Clarence Cardinal Newlsetter ClarenceCommunityNewsletter--MAINSTREETApril2017

BECOMING CLARENCE MAIN STREET! CLARENCE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER SPECIAL ISSUE 2017 Sharing Clarence News Since 2006 The Future Looks Bright What began as an idea in January, has blossomed into a community movement in Clarence. After diligently touring many of the historic down- town buildings in search of usable business space, members of the Clar- ence Area Economic Development Group realized the time was now to make a change in downtown Clarence. The buildings are at a critical juncture and action is needed NOW to save them, and to save the history and future business prospects they represent. The next step led to the investigation of the Main Street Iowa program as a potential framework within which to achieve these goals. Beyond the financial incentives, abounding technical and design assistance and pro- fessional support, Main Street Iowa has developed a network within their Main Street communities that is unmatched in the United States. After touring several Main Street Iowa communities, the CAEDG was convinced this was the program that could save the Clarence business district and develop the needed framework for local success and reinvestment. “Universally Main Street is the economic engine and the heart of every community. It tells us who we are, who we were, and how the past has shaped us. It defines our culture and identity.” - Deborah Feller This special issue of the Clarence Community Newsletter lays out many of the benefits of the Main Street program, as well as the efforts undertaken thus far to keep the tremendous community momentum rolling ahead! GET THE LATEST UPDATES! • Follow along with the latest updates by following the Clarence Area Economic Devel- opment Group on Facebook and Twitter!