LaBelle, Florida —The national small business movement, Independent We Stand, announces the quarterfinalists, including LaBelle Downtown Revitalization Corporation (LDRC) of LaBelle, in the 2019 “America’s Main Streets” contest. As the lifeblood of our cities and towns, Main Streets play an important role in the long-term success of communities and help build a sense of place. Independent We Stand invites the public to vote for their favorite quarterfinalist and move a deserving Main Street one step closer to the grand prize of $25,000.

LaBelle Downtown Revitalization Corporation (LDRC), a Main Street Community, was established in 2014 by volunteers interested in improving the appearance and economic stability of Downtown LaBelle. LDRC sees the value a vibrant downtown brings to the community and the importance of protecting its historic heritage through preservation of building, public space and its place as the heart of our community.

“As Southern Florida moves more and more toward "suburbia," Downtown LaBelle maintains its cozy, old Florida charm. LaBelle Downtown Revitalization Corporation (LDRC) is charged with the task of highlighting and preserving the unique features of our community that make LaBelle one-of-a-kind. Sprawling oaks, friendly storefronts and our unique budding art district motivate the volunteers of LDRC to continue projects that showcase the beauty of our downtown district.” Laura Reed, President of LaBelle Downtown Revitalization Corporation

Nearly 230,000 total votes were cast for 232 entrants during the nominations phase. The 2019 quarterfinalists in alphabetical order are:

• Belleville Main Street, Belleville, Ill.
• Benicia Main Street, Benicia, Calif.
• Cambridge Main Street, Cambridge, Ohio
• Canton Main Street, Canton, Ga.
• Center Street/Downtown Rutland, Rutland, Vt.
• Corning's Gaffer District, Corning, N.Y.
• Downtown Big Rapids, Big Rapids, Mich.
• Downtown Elkin Historic Main Street, Elkin, N.C.
• Downtown Jeffersonville, Jeffersonville, Ind.
• Downtown Montpelier, Montpelier, Vt.
• Herrick Avenue, Wellington, Ohio
• Historic Downtown Ripon, Ripon, Wis.
• Jacksonville Main Street, Jacksonville, Ill.
• LaBelle Downtown Revitalization Corporation, LaBelle, Fla.
• Lincoln Avenue, Bellevue, Pa.
• Logansport, Indiana, Logansport, Ind.
• Lost Nation Main Street, Lost Nation, Iowa
• Main Street Amherst, Amherst, Ohio
• Main Street Covington, Covington, Ga.
• Main Street Hayward, Hayward, Wis.
• Peru, Indiana, Peru, Ind.
• Saco Main Street, Saco, Maine
• Texarkana Main Street, Texarkana, Ark./Texas
• Uptown Butte, Montana, Butte, Mont.
• Wellsboro Main Street, Wellsboro, Pa.

Semifinalist voting begins April 29 at MainStreetContest.com and runs through May 26.

The top 10 semifinalists will be announced May 27. The winner of the 2019 “America’s Main Streets” contest will be announced June 3 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 used.

Additional contest prizes include:

• STIHL Equipment Certificate for $1,000 worth of STIHL equipment good at any STIHL Dealer in the U.S.
• Do it Best Corp. $500 shopping spree
• Free One Day Downtown Assessment from Flip This Town
• Nationwide Marketing Group $500 shopping spree
• PPG Paints $500 shopping spree
• Public relations and social media recognition
• A special plaque for the winner to proudly display

For more information on LaBelle Downtown Revitalization Corporation (LDRC), visit: www.downtownlabelle.com or contact Kelly Boone at 863-225-2749 or kelly@downtownlabelle.com.

Presenting Sponsor:

STIHL Inc., America’s number-one selling brand of gasoline-powered handheld outdoor power equipment*, is the founding sponsor of Independent We Stand and the presenting sponsor of America’s Main Streets contest. The company follows a unique distribution strategy in the handheld outdoor power equipment industry, choosing never to sell products at big box stores, but instead remain loyal to its 9,000+ authorized local STIHL Dealers nationwide.

Supporting Sponsors:

• Do it Best Corp.
• Flip This Town
• Nationwide Marketing Group
• North American Retail Hardware Association
• PPG Paints

About LaBelle Downtown Revitalization Corporation (LDRC)

LaBelle Downtown Revitalization Corporation (LDRC) is committed to offering time and energy to initiate revitalization of Downtown LaBelle so that the livelihood and growth of our residents, business owners and community can be realized.  We encourage the redevelopment of LaBelle through public, private and non-profit investment in the downtown.

About Independent We Stand

Independent We Stand is a nationwide movement of independent small business owners whose mission is to inspire other small business owners to better understand and celebrate their locally owned status while educating consumers about the importance and strong economic benefits of supporting them. The Independent We Stand movement is sponsored by STIHL Inc. STIHL products are sold through more than 9,000 authorized local STIHL Dealers from coast to coast – not big box stores. Associate sponsors include Nationwide Marketing Group, PPG and Do it Best Corp.