can Move In

Land Bank

Rap About the City You Love

Good Hardy Press

Grant Opportunity

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

Little Rock Selected to Host National Trail Symposium

Little Rock has been chosen to host the 2008 National Trail Symposium next November. The symposium, scheduled for Nov. 15-18, 2008, is slated to address issues of trails and greenways nationwide with dozens of speakers covering the top topics in the field. For those interested in being a part of the special event, volunteer opportunities are currently available for the planning and execution of the symposium. Sponsor and donor opportunities are also available. For more information, contact Terry Eastin at (479) 236-0938 or terry@mississippirivertrail.org.The symposium is being presented by American Trails, a nonprofit organization that works to enhance and protect America's network of interconnected trails. More details are available at www.americantrails.org.



Growing City Will Decide if Big-box Retail Can Move In

http://arkansasbusiness.com/article.aspx?lID=71&sID=72&ms=73&cID=8&aID=100582.89063.112707



Land Bank

A Little Rock ordinance has been drafted that would establish a city land bank to hold abandoned and neglected properties for later sale to developers. The ordinance, which will be sent to the City Board by the Community Housing Advisory Board, takes advantage of a law passed by the General Assembly that allows the state Land Commissioner to donate to cities tax-delinquent properties held for a year. The land bank could also take possession of properties the city has liens against.

Little Rock had 800 properties identified as unsafe and vacant last year, Housing and Neighborhood Programs Director Andre Bernard said. A work group will meet at 9 a.m. Nov. 9 at the Willie Hinton Neighborhood Resource Center to give the draft, which creates the land bank commission and rules on acquiring property, the once-over before the advisory board presents it.

Rap About the City You Love

http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/rockcandy/2007/10/rap_about_the_city_you_love.aspx

Good Hardy Press

http://www.athomearkansas.com/arkansas/life/onroad/article_7.html

Grant Opportunity

http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=true&oppId=15849

National Leadership Grants support projects that have the potential to elevate museum and library practice. The Institute seeks to advance the ability of museums and libraries to preserve culture, heritage, and knowledge while enhancing learning.

Main Street Arkansas Update - October 29

October 29 – November 2

Monday - STAFF PLANNING RETREAT
Tuesday - STAFF PLANNING RETREAT
Wednesday - Susan, Batesville – window display
Thursday - Susan, Batesville – window display
Friday –


From Parks & Tourism
Arkansas Festivals Grant
The Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism is now accepting applications for the Arkansas Festivals Grant. Applications for the grant must be the fiscal agent of the festival applicant and must be incorporated in the State of Arkansas. Festivals in existence for one year or more may make application for and qualify for funds under this program. Only capital improvement projects for a festival can be funded through this program. Applicants may apply for a minimum of $5,000 up to a maximum of $35,000. The deadline for receipt of applications is 5:00 p.m. on December 17, 2007.

If you have questions, please contact the Tourism Development Section at 501.682.5240 or email kristine.puckett@arkansas.gov

IN THIS ISSUE
**************************************************************************************************************
NLR Times Pro Main Street Editorial
Argenta Street Beat Photos
Ballparks & Neighborhoods Article
Grant Opportunities
America Unchained!
Fundraising Training
Arkansas Grants Training – CDBG & Other state provided/issued funds
**************************************************************************************************************
NLR Times Editorial: Breathing New Life Into Downtown
http://www.nlrtimes.com/articles/2007/10/12/opinion/eddy01.txt

Pictures from the Argenta Street Beat
http://tinyurl.com/3ylghn

Home-Plate Home: Ballparks Attract Condos
http://archrecord.construction.com/news/daily/archives/071011ballparks.asp

- we certainly see this in NLR. It will be interesting to see if this occurs near the new ballpark in Springfield, AR.


GRANT OPPORTUNITIES:

National Endowment for the Humanities
America's Historical and Cultural Organizations Planning Grants Grant
http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=true&oppId=15725
http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/AHCO_PlanningGuidelines.html

National Endowment for the Humanities
America's Historical and Cultural Organizations Implementation Grants Grant
http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=true&oppId=15726

Institute of Museum and Library Services Museum Grants for African American History and Culture Grant
http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?&mode=VIEW&flag2006=true&oppId=15727
http://www.imls.gov/applicants/grants/AfricanAmerican.shtm

America Unchained!
Shop independent businesses on Saturday November 17, 2007
The American Independent Business Alliance invites your organization to participate in this growing national campaign that urges communities to unchain themselves (to shop only at locally owned independent businesses) for just one day.
America Unchained! puts the focus on community economics by helping citizens recognize the economic benefit of local, independent businesses and think about the impact of where they choose to spend their dollars, not only for the upcoming holiday season, but every day.

