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On February 26, Independent We Stand, the national small business movement, kicked-off its third annual America’s Main Streets contest to help consumers, small business owners and Main Street organizations reward a deserving Main Street with $25,000 in cash and sponsor-related prizes. Believe in Bristol in Downtown Bristol is among this year’s nominees.

America’s Main Streets play an important role in the long-term success of communities and help build a sense of place reinforcing this year’s theme: “Local Memories. Lasting Impact.”

“Our Independent We Stand America’s Main Streets contest shines a light on the pride business owners and communities take in their Main Streets,” says Independent We Stand co-founder Bill Brunelle. “We know small businesses on these Main Streets help them thrive and have a measurable economic impact. This contest is a chance to share those stories with people from coast-to-coast.”

As a Certified Main Street Community, Downtown Bristol has more to offer every day — more activities, more shops, more homes, more offices, and more life! These achievements are largely thanks to the ongoing unified efforts of businesses, groups, and individuals coordinated through Believe in Bristol. Believe in Bristol is a non-profit organization, composed of dedicated citizens, business owners, and other friends of Bristol who recognize the role a vital downtown plays in preserving and furthering our communities identity, spirit, and economy.

After dedicated revitalization efforts, Historic Downtown Bristol has welcomed over 50 new businesses and 60 residential lofts, played host to a plethora of downtown events, been a leader in local and regional arts and culture, and experienced a significant increase in downtown foot traffic over the past 10 years. The vitality of Downtown Bristol is a wonderful asset, one that attracts new people and economies to Bristol.

“We love our unique downtown – straddling the state line means that we run two Main Street accredited programs, which doubles our challenges and opportunities,” says Believe in Bristol Executive Director Maggie Bishop. “Believe in Bristol works hard for our downtown community, and this prize would allow us to continue the revitalization of our Historic Downtown. With this $25,000 we could create new promotions to attract more visitors and shoppers to downtown and expand our entrepreneur support.”

The first round of voting in the contest began as soon as Believe in Bristol was nominated and runs through April 22. All nominations and voting take place on www.mainstreetcontest.com/nominees. You can vote once every 24 hours, no sign-up required!

Important dates:

February 26 to April 22: “America’s Main Streets” nominations and quarterfinalist voting
April 30 to May 27: “America’s Main Streets” semifinalist voting
June 4: “America’s Main Streets” winner announced
July 4: “Main Streets Make Us Better” event; “America’s Main Streets” winner announces plans for $25,000 grand prize

Additional contest prizes include:

STIHL Equipment Certificate for $1,000 worth of STIHL equipment good at any STIHL dealer in the U.S.
Do it Best Corp. $500 shopping spree
PPG Paints $500 shopping spree
Public relations and social media recognition
Special plaque for winner to proudly display