Understanding & Enacting a Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) Web Discussion
Thursday, May 7th – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Join us for a discussion about the benefits of your city enacting a DORA with representatives from downtown programs, city council, and restaurants to help determine if this is an appropriate solution to supporting your businesses in this time of social distancing.
Solving Your Downtown Vacancies Crisis Webinar
Wednesday, April 22nd – 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Join Matt Wiederhold to learn how Main Street Medina uses targeted marketing and special events to drive the economic vitality of their district. Wiederhold will show examples of marketing pieces, business outreach plans, and how strategic partnerships within the City helped transform Medina from 13 vacancies in 2007, to 100% occupancy for the past five years.
SBA Update: Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Payroll Protection Webinar
Thursday, April 16th – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Alex Kohls with the Small Business Administration, will discuss the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan, the Paycheck Protection Program, SBA Express Bridge Loans, and SBA Debt Relief. Alex will provide an overview and update of these programs, as well as answer all your questions.
Historic Tax Credits 201 Webinar
Monday, April 27th – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
This is a good time to learn a little more about how the historic tax credits work in Ohio.
How do you assemble the right professional team? Who are the players in making these projects work? Join our team presentation to learn how.
In this 60-minute presentation you will meet experts in these areas and be able to ask questions.
There are no better financial incentives available. You CAN take advantage of these.
Presenters
- Chad Arfons – Attorney with McDonald Hopkins
- Alyssa McClanahan – Historic Preservation Consultant with Kunst
- Paul Nadin – Accountant with RSM US
Historic Tax Credits 101 Webinar
Monday, April 20th – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
This is a good time to have a primer on how the historic tax credits work in Ohio. What are historic rehabilitation tax credits? What are they worth ?
Are you curious if these credits are the right incentive for your project?
Join our team presentation to learn how:
1. Basic qualifying – generally the most direct path is being listed on the National Register, find out if you are, if not how do you get listed? – Barbara Powers, State Historic Preservation Office
2. The 20% Federal Historic Tax Credit has been round for 40 years. – Mariangela Pfister, State Historic Preservation Office
3. The 25% Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit has been around for 13 years. – Lisa Brownell, Ohio Development Services Agency
In a quick 60-minute presentation, you will meet the people who run the program, get to know them, and be able to ask questions.
There are no better financial incentives available, you CAN take advantage of these.
Historic Tax Credits 201 will be presented the following Monday, April 27 at 1:00 pm.
How to Create an Online Experience for Your Customers to Support Your Brick and Mortar Business Webinar
Wednesday, April 8th – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
We’re in unprecedented times right now and many small business owners are struggling with how to stay connected with their customers when they can’t come in to take classes or shop. But if you’ve never had a strong online presence, how do you quickly create the experience to support your customers now and into the future?
Come to this webinar to learn the first three ACTION STEPS you can take to create an online experience your customers will love. You’ll discover:
- The first question you need to ask yourself…before you start taking things online.
- How to guide your customer through an experience…and why it’s so valuable that you do.
- The essential tools you need to stay connected with your customers, in both the short and long term.
If you can set yourself up with an online presence NOW, this is something you can continue to use in the future, both to strengthen connections with your current customers and as additional offerings for revenue.
Our Speaker:
Bevin Farrand is the CEO and Head Cat Herder of Collaborate.Work, which works with small business owners, entrepreneurs, and mid-size corporations to get their ideas out the door and into the world. As the former Brand Director of Boom! by Cindy Joseph and Smart Marketer, she’s led dozens of product launches and promotions generating 20MM+ annually. She’s also developed online courses and summits, as well as executed launches for I Will Teach You to Be Rich, Evolving Wisdom, and several entrepreneurs. She is passionate about supporting her clients to create businesses that support the lives they love living.
Utilizing Economic Injury Disaster Loans Webinar
Tuesday, March 24th – 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
We know our small businesses are in crisis. The federal government has declared a national emergency related to the coronavirus pandemic.
Please join Joshua Stutzman from the US Small Business Administration as he explains who is eligible and what steps you need to take to apply for a SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan.
Best Practices for Downtowns in Crisis Webinar
Friday, March 20th – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Our downtowns are in crisis. What can we be doing to support our downtown businesses and community residents during the pandemic?
Hear some of the top strategies being employed in our Main Street communities across Ohio.
