Arkansas
Main Street Arkansas Update - March 1, 2010
Take the Main Street Trends Survey
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2010Trends
Main Street Arkansas Calendar March 1 – 5, 2010
**********************************************************************************
MONDAY
TUESDAY Greg, Caroline: Rogers- Resource Team; Nancy – Batesville (merchant visits); Cary – out
WEDNESDAY Greg, Caroline: Rogers – Resource Team
THURSDAY Greg, Caroline: Rogers – Resource Team; Cary, Susan, Nancy, Mark – Siloam Springs (merchant & board visit) & Rogers – Resource Team presentation
FRIDAY Greg, Caroline, Susan, Cary – Rogers
**********************************************************************************
IN THIS ISSUE:
Downtowns Critical to Economic Development
CA LEED Laws & Preservation at Conflict
Good MSA Press
Main Street Ozark in Talk Business Quarterly
List Your Heritage Month Event
Main Street Paragould Press
Input Requested for Press on “Arkansas Institutions”
Smart Growth Assistance – Letters of Interest Accepted
Downtowns Critical to Economic Development
http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=26aed39b-9437-4df4-8468-8b5d354c790f&WeblogID=2c1ca2ae-06e6-4883-9e3a-554f31d9db55
California LEED Laws & Historic Preservation at Conflict
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123861278
More Great Press from Rex Nelson
http://www.rexnelsonsouthernfried.com/?p=709
Main Street Ozark in Talk Business Quarterly
http://mainstreetarkansas.blogspot.com/2010/02/downtown-ozark-in-talk-business.html
List Your Heritage Month Events for Extra Publicity
Folks, if you have any activities scheduled for May, be sure and enter them at http://www.arkansasheritage.com/heritage_month/addevents2010.asp.
Main Street Paragould Press
http://www.paragoulddailypress.com/articles/2010/02/23/local_news/doc4b841588bd2a7568466088.txt
Input Requested for Arkansas Institutions
http://www.rexnelsonsouthernfried.com/?p=688
Roby Brock of Talk Business Quarterly charged Rex Nelson with writing about “things, people, places that make Arkansas what it is — things you need to do or experience to really get your Arkansas bona fides.” Rex wants your input. Click on the link above if you have something you want to brag about.
Request for Letters of Interest: Smart Growth Implementation Assistance
Free technical assistance available!
The Development, Community, and Environment Division in EPA’s Office of Policy, Economics, and Innovation is seeking applications for technical assistance from communities that want to incorporate smart growth in their future development to meet environmental and other community goals. This request is being coordinated under the interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities. Staff from HUD and DOT will assist in the provision of this technical assistance.
Eligible entities are tribal, local, regional, and state governments, and nonprofit organizations that have a demonstrated partnership with a governmental entity. Letters of interest are due at 3:00 pm EST, April 9, 2010.
EPA has identified some key topics in which communities are likely to benefit from technical assistance:
- climate change
- equitable development
- financing and planning infrastructure investments
- hazard mitigation plans
- removing local barriers to implementing LEED-ND
- suburban retrofit
- transportation solutions for rural communities and places without rail
- cities in transition (significant population loss, poverty, or economic deterioration)
Proposals are not limited to requests for technical assistance in only these thematic areas; other topics for assistance are welcome and encouraged, provided they demonstrate cutting-edge challenges and the possibility of replicable solutions. The type of work may incorporate policy analysis and review, planning and visioning processes, scorecard/ranking criteria development and assessment, and/or other elements pertinent to the role of the applicant.
Selected communities or states will receive assistance in the form of a multi-day visit from a team of experts organized by EPA, HUD and DOT and other national partners to work with local leaders. EPA plans to assist three to four communities over a period of twelve months. The Agency anticipates announcing the selected communities in fall of 2010.
For more information and application materials, visit http://epa.gov/smartgrowth/2010_0128_rfli.html.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2010Trends
Main Street Arkansas Calendar March 1 – 5, 2010
**********************************************************************************
MONDAY
TUESDAY Greg, Caroline: Rogers- Resource Team; Nancy – Batesville (merchant visits); Cary – out
WEDNESDAY Greg, Caroline: Rogers – Resource Team
THURSDAY Greg, Caroline: Rogers – Resource Team; Cary, Susan, Nancy, Mark – Siloam Springs (merchant & board visit) & Rogers – Resource Team presentation
FRIDAY Greg, Caroline, Susan, Cary – Rogers
**********************************************************************************
IN THIS ISSUE:
Downtowns Critical to Economic Development
CA LEED Laws & Preservation at Conflict
Good MSA Press
Main Street Ozark in Talk Business Quarterly
List Your Heritage Month Event
Main Street Paragould Press
Input Requested for Press on “Arkansas Institutions”
Smart Growth Assistance – Letters of Interest Accepted
Downtowns Critical to Economic Development
http://www.talkbusiness.net/Weblogs/WeblogItemDetail.aspx?WebLogItemID=26aed39b-9437-4df4-8468-8b5d354c790f&WeblogID=2c1ca2ae-06e6-4883-9e3a-554f31d9db55
California LEED Laws & Historic Preservation at Conflict
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123861278
More Great Press from Rex Nelson
http://www.rexnelsonsouthernfried.com/?p=709
Main Street Ozark in Talk Business Quarterly
http://mainstreetarkansas.blogspot.com/2010/02/downtown-ozark-in-talk-business.html
List Your Heritage Month Events for Extra Publicity
Folks, if you have any activities scheduled for May, be sure and enter them at http://www.arkansasheritage.com/heritage_month/addevents2010.asp.
Main Street Paragould Press
http://www.paragoulddailypress.com/articles/2010/02/23/local_news/doc4b841588bd2a7568466088.txt
Input Requested for Arkansas Institutions
http://www.rexnelsonsouthernfried.com/?p=688
Roby Brock of Talk Business Quarterly charged Rex Nelson with writing about “things, people, places that make Arkansas what it is — things you need to do or experience to really get your Arkansas bona fides.” Rex wants your input. Click on the link above if you have something you want to brag about.
Request for Letters of Interest: Smart Growth Implementation Assistance
Free technical assistance available!
The Development, Community, and Environment Division in EPA’s Office of Policy, Economics, and Innovation is seeking applications for technical assistance from communities that want to incorporate smart growth in their future development to meet environmental and other community goals. This request is being coordinated under the interagency Partnership for Sustainable Communities. Staff from HUD and DOT will assist in the provision of this technical assistance.
Eligible entities are tribal, local, regional, and state governments, and nonprofit organizations that have a demonstrated partnership with a governmental entity. Letters of interest are due at 3:00 pm EST, April 9, 2010.
EPA has identified some key topics in which communities are likely to benefit from technical assistance:
- climate change
- equitable development
- financing and planning infrastructure investments
- hazard mitigation plans
- removing local barriers to implementing LEED-ND
- suburban retrofit
- transportation solutions for rural communities and places without rail
- cities in transition (significant population loss, poverty, or economic deterioration)
Proposals are not limited to requests for technical assistance in only these thematic areas; other topics for assistance are welcome and encouraged, provided they demonstrate cutting-edge challenges and the possibility of replicable solutions. The type of work may incorporate policy analysis and review, planning and visioning processes, scorecard/ranking criteria development and assessment, and/or other elements pertinent to the role of the applicant.
Selected communities or states will receive assistance in the form of a multi-day visit from a team of experts organized by EPA, HUD and DOT and other national partners to work with local leaders. EPA plans to assist three to four communities over a period of twelve months. The Agency anticipates announcing the selected communities in fall of 2010.
For more information and application materials, visit http://epa.gov/smartgrowth/2010_0128_rfli.html.
Categories: Arkansas
Downtown Ozark in Talk Business Quarterly
BY MICHAEL TILLEY
TBQ Staff Writer
Craig Ferguson, the Scotland native who hosts The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, cracks blue and cutting jokes about presidents, popes and pretty much anything.
Except for Ozark, Arkansas.
Which says all you need to know about the Franklin County city of a little more than 3,500 people nestled comfortably and strategically between the Arkansas River, a major east-west Union Pacific rail route and Interstate 40.
And, seriously, Ferguson told David Letterman during an April 2007 Letterman show he stopped in the "lovely town" of Ozark where he first ate catfish. Ozark Mayor Vernon McDaniels sent Ferguson - who was not yet a naturalized U.S. citizen - a letter making him an honorary Ozark citizen.
The problem with Ferguson's "lovely town" moniker is that it's not good enough. The city has the potential to be a booming, dynamic city within the larger Fort Smith metropolitan area, says Jo Alice Blondin, Yvonne Case, Royce Gattis, Sandy Key and Eddie Melton.
Case, Franklin County administrator for the Arkansas Department of Human Services, says the city has several groups with "strong and realistic visions that are poised to make big things happen." All that's needed, Case advises, is an event or leader or group to "instill the art of compromise" and get all the groups to work together.
"We need to get one big thing done and we're on the cusp," Case said. "We're right there, but we have to win that first race."
Some of the groups and projects include Main Street Ozark, an effort by Gattis to construct an up to $15 million east-west collector street between downtown Ozark and 1-40, academic support for the school district, facilitating tourism growth and continued support of the Ozark campus of Russellville-based Arkansas Tech University. All of those things and more - including better broadband service are not just about internal socio-economic improvements.
"We can and need to be in the world market here in Ozark, Arkansas," Case said.
Population 3,525 (2000 census) Median household income $30,436
Melton, executive vice president in Ozark for Little Rock based Bank of the Ozarks, says the agri-based town poultry, cattle, grapes/wine - was once insulated from recessions. This one has been tough, but the "hard-working community adjusted to the times," he said. Melton's office windows provide a view of a multi-million dollar data center the bank has under construction. The data center jobs supported by ATU-Ozark programs - will help bolster a city posting a 3.2% decline in sales tax collections in the first 10 months of 2009.
Tourism growth also is the point of a roughly $11 million Main Street Ozark plan that would completely alter the city's physical and fiscal landscape, according to Main Street Ozark Director Sandy Key. The plan includes a multi-use riverfront pavilion, marina and dock that would be part of a larger River-to-Rails statewide tourism effort. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission provided a $500,000 grant to get the project through some early phases.
Possibly the boldest effort is the collector street plan pushed by Royce Gattis, who left Ozark in 1959 for the U.S. Air Force and returned in the early 1990s to an Ozark he believed could use the real estate experience he gained in Denver. The collector street would stretch several miles between the two arterial roads - Arkansas 23 and 219 that connect U.S. 64 through Ozark to 1-40. The new street would open up hundreds of acres for residential, commercial and industrial development.
"We've figured, based on past growth, that this street would open up enough land for 247 years of growth needs," Gattis said.
Blondin, chancellor of ATU-Ozark, says the people in Ozark think beyond the city's size. She's the first to admit the obstacles are huge, and the first to caution a visitor to not bet against them.
"These people, I tell you, they are solid with those (plans), and they will keep pushing, like Gattis with that street. I wouldn't discount them, not at all," Blondin said. 1BQ
Categories: Arkansas
Main Street Arkansas Update - February 22, 2010
Main Street Arkansas Calendar February 22 - 26, 2010
**********************************************************************************
MONDAY Susan - Paragould
TUESDAY Quarterly Training – 1st Floor Conference Room 323 Center Street
WEDNESDAY all staff – Texarkana Rypkema’s White Elephant Workshop
THURSDAY all staff – Texarkana Rypkema’s White Elephant Workshop
FRIDAY Caroline – out
**********************************************************************************
IN THIS ISSUE:
Main Street Matters
The Ruse of the Creative Class
Texarkana Workshop Press
Broadband USA & Connect Arkansas
Most Endangered Nominations Accepted
Smart Growth Award
Main Street Matters
http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2010/feb/20/main-street-matters-20100220/
- nice MSA mention.
