Downtown Bend vying for $25K cash prize in national contest

On Feb. 25, Independent We Stand , a national small business movement, kicked-off its fourth annual America’s Main Streets contest to help consumers, small business owners and Main Street organizations reward a deserving Main Street with $25,000 in cash and sponsor-related prizes . Downtown Bend is among this year’s nominees.

” Our Independent We Stand America’s Main Streets contest shines a light on the pride business owners and communities take in their Main Streets ,” says Independent We Stand co-founder Bill Brunelle. ” We know small businesses on these Main Streets help them thrive and have a measurable economic impact. This contest is a chance to share those stories with people from coast-to-coast.”

Downtown Bend, established in 1903, is the heart of the Bend, Oregon community. The Downtown Bend Business Association (DBBA) has revitalized the Downtown district to become one of the leading tourist destinations in Central Oregon, according to the group’s news release, which continues below:

Our Downtown area plays an important and unique role in the economic and social development of Central Oregon. Downtown Bend is where commercial, cultural, and civic pursuits are concentrated. This concentration facilitates business, learning, and cultural exchange.

The DBBA is dedicated to creating a space where all members of our community are welcome, where entrepreneurial dreams can be pursued, where we can connect to our history, and where our community members and visitors alike can create memorable moments. We understand that a healthy downtown is key to a strong community.

We are looking to develop our Downtown as a Holiday destination where people from all over would make it their family tradition to come ski at Mt. Bachelor, Bend, stay at one of our local hotels, and walk the streets of Downtown enjoying the festive atmosphere. If we were to win this award, all of the funds would go directly to creating this Holiday experience. Receiving this award would help us be able to offer a Central Oregon destination for families and friends to create meaningful holiday traditions.

The first round of voting in the contest began as soon as Downtown Bend was nominated and runs through April 21. All nominations and voting take place on MainStreetContest.com .

Important dates :

February 25 to April 21 : “America’s Main Streets” n ominations and quarterfinalist voting March 4-8: “Great American Red, White & Q” road trip April 29 to May 26: “America’s Main Streets” semifinalist voting June 3: “America’s Main Streets” winner announced July 4: “Main Streets Make Us Better” event; “America’s Main Streets” winner announces plans for $25,000 grand prize 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 Downtown Bend visit: www.downtownbend.org

Presenting Sponsor:

STIHL Inc. , America’s number-one selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment, is the founding sponsor of Independent We Stand and the presenting sponsor of America’s Main Streets contest. The company follows a unique distribution strategy in the handheld outdoor power equipment industry, choosing never to sell products at big box stores, but instead remaining loyal to its 9,000+ authorized local STIHL dealers nationwide.

Supporting Sponsors:

Do it Best Corp. Flip This Town Nationwide Marketing Group North American Retail Hardware Association PPG Paints

About Downtown Bend

The Downtown Bend Business Association cultivates the rich culture of Downtown Bend. Their mission is to promote the economic vitality by enhancing the experience, image, and lifestyle of Downtown Bend.

About Independent We Stand

Independent We Stand is a nationwide movement of independent small business owners whose mission is to inspire other small business owners to better understand and celebrate their locally-owned status while educating consumers about the importance and strong economic benefits of supporting them. The Independent We Stand movement is sponsored by STIHL Inc . STIHL products are sold through more than 9,000 authorized local STIHL dealers from coast to coast – not big box stores. Associate sponsors include Nationwide Marketing Group , PPG and Do it Best Corp .