Connecticut Main Street Center Logo
Celebrating 20 Years of inspiring great Connecticut downtowns,  
Main Street by Main Street.
#MainStMeans Teamwork
Although our Awards Gala is just one night, it takes a team of people several months of planning to make it happen. The same is true of our downtowns - it takes a village to make revitalization a reality! Read on for more about the variety of great work happening in support of Connecticut's main streets!
Storrs Center Host to Beautiful Awards Gala,
Inside and Out
Perfect early summer weather greeted the well-over 100 guests at CMSC's 2016 Awards Gala in downtown Storrs Center last Monday.
From
 
Photo Credit - Allegra Anderson Photography
the Welcome Reception sponsored by United Illuminating, to the Funky Dawgz's closing concert sponsored by Fuss & O'Neill, to everything in between, CMSC's 2016 Awards Gala went beautifully. 

Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman, State Senator Mae Flexer, State Representative Gregg Haddad, Mansfield Mayor Paul Shapiro and former Mansfield Mayor Betsy Paterson were all in attendance to welcome and mingle with the crowd. In addition, John O'Toole from Eversource Energy and Jack Shannahan presented special awards, while Keith Kumnick from Colliers International and John Baker from Webster Bank were proud to pose with the winners of the awards they sponsored.

Click here to read more and to see photos from this event.  
Sponsors & Volunteers Create a Memorable Evening  
 
Photo Credit: Allegra Anderson Photography
Our Awards Gala would not have been possible without the generous support of our Planning Committee, Downtown Ambassadors, and of course our wonderful sponsors!   

This event was months in the making, and we have many people to thank for its success. Click here to learn more!  
CMSC Board Forms Task Forces to Begin Strategic Plan Implementation
Task Forces commit to 100-day deliverables.
In
March, CMSC approved an ambitious five-year Strategic Plan as a result of months of facilitated discussion among staff, board and industry colleagues and partners. The Plan establishes CMSC as an innovative, data-driven leader in downtown revitalization, growing its role as advocate and champion of healthy downtowns and main streets.

In order to begin evolving into this leadership role, CMSC's Board of Directors has established three Task Forces to help guide our transition. Together, the Lead Organization, Revenue Development and Data Task Forces will help us evolve our organizational structure, identify new sources and opportunities for revenue, and begin compiling relevant data on the impact of vibrant town centers. Each has charged itself with providing concrete deliverables within 100 days of their commencement, and will provide recommendations to the full Board by late October.
  Update on Legislative Commission on Aging
As of June 9th, CT's Legislative Commission on Aging closed its doors after 23 years of service to older adults and persons with disabilities.

On June 10th, the consolidated Commission on Women, Children and Seniors began its work. This new Commission will have a board of 63 people (representing the existing board members of the 3 Commissions) and a team of staff presently being assembled. Within this structure will be a designated policy person for "seniors". Three of the Commission on Aging staffers opted not to stay with the new multi-constituency structure: Executive Director Julia Evans Starr, Project Manager Alyssa Norwood, and Policy Director Deb Migneault.
 
As you know, CMSC worked closely with the Legislative Commission on Aging and greatly valued their work and input, recognizing them with our 2016 Jack Shannahan Prize for Public Service. While we are saddened by the departure of our colleagues from the LCOA - and to whom we extend our most sincere best wishes in their future endeavors - we also understand the tremendous impact Connecticut's aging population will have on our downtowns, and will seek ways to partner with the new consolidated Commission on Women, Children and Seniors and others on this important issue.
  Events & Reports
Check out these opportunities for downtown-related learning and networking.
  • The Urban Land Institute released Reaching for the Future: Creative Finance for Smaller Communities. This report focuses on six communities of varying age and size that were each facing a diverse yet familiar series of challenges, and describes how they used and combined various sources of public funds to facilitate dramatic change. Learn more. . .
  • Balancing Economic Development with Historic Preservation - This day-long program of the CT Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects and the CT Chapter of the American Planning Association offers an in-depth look at Portland's efforts to create a new mixed-use development in a historic setting, and includes a tour and discussion of the town's successful Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park and challenges to other brownfield locations. Continuing education credits available. Click here for more information. 
  • NEDA Conference - Save the Date for the Northeast Economic Development Association Conference, September 11-13 in New Haven.  This year's theme is Transportation at the Crossroads: The Economic Developers Road Map. Click here for more details. . .
Re-Mains of the Day
▪ Longtime Waterbury Volunteer Passes Away
It
 
is with great sadness that we report former Main Street Waterbury Board member and volunteer Scott Zeigler passed away recently after a long battle with cancer. From Main Street Waterbury's beginning in 2004 until only weeks ago, Scott played an integral role in their efforts for downtown Waterbury's revitalization. He gave countless hours of his time to MSW, and was a key contributor to their success, particularly as the beloved and fearless leader of the "Brew Crew"! Scott is survived by his wife of 35 years, Debbie, his daughters, family, and many friends and colleagues.
 
 
▪ New London Main Street's BIG Picture Takes Place TONIGHT
New London's BIG PICTURE  is Wednesday, June 15, at 5:30 p.m. on the Parade Plaza. Whether you work or live in New London or just love it, bring your friends, family and New London pride! The BIG Picture is a photo that represents New London today - teachers, students, the military, CEO's and artists, business owners, congregations, tourists, canine citizens, and other interesting people who are invested in New London, coming together in a moment in time to commemorate in one BIG PICTURE, the best this community has to offer. The BIG Picture is a rain or shine event. 
Connecticut Main Street Center
860-280-2337