Begun in 2003 by the Austin Independent Business Alliance (AIBA), Austin Unchained was a huge success. AIBA calculated the amount of money the local economy would gain if every citizen shopped at only locally owned businesses for one day. The number was stunning and grabbed the attention of both Austinites and local government. AIBA generated substantial local media exposure to drum up community support and participation. Through their posters, flyers, and t-shirts, word spread and the community joined in to inject millions into Austin’s economy.

AMIBA conducted the campaign nationally for the first time in 2004 with great success. Unchained is a “media darling” for its edginess and proximity to the holiday shopping season.

AMIBA provides templates for posters, a logo, button designs, press releases, and more for your use. Participants register at www.amiba.net . Registration gains them access to a library of campaign support materials and places them on a list that is provided to the media. Visit www.amiba.net for more information.
FUNDRAISING TRAINING OPPORTUNITY:
Trends in Philanthropy: Key Factors for Success in the Next Decade

Have You Identified Your Million Dollar Donors? A panel presentation by experts in development sharing successful case studies

Wednesday, October 31, 2007, 11:00 am-1:30 pm
The Little Rock Chamber of Commerce 200 East Markham
$15 for members of ACE and Little Rock Chamber of Commerce; $20 for Nonmembers
www.littlerockchamber.com/nonprofit to register
Lunch provided with registration fee

Arkansas Grants Workshops

This is an application workshop on the procedures for applying for grants from the Community Resource Group, the Arkansas Department of Rural Services, Arkansas Economic Development Commission and the US Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Community Facilities Program

Tuesday, October 30 10:00 am Darragh Center, Little Rock

Thursday, November 8 1:00 pm North Arkansas Telephone Company 301 East Main, Flippin

Tuesday, November 13 10:00 am, Board of Directors Room, El Dorado Chamber of Commerce, 111 West Main, El Dorado

Main Street Arkanasas Update - October 15, 2007

Congratulations to Missy McSwain, longtime AHPP Federal Programs Manger on becoming the new Director of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program. She’ll take over upon Ken Grunewald’s retirement, November 1.

October 15-19

Susan: Tuesday – Friday, Traditional Buildings Conference, New Orleans

Monday - Cary, public hearing for Confinement Camps congressional grants program, UALR
Tuesday - Greg – Batesville
Wednesday -
Thursday -
Friday –

Sunday – Cary, Caroline & Susan – ArtLinks in Rogers.

IN THIS ISSUE:
**************************************************************************************************************
YouTube Launches Nonprofit Program
Main Street in the Media
Milken Institute 2007 Best Performing Cities Index
Various Articles related to our work – couple of real good ones, please take a look
Grant Opportunities
America's Promise Alliance Launches 2008 100 Best Communities for Young People Competition
**************************************************************************************************************
YouTube Launches Nonprofit Program

Check out the press release announcing the launch of the YouTube Nonprofit Program!
YouTube’s 2007/2008 Clinton Global Initiative commitment enables nonprofit organizations (in the U.S. those with 501c3 tax filing status) that register for the YouTube Nonprofit Program to receive a free nonprofit specific YouTube channel where they can upload footage of their work, public service announcements, calls to action and more.
YouTube Nonprofit Program participants will receive:
• A premium channel on YouTube that serves as a nonprofit’s hub for their uploaded videos. Through the channel, people can connect with a nonprofit via messages, subscriptions, comments and more. Nonprofits will also receive enhanced channel branding features and increased upload capacity.
• Designation as a "Nonprofit" on YouTube that clearly identifies organizations as a nonprofit for YouTube community.
• The ability to embed a Google Checkout donation button on their channel and video watch pages, allowing people to quickly and securely make a contribution directly from YouTube. Starting today, nonprofits who offer Google Checkout for Non-Profits as a donation option -- whether through YouTube or on their own sites -- will receive 100 percent of donated funds, as Google has committed to processing all donations for free through at least the end of 2008.
• In the coming months, nonprofit channels will have a centralized area on YouTube, making them and their videos more easily discoverable.
HOW TO APPLY

Nonprofits can apply for a nonprofit channel type by going to youtube.com/nonprofits and filling out a short application which will be processed by their grants team.
Texarkana Press
http://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/localnews/2007/09/28/main-street-to-bring-in-experts-to-discu-56.php

also, you can see some photos from this weekend’s Blue & BBQ at http://www.steveharrelson.com/blog/

Pro Main Street Harrison Editorial:
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?BRD=1815&dept_id=516931&newsid=18884838&PAG=461&rfi=9

Argenta Street Beat Press:
http://www.katv.com/news/stories/1007/461481.html
http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=54135

