Foley Main Street Celebrates Record Downtown Investments at the June Idea Exchange Meeting

FOLEY, AL – June 27, 2025 – Foley Main Street celebrated a year of remarkable achievements at its bi-annual Idea Exchange meeting, highlighting a nearly 29% increase in downtown investment, a fifth consecutive National Accreditation from Main Street America, and the success of several community-led initiatives. The meeting underscored the organization's collaborative spirit, crediting its success to dedicated sponsors, volunteers, and a vital partnership with the City of Foley.

"We cannot accomplish what we have without the support of our sponsors, our volunteers, and especially the efforts of the City of Foley and its wonderful employees," said Wes Abrams, Volunteer President of Foley Main Street. "This is a true group effort, and today is about celebrating the collective success that is revitalizing our downtown."

A major highlight was the announcement that Foley Main Street has once again earned the prestigious Main Street America™ Accredited designation, a status achieved by only 821 communities nationwide. This marks the sixth consecutive year Foley has received this top-tier honor, which recognizes a proven track record in strategy-driven programming, preservation-based economic development, and demonstrated impact. This accreditation qualifies the organization for additional grants and programs that further benefit the community.

The impact of this work is clear in the numbers. In the last year, combined public and private investment in the downtown area surged from $12.85 million in 2023 to $16.55 million in 2024.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich, the event's keynote speaker, praised the organization's tangible results. “Foley Main Street has done an outstanding job of reviving interest and business downtown. You worked at this every day, and it's something we needed,” said Mayor Hellmich. “It was a missing component that we didn't have. We count Main Street as an important partner here in downtown.”

During the meeting, committee leaders shared updates on key projects:

• Design & Placemaking: The new downtown Wayfinding Signs are now installed, complete with QR codes that link directly to Google Maps to help visitors easily locate businesses. Additionally, the Cat Alley beautification project is nearing completion, with a sponsor board, final signage, plantings, and bollards expected by fall, thanks to funding from the Riviera Utilities Foundation, Main Street America, and the Baldwin Board of Realtors.

• Community Promotion: The Third Thursday event celebrated its one-year anniversary, growing from a grassroots initiative started by six businesses to a monthly celebration involving 23 participants. The organization recognized the founding businesses for their vision and leadership. The popular Summer Bingo promotion also kicked off, encouraging residents and visitors to explore downtown shops and restaurants.

• Economic Vitality: Foley Main Street continues to foster a strong business environment. This summer, two new workshop series will launch for downtown businesses:

• An online optimization workshop, funded by a $5,000 grant from Regions Bank, will teach business owners to enhance their Google and Bing profiles.

• A soft-skills training series, "Downtown Forward: Skills for Success," led by Auburn University's College of Business and also funded by a Regions Bank grant, will begin July 29.

These programs build on past successes, including the awarding of seven $1,000 marketing grants and the $10,000 Pitch Contest prize won by Portabella's, all made possible by Main Street Alabama and the State of Alabama.

Another major 2024 success was the creation of the Downtown Arts and Entertainment District. The district, approved for a one-year trial, has successfully increased foot traffic and activity, with Mayor Hellmich noting no issues have been reported and the city intends to renew it for a longer period.

"Our focus is on helping existing businesses stay strong while matching new businesses to buildings," Dunmore explained. "From facilitating city facade grants to maintaining a comprehensive database of downtown properties, we provide the tools and data that show investors the deep commitment our community has to its downtown."

About Foley Main Street:
Foley Main Street is a non-profit organization led by a board of directors committed to increasing the economic vibrancy of Downtown Foley. The primary focus of this initiative is to increase awareness of the Downtown Foley district and its businesses, as well as working with new and existing businesses to increase their strength and vibrancy. For more information, visit www.foleymainstreet.com.