By ERIC SEIVERLING
Businesses on Monongahela’s Main Street received a shot of inspiration and innovation this week when the national Main Street America program held its annual “Main Street Now” conference.
A dozen members of the Monongahela Main Street Program attended the event, which took place virtually this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous cities that hosted the event include Boston, Dallas and Pittsburgh in 2017.
The conference, held Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, provided business owners and Main Street Program members with networking opportunities, marketing and advertising strategies, support for small businesses and a reflection on the past year.
Monongahela Main Street Program Executive Director Terry Necciai said he was happy with the large turnout from Monongahela this year.
“I’m excited, excited, excited,” Necciai said. “It’s largely a pep rally for people around the country.
“What really excited me was how many people we sent. This was a chance to get everybody to work together and get excited. If they weren’t excited, they wouldn’t have signed up. I’m excited about what it means. We’re going to see more networking and people be more aware of other businesses like them and what they do.”
The national Main Street Program started in the 1970s with three towns participating. By the early ’80s, it had grown to include 36 towns. According to Necciai, the program now has approximately 1,600 cities involved.
“When they gather live, it’s at least 1,000 to 3,000 people,” he said of the conference’s attendance.
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