What’s Happening on Main Street – March 2020
Recurring Events
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March 2-7: Restaurant & Retail Week – Wooster
Restaurant & Retail week is the perfect event for you and your family to experience the very best of historic downtown Wooster! Participating restaurants will offer specials for one week only, a select lunch menu for $10 and/or a select dinner menu for $20. Participating retailers will be offering special discounts and promotions during the week. Retailers will be open until 8:00 pm on Thursday, March 5th to allow for you to shop after work and then grab a bite to eat or drink. This year, you will have the chance to win a $100 gift card to your favorite downtown business! For your chance to win, take a selfie at a participating restaurant or retail location, make sure to tag the appropriate business and the #UniquelyWooster.
March 5
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Celebrate Portsmouth – Portsmouth
Main Street Portsmouth is excited for an evening of friends and neighbors, celebrating downtown success over drinks and an update from Main Street staff and board members. Dinner will be served at 7 and will feature chicken, ribs, green beans, potatoes, coleslaw, and bread from the Scioto Ribber. Admission also includes an open bar and cake from Union Mills Confectionery. Music will be performed live by Mr. Andy Russell. Throughout the evening, guests are invited to browse the silent auction and bid on items. This event is one of Main Street’s larger fundraisers, and goes a long way in ensuring the continuation of our programming, events, and grants.
March 6
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First Friday: March for Art – Delaware
Local businesses act as art galleries and display artwork created by students from Delaware City Schools. During First Friday, the community is invited to stop by these “art galleries” and view the amazing artwork students have created. Take some time to explore many different types of art at participating downtown establishments, including live music, artist demonstrations, author book readings, and more! -
Kent Rainbow Weekend – Kent
Join Main Street Kent for the first ever Kent Rainbow Weekend! Complete with comedy, a bar crawl, art exhibits, storytelling, drag shows, live music/DJs, workshops and more, come to downtown Kent and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community! -
First Friday: Shamrock & Roll – Marietta
Head to downtown Marietta for this music walk-themed First Friday! Local musicians will be setup in downtown shops and St. Patrick’s Day flare will be on display. -
First Friday: Think Spring! – Medina
Grab your friends and head to historic Medina the first Friday of each month for an evening of socializing, dining, shopping, dancing, laughing, and merriment. Remember to check out the Medina City Schools Student Art Show! -
First Friday: St. Patrick’s Day Beer Crawl – Tipp City
Let’s kick off March together with Downtown Tipp City‘s 4th annual St. Patrick’s Day themed Beer Crawl around Downtown Tipp City! Bring your friends and come decked-out wearing your green! Stroll around sampling beers in shops, restaurants, and other establishments downtown.
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First Friday: Scavenger Hunt – Troy
Businesses will be open late so that you can shop, dine, and explore! March’s First Friday will feature a Scavenger Hunt! -
First Friday: “Donut” Miss First Friday – Wadsworth
“Donut” miss this First Friday. Need we say more? Shop local, dine local, and show lots of love to your downtown small businesses!
March 7
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Kent Rainbow Weekend – Kent
Join Main Street Kent for the first ever Kent Rainbow Weekend! Complete with comedy, a bar crawl, art exhibits, storytelling, drag shows, live music/DJs, workshops and more, come to downtown Kent and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community!
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Kent Rainbow Weekend Bar Crawl – Kent
You’re invited to join Main Street Kent for the inaugural Kent Rainbow Weekend Bar Crawl. Check in at the Venice Cafe from 5-8pm on Sat., March 7 to pick up your bar crawl pass, Absolut mason jar and rainbow swag; and enter the grand prize raffle. Head out on the town to enjoy the night, complete with Absolut drink specials and lots of entertainment. Downtown businesses will be hosting LGBTQ+ live music, drag shows, art exhibits, karaoke, open poetry readings and more. Grab dinner at a local spot and visit as many bar crawl establishments as you wish.
March 12
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Ladies Night Out – Medina
Head to Medina for a “tropical evening” of shopping, dining, and socializing. Pick up an event guide at the Medina County Visitors Bureau, and then head out to the stores and restaurants for some fun. Hawaiian shirts and beach wear encouraged! Every LNO guest will receive a shopping passport to use at participating businesses for a chance to win a massive gift basket, or $200 Main Street Medina bucks! Collect a stamp for each purchase you make that evening. When you have 5 stamps, turn your passport back in at the Visitors Bureau to be entered into the drawing.
