Great American Main Street Awards: An Insider’s Guide
August 14, 2014
Presenters:Patrice Frey, National Main Street CenterSteve Amraen, National Main Street Center Eddie Bumbaugh, Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance
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Patrice FreyPresident & CEONational Main Street Center
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Steve AmraenAssociate Manager of Network Services National Main Street Center
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• Wednesday, September 17: Applications Due (Midnight CST)
•Friday, October 17: Semi-Finalists Announced
• Monday, March 30, 2015: Winners Announced at 2015 Conference in Atlanta
GAMSA 2015 Timeline
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1) Download application from Main Street website2) Complete Application3) Email completed application along with supporting
materials to [email protected]) Once you receive confirmation, mail in your $150
application fee to:National Main Street CenterAttn: GAMSA2600 Virginia Ave NW, Suite 1000Washington, DC 20036
Process
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• Include up to 15 photos• Letter of Support from Coordinator• Information about community and program
New Requirements in 2015
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Application Tips • Use high quality photos that showcase all aspects of your community
•Be sure to highlight results and outcomes of project or event
• Incorporate the four committees into your application
•Start Early!
Photo Credit: DDA Main Street
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Eddie BumbaughExecutive DirectorHarrisonburg Downtown Renaissance
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Evaluating GAMSA
•Early goal to receive award•Encouraged to apply for several years•Concerned pre-mature for HDR •Projects in process or for future•Informed 2-4 years typically to win•Applied in 2013 and named Semifinalist
National Main Street Center www.mainstreet.org
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Learning GAMSA • Start early and develop team • Assign tasks and timelines• Create outline and gather data• Determine assets and achievements • Talk with other winning communities• Ask questions of Main Street staff
National Main Street Center www.mainstreet.org
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Selling GAMSA • Select primary writer for first draft• Ask others to edit and review• Read with outsider perspective• Use bullets and lists• Include quotes and brief examples• Revise numerous times
National Main Street Center www.mainstreet.org
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Documenting GAMSA • Photos of downtown life• Mountains2MainStreets brochure• Business Recruitment Guide• Plan Our Park presentation• Culinary and Documentary videos• Letters of support
National Main Street Center www.mainstreet.org
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Celebrating GAMSA
• Professional film crew and video• Announcement and video at fundraiser • Recruited board members and planes • Media coverage and supporter excitement• City council and service clubs presentations• Virginia Business, Preservation, and other
publications
National Main Street Center www.mainstreet.org
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Sustaining GAMSA • Valley Fourth parade• Plaque and banner at Visitor Center• Banners and signage at parking decks• Stickers for businesses• Promotion design for newsletter and logo• Rest on laurels or use as launch for progress
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Patrice FreyPresident & CEONational Main Street Center
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• Impact of Main street organization on community• Involvement of public/private sector•Commitment to Historic Preservation• Demonstrated success of Four-Point approach•Main Street creating great place to live, work, play & visit• Supporting documents
Judging CriteriaCredit: Deb Sprecker
Credit: Brandy Somers
National Main Street Center www.mainstreet.org
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Questions?
Registration opens soon for our next online training!
“What Every New Main Street Manager Needs to Know,” September 11 at 1pm Central/2pm Eastern with Norma Ramirez de Miess