Seymour Main Street wants everyone to know it stands proud of downtown Seymour and supports efforts to improve and revitalize the heart of the city.
That’s why executive director Becky Schepman has nominated Seymour for the “Independent We Stand — America’s Main Streets” contest sponsored by Stihl.
“Seymour is a small town, but it is a small town with big dreams, and the downtown is leading the way to make those dreams become reality,” Schepman said.
People have until Monday to go to mainstreetcontest.com and vote once a day to push Seymour into the semifinalist round, which begins May 1. The winner will be announced June 5.
The grand prize is $25,000 along with $1,000 worth of Stihl equipment, a one-year subscription to SnapRetail marketing services, $500 shopping sprees at Do It Best Hardware and PPG Pittsburgh Paints and a winner’s plaque.
The goal of the contest is to help promote the importance and economic benefits of Main Streets and the small businesses that help them thrive.
Currently, there are 227 nominees from across the country. Other Indiana communities that have been nominated include Bloomington, Tell City, Noblesville and Nashville.
Schepman said the reason Seymour Main Street is seeing so much success is the partnerships it has developed and the support it receives from the Seymour Redevelopment Commission, local businesses and volunteers.
“Seymour Main Street and community leaders have volunteered countless hours to develop programs to support a spirit of entrepreneurship within the downtown,” she said.
City government and private investment have made financial contributions to improve downtown buildings and attract new businesses.
“More than $100,000 has been provided through various grants and loans in recent years,” Schepman said. “These efforts have led the way for 25 new businesses to open within the last five years.”
There are a variety of events and activities planned to bring people downtown, including Oktoberfest, Cars and Guitars, Scoop the Loop, Downtown Shop Around Days, CityJam summer concerts, the farmers market, Saturday’s Parking Lot Pickers, the Lawn, Garden and Patio Show, Downtown Trick or Treat, Downtown Christmas and the new Happy Glamper vintage camper show April 28 and 29.
Seymour Main Street also is looking to the future by engaging high school students in the downtown economic development process.
“Local students will be learning entrepreneurship firsthand by running a retail storefront in the downtown later this year,” Schepman said.
And that’s not all, as people are going to be noticing big changes and growth downtown, she said.
“Progress is being made on a new downtown park along with new downtown murals, new wayfinding signage and public art displays,” she said. “This small town with big dreams is working hard to make their dreams come true.”
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”On the Web” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
People have until Monday to go to mainstreetcontest.com and vote once a day to push Seymour into the semifinalist round, which begins May 1. The winner will be announced June 5.
The grand prize is $25,000 along with $1,000 worth of Stihl equipment, a one-year subscription to SnapRetail marketing services, $500 shopping sprees at Do It Best Hardware and PPG Pittsburgh Paints and a winner’s plaque.
Currently, there are 227 nominees from all across the country. Other Indiana communities that have been nominated include Bloomington, Tell City, Noblesville and Nashville.
[sc:pullout-text-end]