Main Street Greenville, a division of the Greater Greenville Development Foundation (hereinafter referred to as “Greater Greenville”), is pleased to announce that Regions Bank will serve as the title sponsor for the 2022 Delta Hot Tamale Festival. This year’s festival will be a multi-day event which will highlight, promote and celebrate regional artists, musicians, authors, and Southern food vendors. Activities will commence on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022, with the Welcome Dinner at historic Hotel 27 in downtown Greenville; events will continue through Saturday night with various family-fun activities, including a carnival, live music, panel discussions, arts and crafts, and a tamale tasting event. Last year’s festival was host to more than 32,000 visitors from over 16 states, and it had a direct economic impact of over $7.2 million to the local and regional economy.

“The Mississippi Delta Hot Tamale Trail,” a 2005 documentary project of the Southern Food Ways Alliance and Viking Corporation, declared that Greenville, Mississippi, maintains more hot tamale restaurants/food stations than any other city in Mississippi. As a result, On July 18, 2012, Greenville, Mississippi, was proclaimed as the “Hot Tamale Capital of the World,” and plans for the inaugural Delta Hot Tamale Festival were put in motion. Over a decade later, this can’t-miss cultural event has received numerous accolades including “Best Festival in the State” by Readers of Mississippi Magazine. The festival has also been featured in The New Yorker Magazine, Southern Living Magazine, Garden and Gun Magazine, Fox News and The Commercial Appeal. In 2019. The Mantry Company listed the Delta Hot Tamale Festival as “3 Food Festivals Around the U.S. Worth Traveling To.”

The Delta Hot Tamale Festival is Greater Greenville’s largest fundraiser, and net proceeds from the event help support the projects and programs of the organization, which include grants and technical assistance to local businesses, scholarships for area students, and the redevelopment efforts of the Central Business District.
Daniel Boggs, CEO of Greater Greenville, said, “The Delta Hot Tamale Festival is a celebration of the rich culture, stories, and heritage of the Mississippi Delta. This region is widely known for its music, writers, artists, culinary history, and ‘Delta-style’ tamales. We are excited that Regions has expanded their relationship with us by becoming the title sponsor of this year’s event.”

“Our mission at Regions Bank is to make life better for the people and communities we serve, and supporting the area’s most anticipated – and successful – fundraising event is just one way we’re putting that mission into action,” said Walt Stephens, Mississippi Delta market executive for Regions Bank. “Our focus on inclusive growth guides our community outreach priorities and allows us to focus on creating measurable change for the Delta. Through a community partnership with Greater Greenville that spans 24 years, we have been able to positively impact people and businesses. Regions Bank is proud to serve the Delta, and we are honored to work with Greater Greenville as the title sponsor of the 2022 Delta Hot Tamale Festival celebrating the culture and heritage of our community.”

Other examples of Regions’ commitment to Mississippi include highlighting the broader Delta area through the bank’s popular “Good Towns” story series. The Delta article, available at this link, is part of a multi-year celebration of communities from the Delta to Oxford to Vicksburg and beyond.

The relationship between Greater Greenville and Regions began over 24 years ago when the two organizations teamed up to develop Greater Greenville’s first affordable housing complex, Broadway Villas. Since then, the two companies have united on various other projects which have positively impacted the standard of living for many residents of the Delta, including the nationally recognized and award-winning affordable housing complex, The Reserves at Ed Gray Park, which is illustrated in this powerful story and video from Regions, linked here.
Boggs added, “Relationships like this are vital to help a community development corporation to maximize the impacts we have within the community we serve. There is no doubt that this year’s festival will be the best one yet!”

For more information regarding the 2022 Delta Hot Tamale Festival, including ticketed events, music line-ups, contests, schedules, and parking areas, please visit www.mainstreetgreenville.com.  
​ 
About Regions Financial Corporation
Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $161 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates approximately 1,300 banking offices and more than 2,000 ATMs. Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.

