It's March Already!

Hard to believe it’s March already.  This year is flying by!  We’ve been busy at MainStreet.  The MainStreet Approach has for points or areas of focus.  In Organization we’ve held our Annual Member meeting and Board Planning Meeting.  We’re introducing our new “More Than A Member” campaign where in addition to becoming a Member, at the same time you renew or join, you can sign up to sponsor an event or two and have other benefits.  It’s a great way to promote your business and show your community support.  

In the area of Design we are administering the Downtown CRA grants.  The CRA Board approved six Façade grants, three Lighting grants, and one Underutilized Building grant.  We will be putting out a Call for Artists in the next few weeks for the Rufus Pinkney Mural.  Watch for information on how you can help.  Donations are being accepted at www.MainStreetDeLand.org. 

Our Economic Vitality committee hosts two Build Your Business Group meetings monthly.  In addition, we are looking for ways to encourage upper floor redevelopment in downtown and to increase the density of people living in around the downtown.  Studies tell us that people who live downtown will spend 60% of their disposable income in downtown.  Nice!

In Promotion, the part you can see, we have already held the 10th Annual Taste of DeLand and partnered with our friends at Volusia Beer Week for a great DeLand Craft Beer Festival.  We’ve also had our monthly Cruise-Ins; Wine, Women, and Chocolate, MainStreet’s Tech DeLand and promoted our Definitely DeLand image campaign throughout the region.

Look at what MainStreet is doing Downtown in March! The Florida Wildflower and Garden Festival on the 25th.  The DeLand Outdoor Art Festival on the 25th and 26th in Earl Brown Park.  BYBG on the 16th and again on April 6th.  Wine, Women, and Chocolate on March 8th. Tech DeLand on the 23rd.  Of course you know about the Artisan Alley Farmers Market and More every Friday and plus this month there’s an Indie Market in the Alley on March 21st.  

To keep up with all that is going on, sign up for our weekly email blast at www.MainStreetDeLand.org. If you haven’t already, like us on Facebook!

Where should you go to Dine, Shop, and Be Entertain?  Definitely DeLand!  

See you downtown,

Wayne Carter
Executive Director
MainStreet DeLand Association