Main Street Matters by Heart on Main Street

Episode 49: Unlocking the Magic of Trade Shows

Heart on Main Street's Summer Sourcing Series kicks off with a panel discussion about the importance of attending trade shows this summer! Hear from retailers and representatives of Dallas Market Center and AndMore (formerly International Market Centers) about why summer trade shows are so crucial for your business and how to make a plan to get the most out of your time at the market. 

https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/
https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/upcoming-webinars

Episode 48: Main Street Monday: Noblesville, IN

It was eclipse day when I visited Noblesville, IN, and the atmosphere was incredible! Downtown Noblesville has vibrant retailers and unique shopping environments to meet the needs of all shoppers. And the community of retailers has banded together to ensure that everyone's experience in Noblesville is a positive one. 

https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/
https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/main-street-monday

Episode 47: How Retailers Can Utilize AI to Make Their Lives Easier with Crystal Vilkaitis of Crystal Media

Since it burst onto the scene over the last couple of years, AI has been positioned as a force that can completely change our lives. Yet, most people are still figuring out what AI is and how to incorporate it into their work. For retailers, the potential uses for AI are limitless, but they need to know where to start to take advantage of the possibilities. Crystal Vilkaitis of Crystal Media joins the Main Street Matters webinar to discuss how AI can help make retailers' lives easier! 

https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/
https://www.crystalmediaco.com/

Episode 46: Main Street Monday: Waukon, IA

Join us as we explore the resurgent downtown area of Waukon, IA. Located in the Driftless, Waukon is an extraordinary setting that has seen local residents invest in over the last decade. I met with new retailers to see how they're reshaping the town of Waukon, and I interviewed Valeria Reinke the Director of Economic Development in the county to find out what makes Waukon a thriving Main Street community. 

Heart on Main Street Website: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/
Register for Upcoming Webinars: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/upcoming-webinars

Episode 45: Shop Talk: Journey of a New Retailer Episode 3 Finances and Social Media

We resume our conversation with Kara Polyner of Ely Mercantile as Ely, MN, begins its busy season. In this episode, we discuss how Kara has structured her finances to keep everything aligned and the beginning of her social media journey! 

If you'd like to contact Kara to offer advice or well-wishes, her email address is kara@elymercantile.com

You can also check out her store online at:
https://elymercantile.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ElyMercantileCo
https://www.instagram.com/elymercantile/

Episode 44: Main Street Monday: Franklin, TN

In this episode, we discuss some of the great information shared at the EVOVLE 2024 conference in Denver, CO, and then head out on the road to visit the town of Franklin, TN. Downtown Franklin is nicknamed "America's Favorite Main Street District," so we explore the area, highlight some of its wonderful retail stores, and see what makes it so great.

Heart on Main Street is also raising money for retailers who have been impacted by the recent tornadoes throughout the central part of the US. if you'd like to donate to help these retailers please visit https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/donate

Heart on Main Street Website: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/
Register for Upcoming Webinars: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/upcoming-webinars
Buy Heart on Main Street Merch: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/shop

Episode 43: Insurance Needs for Retailer Owners with Heather Ingersoll of Hometown Insurance

Imagine that you've just lost your store to a natural disaster like a flood, hurricane, tornado or fire, and then you find out later that the insurance that you thought you had either doesn't cover that type of damage or doesn't provide adequate coverage to help you rebuild your store. This is the case for hundreds of retailers every single year. They all thought it wouldn't happen to them either. Join us to learn about what insurance retailers need to have and how to go about making sure you are covered when disaster strikes.

Heart on Main Street Website: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/
Register for Upcoming Webinars: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/upcoming-webinars
Buy Heart on Main Street Merch: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/shop
Hometown Insurance: https://www.hometowninsuranceco.com/

Episode 42: Main Street Monday: Monticello, IL

In today's episode, we explore the historic downtown of Monticello, IL. Despite being a rural community, Monticello has become quite the tourist destination due to its Railway Museum, 14-acre park, and historic downtown. I found myself enamored with the downtown and its retailers, who capitalize on the town's charm to help their businesses grow. I also interviewed the Executive Director of Monticello's Main Street Organization, Shelly Crawford Stock, to learn more about what Monticello is doing to help its Main Street thrive. 

Heart on Main Street Website: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/
Register for Upcoming Webinars: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/upcoming-webinars
Buy Heart on Main Street Merch: https://www.heartonmainstreet.org/shop