WELLSBORO, PA—Independent We Stand, the national small business movement, has announced the 25 quarterfinalists of its inaugural 2017 America’s Main Streets contest. The 25 top vote-getters were chosen by public vote from the 253 nominees from 44 states.
Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, a quarterfinalist, is seeking more public votes to be selected as one of the 10 semifinalists in the national competition for $25,000 for downtown revitalization and “buying local” activities.
Voting for the semifinalists is ongoing and ends at midnight on Sunday, May 28 2017 with the top ten announced on or about Tuesday.
"If you’ve visited Wellsboro’s gaslight lined streets, you know there’s something special about this town, and now America knows it too," said Kevin Coolidge, a member of the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce and the owner of From My Shelf Books & Gifts, an independent bookstore at 7 East Avenue.
“We are encouraging people to vote for Wellsboro once a day from their IP addresses,” Coolidge said. "Based on the contest rules, everybody can cast an online vote once every 24 hours now through May 28 by visiting MainStreetContest.com.
Or, people can vote by going to the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page
The top 10 main streets in America will proceed to the final round, where a panel of judges will select the winner and announce their decision June 3.
We have an active chamber of commerce with over 300 members who are working together to build a strong community for today and tomorrow," Coolidge noted.
A relaxed and friendly vibe emanates from the Wellsboro community and its residents, according to Julie VanNess, Wellsboro chamber executive director. “Our town's tree-lined streets, grassy boulevards lined with gaslights, stately homes, and the town square known as “The Green” welcome you with hometown charm,” she said.
Founded in 1806, Wellsboro is the county seat of Tioga County and only minutes from the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, Pine Creek and the Pine Creek Rail Trail.
“Wellsboro’s Main Street and the community-at-large boast a wide variety of family-owned shops and businesses offering personal attention to your needs,” VanNess added.
“Lodging, food and unique storefronts can all be found in the Wellsboro area. That’s why the community is a favorite stop for those traveling Route 6 called “One of America’s most scenic drives” by National Geographic.
The goal of this national contest is "to promote the importance of America’s Main Streets and the small businesses that help them thrive," said Bill Brunelle, Independent We Stand co-founder and executive director.
Run by Independent We Stand, the national small business movement, the contest is a project of the Main Street America program operated by the National Main Street Center, which is a subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
“We are so pleased to see how passionate people are about their Main Streets,” Brunelle said. “It’s evident by the broad range of nominations representing 44 states. Now, it’s time to rally and vote again for these 25 terrific quarterfinalists.”
For more information about Wellsboro, call 570-724-1926, email info@wellsboropa.com or visit Home - Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce | PA
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