Corning’s Gaffer District Vying for $25K Cash Prize in National Contest Recognizing America’s Main Streets

Corning, NY. – On February 26, Independent We Stand, the national small business movement, kicked-off its third 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. Corning’s Gaffer District in Corning, NY is among this year’s nominees.
 
America’s Main Streets play an important role in the long-term success of communities and help build a sense of place reinforcing this year’s theme: “Local Memories. Lasting Impact.”
 
“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.”
 
Executive Director for Corning’s Gaffer District, Coleen Fabrizi stated, “Our downtown is a remarkable example of resilience and determination. Following the flood of 1972, the community worked passionately to rebuild, and the transformation is nothing short of spectacular. Downtown Corning is recognized for the continued restoration of our historic buildings, signature events highlighting glass and music, and our community’s Shop Local spirit.  These accomplishments have been noted by Country Living Magazine, HuffPost.com, TripAdvisor, Bon Appetit and the American Bus Association. Some of our most remarkable recognition comes from residents and visitors who are genuinely captivated by Corning’s Gaffer District -- a downtown filled with 250+ small businesses complemented by national brands and memory-making experiences! If we are chosen as the winner of America’s Main Street contest, the prize would be used toward revitalization efforts to the Gaffer District's Northside; specifically to leverage the infusion of capital, redevelopment, and the genesis of urban improvements for our northside neighborhood.”  The first round of voting in the contest began as soon as Corning’s Gaffer District was nominated and runs through April 22. All nominations and voting take place on MainStreetContest.com.
 
Important dates:
·         February 26 to April 22: “America’s Main Streets” nominations and quarterfinalist voting
·         April 30 to May 27: “America’s Main Streets” semifinalist voting
·         June 4: “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
 
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+ independent servicing dealers nationwide.  Supporting Sponsors: Do it Best Corp., North American Retail Hardware Association, PPG