Foley Main Street Celebrates Growth and Innovation at Bi-Annual "Idea Exchange" Meeting
FOLEY, AL — June 24, 2026 — Foley Main Street hosted its bi-annual "Idea Exchange" on June 23, 2026, bringing together elected officials, board members, volunteers, supporters, and local entrepreneurs to celebrate a period of historic growth and technological innovation in the downtown district.
Led by Wes Abrams, the meeting highlighted Foley Main Street’s recent successes in securing significant funding, launching digital initiatives, and welcoming twelve new businesses to the downtown footprint since November 2025.
Investment in the Future
Foley Main Street announced it has been awarded over $44,000 in grants and program funding since Nov 1, 2025. This includes $14,000 specifically used for advertising, promoting downtown, expanding evening programming and 10,000 in economic development education. Additionally, $20,000 was awarded in spring of 2026 to create decorative crosswalks aimed at beautifying the district while enhancing safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
“A large portion of what we do is economic development—matching businesses to buildings and working closely with property owners and investors,” said Wes Abrams during the welcome address. “The growth we are seeing is a direct result of these partnerships and a shared vision for a vibrant, walkable downtown.”
Innovation and Engagement
To enhance the visitor experience, Foley Main Street officially unveiled the Downtown Foley Digital Passport. This geo-based mobile tool allows visitors to collect points as they explore downtown shops and restaurants, which can then be redeemed for rewards. This launch coincides with the continued success of "Third Thursdays," which has seen record attendance in recent months.
To support the people behind the storefronts, Foley Main Street also hosted four professional workshops since the last bi-annual meeting, providing downtown business owners with skills and tools necessary to help them thrive in a competitive market.
City Partnership and Infrastructure
Mayor Ralph Hellmich addressed the crowd to provide updates on major municipal projects that will further transform the downtown landscape. Key projects include the progress on the new Foley Library, the transition to underground utilities to improve aesthetics and reliability, and the upcoming upgrade of the Dyas parking lot.
A Growing Business Community
The meeting served as a formal welcome to the twelve new businesses that have joined the Foley Main Street family since November 2025: Baldwin County Resources LLC, Beyond Measure Therapy, Grounded- Foley, Half Shell Oyster House, Lillian’s Closet, Magnolia Salon, Melissa’s Kitchen, Nerd Out, Quality Alterations, Storyfuse, Waffles R Wild - The SpeakEasy, and Wild Daisy Hair Salon.
About Foley Main Street
Foley Main Street is a non-profit organization dedicated to the revitalization and economic development of downtown Foley, Alabama. By leveraging local assets and fostering community partnerships, Foley Main Street strives to create a vibrant, sustainable urban core that honors the city's heritage while embracing its future.
Lindsey Sholes, owner of Black Cat Vegan Bakery.
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