mainstreet sa virtual street corner

THE FALL-OUT FROM COVID: 

Moving Main Street Communities and Businesses to a More Connected Economy

Much of our economic attention over the last few years in the Main Street world has focused on the “experiential” economy; one in which people shop with small businesses because it speaks to their particular lifestyle gives them the ability to tell a story or leads to a highly unique purchase. Over the last 18 months, we have spent considerable time understanding the impacts and trends inherent within the COVID-induced economy. However, the reality is that both forms have existed as a microcosm within a much larger emerging era driven by dispersion.

In this presentation, Dr Wagner examines how dispersion is forcing needed shifts for small businesses in a post-covid era that provides for multiple revenue streams and new forms of consumer connectivity.  In addition, he will examine how Main Streets will adapt by leveraging new learnings from the global pandemic from open streets to communal outdoor dining. 

A LITTLE ABOUT MATT 

Matthew Wagner, PhD serves as Chief Program Officer. In this role, he is responsible for driving the organization's field service initiatives including the development and delivery of technical services for Main Street America and Urban Main programs, directing the Center’s research agenda, as well as the recently launched New Business Development work to focus on national partnerships, brand leveraging and new business growth areas.

Dr Wagner’s professional background involves nearly 30 years of non-profit management and teaching experience in the area of downtown revitalization, entrepreneurship and economic development, including the management of two nationally recognized downtown revitalization efforts honoured as a Great American Main Street Award winner, and recognition from the International Downtown Association, Sierra Club, and the American Institute of Architects for downtown planning.

Street Corner Catch-up sessions are FREE for Mainstreet SA Members, and we invite our Member trader associations and Councils to share this with businesses in your mainstreets. 

See you on the Street Corner!

When: Thursday 23rd September at 8.00am

Members can register now by completing the form below.