March 14 
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Girls Night Out: Explore Lucky Lebanon – Lebanon
Stores will have specials, treats, and stay open late. All kinds of FUN downtown Lebanon. -
Pie Fest – Marietta
Pie Fest is a celebration of all things pie: pizza pie, dessert pie, pie pops, mini pies, and more! -
St. Paddy’s Day Run/Walk – Tiffin
Join Downtown Tiffin as we chase the leprechaun during the 5th Annual St. Paddy’s Day 5k Run/Walk. This race is family and pet friendly. Costumes are encouraged, but not necessary. Proceeds to benefit Downtown Revitalization in Tiffin.
March 17
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St. Patrick’s Day 3.1 Beer Run – Piqua
Happy St Patrick’s Day!! We can’t think of any better way to celebrate than with the 3.1 Beer Run! Come celebrate with Mainstreet Piqua by running a 5K and drinking a beer at every mile. Don’t drink beer? No problem – we have a root beer option!
March 18
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Portsmouth Today – Portsmouth
Join Main Street Portsmouth for their quarterly forum highlighting positivity through a series of speakers who will update guests on their public events and projects, answer questions anyone may have, and hear input from those in attendance.
March 19
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Third Thursday Trivia Night – Tiffin
Test your trivia knowledge and Downtown Tiffin’s Third Thursday Trivia Night!
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funding for Non-Entitlement Ohio Communities Webinar
Wednesday, March 11th – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Community Development Block Grant money for non-entitlement communities is managed through the Office of Community Development at Ohio’s Development Services Agency. Money is available to help revitalize our small downtowns. The program has seen some changes, so its time to introduce or refresh your familiarity with the ground rules for using this money, and how and when to apply.
What’s Happening on Main Street – February 2020
February 1
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Chocolate Crawl for a Cause – Medina
Chill Ice Cream has a new way to Indulge your sweet tooth – Hand made chocolates! What better way to celebrate than to have YOU sample these gourmet chocolates while supporting a local charity! Your $10 ticket will benefit Faith in Action, a local non profit that provides transportation for home bound seniors to get to their doctor appointments. -
Ice-A-Fair – Vermilion
The 12th Annual Main Street Vermilion Ice-A-Fair is almost here! Join us in downtown Vermilion on Saturday, February 1, 2020 for a day of fun, ice sculptures and more. Enjoy more than 60 sculptures in downtown Vermilion, as well as the Ritter Public Library’s 2020 Chocolate Festival and Fire & Ice, a blazing display flames set to music and accompanied by fire dancers. You’ll be mesmerized as you watch the melting ice put our the fire…or does the fire topple the icy tower? It’s free and magical! Join us for the Meltdown Party afterwards at the Vermilion Boat Club, short stroll from the center of town. -
Ice-A-Fair Meltdown Party – Vermilion
You’re invited to “Meltdown” following Ice A Fair. Just a short walk from the center of town and the site of Fire & Ice, a spectacular display that caps the day, the party starts at 7PM. For $30 a person, enjoy music, heavy hors d’oeurves and a cash bar. There will be chances to win with more raffles including everyone’s favorite, COLD HARD CASH:$1000 frozen in a block of ice! Relax around the fireplace or enjoy the view of the river and Lagoons.
February 7
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First Friday: Love is in the Air – Delaware
Visit downtown shops and restaurants for a date night, time with friends, or the whole family to celebrate LOVE! Main Street is throwing a wedding! A previously selected winning couple will get married by Mayor Riggle inside Gather. The community is invited to attend and celebrate true love! Snuggle up with your love for a romantic carriage ride through the downtown. Rides are $15 per couple. -
First Friday: Love is in the Air – Marietta
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, we’ll be celebrating the season of love downtown! Shops will feature love-ly gifts, display themed window decorations, and downtown shoppers will have the chance to show off your big heart for #MyMarietta. -
First Friday: Sweet Stroll – Medina
1st Friday in February will include a Sweets Stroll of delicious treats, a Musical Flash Mob at the Gazebo, interactive Live Art at the Visitors’ Bureau, and Sweet Deals at the shops … open late! -
First Friday: I ♥ Middletown – Middletown
Do you 💜 Middletown? Then be sure to join us for February First Friday: I 💜 Middletown, presented by Middletown City Schools! We will celebrate the incredible talent of our student community through their art, music and education! Come join the #middierising revolution and support the future of Middletown!