The Ruse of the Creative Class?
http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=the_ruse_of_the_creative_class
Texarkana Workshop Press
http://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/localnews/2010/02/17/workshop-slated-on-building-rehab-15.php
Broadband USA & Connect Arkansas
http://www.broadbandusa.gov/
Connect Arkansas has been designated as the state lead for broadband stimulus proposals, and we are asking organizations submitting their own application to forward the final submitted PDF to Connect Arkansas to be included in the Governor's review and prioritization of proposals for the NTIA.
Please forward proposals to mstockman at connect-arkansas.gov by March 19th.
Connect Arkansas is writing the collaborative state-wide Sustainable Broadband Adoption application. If your organization is interested in participating in this application, please contact Connect Arkansas by Feb. 24th.
ALLIANCE SOLICITS NOMINATIONS FOR 2010 ‘ARKANSAS'S MOST ENDANGERED HISTORIC PLACES’
The Historic Preservation Alliance requests your help in identifying endangered historic places that reflect our Arkansas Heritage for the 2010 Most Endangered Places List.
The Arkansas’s Most Endangered Historic Places list highlights threats facing historically and architecturally significant properties throughout the state. The Alliance is soliciting nominations from residents and organizations across Arkansas of endangered places to be considered for inclusion in the list. The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, April 16 2010.
The Alliance launched Arkansas’s Most Endangered Historic Places in 1999 to raise awareness of the importance of Arkansas’s historic properties to the state's heritage. The sites reflect threats such as deterioration, neglect, insufficient funds, insensitive public policy and inappropriate development. The Alliance will compile the 2010 list of Arkansas's Most Endangered Historic Places from nominations by the public and the list will be announced in May during Arkansas Heritage Month and National Preservation Month.
Previous places listed include the Johnny Cash Family Home in Dyess, Ray Winder Field in Little Rock, Bluff Shelter Archaeological Sites in Northwest Arkansas, the Goddard Hotel in Hot Springs, the Faulkner County Courthouse, the Stephen H. Chism House in Booneville, and the 20th Century African-American Rosenwald Schools throughout the state.
Criteria for inclusion in the list of Arkansas’s Most Endangered Historic Places includes a property's eligibility for the National or Arkansas Register of Historic Places; the degree of a property's local, state, or national significance; and the imminence and degree of the threat to the property.
For more information or a nomination form, visit www.preservearkansas.org , call Rhea Roberts at (501) 372.4757 or email mostendangered at preservearkansas.org .
The Historic Preservation Alliance is the leading statewide non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Arkansas's architectural and cultural heritage. For more information about the Alliance and becoming a member, contact Vanessa at (501) 372-4757, vmckuin at preservearkansas.org , or visit www.preservearkansas.org .
Smart Growth Award
Applications are now being accepted for the 2010 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement. This competition is open to public- and private-sector entities that have successfully used smart growth principles to improve communities environmentally, socially, and economically. The application period is open from February 8, 2010 to April 5, 2010. Up to five awards will be given in the following
categories:
• Programs, Policies, and Regulations
• Smart Growth and Green Building
• Civic Places
• Rural Smart Growth
• Overall Excellence
More information at http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/awards, or see attached announcement.
**********************************************************************************
MONDAY Susan - Paragould
TUESDAY Quarterly Training – 1st Floor Conference Room 323 Center Street
WEDNESDAY all staff – Texarkana Rypkema’s White Elephant Workshop
THURSDAY all staff – Texarkana Rypkema’s White Elephant Workshop
FRIDAY Caroline – out
**********************************************************************************
IN THIS ISSUE:
Main Street Matters
The Ruse of the Creative Class
Texarkana Workshop Press
Broadband USA & Connect Arkansas
Most Endangered Nominations Accepted
Smart Growth Award
Main Street Matters
http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2010/feb/20/main-street-matters-20100220/
- nice MSA mention.
The Ruse of the Creative Class?
http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=the_ruse_of_the_creative_class
Texarkana Workshop Press
http://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/localnews/2010/02/17/workshop-slated-on-building-rehab-15.php
Broadband USA & Connect Arkansas
http://www.broadbandusa.gov/
Connect Arkansas has been designated as the state lead for broadband stimulus proposals, and we are asking organizations submitting their own application to forward the final submitted PDF to Connect Arkansas to be included in the Governor's review and prioritization of proposals for the NTIA.
Please forward proposals to mstockman at connect-arkansas.gov by March 19th.
Connect Arkansas is writing the collaborative state-wide Sustainable Broadband Adoption application. If your organization is interested in participating in this application, please contact Connect Arkansas by Feb. 24th.
ALLIANCE SOLICITS NOMINATIONS FOR 2010 ‘ARKANSAS'S MOST ENDANGERED HISTORIC PLACES’
The Historic Preservation Alliance requests your help in identifying endangered historic places that reflect our Arkansas Heritage for the 2010 Most Endangered Places List.
The Arkansas’s Most Endangered Historic Places list highlights threats facing historically and architecturally significant properties throughout the state. The Alliance is soliciting nominations from residents and organizations across Arkansas of endangered places to be considered for inclusion in the list. The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, April 16 2010.
The Alliance launched Arkansas’s Most Endangered Historic Places in 1999 to raise awareness of the importance of Arkansas’s historic properties to the state's heritage. The sites reflect threats such as deterioration, neglect, insufficient funds, insensitive public policy and inappropriate development. The Alliance will compile the 2010 list of Arkansas's Most Endangered Historic Places from nominations by the public and the list will be announced in May during Arkansas Heritage Month and National Preservation Month.
Previous places listed include the Johnny Cash Family Home in Dyess, Ray Winder Field in Little Rock, Bluff Shelter Archaeological Sites in Northwest Arkansas, the Goddard Hotel in Hot Springs, the Faulkner County Courthouse, the Stephen H. Chism House in Booneville, and the 20th Century African-American Rosenwald Schools throughout the state.
Criteria for inclusion in the list of Arkansas’s Most Endangered Historic Places includes a property's eligibility for the National or Arkansas Register of Historic Places; the degree of a property's local, state, or national significance; and the imminence and degree of the threat to the property.
For more information or a nomination form, visit www.preservearkansas.org , call Rhea Roberts at (501) 372.4757 or email mostendangered at preservearkansas.org .
The Historic Preservation Alliance is the leading statewide non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Arkansas's architectural and cultural heritage. For more information about the Alliance and becoming a member, contact Vanessa at (501) 372-4757, vmckuin at preservearkansas.org , or visit www.preservearkansas.org .
Smart Growth Award
Applications are now being accepted for the 2010 National Award for Smart Growth Achievement. This competition is open to public- and private-sector entities that have successfully used smart growth principles to improve communities environmentally, socially, and economically. The application period is open from February 8, 2010 to April 5, 2010. Up to five awards will be given in the following
categories:
• Programs, Policies, and Regulations
• Smart Growth and Green Building
• Civic Places
• Rural Smart Growth
• Overall Excellence
More information at http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/awards, or see attached announcement.
Categories: Arkansas
Main Street Arkansas Update - February 16, 2010
Mark your calendar for Destination Downtown - September 13-15, New Iberia, LA
Main Street Arkansas Calendar February 15 - 19, 2010
**********************************************************************************
MONDAY office closed in honor of Presidents’ Day
TUESDAY Cary, Greg, Nancy – West Memphis (4-Point Training); Mark – Batesville, Hardy
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY Caroline, Susan – Heber Springs (social media workshop)
FRIDAY Cary – Batesville
**********************************************************************************
IN THIS ISSUE:
Main Street Texarkana Press
Dreams of Light Rail in NW AR
MST on Flickr
Downtown LR Photo Contest
AR Consolidated Plan Survey
The Newest Thing in Social Media?
UA Architectural Students Help Revitalize Neighborhood
Main Street Texarkana Introduces New Board Members
http://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/localnews/2010/02/10/new-main-street-members-introduce-themse-95.php
Dreams of Light Rail in NW Arkansas
http://www.arktimes.com/Articles/ArticleViewer.aspx?ArticleID=61bad72a-a97f-479c-9382-aec776da4052
Main Street Texarkana on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/people/mainstreettexarkana/
Downtown LR Photo Contest
www.arkansasonline.com/downtownphotos
Arkansas Consolidated Plan Survey
http://www.arkansasedc.com/grants/consolidated-plan-survey.aspx
The Newest Thing in Social Media? - Google Buzz
www.google.com/buzz
-I’m on it & it hasn’t lit my fire yet. I also have Google Wave & remain underwhelmed
UA Architectural Students Building Home to Help Revitalize Neighborhood
http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2010/feb/11/ua-students-building-lr-home-20100211/
- subscriber only, sorry
Main Street Arkansas Calendar February 15 - 19, 2010
**********************************************************************************
MONDAY office closed in honor of Presidents’ Day
TUESDAY Cary, Greg, Nancy – West Memphis (4-Point Training); Mark – Batesville, Hardy
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY Caroline, Susan – Heber Springs (social media workshop)
FRIDAY Cary – Batesville
**********************************************************************************
IN THIS ISSUE:
Main Street Texarkana Press
Dreams of Light Rail in NW AR
MST on Flickr
Downtown LR Photo Contest
AR Consolidated Plan Survey
The Newest Thing in Social Media?
UA Architectural Students Help Revitalize Neighborhood
Main Street Texarkana Introduces New Board Members
http://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/localnews/2010/02/10/new-main-street-members-introduce-themse-95.php
Dreams of Light Rail in NW Arkansas
http://www.arktimes.com/Articles/ArticleViewer.aspx?ArticleID=61bad72a-a97f-479c-9382-aec776da4052
Main Street Texarkana on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/people/mainstreettexarkana/
Downtown LR Photo Contest
www.arkansasonline.com/downtownphotos
Arkansas Consolidated Plan Survey
http://www.arkansasedc.com/grants/consolidated-plan-survey.aspx
The Newest Thing in Social Media? - Google Buzz
www.google.com/buzz
-I’m on it & it hasn’t lit my fire yet. I also have Google Wave & remain underwhelmed
UA Architectural Students Building Home to Help Revitalize Neighborhood
http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2010/feb/11/ua-students-building-lr-home-20100211/
- subscriber only, sorry
Categories: Arkansas
Main Street Arkansas Update - February 1, 2010
Congratulations to Main Street El Dorado, Rogers & Batesville on their numerous Festival Association wins today
Reminder - February Quarterly Training NEXT WEEK
Our next quarterly training will be in Little Rock, February 9-10, 2010. You should have received both email & hard copy information about the training. Let us know if you have questions.
