Everybody loves Main Street!

In the course of looking for some information about a project I am working on, I got a random idea. I typed "Main Street" into Google to see what I would come up with. As you might expect, I got a lot of results related to Main Street programs. That makes sense. What surprised me, and what I got a big laugh out of, was the amount of businesses that have "Main Street" in their name even if it has absolutely nothing directly to do with a traditional downtown.

It makes sense, too, when you think about it. For example, how many times this year did you hear that a politician running for office wanted to make sure that government represented "Main Street, not Wall Street"? The image and symbolism of Main Street has a near sacred place in the American ethos. Main Street conjures up images of home, of the corner drug store, of a safe place and a simpler time.

Such an explanation would certainly help explain why so many businesses have Main Street in their name! They are trying to tap into the American soul. For example, there is the Main Street Casino (http://www.mainstreetcasino.com). I don't think any of my downtowns have one of those. There is also Main Street Homes (http://www.mainstreethomes.com), which, judging by the front picture displayed, is probably located far far away from Main Street. How about http://www.mainstreet.com? That's got financial advice. Alright. Then there is http://www.mainstreetlighting.com/, which at least has lighting that is appropriate to Main Street. My favorite, though, is (http://www.certainteed.com/CertainTeed/Pro/Builder/Siding/Prodindex/CertainTeed/MainStreet.htm). They sell siding. That's just ironic.

My point is that Main Street remains a popular and desired brand in America. This is one of the biggest strengths that our downtowns have - they represent a way of life that millions seek and desire. We have to learn to tap into that desire in order to get those people back.