MSA & RHDI Press:
http://www.thnews.com/article.php?id=3594

Forrest City & Main Street:
http://www.thnews.com/article.php?id=3604

Milken Institute 2007 Best Performing Cities Index
http://www.milkeninstitute.org/research/research.taf?cat=indexes&function=detail&ID=30&type=BPC

#21 Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers (down from #8 last year)
#72 Little Rock-NLR- Conway (up from #94 last year)
#103 Fort Smith (up from #154 last year)
#141 Memphis (includes the West Memphis area, up from #159 last year)

The Best Performing Cities Index is outcomes-based. Its components measure job, wage and salary, and technology growth. The Index ranks U.S. metros based on their ability to create and sustain jobs. It includes both long-term (five years) and short-term (one year) measurements of employment and salary growth. There are also four measurements of technology output growth, which are included because of technology’s crucial role in regional economic growth.

Some would note this index is based upon “trailing” indicators, as opposed to market “leading” indicators. Important differences.

$5.4 million to be spent on marketing Arkansas in Spring & Summer 2008
http://www.arkansasnews.com/archive/2007/09/28/News/343476.html

Wal-Mart Era Wanes Amid Big Shifts in Retail
Rivals Find Strategies To Defeat Low Prices; World Has Changed

http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB119135657404946747-lMyQjAxMDE3OTAxMzMwNTM2Wj.html

Sky's the new limit for urban living in Texas, and beyond
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-10-03-verticaltexas_N.htm

Small Farmers in AR Cultivating the Tourist Trade – AgriTourism in Arkansas
http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Business/203730/print/

Looking for evidence that what we do is taking hold? Developers are about to tear down University Mall in LR & develop a shopping area with “a Main Street feel” “It’ll be a Main Street-type look, said Jim Strode, the center’s developer.
Let me emphasize that again – THEY’RE TEARING DOWN THE MALL TO BUILD A “MAIN STREET”
http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Business/204087/print/

Remembering the Plantation Inn in West Memphis
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2007/oct/09/w-memphis-remembering-the-plantation-inn/


Grant Opportunity:
250-500 word pre-proposal for the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training’s 2008 call for proposals can be submitted here:
http://www.ncptt.nps.gov/Grants/Submit-Your-Pre-Proposal.aspx
NCPTT’s grants program supports innovative projects in architecture, historic landscapes, archeology and materials conservation. Projects are funded up to $50,000.


AT&T Foundation Announces Wireless Technology Grant Program

Deadline: October 19, 2007

The AT&T Foundation ( http://www.att.com/foundation/ ), the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc. ( http://www.att.com/ ), has announced a $1.5 million competitive grant program to help nonprofits integrate wireless communications technology into educational outreach projects. Open to 501(c)(3) public charities and government instrumentalities across the United States, the program will help nonprofits deliver educational content and enhance learning opportunities in the communities they serve.

The AT&T Foundation will award one-time, education-focused, wireless technology grants ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 each for wireless applications and hardware. Examples of eligible projects include the enrichment of museum visits through the development of audio and video content accessible from visitors' mobile phones; the creation of AT&T Wi-FiSM hot spots for students and community members; the development of educational curriculum designed to be accessed from wireless devices; delivering supple- mental educational content via mobile phone calls, text messages, and/or Multimedia Messaging Service; and the development of community education podcasts.

To qualify for a grant, organizations must utilize the funds for projects that enhance the delivery of education through wireless technology in settings that engage youth and adults in life-long learning. Additionally, 51 percent or more of the project must target underserved populations, including racial and ethnic groups, low-income populations, seniors, youth, and/or people with disabilities.

Interested organizations can apply by downloading a copy of the Request for Proposals at the AT&T Foundation Web site.


America's Promise Alliance Launches 2008 100 Best Communities for Young People Competition
Deadline: November 2, 2007

The America's Promise Alliance ( http://www.americaspromise.org/ ) and Capital One ( http://www.capitalone.com/ ) have announced the launch of the 2008 100 Best Communities for Young People Competition with an official call for entries from communities across the United States that are the best places for young people to live and grow up. Winners will range from large urban cities to small rural towns.
The winning communities will be announced in late January 2008.

In addition to the possibility of becoming a 100 Best Community, all applicants will be eligible to apply for a total of $300,000 in grants from the alliance. (Applications for the 2008 grant program will be accepted in early February 2008.)

Winning communities will be featured prominently on the alliance’s website, in the alliance's weekly newsletter, and as part of national and local media materials. They will also be given the opportunity to participate in the Alliance's Regional Best Practice Forums, where their programs and policies will serve as a model for other cities and towns across the country. Furthermore, all winning communities are invited and provided a partial stipend to attend the Alliance's National Forum and Celebration held every fall in Washington, D.C.