Main Street Arkansas Calendar February 1 - 5, 2010
*********************************************************************************
MONDAY Cary, Caroline & Greg – AR Festivals Assoc Conf
TUESDAY Cary – Monticello (ADN Presentation); Susan - Paragould
WEDNESDAY Cary – Batesville (program assessment); Susan - Paragould
THURSDAY Susan – Russellville
FRIDAY Greg, Susan – Searcy; Nancy – off
**********************************************************************************
IN THIS ISSUE:
MSWM Selected for NEA Your Town Workshop
Batesville Winter Gala – delayed due to weather
Kim Wilson Receives Honor
EPA Grant
Show on Historic Sites
Blytheville Branding
Non-Profit’s Role in the 2010 Census
Downtown Walnut Ridge Press
Main Street West Memphis was selected last week as a 2010 Your Town Workshop Winner. Your Town is a National Endowment for the Arts program that responds to the design needs of small towns and rural areas
For more information visit http://www.yourtowndesign.org/
Batesville Winter Gala Press
http://www.guardonline.com/content/winter-gala-set
Kim Wilson of Main Street Hardy Receives Chamber Honor
http://www.villageronline.com/story/1606054.html
New EPA Grant Available
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is making $2 million available in 2010 to reduce pollution at the local level through the Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) program. CARE is a community-based program that works with county and local governments, tribes, non-profit organizations and universities to help the public understand and reduce toxic risks from numerous sources. Applications for the CARE grants are due March 9, 2010. EPA will conduct three Webcasts to answer questions from prospective applicants about the application process on Feb. 2, 23, and 26 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
What Celeb Do You Want Hosting a Show on Historic Sites?
Why Larry the Cable Guy, of course
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/445919-History_Orders_Larry_The_Cable_Guy_Series.php
Blytheville Branding
http://www.downtownbranding.com/blytheville/
Non-Profit’s Role in the 2010 Census
http://www.nonprofitscount.org/
Downtown Walnut Ridge Press
http://www.thetd.com/freepages/2010-01-27/news/story1.php
Reminder - February Quarterly Training NEXT WEEK
Our next quarterly training will be in Little Rock, February 9-10, 2010. You should have received both email & hard copy information about the training. Let us know if you have questions.
Main Street Arkansas Calendar February 1 - 5, 2010
*********************************************************************************
MONDAY Cary, Caroline & Greg – AR Festivals Assoc Conf
TUESDAY Cary – Monticello (ADN Presentation); Susan - Paragould
WEDNESDAY Cary – Batesville (program assessment); Susan - Paragould
THURSDAY Susan – Russellville
FRIDAY Greg, Susan – Searcy; Nancy – off
**********************************************************************************
IN THIS ISSUE:
MSWM Selected for NEA Your Town Workshop
Batesville Winter Gala – delayed due to weather
Kim Wilson Receives Honor
EPA Grant
Show on Historic Sites
Blytheville Branding
Non-Profit’s Role in the 2010 Census
Downtown Walnut Ridge Press
Main Street West Memphis was selected last week as a 2010 Your Town Workshop Winner. Your Town is a National Endowment for the Arts program that responds to the design needs of small towns and rural areas
For more information visit http://www.yourtowndesign.org/
Batesville Winter Gala Press
http://www.guardonline.com/content/winter-gala-set
Kim Wilson of Main Street Hardy Receives Chamber Honor
http://www.villageronline.com/story/1606054.html
New EPA Grant Available
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is making $2 million available in 2010 to reduce pollution at the local level through the Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) program. CARE is a community-based program that works with county and local governments, tribes, non-profit organizations and universities to help the public understand and reduce toxic risks from numerous sources. Applications for the CARE grants are due March 9, 2010. EPA will conduct three Webcasts to answer questions from prospective applicants about the application process on Feb. 2, 23, and 26 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
What Celeb Do You Want Hosting a Show on Historic Sites?
Why Larry the Cable Guy, of course
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/445919-History_Orders_Larry_The_Cable_Guy_Series.php
Blytheville Branding
http://www.downtownbranding.com/blytheville/
Non-Profit’s Role in the 2010 Census
http://www.nonprofitscount.org/
Downtown Walnut Ridge Press
http://www.thetd.com/freepages/2010-01-27/news/story1.php
Categories: Arkansas
Main Street Arkansas Update - January 25, 2010
Reminder - February Quarterly Training
Our next quarterly training will be in Little Rock, February 9-10, 2010. You should have received both email & hard copy information about the training. Let us know if you have questions.
Main Street Arkansas Calendar January 25-29, 2010
**********************************************************************************
MONDAY
TUESDAY Greg – Jonesboro; Nancy & Mark – Mosaic Templars (African American Entrepreneurship workshop)
WEDNESDAY Nancy out – a.m.; Cary & Mark – Hardy (working with the board & city)
THURSDAY Susan & Caroline – Heber Springs (social media workshop & storefront work)
FRIDAY Susan – Paragould (working on upper story residential project)
**********************************************************************************
IN THIS ISSUE:
LR 59th Worst Commute
Video of Smart Growth Awards
Downtown Rector Press
NEA Offers Grants for Urban Design
Need for Planning in an Aging Society
Wealthy Donors Narrowed to 6 Types
LR 59th Worst Commute in the Country
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-01-19/americas-75-worst-commutes/full/
Video of the Smart Growth Awards
http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/awards/sg_awards_publication_2009.htm
• A new report by Smart Growth America, done in conjunction with US PIRG and the Center for Neighborhood Technology, analyzed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act transportation spending to date. The report shows that transit investments have created more jobs dollar-for-dollar than highway spending.
Rector’s Membership in the Arkansas Downtown Network touted as Feather in Community Development Cap
http://www.claycountydemocrat.com/story/1604255.html
NEA Offers Grants for Urban Design
http://arts.hikool.com/nea-offers-grants-for-urban-design/
The Need for Planning in an Aging Society
Community design, the availability of amenities, and ease of mobility have a tremendous impact on the aging population, but the 50+ community is often ignored when these elements are being planned. AARP's Livable Communities Initiative offers guidance to planners on how to better understand, evaluate and plan for the needs of older adults.
http://www.planetizen.com/node/28644
Wealthy Donors Narrowed Down to Six Types
A new study identifies six types of high net worth donors and explains what motivates them to give. Click here for more information, or go to the following link:
http://www.afpnet.org/ResourceCenter/ArticleDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=4305
Our next quarterly training will be in Little Rock, February 9-10, 2010. You should have received both email & hard copy information about the training. Let us know if you have questions.
Main Street Arkansas Calendar January 25-29, 2010
**********************************************************************************
MONDAY
TUESDAY Greg – Jonesboro; Nancy & Mark – Mosaic Templars (African American Entrepreneurship workshop)
WEDNESDAY Nancy out – a.m.; Cary & Mark – Hardy (working with the board & city)
THURSDAY Susan & Caroline – Heber Springs (social media workshop & storefront work)
FRIDAY Susan – Paragould (working on upper story residential project)
**********************************************************************************
IN THIS ISSUE:
LR 59th Worst Commute
Video of Smart Growth Awards
Downtown Rector Press
NEA Offers Grants for Urban Design
Need for Planning in an Aging Society
Wealthy Donors Narrowed to 6 Types
LR 59th Worst Commute in the Country
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-01-19/americas-75-worst-commutes/full/
Video of the Smart Growth Awards
http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/awards/sg_awards_publication_2009.htm
• A new report by Smart Growth America, done in conjunction with US PIRG and the Center for Neighborhood Technology, analyzed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act transportation spending to date. The report shows that transit investments have created more jobs dollar-for-dollar than highway spending.
Rector’s Membership in the Arkansas Downtown Network touted as Feather in Community Development Cap
http://www.claycountydemocrat.com/story/1604255.html
NEA Offers Grants for Urban Design
http://arts.hikool.com/nea-offers-grants-for-urban-design/
The Need for Planning in an Aging Society
Community design, the availability of amenities, and ease of mobility have a tremendous impact on the aging population, but the 50+ community is often ignored when these elements are being planned. AARP's Livable Communities Initiative offers guidance to planners on how to better understand, evaluate and plan for the needs of older adults.
http://www.planetizen.com/node/28644
Wealthy Donors Narrowed Down to Six Types
A new study identifies six types of high net worth donors and explains what motivates them to give. Click here for more information, or go to the following link:
http://www.afpnet.org/ResourceCenter/ArticleDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=4305
Categories: Arkansas
Main Street Arkansas Update, January 18, 2010
Reminder - February Quarterly Training
Our next quarterly training will be in Little Rock, February 9-10, 2010. We have reserved a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn Presidential at the rate of $89.99. This rate has been extended until January 22, 2010. Reservations can be made by calling the hotel directly at 501.375.2100 or 866-900-7625. Please have your guests refer to the “Main Street Arkansas” group rate when making reservations, in order to receive the discount.
Main Street Arkansas Calendar January 18-22, 2010
**********************************************************************************
MONDAY office closed in honor of the MLK holiday
TUESDAY Cary – Blytheville (branding)
WEDNESDAY Cary – Blytheville (branding)
THURSDAY Cary, Caroline, Mark, Susan, Nancy – Blytheville (branding); Greg – Springdale – ADN presentation
FRIDAY
**********************************************************************************
IN THIS ISSUE:
Downtown Pine Bluff News
Five Internal Controls for Small Non Profits
Downtown LR Partnership Using SurveyMonkey.com
Help with the 990
Google City Tours
Wal Mart Begins Charging for Bags in Some Stores
“Green” is Dead
Smart Growth Visualizations
Grant Opportunity
Downtown Pine Bluff News
http://www.pbcommercial.com/articles/2010/01/12/news/news4.txt
Five Internal Controls for Small Non Profits
http://www.blueavocado.org/node/485
Downtown LR Partnership Using SurveyMoneky.com to Engage the Public
http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/2010/01/remaking_lrs_main_street.aspx
- full disclosure: Missy, Boyd & I sit on the Partnership’s Existing Structures committee
Help with Form 990 – pdf document
http://my.preservationnation.org/site/DocServer/governance_guide_sheet.pdf?docID=7941
New – Google City Tours
http://citytours.googlelabs.com/import
- what does Google say about your city?
Wal Mart Begins Charging for Bags in Some Stores
http://www.nowpublic.com/environment/walmart-charges-bags-california-2555223.html
The “Green” Brand is Dead
http://www.build2sustain.com/blog/2010/1/8/green-is-a-dead-brand.html
Smart Growth Visualizations
http://www.nrdc.org/smartGrowth/visions/FeaturedScenarios.asp
Green Building Grant 2010 Program
The USGBC- Central Arkansas Branch announces the 2010 Green Building Grant Program. The Green Building Grant is open to any applicant but preference will be given to nonprofits, schools, or government organizations who seek to build or remodel in Central Arkansas. The maximum grant is $3000. Deadline to submit a proposal is January 29, 2010.
This would be a great way to "seed" a new green project or pay LEED registration/design fees.
Jackie Jernigan, Chair of the Green Building Grant Committee states, "In today's tight economy, it is important that we support local projects that expand green building practices in our state. We hope this Green Building Grant will allow the applicant to complete a green project will have a positive impact on their community through energy efficiency, healthier buildings and low environmental impact. " Other members of the Green Building Grant Committee are Cliff McKinney, Jeff Yates and Linda K. Smith.
Complete details at www.usgbc-ar.org
Our next quarterly training will be in Little Rock, February 9-10, 2010. We have reserved a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn Presidential at the rate of $89.99. This rate has been extended until January 22, 2010. Reservations can be made by calling the hotel directly at 501.375.2100 or 866-900-7625. Please have your guests refer to the “Main Street Arkansas” group rate when making reservations, in order to receive the discount.