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First Friday: Will You Be My Valentine? – Millersburg
Shop, Eat, and Stay in Millersburg! Enjoy sweet deals and the decadence offered at all the participating businesses while taking in our beautiful historic downtown. -
First Friday – Painesville
Join the fun in Downtown Painesville and enter to win a Valentine’s Basket worth over $200!! Start at the Gage House where you can earn tickets by taking pictures with the “I Love Downtown Painesville” sign. 💗 Show your pride and earn more! Don’t forgot to grab an exclusive shoppers guide to take you through the area, highlighting local businesses that have more treats created with you (and your loved ones) in mind. You won’t want to miss this event just in time for Valentine’s Day! -
First Friday: Chocolate Walk – Tipp City
Love chocolate? Then sign-up fast for the February First Friday Chocolate Walk in beautiful, historic Downtown Tipp City! Come explore our wonderful downtown businesses while receiving unique and delicious treats along the way! Come out with your friends and loved ones for this special event with limited space. Tickets can be purchased via the link below or at the Tipp City Public Library or Grounds for Pleasure Coffee House. -
First Friday: Live Models – Troy
February’s First Friday will feature Live Models in the windows of our downtown stores and businesses. Businesses will be open late so that you can shop, dine, and explore! -
Chocolate Walk – Van Wert
Take a sweet stroll through downtown Van Wert! Show the event bag at each Chocolate Stop on the map to sample or collect nearly 20 chocolate treats. Grab friends or invite someone special and enjoy this excursion through downtown Van Wert. A limited number of tickets are available. -
Soups vs. Soups! – Van Wert
After Main Street Van Wert’s Chocolate Walk! Do you have what it takes to make a great soup to warm up the cold and hungry Choco-walkers? We want you to enter the first annual Soup Competition! $10 entry fee. Winner of the best soup, gets to boast a cool trophy for the year, receives half of the entry fees and takes home a large, hand-thrown bowl from potter Steve Smith! The more people who enter, the bigger the pot! We will be featuring David Holbrook & Denny Altaffer as our musician that night. Eat soup and listen to Jimmy belt out all the favorites! -
First Friday: Downtown Date Night & Candyland Scavenger Hunt – Wadsworth
Head downtown for a fun night of shopping, dining, and activities for all ages! Valentine’s Day is around the corner, so tonight is the perfect chance to find something special for the loved ones in your life! There will also be a fun Candyland-themed scavenger hunt!
February 8
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Annual Chocolate Walk – Delaware
The Main Street Delaware Chocolate Walk is a tasty experience you won’t want to miss! With your $20 ticket, you will visit businesses and receive a treat at each one. Each business thoughtfully prepares a chocolate treat for you to experience their business in a unique, yummy way. -
Main Street Kent Chocolate Walk – Kent
Ticket holders can pick up Chocolate Walk maps, “passes,” and bags to collect their chocolate treats. Guests can stop at participating businesses to gather their chocolate surprises while shopping, having lunch, coffee, and/or drinks along the way. Ticket holders will be entered in a drawing for the grand prize: an overnight stay at the Kent State Hotel & Conference Center and dinner for two!
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Black Bag Bingo – Lebanon
Looking for a Fun Night Out with your girlfriends? Play for a chance to win designer handbags! Coach, Kate Spade, Cole Haan, Michael Kors and more will be up for grabs when Black Bag Bingo returns. -
Ellen Vetter Chocolate Walk – Portsmouth
Join Main Street Portsmouth for the Annual Ellen Vetter Chocolate Walk to collect sweet treats and check out our many wonderful shops and restaurants. -
Workshop for Entrepreneurs – Van Wert
Everyone who dreams of starting a business is encouraged to attend this free event. This free Fair offers a wide variety of assistance, counseling and information to promising entrepreneurs and emerging new businesses. There will be speakers on topics including: Starting Right: What’s First, Financing and Incentives, and an Ask the Experts session where area professionals will do a Q&A with the audience. A special element to the fair is the announcement of the Business Plan Challenge where individuals looking to begin a business in Van Wert County can create, submit, and present a business plan to a panel of judges for the chance to win business development funds.
February 14
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26th Annual Medina Ice Festival – Medina
It’s time for the 26th Medina Ice Festival, February 14-17, 2020, the biggest, longest Ice Festival in Northeast Ohio! The event is free an open to the public. View over 100 ice sculptures, sponsored by individual businesses in Medina.
