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Helping Small Businesses, Keeping Main Streets Viable

The mission statement is only four words: Creating jobs. Keeping character. The work of Main Street Alabama is crucial during normal times. Even more so during the pandemic. More than two dozen communities rely on guidance and support from the nonprofit organization. “Main Street Alabama has been extraordinarily proactive during the COVID crisis, sharing daily information, strategies, webinars and other educational programs,” said Paul Carruthers, a Regions banker and longtime board member of the statewide organization. “There has been a sharing of ideas on how to assist small businesses in Main Street communities, how to change and increase marketing efforts, and educating small businesses on how to increase sales via online avenues and promotions.”

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Jake’s relies heavily on support from community

One of the biggest things that has helped keep Jake’s on Broad afloat is the support of the community and organizations such as Main Street Alexander City. “If it wasn’t for this small community getting behind us, I don’t know if I would have made it,” owner Jake Mixon said. The locally owned and operated family restaurant, Jake’s has been a staple in the community for years and now more than ever Mixon is appreciative of the constant support. While Jake’s currently is offering only curbside pickup due to Gov. Kay Ivey’s restrictions, Mixon said business is still pretty steady.

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‘Keep Opelika On Track’ T-shirts available for purchase to help downtown businesses

The COVID-19 outbreak has effected all parts of our community, especially impacting our small businesses. As part of our goal to promote a strong and prosperous downtown, Opelika Main Street has launched a Keep Opelika On Track t-shirt to help assist our downtown merchants during this time. The shirts, made locally by Victory Designs, are $20 each with $12 going directly to Opelika Main Street’s downtown member restaurants, entertainment venues and retail shops. “This is a great way for us to get much needed dollars into the hands of our small businesses,” said Opelika Main Street Executive Director Ken Ward. “We hope this will be a way for the Opelika and Lee County community to show their support for our great local businesses during this unprecedented time.”

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New hobby, gaming store locates to downtown Calera

Family hobby and gaming store R.O.E. Hobby has moved to downtown Calera and is set to open Friday, May 1, Calera Main Street announced Wednesday, April 29.

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Foley Main Street looking towards future after COVID-19

FOLEY - Though COVID-19 has closed down numerous businesses across the world, Foley Main Street is still hard at work looking towards the future after the pandemic has ended. Foley Main Street, which kicked off back in 2018 after a long application process, is designed to help cities’ downtown areas further develop and bring the area to life. Since the beginning of 2020, Foley Main Street’s Facebook page has gone from 1,690 followers to 2,893 followers, while the Instagram account has gone from 416 followers in Dec. 2019 to 687 followers as of April.

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