Main Street Arkansas Calendar January 18-22, 2010
**********************************************************************************
MONDAY office closed in honor of the MLK holiday
TUESDAY Cary – Blytheville (branding)
WEDNESDAY Cary – Blytheville (branding)
THURSDAY Cary, Caroline, Mark, Susan, Nancy – Blytheville (branding); Greg – Springdale – ADN presentation
FRIDAY
**********************************************************************************
IN THIS ISSUE:
Downtown Pine Bluff News
Five Internal Controls for Small Non Profits
Downtown LR Partnership Using SurveyMonkey.com
Help with the 990
Google City Tours
Wal Mart Begins Charging for Bags in Some Stores
“Green” is Dead
Smart Growth Visualizations
Grant Opportunity
Downtown Pine Bluff News
http://www.pbcommercial.com/articles/2010/01/12/news/news4.txt
Five Internal Controls for Small Non Profits
http://www.blueavocado.org/node/485
Downtown LR Partnership Using SurveyMoneky.com to Engage the Public
http://www.arktimes.com/blogs/arkansasblog/2010/01/remaking_lrs_main_street.aspx
- full disclosure: Missy, Boyd & I sit on the Partnership’s Existing Structures committee
Help with Form 990 – pdf document
http://my.preservationnation.org/site/DocServer/governance_guide_sheet.pdf?docID=7941
New – Google City Tours
http://citytours.googlelabs.com/import
- what does Google say about your city?
Wal Mart Begins Charging for Bags in Some Stores
http://www.nowpublic.com/environment/walmart-charges-bags-california-2555223.html
The “Green” Brand is Dead
http://www.build2sustain.com/blog/2010/1/8/green-is-a-dead-brand.html
Smart Growth Visualizations
http://www.nrdc.org/smartGrowth/visions/FeaturedScenarios.asp
Green Building Grant 2010 Program
The USGBC- Central Arkansas Branch announces the 2010 Green Building Grant Program. The Green Building Grant is open to any applicant but preference will be given to nonprofits, schools, or government organizations who seek to build or remodel in Central Arkansas. The maximum grant is $3000. Deadline to submit a proposal is January 29, 2010.
This would be a great way to "seed" a new green project or pay LEED registration/design fees.
Jackie Jernigan, Chair of the Green Building Grant Committee states, "In today's tight economy, it is important that we support local projects that expand green building practices in our state. We hope this Green Building Grant will allow the applicant to complete a green project will have a positive impact on their community through energy efficiency, healthier buildings and low environmental impact. " Other members of the Green Building Grant Committee are Cliff McKinney, Jeff Yates and Linda K. Smith.
Complete details at www.usgbc-ar.org
Categories: Arkansas
Main Street Arkansas Update - January 11, 2010
February Quarterly Training Reminder
Our next quarterly training will be in Little Rock, February 8-10, 2010. We have reserved a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn Presidential at the rate of $89.99. This rate is good until January 22, 2010. Please make your reservations prior to the 9th! Reservations can be made by calling the hotel directly at 501-375-2100 or 866-900-7625. Please have your guests refer to the Main Street Arkansas group rate when making reservations, in order to receive the group rate. We will send out a final agenda hard copy & email this week.
MSA grant application period will open March 15 & close April 23.
The Arkansas Downtown Network application period for new communities is open through March 31. Applications can be downloaded here: http://www.arkansaspreservation.org/pdf/main_street/2010_ADN_Application.doc
Main Street Arkansas Calendar January 11 – 15, 2010
*********************************************************************************
MONDAY Caroline – (attending board meeting, prep for 2.25 White Elephant Workshop); Susan – Paragould (working with merchants)
TUESDAY Caroline – Texarkana
WEDNESDAY Susan, Caroline – Morrilton (Window Display Workshop)
THURSDAY Susan, Mark – West Memphis
FRIDAY
*********************************************************************************
Office closed – Monday, January 18 in honor of the Martin Luther King Holiday
IN THIS ISSUE:
AHPP Accepting Grant Applications
Downtown Jonesboro Press
2010 Downtown Trends
New Sites Dabble with Web Tool to Prod Local Officials
New City Hall Spurring Downtown Development?
Number of Charities in US on Rise
Rightsizing Shrinking Cities
Embracing the Economics of Preservation
Arkansas Urban Forestry Conference
AHPP ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION GRANTS
The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage, will accept applications for its Historic Preservation Restoration Grant and County Courthouse Restoration Subgrant programs through March 12, AHPP Director Frances McSwain announced today.
Two Historic Preservation Restoration Grant options are available for rehabilitation of historic structures in Arkansas:
• Option 1 grants of up to $10,000 are available to the owners of properties that are listed on the Arkansas Register of Historic Places or are non-contributing structures in National Register historic districts if the grant project will make the property eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places and the owner follows through with the National Register listing process
• Option 2 grants of $10,000 or more are available to the owners of properties that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and owned by a not-for-profit organization or a local government.
County Courthouse Restoration Subgrants are available for preservation work at county courthouse buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The program uses funds provided by the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council, which distributes money raised through the state Real Estate Transfer Tax.
Anyone considering applying for an AHPP Historic Preservation Restoration Grant or County Courthouse Restoration Subgrant is urged to submit a letter of intent on the project. The letter of intent form is available at http://www.arkansaspreservation.org/preservation-services/grant-programs/ .
Guidelines and applications for the Historic Preservation Restoration Grant and County Courthouse Restoration Subgrant programs can be downloaded from the AHPP web site at http://www.arkansaspreservation.org/preservation-services/grant-programs/ guidelines also can be acquired by writing AHPP Grants, 1500 Tower Building, 323 Center St., Little Rock, AR 72201. Requests also can be sent to the agency via fax at (501) 324-9184 or via e-mail at joia at arkansasheritage.org. All applications must be delivered to the AHPP office by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 12, 2010; faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted.
Downtown Jonesboro Association Press
http://www.jonesborosun.com/story.php?ID=41357
2010 Downtown Trends
http://www.msmainstreet.com/index.php/events_news/news_article/533/
News Sites Dabble with Web Tool to Nudge Local Officials
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/04/business/media/04click.html
New City Hall Seen as Catalyst for Downtown Development
http://www.governing.com/column/las-vegas-rolls-dice-new-city-hall
Number of Charities in US Rise, Costing Tax Dollars
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/06/us/06charity.html?_r=1
- per the article, 99% of all IRS charity applications were approved last year
Rightsizing Shrinking Cities Requires Patience & Prudence
http://www.cleveland.com/opinion/index.ssf/2010/01/rightsizing_shrinking_cities_r.html
Embracing the Economics of Historic Preservation
http://info.aia.org/aiarchitect/thisweek09/1218/1218rc_historicpreservation.cfm
Arkansas Urban Forestry Conference
Feb 8-10,2010 Fort Smith - For more information visit http://www.arkansastrees.org/
Our next quarterly training will be in Little Rock, February 8-10, 2010. We have reserved a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn Presidential at the rate of $89.99. This rate is good until January 22, 2010. Please make your reservations prior to the 9th! Reservations can be made by calling the hotel directly at 501-375-2100 or 866-900-7625. Please have your guests refer to the Main Street Arkansas group rate when making reservations, in order to receive the group rate. We will send out a final agenda hard copy & email this week.
MSA grant application period will open March 15 & close April 23.
The Arkansas Downtown Network application period for new communities is open through March 31. Applications can be downloaded here: http://www.arkansaspreservation.org/pdf/main_street/2010_ADN_Application.doc
Main Street Arkansas Calendar January 11 – 15, 2010
*********************************************************************************
MONDAY Caroline – (attending board meeting, prep for 2.25 White Elephant Workshop); Susan – Paragould (working with merchants)
TUESDAY Caroline – Texarkana
WEDNESDAY Susan, Caroline – Morrilton (Window Display Workshop)
THURSDAY Susan, Mark – West Memphis
FRIDAY
*********************************************************************************
Office closed – Monday, January 18 in honor of the Martin Luther King Holiday
IN THIS ISSUE:
AHPP Accepting Grant Applications
Downtown Jonesboro Press
2010 Downtown Trends
New Sites Dabble with Web Tool to Prod Local Officials
New City Hall Spurring Downtown Development?
Number of Charities in US on Rise
Rightsizing Shrinking Cities
Embracing the Economics of Preservation
Arkansas Urban Forestry Conference
AHPP ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION GRANTS
The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage, will accept applications for its Historic Preservation Restoration Grant and County Courthouse Restoration Subgrant programs through March 12, AHPP Director Frances McSwain announced today.
Two Historic Preservation Restoration Grant options are available for rehabilitation of historic structures in Arkansas:
• Option 1 grants of up to $10,000 are available to the owners of properties that are listed on the Arkansas Register of Historic Places or are non-contributing structures in National Register historic districts if the grant project will make the property eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places and the owner follows through with the National Register listing process
• Option 2 grants of $10,000 or more are available to the owners of properties that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and owned by a not-for-profit organization or a local government.
County Courthouse Restoration Subgrants are available for preservation work at county courthouse buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The program uses funds provided by the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council, which distributes money raised through the state Real Estate Transfer Tax.
Anyone considering applying for an AHPP Historic Preservation Restoration Grant or County Courthouse Restoration Subgrant is urged to submit a letter of intent on the project. The letter of intent form is available at http://www.arkansaspreservation.org/preservation-services/grant-programs/ .
Guidelines and applications for the Historic Preservation Restoration Grant and County Courthouse Restoration Subgrant programs can be downloaded from the AHPP web site at http://www.arkansaspreservation.org/preservation-services/grant-programs/ guidelines also can be acquired by writing AHPP Grants, 1500 Tower Building, 323 Center St., Little Rock, AR 72201. Requests also can be sent to the agency via fax at (501) 324-9184 or via e-mail at joia at arkansasheritage.org. All applications must be delivered to the AHPP office by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 12, 2010; faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted.
Downtown Jonesboro Association Press
http://www.jonesborosun.com/story.php?ID=41357
2010 Downtown Trends
http://www.msmainstreet.com/index.php/events_news/news_article/533/
News Sites Dabble with Web Tool to Nudge Local Officials
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/04/business/media/04click.html
New City Hall Seen as Catalyst for Downtown Development
http://www.governing.com/column/las-vegas-rolls-dice-new-city-hall
Number of Charities in US Rise, Costing Tax Dollars
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/06/us/06charity.html?_r=1
- per the article, 99% of all IRS charity applications were approved last year
Rightsizing Shrinking Cities Requires Patience & Prudence
http://www.cleveland.com/opinion/index.ssf/2010/01/rightsizing_shrinking_cities_r.html
Embracing the Economics of Historic Preservation
http://info.aia.org/aiarchitect/thisweek09/1218/1218rc_historicpreservation.cfm
Arkansas Urban Forestry Conference
Feb 8-10,2010 Fort Smith - For more information visit http://www.arkansastrees.org/
Categories: Arkansas
Main Street Arkansas Update - January 4, 2010
February Quarterly Training Reminder
Our next quarterly training will be in Little Rock, February 8-10, 2010. We have reserved a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn Presidential at the rate of $89.99. This rate is good until January 9, 2010. Please make your reservations prior to the 9th! Reservations can be made by calling the hotel directly at 501-375-2100 or 866-900-7625. Please have your guests refer to the Main Street Arkansas group rate when making reservations, in order to receive the group rate. We will send out a final agenda hard copy & email this week.
MSA grant application period will open March 15 & close April 23.
Susan – out all week
Main Street Arkansas Calendar January 4 - 11
*********************************************************************************
MONDAY Mark M – out; Caroline – Blytheville
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY Greg – Jonesboro
THURSDAY Greg & Caroline – Springdale
FRIDAY
*********************************************************************************
IN THIS ISSUE:
Blytheville Press
Russellville Press
Texarkana Press
Jane Jacobs Says. . .