Greenville, Mississippi- The Greenville Safety Collaborative, a partnership comprised of the Community Foundation of Washington County, Greater Greenville Development Foundation, Washington County Economic Alliance, Rural LISC, and the Greenville Police Department, is seeking a Statement of Qualifications from qualified frims for support services associated with its downtown project funded by the Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program. Qualified firms should submit these statements no later than August 24, 2022.
​
2022 Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)
FY’ 22 Byrne Criminal Justice innovation program
research partner
Issue date: 07/27/2022
SOQ deadline: 08/24/2022

 
I.Introduction:
The Community Foundation of Washington County (hereinafter referred to as the “CFWC”) was recently awarded a Grant through the Department of Justice Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation (BCJI) program for the purpose of implementing the Greenville Safety Collaborative Project.  BCJI focuses on enforcement efforts in neighborhoods where significant crime or crime hotspots exist. Solutions are developed based on data-driven, comprehensive, and community-oriented strategies to reduce crime in neighborhoods of serious and violent crime.
The Greenville Safety Collaborative Project in Greenville, Mississippi will develop and sustain a broad sector partnership team to leverage community knowledge and expertise with the goal of building a healthier community. Specifically, an increasing number of individuals no longer view the safety of their neighborhoods as the sole responsibility of the local police department, and they are uniting to work with their local government, neighborhood residents, community-based non-profits, workforce development organizations and community stakeholders to identify and remove the sources of crime, drug use, and youth delinquency in their communities. With this framework in mind, the Greenville Safety Collaborative Project goal is to verify chronic violent crime micro-hot spot locations, identify strategies to reduce crime (particularly related to drugs, gang and gun violence), engage community stakeholders in trust building with the city, law enforcement and other partners, and to identify specific strategies to reduce crime. The Greenville Safety Collaborative Project, in collaboration with its program partners, will design and implement data gathering activities involving the examination of existing crime and administrative data and will gather the perspectives of the residents who are most affected by Greenville’s crime rates, which will probe the root causes of crime in the Central Business District. This project will include Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) training and practices, to include residents and police, with the goal of understanding the impact of place and crime, and how collective action to transform places such as blighted properties, run down parks, and commercial districts from a place where residents stay away from, to positive epicenters of activity, is critical for systematic and sustainable change. 
II.Invitation:
The CFCW is requesting Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) from professional firms who have extensive experience with research that involves the collection and analysis of data related to crime and community-based issues. The Respondent must develop a wide range of crime prevention and intervention strategies to address the conditions, including physical conditions, which contribute to crime in the targeted, and surrounding areas. This includes programs aimed at developing or improving relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve, including through community outreach and listening sessions, and supporting the collaborative partners with a focus on improving stressed relationships between law enforcement officers and communities.
A.Scope of Work:

• Facilitate community-based planning and action group meetings;
• Plan capacity building and research member trainings
• Facilitate focus groups;
• Design and administer community surveys;
• Analyze and disseminate research data;
• Collect and process outcome measures for the implementation strategies;
• Provide data-driven evidence-based data to develop implementation strategies;
• Assist with quarterly reports;
• Assist with writing the implementation plan; and,
• Assist with the assembly of the final report.

 
B.Qualifications:

• Research-based entity or other firm that has experience in environmental design;
• Widespread Experience in data analysis, and evaluation;
• Crime-based Research;
• Extensive knowledge in program planning and development;
• Proficient in developing goals and strategies for implementation;
• Have worked on similar grants in the past; and,
• Have significant public engagement and facilitation skills.

 
III.Selection Criteria and timeline:
The CFWC will determine whether the Responder meets the mandatory minimum Requirements. Any Responder who fails to meet the mandatory minimum requirements set forth in this SOQ will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered further by this solicitation. A selection committee will review all submissions. All responses will be evaluated on the basis of the information requested. The committee will evaluate the SOQ provided by each Responder pursuant to the evaluation system described below:
Evaluation Criteria
Score

Qualifications (Including Crime-Based Research)
25

Public Engagement
15

Program Planning and Development
20

Data Analysis and Evaluation
20

Project References
15

Certifications (if any)
5

Total Score
100

 
The CFWC and/or the selection committee reserves the right to reject all firms, decline to proceed with selection of any candidates, to request additional qualifications, and to make inquiries as may be necessary to verify qualifications.
 
IV.Special Instructions:
Statement of Qualifications MUST include the information below:

1. Name, Address, Telephone Number, Electronic E-mail, Facsimile Number, Contact Person;
2. Key Team Members/ Organizational chart illustrating reporting lines and names and titles for members of the Respondent’s Project Team. Resumes for each individual on the Respondent’s Project Team and definition of that person’s role in providing the Services;
3. Narrative of Qualifications, including a clear understanding of your research and evaluation experience;
4. Evidence of experience in the following: reporting, data analysis, public and community engagement, and program planning and development;
5. List of Certifications; and,
6. Similar projects reference list (List only projects in which you rendered the same type of services as the Services described in the SOQ).

 
V.Insurance Requirements:
Applicants must provide proof of insurance available upon notification of funding. Coverage must be in full force and effect at all times. Such insurance at a minimum must include the following coverage and limits of liability:

1. Commercial General Liability
   1. