Main State of State of 2026 2026
The premier gathering of main street stakeholders dedicated to the vitality of our downtowns.
Stateof State of
08:00 AM
AM
10:30AM
10:40 AM
WELCOME TO STATE OF MAIN 2026 SPEAKERS & PRESENTERS
“A thriving downtown starts with strong partnerships between the City, local businesses, developers, and community organizations That means focusing on infrastructure, public safety, communication, and creating an environment where businesses feel supported and people want to spend time My administration works closely with local businesses and community partners to encourage investment, support events, improve public spaces, and bring more energy and activity into downtown Torrington A strong downtown is built through collaboration, consistency, and leadership that is accessible, responsive, and focused on long-term growth”
Mayor Molly Spino
City of Torrington
“My role is to bring parties together to de-risk and destigmatize stranded or underserved properties and stoke development through Asset Revitalization Whether there is outstanding environmental liability or an obstinate property owner, through partnerships we can create the highest and best use of a redevelopment opportunity for stagnating properties We accomplish this redevelopment by assigning risk to the party best suited to manage it and by being intentional about creating an asset the community benefits from and can be proud of.”
Sean Furlong Business Development Director, Loureiro Engineering Associates
“Thriving downtowns are created by dedicated local champions, and I’m grateful to play a supporting role in helping them succeed! I think of myself as a coach and cheerleader helping communities solve problems and move ideas into action by creating impactful programs, trainings, and resources.”
Kristen Lopez Senior Director of Programs, CT Main Street Center
“The annals of economic development have shown that when a downtown thrives, all boats rise. But thriving downtowns do not just happen. They require vision, a collaborative approach, and strategic action. We are committed to advancing the practice and process of economic development in Connecticut. One way we do this is by sharing strategies and ideas among peers, across sectors, on ways to spur development and revitalize communities Core to this effort are downtowns, for that is where you find the heartbeat of a community"
Kevin Bielmeier President, CEDAS
CT MAIN STREET CENTER
At CMSC, our job is to help communities manage their Main Streets and create a network of vibrant downtowns all across Connecticut in the process. CMSC guides community members on how to systematically cultivate the qualities that make Main Streets irresistible, empowering them to grow local businesses, charm residents & visitors, and spark community pride.
CT MAIN STREET APPROACH
Organization
Byfocusingonconsensusand cooperation,communitiescan builda frameworkforsensible,community-driven programming–matchingacommunity’s assetstoitspotential
Promotion
Improvingtheimageofdowntown throughretailpromotions,specialevents andbrandingincreasesthesocialvalue ofthedowntownandtheeconomic valueofthedistrict
Design
Increasingthephysicalvalueandappeal ofdowntownhappensthroughboth newconstructionandrehabilitationof historicandunderutilizedbuildings The designofpublicspacesforwalkingand gatheringisalsopromoted
Economic Vitality
Increasingeconomicvalueby encouragingdiversityamongcurrentand newbusinessessuitabletotheunique needsofaparticularmarketplaceisavital andprimaryfocus
A Main Street Inventory
of every building, business, and vacant space in your district!
Key Stakeholder Outreach & Engagement
Constructive conversations with Main Street regulars can spark action!
A Purpose Measures of Success
Your vision for your district should guide everything you do
Count everything! Data matters, and can help win you more buy-in.
A Network of Doers
People love where they live. More often than not, they’re just looking for a way to jump in!
“As Field Services Coordinator, I see myself as a Main Street ‘technician’. I may not be able to install banners on poles, but I can certainly walk you through the steps of funding and administering a sponsored banner program! I’m always interested in learning what main streets and other organizations are doing around the state and how I can share info with others when they’re looking for proven strategies to advance their downtowns.”
Kennedy Winslow CT Main Street Center
Vibrant downtowns don’t create themselves. Today we’ve asked our speakers:
“How
does
your
role contribute to a thriving main street?”
Full speaker bios can be found on our website.
POLICY WATCH: LEGISLATION AFFECTING YOUR DOWNTOWN
“My role as the House Chair of Planning and Development contributes to a thriving downtown when we pass meaningful legislation that addresses blight and vacancies and how we can encourage businesses to want to start and grow on CT’s Main Streets”
Eleni Kavros Degraw
State Representative, CT-17
“A thriving downtown is more than a collection of storefronts - it is the heartbeat of the community it brings together. Investing in the infrastructure that can make that happen, from sidewalks to sewer systems to support for entrepreneurs and artists, creates both economic opportunity, and connection at a time when community is more important than ever.“
Maria Horn
State Representative, CT-64
"Small businesses are some of the most trusted institutions in our country: They are where we go to start our mornings, end a long week, and gather with neighbors. I am thrilled to be part of a coalition of elected officials, nonprofit leaders, and community members advocating to make it easier for small businesses to start, grow, and thrive in our neighborhoods and Downtowns."
Caroline Tanbee Smith Ward 9 Alder, City of New Haven
"Downtowns don't come back to life because of any one building or grant or developer they come back because the right people finally sat down together around a shared vision and a shared plan. After two decades doing that work as both an elected official and an advocate, I've learned that the strongest Main Streets are built on relationships and trust long before they're built with brick and mortar"
Moderated by Ryan
Bingham Co-President, Sullivan & LeShane
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT OUTLOOK
“A lot of our work focuses on bringing new life to sites whether it’s a historic building, a brownfield, or a transit-adjacent parcel and turning them into housing at a scale that adds consistent activity and energy to the area By appropriately densifying in walkable, downtown locations, you create the kind of critical mass that supports local businesses, activates streets throughout the day, and makes transit and infrastructure more viable.”
Karmen Cheung Regional Vice President, Pennrose
“To create a place that people love, we must focus upon great design, utilizing high quality materials that visitors to our center recognize and appreciate. That is the first step. As important, however, is curating a mix of businesses that are synergistic and feed off of each other, businesses which reflect the wants, needs and aspirations of the community. Design, materials, and use are like a symphony that we have to carefully and individually consider as we assemble these related but disparate components of our work. If we succeed, we can create environments that exceed the expectations of visitors, which drives the financial success of the businesses located in our projects, thereby creating places with enduring value.”
David Genovese CEO, Baywater Properties
“Empty storefronts and vacant lots quietly drain the vitality of our downtowns and village centers. At GRAVA, we work to reverse that filling these gaps with thoughtfully designed housing, contextual architecture, locally-rooted businesses, and public art that invites people to linger. The result is the kind of layered, walkable fabric that makes a place feel genuinely alive.”
Greg Vaca Founder & President, GRAVA Properties
"The Connecticut Municipal Development Authority helps cities and towns develop vibrant neighborhoods near train and bus stops and in downtown areas As Director of Operations and Finance, I work with projects throughout Connecticut figuring out where CMDA funding can fill the financial gap to create transit-oriented development across the state."
Moderated by Natalie Deduck Operations & Finance Manager, CT Municipal Redevelopment Authority (CMDA)
SYSTEMS THINKING FOR REGIONAL COLLABORATION
“The CT Green Bank helps modernize Main Street with investments in energy efficiency and climate resiliency that protect neighborhoods from rising costs and climate impacts, strengthening the foundation of a thriving downtown and supporting investments in economic growth and development We help and build vibrant, resilient places where people and businesses can flourish by lowering energy expenses, improving comfort and safety, and giving local businesses climate-resilient room to grow”
Austin Dziki
Associate Director, CT Green Bank
“A thriving community isn’t built by any one sector, it’s built by the relationships between them When a business opens, expands, or chooses to stay, it sends a signal Our job is to amplify that signal and create the conditions for more of it That means advocating for smart policy, investing in our workforce, and making sure the people who drive this economy feel supported We all have a stake in the health of our downtowns and regional economy”
Dan Onofrio President & CEO, Bridgeport Regional Business Council
“My role supports local leaders, both municipal staff and community volunteers, by helping them access the resources, expertise, and administrative assistance needed to advance downtown revitalization efforts. Working at a regional level, I focus on developing and leveraging tools, programs, and partnerships that strengthen local capacity. This includes connecting communities with subject matter experts, facilitating educational opportunities, and providing project support to help initiatives move forward efficiently and effectively. Through collaboration and resource-sharing, I help create the conditions that enable vibrant, resilient downtowns to thrive.”