Dose of Reality on Unemployment
AEDC Accepting Grant Applications
MSB Flourishes
http://www.neabusinesstoday.com/view/100
MSR Press
http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2010/jan/03/russellville-step-right-direction-20100103/
Main Street Texarkana Grants Press
http://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/localnews/2009/12/27/grants-available-for-downtown-restoratio-31.php
Jane Says. . .
http://www.orton.org/blog/jane_says
thanks to Bob Wilson for this
Dose of Reality on Unemployment
http://cohort11.americanobserver.net/latoyaegwuekwe/multimediafinal.html
AEDC accepting applications for General Assistance grants
The Arkansas Economic Development Commission is now accepting proposals for grant funding for General Assistance and Innovative Projects.
The grants will be administered by the Grants Management Division of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC). To be eligible for Community Development Block Grant funds, communities must have a population of less than 50,000 and a majority of households earn low to moderate income. In addition, all projects must benefit persons of low to moderate income, help eliminate conditions of slum and blight, or assist in addressing an urgent community need.
Grants will be for an amount between $50,000 and $200,000. Priority will be given to innovative projects, to communities with lower-than-average incomes, and to projects that address priorities cited in the State’s Consolidated Plan. Funding will be provided for projects under the following categories: Public Works, Public Facilities, and Innovative Projects.
Proposals must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. on March 31, 2010. Grant awards will be made by July 1, 2010.
To obtain an application and a copy of the application guidelines, contact the Grants Management Division at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission at (501) 682-1211 or 1-800-ARKANSAS. Applications and guidelines can be viewed and downloaded online at the AEDC website, http://www.arkansasedc.com/ .
Our next quarterly training will be in Little Rock, February 8-10, 2010. We have reserved a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn Presidential at the rate of $89.99. This rate is good until January 9, 2010. Please make your reservations prior to the 9th! Reservations can be made by calling the hotel directly at 501-375-2100 or 866-900-7625. Please have your guests refer to the Main Street Arkansas group rate when making reservations, in order to receive the group rate. We will send out a final agenda hard copy & email this week.
MSA grant application period will open March 15 & close April 23.
Susan – out all week
Main Street Arkansas Calendar January 4 - 11
*********************************************************************************
MONDAY Mark M – out; Caroline – Blytheville
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY Greg – Jonesboro
THURSDAY Greg & Caroline – Springdale
FRIDAY
*********************************************************************************
IN THIS ISSUE:
Blytheville Press
Russellville Press
Texarkana Press
Jane Jacobs Says. . .
Dose of Reality on Unemployment
AEDC Accepting Grant Applications
MSB Flourishes
http://www.neabusinesstoday.com/view/100
MSR Press
http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2010/jan/03/russellville-step-right-direction-20100103/
Main Street Texarkana Grants Press
http://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/localnews/2009/12/27/grants-available-for-downtown-restoratio-31.php
Jane Says. . .
http://www.orton.org/blog/jane_says
thanks to Bob Wilson for this
Dose of Reality on Unemployment
http://cohort11.americanobserver.net/latoyaegwuekwe/multimediafinal.html
AEDC accepting applications for General Assistance grants
The Arkansas Economic Development Commission is now accepting proposals for grant funding for General Assistance and Innovative Projects.
The grants will be administered by the Grants Management Division of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC). To be eligible for Community Development Block Grant funds, communities must have a population of less than 50,000 and a majority of households earn low to moderate income. In addition, all projects must benefit persons of low to moderate income, help eliminate conditions of slum and blight, or assist in addressing an urgent community need.
Grants will be for an amount between $50,000 and $200,000. Priority will be given to innovative projects, to communities with lower-than-average incomes, and to projects that address priorities cited in the State’s Consolidated Plan. Funding will be provided for projects under the following categories: Public Works, Public Facilities, and Innovative Projects.
Proposals must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. on March 31, 2010. Grant awards will be made by July 1, 2010.
To obtain an application and a copy of the application guidelines, contact the Grants Management Division at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission at (501) 682-1211 or 1-800-ARKANSAS. Applications and guidelines can be viewed and downloaded online at the AEDC website, http://www.arkansasedc.com/ .
Categories: Arkansas
Main Street Arkansas Update - December 21, 2009
Caroline – out all week
Main Street Arkansas Calendar December 21-25, 2009
************************************************************************************
MONDAY Susan, Nancy – out
TUESDAY Nancy, Greg - out
WEDNESDAY Mark, Greg – out; Cary – out, p.m.
THURSDAY office closed
FRIDAY office closed
************************************************************************************
IN THIS ISSUE:
LEED Buildings Still Waste Energy
Ghosts of Shopping Malls Past
Does Shopping Local Really Matter
Free Shop Local Ads/Posters
Civil War Marker Program
Add Your Town to the Community Almanac – Free
7 Grant Opportunities
LEED-certified buildings are clean, innovative, and environmentally friendly. But why are they wasting so much energy?
http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200911u/green-buildings
- I tried to ask a very similar question at Mr. Fredrizzi’s appearance at the Clinton School, but wasn’t lucky enough to get called on. You can watch Mr. Fredrizzi here:
http://www.clintonschoolspeakers.com/lecture/view/ceo-us-green-building-council/
It’s worth noting & the article points out that LEED-EB (for existing buildings) is addressing some of these issues.
Ghosts of Shopping Malls Past
http://www.themorningnews.org/archives/galleries/ghosts_of_shopping_past/
Does Shopping Local Really Matter?
http://philhardwick.blogspot.com/2009/12/does-shopping-locally-really-matter.html
Free Shop Local Ads/Posters
http://amiba.net/educational_comps.html
Civil War Marker Program
The Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission invites groups and organizations around the state to sponsor a historical marker telling how the Civil War affected their area.
The Commission is urging local groups around the state to tell the stories of how the Civil War impacted their communities. The Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Historical Marker Program is intended to provide a lasting record of the legacy of the war in Arkansas.
Through the program, which received initial funding from the federal Preserve America program, the ACWSC will contribute up to $1,000 toward the creation of historical markers. Commission historians will work with the local sponsors to ensure that all of the information on the markers is accurate.
Application forms are available by writing Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Historical Marker Program, 1500 Tower Building, 323 Center Street, Little Rock, AR 72201 or sending an e-mail message to acwsc@arkansasheritage.org or shelle@arkansasheritage.org. They also can be downloaded at http://www.arkansascivilwar150.com/historical-markers/.
For more information on sesquicentennial plans, visit www.arkansascivilwar150.com or e-mail acwsc at arkansasheritage.org. We hope to work with you on this important commemoration.
Add Your Town to the Community Almanac
Community Almanac was designed to be accessible to people of all ages and technical abilities, from students in the classroom to officials on the local planning board. For those without easy access to a computer, there is even a simple way for one person to post another’s content. This makes for a broad body of material that is reflective of a town’s true character.
NEW! National Endowment for the Humanities Challenge Grants in United States History and Culture 02/03/10 Help institutions and organizations strengthen their ability to explore significant themes and events in American history Non-profit institutions (excluding public and private elementary and secondary schools) working wholly or in part with the humanities; award amount will vary depending on match available; cost sharing is required Successful applicants will be offered a matching grant. Recipients must raise three times the amount of federal funds offered
Office of Challenge Grants
National Endowment for the Humanities
Room 420, 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20506 202-606-8309
http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/CG_UShistory.html
NEW! Fiskar’s Project Orange Thumb Gardening Grant 02/19/10 neighborhood beautification and horticulture education Community garden groups, as well as schools, youth groups, community centers, camps, clubs, treatment facilities; up to $1,000 worth of Fiskar’s gardening tools and up to $1,000 worth of other gardening materials; number available is unknown Fiskars
Attn: Project Orange Thumb
780 Carolina Street
Sauk City, WI 53583
http://www.fiskars.com/content/garden_en_us/Garden/ProjectOrangeThumb
Arkansas Department of Rural Services Rural Community Grants Program 3/19/2010 Improvement of local fire protection & related emergency services and construction, development & improvement of local facilities Incorporated cities/towns & unincorporated communities in RURAL areas of less than 3,000 in population; cost sharing is 50/50 match; max award $15,000; number available will vary AR Dept. of Rural Services
101 East Capitol, Suite 202
Little Rock, AR 72201
www.arkansas.gov/drs
Entergy Corporation Open Grants Program OPEN Focuses on improving communities as a whole Non-profit organizations; number of awards available and amount of award will vary http://www.entergy.com/our_community/Grant_Guidelines.aspx
Kresge Foundation OPEN Building nonprofit sustainability through capital challenge grants 501c3 organizations; amount/number of awards available will vary 3215 W. Big Beaver Road
Troy, MI 48084 248-643-9630
www.kresge.org
Verizon Foundation OPEN To improve the quality of life in Verizon communities Non profit org., elementary/secondary schools; award amounts/# available vary http://foundation.verizon.com/grant/application.shtml
Tony Hawk Foundation Offers Grants for Skatepark Construction
Grants of up to $25,000 will be awarded to nonprofits, state and local government agencies, and public school systems working to create or develop high-quality public skateparks in low-income areas across the country....
Posted on December 10, 2009
Deadline: March 1, 2010
Main Street Arkansas Calendar December 21-25, 2009
************************************************************************************
MONDAY Susan, Nancy – out
TUESDAY Nancy, Greg - out
WEDNESDAY Mark, Greg – out; Cary – out, p.m.
THURSDAY office closed
FRIDAY office closed
************************************************************************************
IN THIS ISSUE:
LEED Buildings Still Waste Energy
Ghosts of Shopping Malls Past
Does Shopping Local Really Matter
Free Shop Local Ads/Posters
Civil War Marker Program
Add Your Town to the Community Almanac – Free
7 Grant Opportunities
LEED-certified buildings are clean, innovative, and environmentally friendly. But why are they wasting so much energy?
http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200911u/green-buildings
- I tried to ask a very similar question at Mr. Fredrizzi’s appearance at the Clinton School, but wasn’t lucky enough to get called on. You can watch Mr. Fredrizzi here:
http://www.clintonschoolspeakers.com/lecture/view/ceo-us-green-building-council/
It’s worth noting & the article points out that LEED-EB (for existing buildings) is addressing some of these issues.
Ghosts of Shopping Malls Past
http://www.themorningnews.org/archives/galleries/ghosts_of_shopping_past/
Does Shopping Local Really Matter?
http://philhardwick.blogspot.com/2009/12/does-shopping-locally-really-matter.html
Free Shop Local Ads/Posters
http://amiba.net/educational_comps.html
Civil War Marker Program
The Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission invites groups and organizations around the state to sponsor a historical marker telling how the Civil War affected their area.
The Commission is urging local groups around the state to tell the stories of how the Civil War impacted their communities. The Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Historical Marker Program is intended to provide a lasting record of the legacy of the war in Arkansas.
Through the program, which received initial funding from the federal Preserve America program, the ACWSC will contribute up to $1,000 toward the creation of historical markers. Commission historians will work with the local sponsors to ensure that all of the information on the markers is accurate.
Application forms are available by writing Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Historical Marker Program, 1500 Tower Building, 323 Center Street, Little Rock, AR 72201 or sending an e-mail message to acwsc@arkansasheritage.org or shelle@arkansasheritage.org. They also can be downloaded at http://www.arkansascivilwar150.com/historical-markers/.
For more information on sesquicentennial plans, visit www.arkansascivilwar150.com or e-mail acwsc at arkansasheritage.org. We hope to work with you on this important commemoration.
Add Your Town to the Community Almanac
Community Almanac was designed to be accessible to people of all ages and technical abilities, from students in the classroom to officials on the local planning board. For those without easy access to a computer, there is even a simple way for one person to post another’s content. This makes for a broad body of material that is reflective of a town’s true character.