DO YOU HAVE A RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN?
From the Arkansas Coalition for Excellence:
The deadline for applications for the My Risk Management Plan online tool is Wednesday, Oct. 17. This program allows your organization to create a customized risk management plan according to your needs, priorities and culture. It takes you step-by-step thought the process of creating your plan, allowing the opportunity to either select from template language or insert your own language.
If your organization is interested, please complete the attached application by Oct. 17th and fax or mail back to us.
ACE Fax: (501) 324-2236
ACE Mailing Address: 200 South Commerce St., Suite 100
Little Rock, AR 72201

Main Street Arkansas Update - October 8, 2007

October 8-12

Monday- Greg & Mark –Harrison - Interviews
Tuesday- Cary out – funeral
Wednesday- Mark, Susan & Caroline- Batesville
Thursday- Mark- Blytheville
Friday-

MAIN STREET IN THE MEDIA

Pro Main Street Harrison Editorial: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED READ

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?BRD=1815&dept_id=516931&newsid=18884838&PAG=461&rfi=9

Downtown Hardy featured in At Home in Arkansas’s October Issue

Paragould Mayor Mike Gaskill featured in the Municipal League’s October City & Town

Downtown Batesville editorialized in Batesville Daily Guard. Visit: http://www.guardonline.com/

MS Rogers received $10,000 from Tyson to go towards pocket park planning

http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2007/09/13/news/091407rzbond.txt

Congratulations to Arc of Arkansas for receiving an honor award at the National Trust for Historic Preservation conference last week.

IN THIS ISSUE:

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RHDI LAUNCHES DELTAMADE PROJECT
NEWS PIECE ON DOWNTOWN LR DEVELOPMENT
ARKANSAS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE REVIEW
BOTANICAL GARDEN OPENING IN NW ARKANSAS WILL GROW ECO-TOURISM DOLLARS
IS WALMART GOING GREEN?
SOUTHSIDE MAIN PRESENTS FIRST ANTIQUES AND ARTS SHOW THIS WEEKEND

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DeltaMade extra entrepreneur-friendly:

RHDI’s newly launched DeltaMade brands and promotes Arkansas delta products through creative marketing and advertising efforts. The program will provide its members access to the technical and educational services that are so vital to successful small businesses. Visit and shop their week-old website www.arkansasdeltamade.com, which features official DeltaMade products and merchants in the region who carry DeltaMade wares.



On a similar but more extensive note, check out the Arkansas Creative Economy Project, for a comprehensive look into Arkansas’s creative forefront. The link is: http://www.arkansasarts.com/programs/ArkansasCreative.pdf



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Beauty and Blight

[Kane Webb questions Little Rock downtown development prospects, specifically properties owned by Stephens and the LR housing market.] http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Perspective/203755


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Community development is so much more.

Last week’s UCDS conference at UCA shed light on the intensive collaborative efforts behind healthy, viable communities. As conference speakers noted, healthy communities mean smart design, accessibility, and affordability. Of special note at the conference were the following groups and projects in Arkansas:

ACHANGE, which stands for Arkansas Coalition of Housing and Neighborhood Growth for Empowerment (the founders happily admit the acronym came first) is an effort to create safe, decent, and affordable housing for communities all over Arkansas. Visit their web site: http://www.makingachange.us/



Related, visit UA’s School of Architecture web site to learn about the Universal Design Project, one of few such projects in the nation that incorporates handicap accessibility, affordability, and beauty in community housing. See http://dailyheadlines.uark.edu/11521.htm; and UA architect Kory Smith’s web site to see his universal design concepts in 3-D: http://studioaid.org/


The Arc Arkansas, an early advocate of UA’s universal design, has collaborated with UA’s architects on award-winning renovation projects. Visit them at: http://www.arcark.org/



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The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks likely to benefit NW region

The opening of the Garden of the Ozarks last week in NW Arkansas attracted hundreds of visitors, some 90 percent of whom were new to the area. For the full story, visit: http://www.nwanews.com/nwat/Living/57755/

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Is Wal-Mart Saving the Earth?

Decide for yourself. The big box retailer credited with spreading strip malls like plagues may be simultaneously leading the corporate world in eco-conscious business practices. For recent local and national coverage see:

http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Business/200088/ and

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/06/AR2007090602689.html



Southside Main presents first Art & Antiques show this Saturday

Come support local Southside Main Street’s first public event this weekend. Hidden Treasures on South Main,” will feature locally produced fine art, crafts, and antiques and bike tours of the Quapaw neighborhood. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the historic original city near the Governor’s Mansion on South Main between 13th and 15th streets, which will be closed to traffic.