Rista
Malanca Director of Economic & Community Development Northwest Hills Council of Governments
“As Executive Director of Connecticut Main Street, I strive to support both the excellent work being accomplished by the CMSC staff and the ambitions, vision, and hard work of our towns and cities to create and manage their thriving downtowns. I advocate for increased investment, policy tools, respect, and visibility because all four are needed to truly see our main streets succeed.
Michelle Lapine McCabe Executive Director, CT Main Street Center
Moderated by Kristen Lopez, Senior Director of Programs, CT Main Street Center
THE INTERGALACTIC BEETS PROJECT
TheIntergalacticBeetsProject(IBP)isafictionalrecordlabel tasked with rescuing music from across the Universe after the intergalactic ban imposed by the evil Lord Prosect in the year 5,000. It now comprises over 350 songs from over 200 “alien” artists.
The IBP was created in 2021, by Joey Rodriguez, utilizing his background in film production, graphic design, and music recording/production. He uses real instruments to create original music and employs a variety of artistic mediums (painting, photography, 3D modeling, digital animation, etc.) to design unique album covers that bring the music to life. Each song and artist is also accompanied by a backstory that connects a Universeofheroes,villains,and,ofcourse,beats.
The project also takes the form of IntergalacticBeetsRecords, a traveling music + art exhibition styled as an intergalactic record store. Audionauts can browse the music, interact with artifacts, play the original tie-in videogame Vinyl Vengeance, or pick up otherworldly merch. Most recently, the Intergalactic Beets Project visitedTorringtonforanexhibitionattheFivePointsGalleryAnnex, welcomingmorethan150visitorsovertwoweekends.
PleaseusethehandylinksbelowtolearnmoreabouttheIBP!
CaseStudy
Read the case study of our exhibition in New Milford in 2025. Learn more about local arts, small communities, and activating a public space with immersive art and music.
UpcomingEvents
IntergalacticBeetsLive!/MerryallCenter/September5th Exhibition/StamfordArtsAssociation/September10th-15th
intergalacticbeetsproject.com
QUENTIN WILLIAMS DOWNTOWN HERO AWARD
The Downtown Hero Award honors the legacy of state Rep. Quentin “Q” Williams. Q was extremely supportive of CMSC’s work and a terrific champion for all of Connecticut’s downtowns. This award honors those who embody his greatest strengths, including tireless advocacy, working collaboratively to achieve common goals, bringing a multitude of voices to the fore, and working to create downtowns that are inclusive and welcoming to all.
Lauren Coakley Vincent President & CEO
Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District
“The most enriching component of my work is that it is based in collaboration and partnership with the community members of Downtown Bridgeport The single thing that makes me most proud is that everything Colorful Bridgeport produces is locally sourced and made in Bridgeport from the artists and entrepreneurs to the print shop Everything good here comes from within the community.”
THE FOUNDER’S AWARD
The Founder’s Award recognizes individuals and organizations that champion a comprehensive, strategic management approach to revitalizing historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.
Elizabeth Donius Executive Director
Westville Village Renaissance Alliance
“Creativity and strong community spirit is Westville’s superpower, and it has also been its growth engine attracting vintage shops, cafés, and artsrelated businesses that have made Westville a destination I see my role as a convener, facilitator and cheerleader for the creative expression and engagement of everyone who is searching for those opportunities: small business entrepreneurs, artists, restaurateurs, gardeners, bakers, and even real estate developers Main Streets are THE place where EVERYONE in a community comes together, and THAT has never been more important.”
