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Athens businesses receive storm relief grants while still recovering from December tornadoes

Natural disaster isn't only devastating - it's expensive. After a tornado left businesses in downtown Athens reeling last December, some experiencing a total loss of inventory or roofs completely blown off buildings, Athens Main Street is now rewarding multiple affected businesses in the town with funds from a Business Storm Relief Fund. These grants are already making a big difference. Read the article for some of the details, including business owners who never gave up hope for a new beginning!

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Montgomery launches Downtown Ambassadors Program

When it comes to bringing the vibrancy back to our downtowns, what better way to spread the good vibes than through Downtown Ambassadors? Main Street Montgomery, a designated community, recently partnered with local entities to formally introduce its newest group of committed community members representing the city's historic downtown.

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Design

Improvements to sidewalks in downtown Gadsden

Thanks to a federal transportation grant, Gadsden continues to improve its downtown infrastructure, including updating sidewalks to make them more accessible for those with mobility issues. Click on the local link for all the details of this quality of life project in and around its Main Street district.

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Boost Your Business With AI: The Power of Optimized Descriptions and Keywords

AI, keywords, optimization...are you a small business owner who's overwhelmed by knowing what does and doesn't "click" with customers?! Well, you're in luck. There's a Main Street webinar for that! Get some digital coaching to help grow your business with online strategies and an AI business boost at the link.

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Historic Preservation is Economic Development

In the Aspiring Main Street Alabama community of Selma, local Selma Redevelopment Authority Executive Director Sarah Aghedo recently wrote an article outlining what we've been saying all month about historic preservation: It's good for business! Preserving history for future generations is most certainly good practice, as well, but Aghedo specifies why a city with such monumental history has not yet been able to make the most of it for residents and visitors. Read her inspiring words (about a recent Main Street Alabama conference, no less) at the Selma Times-Journal link.

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