LABELLE — In September, Independent We Stand, a national small business movement, kicked off its sixth annual America’s Main Streets contest titled this year, “Road to Recovery,” a three-month-long web-driven contest to help consumers, small business owners, and Main Street organizations reward a deserving Main Street with $25,000 in cash and sponsor-related prizes. Whether the local Main Street is making a comeback from the COVID-19 pandemic or never lost its staying power, Independent We Stand invited the public to help draw attention to the vital role America’s Main Streets play in the long-term success of communities by nominating and voting for their favorite Main Street. LaBelle Downtown Revitalization Corporation in LaBelle is among this year’s nominees!

“Independent We Stand wants to help locally owned businesses not just survive the pandemic, but thrive in their communities,” says Independent We Stand co-founder Bill Brunelle. “After the massive nationwide shutdowns due to COVID, we recognize the pride business owners take in their Main Streets, and we want to help share those stories through our contest. It is more important now than ever to get behind these businesses with our support.”

Our small community in LaBelle has faced hardships like most towns in Florida. The difference is that LaBelle has an organization named LaBelle Downtown Revitalization Corporation (LDRC). LDRC is a small group of volunteers working to transform the downtown district of LaBelle into its full potential. LaBelle has a beautiful city park along the Caloosahatchee River. Barron Park is a historical landmark canopied under notable oak trees and is the focal point of Downtown LaBelle. The beloved park has fallen into some disrepair over the years. LDRC works to raise private funds to renovate the park. There are projects to renovate the gazebo and create an outdoor gaming area suitable for all ages in the works. Barron Park sees thousands of visitors a year during the famous Swamp Cabbage Festival, which should be on everyone’s bucket list! LaBelle is famous for swamp cabbage, but it should be famous for its kindness. The community gathers at the park to help others whenever someone is in need. Barron Park is the place to help the cheerleading team get to Hawaii, help the wife that lost her husband, or rally around someone who has cancer. The people that live in this great town deserve only the finest. That is why LDRC plans to continue the renovation progress with new seating replacing the old wooden planks that visitors currently use. Winning this contest would assist in our efforts to replace the wooden seating that has been in place for over 30 years. The replacement benches are stable, long-lasting, durable, and maintenance-free, allowing those enjoying live music, a church function, or a clogging or dance recital to be comfortable. We want Barron Park to continue to be a welcoming part of the downtown district, just a little more modern and safer!

“As a community, we have fought for the title of America’s Main Street for the past two years. The folks of LaBelle, our friends, and neighbors come together like no other. I have a great feeling about this year. We are stronger than ever. We can do this!” Kelly Boone, Executive Director, LDRC.

All nominations and voting take place on MainStreetContest.com beginning at 10 a.m. EST on Sept. 13, 2021.

Important dates:
• Sept. 13 to Nov. 7: Nominations and quarter finalist voting
• Nov. 15 to Dec. 12: Semifinalist voting
• Dec. 20: America’s Main Streets “Road to Recovery” winner announced
• Feb. 14: “Show Your Main Streets Some Love” event; America’s Main Streets “Road to Recovery” winner announces plans for $25,000 grand prize

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
• Tmbr Flooring $500 shopping spree
• Nationwide Marketing Group $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, Executive Director, at 863-225-2749 or kelly@downtownlabelle.com.

Presenting Contest 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 remaining loyal to its 9,000+ authorized local STIHL Dealers nationwide.

Supporting Contest Sponsors:
• Do it Best Corp.
• Nationwide Marketing Group
• North American Hardware and Paint Association
• Tmbr Flooring

About LaBelle Downtown Revitalization Corporation 
LaBelle Downtown Revitalization Corporation (LDRC) is a group of volunteers interested in improving the appearance and economic stability of historic Downtown LaBelle. We recognize the value that a vibrant downtown can bring to our community. It is vital to protect its historical heritage by preserving buildings, public space, and its place as the heart of our community. LDRC is committed to offering time and energy to revitalize the downtown district to realize its contribution to the livelihood and growth of our residents, business owners, and community.

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 10,000 authorized local STIHL Dealers from coast to coast – not big box stores. Associate sponsors include North American Hardware and Paint Association, Nationwide Marketing Group, Do it Best Corp. and Tmbr Flooring.