MAIN STREET ACCELERATOR
Main Street Accelerator is a dynamic, six-month professional developm team-building program designed to empower local Main Street teams to implement small-scale, high-impact projects that spark positive change in their downtowns. Project posters are on display in the Exhibitor Hall, be sure to stop by.
SUPPORTED BY WEBSTER BANK
DEEP RIVER
Local leaders from several town commissions and departments worked together to reinvigorate the main street area with a new banner program along the downtown, including light poles sponsored throughout the year and brackets provided by the town.
FAIRFIELD
A team comprised of members from the Town, Chamber of Commerce, and cultural institutions worked with key stakeholders to increase awareness, foot traffic, and economic activity for the newly established downtown Cultural District via a new marketing and branding campaign.
TORRINGTON
The team of city and cultural organization leaders collaborated on a plan to revitalize and increase the vibrancy of the North End, while transforming city lots into spaces that support Hispanic businesses, celebrate culture, and connect the North End with downtown.
VERNON
Municipal staff, commission members, stakeholders, and residents focused on changing negative perceptions of the downtown via a mural at the gateway of the downtown across from a pending large-scale redevelopment of an old factory
WESTBROOK
A team of local stakeholders from a variety of community group investigated ways to improve the illumination of two townowned park properties to enhance the existing buildings, monuments, trees and public art
EXHIBITOR HALL CONTACT INFORMATION
AARP Connecticut
Natalie Shurtleff
860-548-3162
NShurtleff@aarp.org 21 Oak Street, Suite 104, Hartford, CT
CT Economic Development Association
Kevin Bielmeier
President
860.806.9555
info@cedas.org 545 Long Wharf Drive, 8th Fl, New Haven, CT
Community Investment Corporation
Louis Silva President & CEO
203-776-6172
lsilva@ciclending.com 2315 Whitney Avenue, Suite 2B, Hamden, CT
Connecticut Main Street Center
Carl Rosa
Field Services Director 860-280-2075
Carl@ctmainstreetorg 410 Sheldon St., Hartford, CT
Downtown Decorations
Jazzlyn Torres
Marketing Associate (315)565-7417 ext. 417
jtorres@downtowndecorations.com 8 Mill Plain Rd, Suite 6, Danbury, CT
THE 4 POINTS OF MAIN STREET MANAGEMENT
Intergalactic Beets Project
Joey Rodriguez Founder 475-445-BEET
contact@intergalacticbeetsprojectcom @intergalacticbeets www.intergalacticbeetsproject.com
KidsPlay Children's Museum
Tamara Christensen
Business Director
860-605-3027 ext 2227 office@kidsplaymuseum.org 61 Main St, Torrington, CT
Loureiro Engineering Associates, Inc.
John Sullivan
Senior Business Development Manager 860-410-3070
jtsullivan@loureiro.com 100 Northwest Drive, Plainville, CT
NWCT Arts Council
Steph Burr
Executive Director
860-618-0075 info@artsnwct.org
40 Main St, Suite 1, Torrington, CT
EXHIBITOR HALL CONTINUED
Project Graphics Inc
Andrew Riecker
President
802-488-8789
riecker@projectgraphicscoom
PO Box 370, Woodbury, CT
SLR Consulting
Chanel Lobdell
Associate Community Planner
407-625-1370
clobdell@slrconsultingcom
195 Church St, Floor 7, New Haven, CT
Speclines
Paul Finbow
Northeast Sales Engineer
201-388-7901
pfinbow@speclinesnet
190 Main St, Sandwich, MA
USDA Rural Development
Chris Lyon
State Director
413-560-1605
christopher.lyon@usda.gov
451 West Street, Suite 2, Amherst, MA
Our mission is advancing communities across Connecticut to establish and maintain vibrant Main Streets
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