Benicia Main Street entered itself into Independent We Stand’s third annual American Main Streets contest to win $25,000 in cash. If BMS wins, the money would be used to provide access to the freight room in a manner compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. (Photo by Nick Sestanovich)

Staff Report

Last month, Benicia Main Street (BMS) entered itself in Independent We Stand’s third annual America’s Main Streets contest to win $25,000 in cash and sponsor-related prizes. As announced by Independent We Stand yesterday, BMS is now a quarterfinalist after receiving a large amount of votes in the first round and will move on to the next.

“We are in our third year of the contest and are so happy to see the passion and pride these nominees have for their Main Streets and the local businesses that keep them alive,” Independent We Stand co-founder Bill Brunelle said in a statement.  “Now it’s time for consumers to show their support and vote again to move their favorites into the semifinals. Our theme this year is ‘Local Memories. Lasting Impact.’ and this group is a terrific example of the unique experiences and economic benefits shopping local can have on a community.”

BMS would use the funds for additional room in its office at the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot, something the nonprofit has needed for many years. If they were chosen as the winner they plan to use the prize as matching funds for a grant for ADA (Americans with Disabilities) access to the freight room in the depot, giving them the opportunity to utilize nearly 1,122 square feet of space. If selected as the winner, BMS plans to use the prize as matching funds for a grant for Americans with Disabilities Act access to the freight room in the depot, giving them the opportunity to utilize the desired amount of space.

In addition to the $25,000 grand prize, the contest prizes would include a STIHL equipment certificate for $1,000 worth of STIHL equipment good at any dealer in the U.S., a Do it Best Corp. $500 shopping spree, a PPG Paints $500 shopping spree, public relations and social media recognition, and a special plaque for the winner to proudly display.

More than 117,000 total votes were cast for 303 entrants during the nominations phase. Other quarterfinalists include Fulton Street in Fresno, Downtown Tupleo Main Street in Tupelo, Miss. And Main Street Texarkana in Texarkana, Texas.

Semifinalist voting runs through May 27 at MainStreetContest.com. The top 10 semifinalists will be announced May 28. The winner of the 2018 “America’s Main Streets” contest will be announced June 4 followed by a “Main Streets Make Us Better” celebration on the Fourth of July, when the winner will announce how the prize money will be utilized. For more information, go to MainStreetContest.com. For more information on Benicia Main Street, go to BeniciaMainStreet.org.

Sharing is caring!