Main Street America (MSA) has a proven track record of helping grow downtown communities’ economic development. Founded in 1980, it has helped generate over $101 billion in local reinvestment, rehabbed 335,000 buildings, created 728,000 new jobs, and launched 175,000 new businesses in over 2,000 communities.
Fort Smith joined the MSA community in 2020, thanks to the dedicated work of former 64.6 Executive Director Talicia Richardson. Membership gives the city access to various nationally recognized corporations, foundations, government entities, and organizations that deliver grants and technical services to support thriving local economies.
When Amanda Hager stepped up earlier this year to fill Talicia’s position, her marketing background led her to believe the timing was right to rebrand the 64.6 organization. One of her first official acts was to change its public name to “Main Street Fort Smith” (MSFS). “By rebranding 64.6 to Main Street, I believe it will give people a better sense of what we are,” Amanda rationalized. “When people hear Main Street, it presents a defined image. They think downtown, historic, central hub of the city, a place I want to walk around. These are connotations we want visitors to associate with the organization.”
Amanda is no stranger to the Fort Smith area. Formerly an executive producer for Channel 5 News and Oklahoma City’s KWTV – News 9, she was teaching at Haas Hall Academy in Rogers when approached about the 64.6 position. She agreed to the position in part because this was where her family and closest friends lived – and her “Home.” Another contributing factor was a desire to serve her community, which she previously achieved in her news and teaching positions. Her role with MSFS will provide further opportunities to accomplish this goal.
THERE IS MORE TO MAIN STREET FORT SMITH
Amanda’s project experience helped prepare her for managing MSFS. She is accustomed to juggling numerous “balls in the air” at once. She admits it was initially a bit overwhelming, but she is settling in and can now keep an eye on all the active projects, even if only in her peripheral vision.
MSFS’s mission is “To create economic vitality through diverse commerce with arts, culture, and business.” She works closely with the Downtown Business Association, Central Business Improvement District, and other organizations to achieve their goals. On projects where MSFS is not the lead, they support others’ ventures.
MSFS has signed a Contract of Services with the city to promote downtown while supporting its property and business owners. MSFS creates events such as Ghouls on Garrison and Christmas on Cisterna, which offer great opportunities for people to meet downtown merchants.
Amanda’s job description continues beyond creating events that attract visitors to Fort Smith’s downtown. She is also the contact for anyone interested in purchasing, renovating, or expanding downtown buildings. She is also the first stop for business owners with questions about historic preservation rules and research grants for historic structures’ restoration and renovation. “I want to be the go-to person for anyone wanting to start or expand their business downtown,” Amanda explained. “I have the resources to connect them with the right person.”
COMING ATTRACTIONS
Main Street Fort Smith will present Invest Fort Smith on November 13 at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith’s Center for Economic Development located at the Bakery District in downtown Fort Smith. This annual one-day conference will focus on entrepreneurs interested in starting a small business downtown or expanding their business.
Assorted panels conducted by city, county, and business directors from local companies share real-world experiences related to social media marketing, procurement, and other business practices. The conference will also include panels on preparing for growth associated with the 85th Fighter Wing group, as well as a panel to help startups utilize AI to further their businesses.
Amanda is also working on the Alley Activation Installation, which involves installing professional bistro lighting in the alley between the State Office and 702 Garrison building. “This will provide a well-lit, attractive walkway that connects Garrison with Rogers Avenue and the Bakery District,” Amanda explained. “It will become a popular venue for pop-up events, such as concerts and food/merchant fairs.” She is also applying for a public grant to add art to dress up the alleyway.
Looking ahead, Main Street Fort Smith is bringing back a community favorite—the Levitt Amp Music Series—set to return in the spring of 2025. This free concert series on the banks of the Arkansas River promises live music in a beautiful setting, offering another reason to visit and enjoy downtown Fort Smith.
To learn more about scheduled events and future downtown activities, visit mainstreetfs.org. To reach Amanda, call 479.462.9132 or email director@mainstreetfs.org.
