Spotlight on Main

1.  Creating a landlord committee to actively engage them in contributing to the community and show them the value they bring to it.
2. Monthly merchant meetings to discuss different marketing strategies to expand their presence.
3. Collaborating with Town initiatives helps expand the reach to other Wallingford businesses that might be interested in joining forces to market each other.

• CMSC helped WCI focus on a strategic plan that identifies specific tasks, action items and measurable outcomes.
• WCI has successfully transitioned from an events-driven approach to a more strategic focus.
• CMSC’s guidance helped WCI review and analyze how they can improve their presentation to the community, gaining consensus and support.

Liz Davis, WCI Executive Director, recommends other downtowns facing similar issues start by doing the following:

• Think outside the box. Look at businesses that will complement each other or might bring in foot traffic. For example, bringing in a non-profit to partner with an established business for a win-win.
• Some ideas include a non-profit that deals with special needs adults opening a coffee or soup shop, or a clothing store that caters to foster families. These types of businesses draw in families that have connections to these businesses along with providing support to a non-profit that needs it.

CMSC’s annual Main Street Management Assessment provides our members with a way to measure their efforts, track successes year-over-year, and provides specific resources and guidance to achieve their goals.

The 80+ data points align with the adaptable and nationally-proven Four Point Approach: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization.

Economic Vitality
One of WCI’s strenghts is engaging merchants and property owners and creating a ‘one-stop-shop’ approach to attracting businesses, leading to a relatively low vacancy rate.

 Design
Wallingford is creating a cohesive and welcoming experience for visitors and proactively working to improve the amount and type of public art in their downtown.

Promotion 
WCI is particularly strong at aligning their events with their district’s assets, especially their history and tourism.

Organization
WCI has built strong municipal relationships in support of its downtown revitalization.

Photography by Dawn Finaldi

Silver /Petrucelli + Associates is an architecture, engineering and interior design collaborative.

Projects include new construction, renovate-as-new, expansion, repair and renovation, code conformance improvements, building system modifications and window/roof replacements.

CEDAS, the Connecticut Economic Development Association, is a not-for-profit organization committed to advancing the practice of economic development within the state of Connecticut. CEDAS is the premiere association for economic development professionals, providing a forum for the economic development community and sponsoring educational programs and seminars to benefit those in the field. 

Ascend Bank, formerly Guilford Savings Bank, has been serving Connecticut and neighboring states for over 150 years. We’re proud of our deep community roots and our commitment to providing a modern, personalized banking experience for both consumers and businesses.

Connecticut Realtor who helps both buyers and sellers navigate one of life’s biggest decisions with ease and confidence. Whether it’s guiding first-time buyers, marketing homes for top value, or connecting people to the communities they love, I’m passionate about making every move feel seamless.