February 15
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26th Annual Medina Ice Festival – Medina
It’s time for the 26th Medina Ice Festival, February 14-17, 2020, the biggest, longest Ice Festival in Northeast Ohio! The event is free an open to the public. View over 100 ice sculptures, sponsored by individual businesses in Medina.
February 16
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26th Annual Medina Ice Festival – Medina
It’s time for the 26th Medina Ice Festival, February 14-17, 2020, the biggest, longest Ice Festival in Northeast Ohio! The event is free an open to the public. View over 100 ice sculptures, sponsored by individual businesses in Medina.
February 17
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26th Annual Medina Ice Festival – Medina
It’s time for the 26th Medina Ice Festival, February 14-17, 2020, the biggest, longest Ice Festival in Northeast Ohio! The event is free an open to the public. View over 100 ice sculptures, sponsored by individual businesses in Medina.
February 20
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Trivia Night in Downtown Tiffin – Tiffin
Head to historic downtown Tiffin for a fun-filled night of competitive trivia every Third Thursday of the Month! -
Vermilion in Bloom Ladies Night – Vermilion
Every year, Vermilion in Bloom hosts three lively ladies nights to get us through winter and into the planting season. Wine, food and lively conversation fill the evening. Everyone is welcome and you’re sure to meet new people, see some familiar faces and learn more about what Vermilion in Bloom does for Vermilion.
February 22
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Flash Back Dance – Cambridge
The popular Flash Back Dance is back and this year Cambridge Main Street is celebrating Mardi Gras! Dance the night away with your friends and favorite hits!
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Girl Scout Cookie Walk & Wine Pairing – Middletown
Who doesn’t LOVE Girl Scout Cookies?! Come join us in historic downtown Middletown for a family-friendly Cookie Walk! After checking in at the beautiful Windamere, you will walk to different shops, eateries and establishments to get 8 different Girl Scout cookies. For our 21 and older friends, each “Cookie Stop” will have a specially selected wine pairing available for purchase (not included in ticket price, sold separately at each location). Girl Scout cookie in one hand……paired wine in another…….does it get any better?! -
Girls Night Out – Millersburg
Girls just wanna have fun…and Millersburg is where to have it! They will be open and ready to pamper you. Each store will be full of surprises-for you to make a great memory with your friends and family! But, the fun certainly does not stop at 8 – the pubs are going to be rocking long into the night! Make it a true adventure and spend the night….why not have someone ELSE cook breakfast for a change! Buy your Punch card for just $5.00 at The Hotel Millersburg starting Feb 7th. Everyone who visits 75% of the stores will be eligible for a chance one of two Amazing Prizes! -
2nd Annual Winter Writing Festival – Ravenna
The 2nd Annual Winter Writing Festival celebrates the written word in downtown Ravenna. New this year is the Speaker Series featuring Kent native Jason Prufer author of “Small Town, Big Music” and Award-winning Author Angela Johnson! Writing workshops are scheduled at locations all around town, The WICK Poetry Center from KSU will again be leading a poetry slam, a Story Walk is being planned and more! Don’t forget to visit our downtown merchants while you are enjoying the day as we are also welcoming back our book Pop-Up Shop featuring The Learned Owl Bookshop. Register for your workshops as space is limited and the first 200+ registrants will receive a swag bag for attending! -
Taste of Troy Trivia Night – Troy
Taste of Troy Trivia Night is one of Troy Main Street’s favorite events to host. It is a night of food, fun, and community! Tickets are $25 per person (includes 1 drink ticket) or $175 per table. Additional beer/wine tickets are $5 each. (Credit card payments are subject to a service fee). All event and drink tickets must be purchased in advance! In between each round of trivia, you will get to sample a food item from a local Troy restaurant. Prizes from local businesses will be awarded to teams who win a round of Trivia.
Municipal Planning & Zoning Fundamentals Webinar
Wednesday, February 12th – 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
In this webinar, attendees will learn about how city planning and zoning are used as practical tools for municipal governance. We will explore topics from the perspective of what local leaders need to know to effectively serve and guide a municipality, navigate codes and regulations, and promote public engagement and civil discourse. Topics will focus on real-world relevancy and prioritizing community investment in residents. The topics will include:
• Municipal governance fundamentals, plans, and codes
• Communicating with the public, participating in meetings, negotiating conflict
• Planning and zoning processes, land use, and site plan/development applications
• Highlights of additional important topics – community & economic development, community revitalization, urban design, transportation, and planning for the future.