April 21, 2020 | COVID-19 Community Response Roundup: Digital Marketing Grant Programs & Celeb Support | By: Abby Armato, Communications Coordinator, NMSC |

New positivity campaign from Main Street Wadsworth launched in connection with new virtual First Friday events. (Photo credit: Main Street Wadsworth)

The COVID-19 Community Response blog series features ideas and approaches that local Main Street America programs are taking in response to the pandemic. We will be posting these roundups frequently throughout the duration of the crisis. To view the full collection of roundups as well as access our robust collection of coronavirus-related resources, please visit our COVID-19 Main Street Resources webpage.

Celeb Support. What do the Red Sox, Orange is the New Black, and the Boston Bruins have in common? They all have celebrities from West Roxbury in Boston, Massachusetts. And these celebrities have donated their time to create videos calling for local support for their hometown. West Roxbury Main Streets has been sharing these celeb videos on their social channels. Check out these calls for support from actor Taylor Schilling (Orange is the New Black), Manny Delcarmen (Red Sox ace), and Chris Nilan (former Boston Bruins player).

#WadsworthPosterProject. A new positivity campaign has been launched by Main Street Wadsworth in Wadsworth, Ohio: #WadsworthPosterProject. Launched during the Main Street’s virtual First Friday event in early April, the six-block historic downtown business district has already seen dozens of joyful messages appear. As part of their May First Friday event, the Main Street program is encouraging the community to drive through downtown to enjoy the posters. “It has been so encouraging to drive through downtown Wadsworth and see the posters going up in the business windows,” said Teri Peters, Main Street Wadsworth Project Coordinator.

Digital Marketing Grant Program. The Chehalis Community Renaissance Team in Chehalis, Washington, announced last week a new digital marketing grant for their downtown business owners. A 75% match of project costs up to $2,500, this grant program covers expenses such as the creation/improvement of business websites, digital marketing advertising, e-commerce development costs, and social media management. “The vision of the program is to increase the vitality of Downtown Chehalis businesses by providing funds for a robust, well-positioned online presence,” said CCRT.

Front Line Appreciation Group. Anaconda Local Development Corporation in Anaconda, Montana, has assembled a group to help support local restaurants and front-line workers: Front Line Appreciation Group (FLAG). The Main Street program called on its community to donate funds to purchase and deliver meals from local restaurants around their district to bring to those working on the front line. All meals are prepared and delivered in accordance safety protocols and social distancing policies. “We are so appreciative of our Anaconda businesses and front-line individuals who are giving 100% to help us through this crisis,” said one donating participate. “Thank you so much.”

24/7 Coronavirus Hotline. Is your child feeling overwhelmed, sad, or anxious during this pandemic? Laredo Main Street in Laredo, Texas, is reminding their community that resources are available to support our young people during this time. Amplifying an initiative from the City, the Main Street program is helping connect youth with school counselors via a Counselor Hotline. These are uncertain times; it’s okay not to be okay.

We look forward to sharing more Main Street community responses. Please fill out this form if your community has implemented an idea or approach you'd like to contribute.