Tennessee Main Street Events Prove It Really is the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Special Events, Shopping Promote Historic Downtown Districts Across the State
NASHVILLE – The holiday season is in full swing on Tennessee’s Main Streets, and there are plenty of special activities for everyone -- from the young to the young at heart. Tennessee Main Street holiday events support the historic downtown districts of communities all across the state and encourage shopping locally.
“A thriving downtown district where citizens support small businesses and spend time together is a significant driver of economic development that contributes to the overall quality of life in our communities,” Bill Hagerty, commissioner, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, said. “Celebrating the holiday season in your own community is not only a rewarding way to connect with your historic downtown district, but it can also be a substantial catalyst for the local economy.”
Saturday, Nov. 24, is the perfect time to kick off holiday shopping with Small Business Saturday®, a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities. Join the U.S. Small Business Administration and organizations across the country by shopping at a local small business in your town. For more information on Small Business Saturday, visit www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/Shop-Small/.
“The holiday season is always an exciting time for Main Street communities all across the state,” Kimberly Nyberg, ECD Tennessee Main Street director, said. “I encourage you to visit your historic downtown district this holiday season and show your support for local businesses and entrepreneurs in your area.”
Main Street revitalization is a comprehensive, incremental, self-help economic strategy that also focuses on developing public-private partnerships to enhance community livability and job creation, while maintaining the historic character of the district.
Tennessee’s Main Street program provides communities with technical assistance and guidance in developing long-term strategies that promote economic growth and development. The program provides information and assistance in forging public networking and training opportunities for downtown commercial districts.
For a listing of Tennessee Main Street holiday events, please visit http://www.tn.gov/ecd/pdfs/2012HolidayEvents.pdf.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies which help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tn.gov/ecd. Follow us on Twitter: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.
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Media Contact: Shannon Sumrall, ECD
Office: (615) 253-4897
E-mail: shannon.sumrall@tn.gov