NEW! National Endowment for the Humanities Challenge Grants in United States History and Culture 02/03/10 Help institutions and organizations strengthen their ability to explore significant themes and events in American history Non-profit institutions (excluding public and private elementary and secondary schools) working wholly or in part with the humanities; award amount will vary depending on match available; cost sharing is required Successful applicants will be offered a matching grant. Recipients must raise three times the amount of federal funds offered
Office of Challenge Grants
National Endowment for the Humanities
Room 420, 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20506 202-606-8309
http://www.neh.gov/grants/guidelines/CG_UShistory.html
NEW! Fiskar’s Project Orange Thumb Gardening Grant 02/19/10 neighborhood beautification and horticulture education Community garden groups, as well as schools, youth groups, community centers, camps, clubs, treatment facilities; up to $1,000 worth of Fiskar’s gardening tools and up to $1,000 worth of other gardening materials; number available is unknown Fiskars
Attn: Project Orange Thumb
780 Carolina Street
Sauk City, WI 53583
http://www.fiskars.com/content/garden_en_us/Garden/ProjectOrangeThumb
Arkansas Department of Rural Services Rural Community Grants Program 3/19/2010 Improvement of local fire protection & related emergency services and construction, development & improvement of local facilities Incorporated cities/towns & unincorporated communities in RURAL areas of less than 3,000 in population; cost sharing is 50/50 match; max award $15,000; number available will vary AR Dept. of Rural Services
101 East Capitol, Suite 202
Little Rock, AR 72201
www.arkansas.gov/drs
Entergy Corporation Open Grants Program OPEN Focuses on improving communities as a whole Non-profit organizations; number of awards available and amount of award will vary http://www.entergy.com/our_community/Grant_Guidelines.aspx
Kresge Foundation OPEN Building nonprofit sustainability through capital challenge grants 501c3 organizations; amount/number of awards available will vary 3215 W. Big Beaver Road
Troy, MI 48084 248-643-9630
www.kresge.org
Verizon Foundation OPEN To improve the quality of life in Verizon communities Non profit org., elementary/secondary schools; award amounts/# available vary http://foundation.verizon.com/grant/application.shtml
Tony Hawk Foundation Offers Grants for Skatepark Construction
Grants of up to $25,000 will be awarded to nonprofits, state and local government agencies, and public school systems working to create or develop high-quality public skateparks in low-income areas across the country....
Posted on December 10, 2009
Deadline: March 1, 2010
Categories: Arkansas
Main Street Arkansas Update - December 14, 2009
Main Street Arkansas Calendar December 14 - 18, 2009
*************************************************************************************
MONDAY Caroline, Susan – Heber Springs (working with merchants, merchandising & marketing); Greg - out
TUESDAY Greg – out
WEDNESDAY Caroline, Susan, Mark & Nancy - Paragould, Rector (working with merchants); Greg – out
THURSDAY
FRIDAY Cary, Greg & Nancy – off
*************************************************************************************
IN THIS ISSUE:
WinterFest sponsored Main Street Rogers
Texarkana Earns Preserve America Designation
Downtown Rogers Best of NW AR 2009
Russellville Letter to the Editor
MS Helena Survey, Blues Fest
The Return of the Two-Way Street
Meet LR
LR-NLR 11th Fastest Recovering Area
3 Grant Opportunities
WinterFest sponsored by Rogers
http://bvwv.nwaonline.com/news/2009/dec/02/winterfest-promises-family-fun-20091202/
Texarkana Earns Preserve America Designation
http://www.underthedome.com/2009/12/texarkana-earns-preserve-america.html
- if you look closely, you’ll see Caroline in the background of this photo
- I videoed the announcement with my FlipCamera & embedded in our blog here:
http://mainstreetarkansas.blogspot.com/2009/12/texarkanas-main-street-in-black-white.html
I just bought a GorillaPod to help with the shakiness
Best of Northwest Arkansas 2009
Main Street Rogers is happy to announce that the Rogers Historic District was listed as one of the Top 5 Best Kept Secrets in NWA as voted by readers in CitiScapes Magazine’s Best of NWA 2009. The other four listed are: Arkansas World Trade Center, Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks, Hobbs State Park, and Terra Studios.
Nice Main Street Russellville Letter to the Editor
http://www.newsdemocratleader.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Thanks+for+support-Dear+Editor-%20&id=4923101&instance=secondary_opinion_left_column
Main Street Helena Survey Reveals Interesting Facts About Blues Festival
http://southernbancorp.com/2009/12/02/survey-reveals-some-interesting-facts-about-blues-festival-attendees/
The Return of the Two-Way Street
http://www.governing.com/column/return-two-way-street
Meet Little Rock
http://spiritmag.com/city_profiles/article/meet_little_rock/
- thanks to Boyd Maher for this one
LR-NLR-Conway 11th Fastest Recovering MSA
http://www.forbes.com/2009/11/19/cities-recovery-unemployment-lifestyle-real-estate-top-ten-chart.html
Grant Opportunities
National Endowment for the Humanities: America's Historical and Cultural Organizations Implementation Grants
This program provides funds for the final preparation of a project for presentation to the public in multiple formats. Projects that make innovative use of emerging technologies are encouraged.
National Endowment for the Humanities: America's Historical and Cultural Organizations Planning Grants
This program provides funds for pre-implementation planning which can include multiple projects.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CONSERVATION TRUST (OPEN)
The Trust supports conservation activities around the world as they fit within the mission of the National Geographic Society. It funds projects that contribute significantly to the preservation and sustainable use of the Earth’s biological, cultural, and historical resources. Preference is given to cutting edge programs that might be overlooked by other organizations, due to the risk involved in working with new investigators and in new fields. Applicants aren’t expected to have doctorates or advanced degrees, but must provide a record of prior research or conservation action as it pertains to the proposed project. Funding is not restricted to United States citizens. Researchers planning on working in foreign countries should include at least one local collaborator as part of their research teams. Applicants must submit a pre-application form online. Additional information including details on covered expenses can be found on the Web site. | Grant Range: $15,000 To $20,000 | Contact Info: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CONSERVATION TRUST, National Geographic Society, 1145 17th St. NW, Washington, DC, 20090, Send Email, Visit Website
*************************************************************************************
MONDAY Caroline, Susan – Heber Springs (working with merchants, merchandising & marketing); Greg - out
TUESDAY Greg – out
WEDNESDAY Caroline, Susan, Mark & Nancy - Paragould, Rector (working with merchants); Greg – out
THURSDAY
FRIDAY Cary, Greg & Nancy – off
*************************************************************************************
IN THIS ISSUE:
WinterFest sponsored Main Street Rogers
Texarkana Earns Preserve America Designation
Downtown Rogers Best of NW AR 2009
Russellville Letter to the Editor
MS Helena Survey, Blues Fest
The Return of the Two-Way Street
Meet LR
LR-NLR 11th Fastest Recovering Area
3 Grant Opportunities
WinterFest sponsored by Rogers
http://bvwv.nwaonline.com/news/2009/dec/02/winterfest-promises-family-fun-20091202/
Texarkana Earns Preserve America Designation
http://www.underthedome.com/2009/12/texarkana-earns-preserve-america.html
- if you look closely, you’ll see Caroline in the background of this photo
- I videoed the announcement with my FlipCamera & embedded in our blog here:
http://mainstreetarkansas.blogspot.com/2009/12/texarkanas-main-street-in-black-white.html
I just bought a GorillaPod to help with the shakiness
Best of Northwest Arkansas 2009
Main Street Rogers is happy to announce that the Rogers Historic District was listed as one of the Top 5 Best Kept Secrets in NWA as voted by readers in CitiScapes Magazine’s Best of NWA 2009. The other four listed are: Arkansas World Trade Center, Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks, Hobbs State Park, and Terra Studios.
Nice Main Street Russellville Letter to the Editor
http://www.newsdemocratleader.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Thanks+for+support-Dear+Editor-%20&id=4923101&instance=secondary_opinion_left_column
Main Street Helena Survey Reveals Interesting Facts About Blues Festival
http://southernbancorp.com/2009/12/02/survey-reveals-some-interesting-facts-about-blues-festival-attendees/
The Return of the Two-Way Street
http://www.governing.com/column/return-two-way-street
Meet Little Rock
http://spiritmag.com/city_profiles/article/meet_little_rock/
- thanks to Boyd Maher for this one
LR-NLR-Conway 11th Fastest Recovering MSA
http://www.forbes.com/2009/11/19/cities-recovery-unemployment-lifestyle-real-estate-top-ten-chart.html
Grant Opportunities
National Endowment for the Humanities: America's Historical and Cultural Organizations Implementation Grants
This program provides funds for the final preparation of a project for presentation to the public in multiple formats. Projects that make innovative use of emerging technologies are encouraged.
National Endowment for the Humanities: America's Historical and Cultural Organizations Planning Grants
This program provides funds for pre-implementation planning which can include multiple projects.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CONSERVATION TRUST (OPEN)
The Trust supports conservation activities around the world as they fit within the mission of the National Geographic Society. It funds projects that contribute significantly to the preservation and sustainable use of the Earth’s biological, cultural, and historical resources. Preference is given to cutting edge programs that might be overlooked by other organizations, due to the risk involved in working with new investigators and in new fields. Applicants aren’t expected to have doctorates or advanced degrees, but must provide a record of prior research or conservation action as it pertains to the proposed project. Funding is not restricted to United States citizens. Researchers planning on working in foreign countries should include at least one local collaborator as part of their research teams. Applicants must submit a pre-application form online. Additional information including details on covered expenses can be found on the Web site. | Grant Range: $15,000 To $20,000 | Contact Info: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CONSERVATION TRUST, National Geographic Society, 1145 17th St. NW, Washington, DC, 20090, Send Email, Visit Website
Categories: Arkansas
Main Street Arkansas Update - December 7, 2009
Main Street Arkansas Calendar December 7-11, 2009
*************************************************************************************
MONDAY Cary, Caroline, Susan, Mark, Nancy – Texarkana; Main Street in Black & White unveiling
TUESDAY Cary – Federal Reserve’s CRA course, LR
WEDNESDAY Nancy, Mark & Susan – Helena
THURSDAY Mark – Hardy
FRIDAY
*************************************************************************************
IN THIS ISSUE:
Lots of Eureka Coverage
NR Layers for Google Earth
Arkansas’s Top Grant Making Foundations
OA Sings AR
Living Treasure Noms
Immigrants & the Suburbs
Delta Music CD
Eureka Springs Keeps Shops Open
http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2009/nov/29/eureka-springs-keeping-shops-open-20091129/
- subscriber only, sorry
Eureka Coverage in the Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704112904574477360084334816.html
National Register Layer Available for Google Earth
The National Park Service has created downloadable Google Earth layers of properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Used alongside the Google Earth program, the information will display listed properties on a map. The information is current through the beginning of 2007. It is provided for informational purposes only; some coordinates may not be entirely accurate. For detailed information and to download visit http://nrhp.focus.nps.gov/natreg/docs/Download.html.
Arkansas’s Top Grant Making Foundations
http://www.arktimes.com/Articles/ArticleViewer.aspx?ArticleID=6bfc566b-92b2-4d27-8ccb-c70f72cf7c74
OA Sings Arkansas
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/printable.aspx?aid=118633
Don't Miss Your Opportunity: Nominate a Craft Artist for Arkansas Living Treasure
The deadline for nominations for the 2010 Arkansas Living Treasure is quickly approaching. The postmarked deadline is Friday, Dec. 11.
