Historic Downtown Hope in Second Round of Voting (TOPS)
By Dale Gathright, Jr., 04/27/20 4:21 PM
HOPE – Historic Downtown Hope has been named one of the quarterfinalists in the 2020 America’s Main Streets contest, the national small business movement, Independent We Stand, announced Monday. In making the announcement, the group said, “As the lifeblood of our cities and towns, Main Streets play an important role in the long-term success of communities and help build a sense of place. Ensuring the survival and vitality of our Main Streets is important now more than ever before, as many across the country stay home to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
Independent We Stand invites the public “to take action and play a role in the survival of Main Streets by voting online for their favorite quarterfinalist and moving a deserving Main Street one step closer to the cash grand prize of $25,000.”
“Hope is a tourist destination that is steeped in history due to the fact that Hope is the birthplace of President Bill Clinton, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee and former White House Chief of Staff, Mack McLarty. Hope is also known for being the headquarters of Klipsch and for raising record-setting watermelons,” the group added.
In 2018, Historic Downtown Hope received its designation as an Arkansas Downtown Network program as directed by Main Street Arkansas. As a Main Street America Affiliate™, Hope Downtown Network is part of a national network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities who share both a commitment to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development.
Bob Erwin, President of the Hope Downtown Network stated, ”These designations would not have happened without our community stepping up to make a difference in downtown business revitalization & historic preservation.”
Beckie Moore, Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce director stated, “We are blessed to have community-minded people who realize the value of a vibrant downtown. We appreciate everyone who voted for Hope in the first round of this exciting contest, and we encourage you to continue voting for Hope in the semifinal round.”
More than 616,000 total votes were cast for 160 entrants during the nominations phase. Springhill, Louisiana is the closest city to Hope that’s still in the running.
Semifinalist voting begins April 27 at MainStreetContest.com and runs through May 24.
The top 10 semifinalists will be announced May 25. The winner of the 2020 “America’s Main Streets” contest will be announced June 2 followed by a “Main Streets Make Us Better” celebration planned to occur on or near the Fourth of July, when the winner will announce how the prize money will be used.
Additional contest prizes include:
- STIHL Equipment Certificate for $1,000 worth of STIHL equipment good at any STIHL Dealer in the U.S.
- Do it Best Corp. $500 shopping spree
- Free One Day Downtown Assessment from Flip This Town
- Nationwide Marketing Group $500 shopping spree
- PPG Paints $500 shopping spree
- Public relations and social media recognition
- A special plaque for the winner to proudly display
For more information on Historic Downtown Hope, like and follow Hope Downtown Network and Hope Chamber of Commerce on Facebook. You may also call the chamber at 870-777-3640 or email hopemelonfest@yahoo.com.
Presenting Sponsor:
STIHL Inc., is the founding sponsor of Independent We Stand and the presenting sponsor of America’s Main Streets contest.
