The Main Street 4 Point Approach™

Happy New Year!  Named after the two headed Roman goddess Janus who looked at both the past and the future, January brings in the new year with new opportunities and a time to reflect on where we’ve been.

 I have to tell you, I’m glad to see 2020 in the rear view mirror.  Still, I learned a lot this past year.  Among other things I realized that when I get a chance to do something, I need to do it.  Don’t wait. If you get a chance to visit your family or friends, do it.  If you get a chance to take a trip, take it.  You never know if you’ll get the chance to do it again.

 At MainStreet DeLand, while several events were cancelled, we continued to follow the Main Street 4 Point Approach™.  There’s always been more than events happening here at MainStreet DeLand.

The Four Points are Organization, Design, Promotion, and Economic Vitality.  Organization is about building partnerships and relationships, working with volunteers and stakeholders, and running a good business.

 We received great input from the community helping us in our mission to support and enhance the economic development of Downtown. A lot of new people came to us and shared their ideas and expertise to help us move the community forward through the Covid-19 crisis.  Their input, along with those of our Main Street partners and connections, have helped us get to this point.  Thanks to all of you who participated in the process.

 Design is creating a safe and attractive environment for a thriving downtown.  We’ve worked with the City on wayfinding signage, CRA and Gateway grants (Applications are due by the 15th), and curbside parking.

 Promotion is not only about special events.  It is mainly about promoting what we love about downtown DeLand.  We were able to do smaller merchant events like “Mistletoe March” and “Brick Before Your Click” and to release our updated image campaign, Definitely DeLand. We were fortunate to receive a grant that allows us to greatly increase our online presence. With this we are expanding our marketing reach to communities further and further from DeLand.

 The fourth point is Economic Vitality.  Thanks for your support of your Downtown’s businesses.  That speaks volumes about what your community means to you.  We continue to provide information to keep our businesses up to date on the Cares Act funds and more.  Over the past few years we’ve helped our businesses get found online and on social media.  Check out our business resources at www.MainStreetDeLand.org.

Abraham Lincoln said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it." So, as we look forward to 2021, let’s look for the opportunities to become the best we can be.  With your continued support, we will continue to be one of America’s best Main Streets.

 See you Downtown!

Wayne Carter
Executive Director
MainStreet DeLand Association