The Arkansas Living Treasure designation is presented annually to recognize an Arkansan who is outstanding in the creation of a traditional craft and has significantly contributed to the preservation of the art form. Nominations of artists who work in traditional craft forms such as pottery, weaving, broom making, leatherworking, metalsmithing and wood carving are encouraged.
An independent panel of practicing craft artists will select the recipient based on the following criteria: quality of work, community outreach and total contribution to the field of traditional crafts. The recipient will be honored in May 2010 during Arkansas Heritage Month.
The nomination forms are available at http://www.arkansasarts.org/. For more information, contact Sally A. Williams, artist services manager, at (501) 324-9348 or email sally at arkansasheritage.org.
Immigrants & the Suburb Influx
http://www.governing.com/node/5195/
Delta CD Arrives
http://www.rexnelsonsouthernfried.com/?p=496
- a similar article was printed in Saturday’s D-G. It’s behind a pay wall, however.
*************************************************************************************
MONDAY Cary, Caroline, Susan, Mark, Nancy – Texarkana; Main Street in Black & White unveiling
TUESDAY Cary – Federal Reserve’s CRA course, LR
WEDNESDAY Nancy, Mark & Susan – Helena
THURSDAY Mark – Hardy
FRIDAY
*************************************************************************************
IN THIS ISSUE:
Lots of Eureka Coverage
NR Layers for Google Earth
Arkansas’s Top Grant Making Foundations
OA Sings AR
Living Treasure Noms
Immigrants & the Suburbs
Delta Music CD
Eureka Springs Keeps Shops Open
http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2009/nov/29/eureka-springs-keeping-shops-open-20091129/
- subscriber only, sorry
Eureka Coverage in the Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704112904574477360084334816.html
National Register Layer Available for Google Earth
The National Park Service has created downloadable Google Earth layers of properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Used alongside the Google Earth program, the information will display listed properties on a map. The information is current through the beginning of 2007. It is provided for informational purposes only; some coordinates may not be entirely accurate. For detailed information and to download visit http://nrhp.focus.nps.gov/natreg/docs/Download.html.
Arkansas’s Top Grant Making Foundations
http://www.arktimes.com/Articles/ArticleViewer.aspx?ArticleID=6bfc566b-92b2-4d27-8ccb-c70f72cf7c74
OA Sings Arkansas
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/printable.aspx?aid=118633
Don't Miss Your Opportunity: Nominate a Craft Artist for Arkansas Living Treasure
The deadline for nominations for the 2010 Arkansas Living Treasure is quickly approaching. The postmarked deadline is Friday, Dec. 11.
The Arkansas Living Treasure designation is presented annually to recognize an Arkansan who is outstanding in the creation of a traditional craft and has significantly contributed to the preservation of the art form. Nominations of artists who work in traditional craft forms such as pottery, weaving, broom making, leatherworking, metalsmithing and wood carving are encouraged.
An independent panel of practicing craft artists will select the recipient based on the following criteria: quality of work, community outreach and total contribution to the field of traditional crafts. The recipient will be honored in May 2010 during Arkansas Heritage Month.
The nomination forms are available at http://www.arkansasarts.org/. For more information, contact Sally A. Williams, artist services manager, at (501) 324-9348 or email sally at arkansasheritage.org.
Immigrants & the Suburb Influx
http://www.governing.com/node/5195/
Delta CD Arrives
http://www.rexnelsonsouthernfried.com/?p=496
- a similar article was printed in Saturday’s D-G. It’s behind a pay wall, however.
Categories: Arkansas
Main Street Arkansas Update - November 30, 2009
Main Street Arkansas Calendar November 30 – December 4, 2009
***************************************************************************************************************
MONDAY Nancy – Russellville; Mark & Susan – Helena
TUESDAY Caroline – Batesville
WEDNESDAY Caroline – Batesville; State Review Board; Susan – UCA, p.m.
THURSDAY Susan – out, a.m.; Nancy – El Dorado
FRIDAY
***************************************************************************************************************
IN THIS ISSUE:
Heber Press
LR/NLR 6th Most Livable Bargain City
Blytheville Money for Main Press
Hollowing Out the Middle
Talk by Urban Affairs Director
Arkansas Chambers Persevere
AR Site Selection Website Not Just for Consultants
Free Webinar on Downtowns Hosted by IDA
Grant Opportunity
Good Heber Springs Press, including a section on downtown
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/printable.aspx?aid=118513
LR Ranked 6th Most Livable Bargain Cities
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/printable.aspx?aid=118454
- nice mention of the Distinctive Dozen Destinations award which we wrote
Good Blytheville Chamber/Money for Main Press
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/printable.aspx?aid=118516
Hollowing Out the Middle – The Rural Brain Drain & What it Means for America
Video of a Talk by the author, Patrick Carr
http://www.booktv.org/Program/11006/Hollowing+Out+the+Middle+The+Rural+Brain+Drain+and+What+it+Means+for+America.aspx
- website of the book:
http://hollowingoutthemiddle.com/
more video of a lecture
http://forum-network.org/lecture/hollowing-out-middle-rural-brain-drain
and more video
http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/id/215732
This is an interesting & important subject leaders in rural Arkansas should be addressing & learning about. Take a look at a blurb about the book:
One reason is that many small towns [are dying is they] simply aren’t regenerating, but another is that its educated young people are leaving in droves.
In Ellis, Iowa authors Carr and Kefalas met the working-class “stayers,” struggling in the region’s dying agro-industrial economy; the high-achieving and college-bound “achievers,” who often left for good; the “seekers” who head off to war to see what the world beyond offers; and the “returners,” who eventually circled back to their hometowns. What surprised them most was that adults in the community were playing a pivotal part in the town’s decline by pushing the best and brightest young people to leave, and by under-investing in those who choose to stay, even though these young people are their best chance for a future.
The emptying out of small towns is a national concern, but there are strategies for arresting the process and creating sustainable, thriving communities. Hollowing Out the Middle is a wake-up call we cannot afford to ignore-¬not only because 60 million Americans still live in rural communities and small towns, but because our nation’s economic health and future is tied to the Heartland.
Interesting Talk by Adolfo Carrion, White House Director of Urban Affairs
http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/290002-5
Arkansas Chambers Persevere in Downturn
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/printable.aspx?aid=118509
- where does your chamber rank membership wise? Find out here:
- http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/news/print_editions/ab_chambers_list_09.pdf
Site Selection Website Not Just for Consultants
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/printable.aspx?aid=118487
- have you made sure your information is correct? Have you added information on your downtown buildings?
- http://www.arkansassiteselection.com/
Free Webinar - Friday, December 4, 2009 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EST
The Role of Downtown in Attracting and Keeping Young Talent
International Downtown Association Webcast with Rebecca Ryan
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/353523832
North American cities are engaged in an unprecedented war for people. The urban heart of a city beats with the energy of young professionals. Your downtown is your city’s showroom, and it’s what the next generation studies when deciding where to live and work. Therefore, it is imperative that governments at all levels increase their investment in downtowns. Rebecca Ryan is a human spark plug. She’s the founder of Next Generation Consulting and author of Live First, Work Second. As a sought-out communicator, Rebecca inspires thousands of audience members each year to build better places to live and work for the next generation. Get a recap of Rebecca’s presentation at IDA’s annual conference in Milwaukee. Learn how your downtown plays a critical role in attracting and retaining the well-educated, talented workforce your entire city needs.
Applications Invited for American Hiking Society's 2010 National Trails Fund
The American Hiking Society's National Trails Fund is the only privately supported national grants program that provides funding to grassroots organizations working to establish, protect, and maintain foot trails in the United States.
National Trails Fund grants are designed to give local organizations the resources they need to secure access, volunteers, tools, and materials to repair and protect America's hiking trails. To date, American Hiking has granted nearly $382,000 to 105 different trail projects across the U.S. for land acquisition, constituency building campaigns, and a variety of trail work projects.
Awards typically range from $500 to $5,000 per project.
Visit the American Hiking Web site for complete program information.
Contact:
Link to Complete RFP
***************************************************************************************************************
MONDAY Nancy – Russellville; Mark & Susan – Helena
TUESDAY Caroline – Batesville
WEDNESDAY Caroline – Batesville; State Review Board; Susan – UCA, p.m.
THURSDAY Susan – out, a.m.; Nancy – El Dorado
FRIDAY
***************************************************************************************************************
IN THIS ISSUE:
Heber Press
LR/NLR 6th Most Livable Bargain City
Blytheville Money for Main Press
Hollowing Out the Middle
Talk by Urban Affairs Director
Arkansas Chambers Persevere
AR Site Selection Website Not Just for Consultants
Free Webinar on Downtowns Hosted by IDA
Grant Opportunity
Good Heber Springs Press, including a section on downtown
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/printable.aspx?aid=118513
LR Ranked 6th Most Livable Bargain Cities
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/printable.aspx?aid=118454
- nice mention of the Distinctive Dozen Destinations award which we wrote
Good Blytheville Chamber/Money for Main Press
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/printable.aspx?aid=118516
Hollowing Out the Middle – The Rural Brain Drain & What it Means for America
Video of a Talk by the author, Patrick Carr
http://www.booktv.org/Program/11006/Hollowing+Out+the+Middle+The+Rural+Brain+Drain+and+What+it+Means+for+America.aspx
- website of the book:
http://hollowingoutthemiddle.com/
more video of a lecture
http://forum-network.org/lecture/hollowing-out-middle-rural-brain-drain
and more video
http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/id/215732
This is an interesting & important subject leaders in rural Arkansas should be addressing & learning about. Take a look at a blurb about the book:
One reason is that many small towns [are dying is they] simply aren’t regenerating, but another is that its educated young people are leaving in droves.
In Ellis, Iowa authors Carr and Kefalas met the working-class “stayers,” struggling in the region’s dying agro-industrial economy; the high-achieving and college-bound “achievers,” who often left for good; the “seekers” who head off to war to see what the world beyond offers; and the “returners,” who eventually circled back to their hometowns. What surprised them most was that adults in the community were playing a pivotal part in the town’s decline by pushing the best and brightest young people to leave, and by under-investing in those who choose to stay, even though these young people are their best chance for a future.
The emptying out of small towns is a national concern, but there are strategies for arresting the process and creating sustainable, thriving communities. Hollowing Out the Middle is a wake-up call we cannot afford to ignore-¬not only because 60 million Americans still live in rural communities and small towns, but because our nation’s economic health and future is tied to the Heartland.
Interesting Talk by Adolfo Carrion, White House Director of Urban Affairs
http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/290002-5
Arkansas Chambers Persevere in Downturn
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/printable.aspx?aid=118509
- where does your chamber rank membership wise? Find out here:
- http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/news/print_editions/ab_chambers_list_09.pdf
Site Selection Website Not Just for Consultants
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/printable.aspx?aid=118487
- have you made sure your information is correct? Have you added information on your downtown buildings?
- http://www.arkansassiteselection.com/
Free Webinar - Friday, December 4, 2009 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EST
The Role of Downtown in Attracting and Keeping Young Talent
International Downtown Association Webcast with Rebecca Ryan
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/353523832
North American cities are engaged in an unprecedented war for people. The urban heart of a city beats with the energy of young professionals. Your downtown is your city’s showroom, and it’s what the next generation studies when deciding where to live and work. Therefore, it is imperative that governments at all levels increase their investment in downtowns. Rebecca Ryan is a human spark plug. She’s the founder of Next Generation Consulting and author of Live First, Work Second. As a sought-out communicator, Rebecca inspires thousands of audience members each year to build better places to live and work for the next generation. Get a recap of Rebecca’s presentation at IDA’s annual conference in Milwaukee. Learn how your downtown plays a critical role in attracting and retaining the well-educated, talented workforce your entire city needs.
Applications Invited for American Hiking Society's 2010 National Trails Fund
The American Hiking Society's National Trails Fund is the only privately supported national grants program that provides funding to grassroots organizations working to establish, protect, and maintain foot trails in the United States.
National Trails Fund grants are designed to give local organizations the resources they need to secure access, volunteers, tools, and materials to repair and protect America's hiking trails. To date, American Hiking has granted nearly $382,000 to 105 different trail projects across the U.S. for land acquisition, constituency building campaigns, and a variety of trail work projects.
Awards typically range from $500 to $5,000 per project.
Visit the American Hiking Web site for complete program information.
Contact:
Link to Complete RFP
Categories: Arkansas
Main Street Arkansas Update - November 23, 2009
Main Street Arkansas Calendar November 23 - 27, 2009
***************************************************************************************************************
MONDAY Nancy – Searcy
TUESDAY Nancy – out a.m.
WEDNESDAY Mark – off
THURSDAY closed for Thanksgiving
FRIDAY office closed
***************************************************************************************************************
IN THIS ISSUE:
Downtown Pine Bluff News
Main Street Paragould Press
Fledgling Firms Hear the Score from Non-Profits
Hampton Inn’s Arkansas Save a Landmark Program
Arkansas Media Room Seeks Tourism Releases
Enter the Digital Age of Arkansas History
2 Grant Opportunities
Downtown Pine Bluff News
http://www.pbcommercial.com/articles/2009/11/13/news/news2.txt
Main Street Paragould Press
http://www.paragoulddailypress.com/articles/2009/11/16/local_news/doc4b01aded28e38968838237.txt
Fledgling Firms Hear the Score from Nonprofits
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/printable.aspx?aid=118354
Hampton Inn’s Save a Landmark Program – 3 Arkansas Finalist
http://www.hamptonlandmarks.com/VoteLandMarkResults.aspx?statename=Arkansas&state=4&cat=10&vote=1
- the finalists are in West Memphis, NLR & Sherwood
Arkansas Media Room Seeks Tourism Releases
The communications section of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism has added a new area to the Arkansas Media Room on www.Arkansas.com entitled From the Industry. This new page is a special area for releases written by members of the Arkansas tourism industry.
Chambers of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureaus, attractions and other tourism-related businesses now have another resource to promote upcoming events, attractions and news. Articles should be submitted for consideration to the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism travel writer who represents the appropriate area of the state.
• Northwest Arkansas/Arkansas River Valley: Jill Rohrbach, jill.rohrbach at cox-internet.net
• North Central/Eastern Arkansas/Delta: Kim Williams, Kimberly.j.williams at arkansas.gov
• Ouachitas/South Arkansas Timberlands: Zoie Clift, zoie.clift at gmail.com
• Central Arkansas: Kerry Kraus, Kerry.kraus at arkansas.gov
To visit this page, go to http://www.arkansasmediaroom.com/industry/. For more information, contact Dena Woerner, communications manager, at dena.woerner at arkansas.gov or 501-682-7606.
ENTER THE DIGITAL AGE OF ARKANSAS HISTORY!
Entries Accepted to January 4, 2010
Participants can enter original, short, non-fiction video or audio webcasts about Arkansas history. The competition will feature two age categories for entrants: students in grades 5–12 and adults (college and up).
Awards will be presented and entries will be featured at a special event on February 4. Prizes include myspace page-building services provided by Aristotle Interactive and cash awards.
Official rules and entry forms are available at www.ARDigitalShorts.com
National Leadership Grants
Deadline: February 1, 2010
Contact Information:
Institute of Museum and Library Services
http://www.imls.gov/applicants/grants/nationalLeadership.shtm
Program Overview
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. IMLS welcomes proposals that promote the skills necessary to develop 21st century communities, citizens, and workers.
Successful proposals will have national impact and generate results—new tools, research, models, services, practices, or alliances—that can be widely adapted or replicated to extend the benefit of federal investment. The Institute seeks to fund projects that have the following characteristics:
Strategic Impact—Proposals should address key needs and challenges that face libraries and museums. They should expand the boundaries within which libraries and museums operate, show the potential for far-reaching impact, and influence practice throughout the museum and/or library communities.
Innovation—Proposals should demonstrate a thorough understanding of current practice and knowledge about the project area, and show how the project will advance the state of the art of museum and library service.
Collaboration—While partners are not required in all National Leadership Grant categories, the Institute has found that involving carefully chosen partners with complementary competencies and resources can create powerful synergies that extend project impact. Proposals should show understanding of the challenges of collaboration and propose means for addressing them.
Applications may be submitted in the following categories: Advancing Digital Resources, Research, Demonstration, and Library and Museum Collaboration Grants.
Collaborative Planning Grants are also available in any of the four categories to enable project teams from more than one institution to work together to plan a project for a National Leadership Grant.
For full grant information visit the IMLS website.
Cities of Service Coalition Offers Grants to Mayors for Community Service Plans
The Cities of Service Coalition was founded in September 2009 by mayors from around the United States seeking to respond to the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act's call to action by finding new and innovative ways to deploy volunteers in addressing local challenges.
With support from the Rockefeller Foundation, the Fund for Cities of Service will award ten cities $200,000 each over two years to hire Chief Service Officers to lead local efforts to develop and implement a comprehensive service plan on behalf of their mayor.
To be considered for the grant, a city's mayor must be a member of the Cities of Service coalition. Coalition members have signed a Declaration of Service that commits them to developing a comprehensive service plan for volunteers in their own cities and to work with other elected officials in promoting the service movement across the United States.
The coalition is open to all mayors who agree to the program's provisos. (Mayors interested in joining the Cities of Service Coalition should visit: http://www.citiesofservice.org for registration information.) In addition, all applicant cities must have at least 100,000 residents and be home to at least one community college or a four-year public or private university.
Applications must be submitted by the city's Office of the Mayor. Applications from nonprofits or other external groups on behalf of a mayor will not be accepted.
Visit the coalition Web site for complete program information.
Contact:
Link to Complete RFP
***************************************************************************************************************
MONDAY Nancy – Searcy
TUESDAY Nancy – out a.m.
WEDNESDAY Mark – off
THURSDAY closed for Thanksgiving
FRIDAY office closed
***************************************************************************************************************
IN THIS ISSUE:
Downtown Pine Bluff News
Main Street Paragould Press
Fledgling Firms Hear the Score from Non-Profits
Hampton Inn’s Arkansas Save a Landmark Program
Arkansas Media Room Seeks Tourism Releases
Enter the Digital Age of Arkansas History
2 Grant Opportunities
Downtown Pine Bluff News
http://www.pbcommercial.com/articles/2009/11/13/news/news2.txt
Main Street Paragould Press
http://www.paragoulddailypress.com/articles/2009/11/16/local_news/doc4b01aded28e38968838237.txt
Fledgling Firms Hear the Score from Nonprofits
http://www.arkansasbusiness.com/printable.aspx?aid=118354
Hampton Inn’s Save a Landmark Program – 3 Arkansas Finalist
http://www.hamptonlandmarks.com/VoteLandMarkResults.aspx?statename=Arkansas&state=4&cat=10&vote=1
- the finalists are in West Memphis, NLR & Sherwood
Arkansas Media Room Seeks Tourism Releases
The communications section of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism has added a new area to the Arkansas Media Room on www.Arkansas.com entitled From the Industry. This new page is a special area for releases written by members of the Arkansas tourism industry.
Chambers of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureaus, attractions and other tourism-related businesses now have another resource to promote upcoming events, attractions and news. Articles should be submitted for consideration to the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism travel writer who represents the appropriate area of the state.
• Northwest Arkansas/Arkansas River Valley: Jill Rohrbach, jill.rohrbach at cox-internet.net
• North Central/Eastern Arkansas/Delta: Kim Williams, Kimberly.j.williams at arkansas.gov
• Ouachitas/South Arkansas Timberlands: Zoie Clift, zoie.clift at gmail.com
• Central Arkansas: Kerry Kraus, Kerry.kraus at arkansas.gov
To visit this page, go to http://www.arkansasmediaroom.com/industry/. For more information, contact Dena Woerner, communications manager, at dena.woerner at arkansas.gov or 501-682-7606.
ENTER THE DIGITAL AGE OF ARKANSAS HISTORY!
Entries Accepted to January 4, 2010
Participants can enter original, short, non-fiction video or audio webcasts about Arkansas history. The competition will feature two age categories for entrants: students in grades 5–12 and adults (college and up).
Awards will be presented and entries will be featured at a special event on February 4. Prizes include myspace page-building services provided by Aristotle Interactive and cash awards.
Official rules and entry forms are available at www.ARDigitalShorts.com
National Leadership Grants
Deadline: February 1, 2010
Contact Information:
Institute of Museum and Library Services
http://www.imls.gov/applicants/grants/nationalLeadership.shtm
Program Overview
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. IMLS welcomes proposals that promote the skills necessary to develop 21st century communities, citizens, and workers.
Successful proposals will have national impact and generate results—new tools, research, models, services, practices, or alliances—that can be widely adapted or replicated to extend the benefit of federal investment. The Institute seeks to fund projects that have the following characteristics:
Strategic Impact—Proposals should address key needs and challenges that face libraries and museums. They should expand the boundaries within which libraries and museums operate, show the potential for far-reaching impact, and influence practice throughout the museum and/or library communities.
Innovation—Proposals should demonstrate a thorough understanding of current practice and knowledge about the project area, and show how the project will advance the state of the art of museum and library service.
Collaboration—While partners are not required in all National Leadership Grant categories, the Institute has found that involving carefully chosen partners with complementary competencies and resources can create powerful synergies that extend project impact. Proposals should show understanding of the challenges of collaboration and propose means for addressing them.
Applications may be submitted in the following categories: Advancing Digital Resources, Research, Demonstration, and Library and Museum Collaboration Grants.
Collaborative Planning Grants are also available in any of the four categories to enable project teams from more than one institution to work together to plan a project for a National Leadership Grant.
For full grant information visit the IMLS website.
Cities of Service Coalition Offers Grants to Mayors for Community Service Plans
The Cities of Service Coalition was founded in September 2009 by mayors from around the United States seeking to respond to the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act's call to action by finding new and innovative ways to deploy volunteers in addressing local challenges.
With support from the Rockefeller Foundation, the Fund for Cities of Service will award ten cities $200,000 each over two years to hire Chief Service Officers to lead local efforts to develop and implement a comprehensive service plan on behalf of their mayor.
To be considered for the grant, a city's mayor must be a member of the Cities of Service coalition. Coalition members have signed a Declaration of Service that commits them to developing a comprehensive service plan for volunteers in their own cities and to work with other elected officials in promoting the service movement across the United States.
The coalition is open to all mayors who agree to the program's provisos. (Mayors interested in joining the Cities of Service Coalition should visit: http://www.citiesofservice.org for registration information.) In addition, all applicant cities must have at least 100,000 residents and be home to at least one community college or a four-year public or private university.
Applications must be submitted by the city's Office of the Mayor. Applications from nonprofits or other external groups on behalf of a mayor will not be accepted.
Visit the coalition Web site for complete program information.
Contact:
Link to Complete RFP
Categories: Arkansas

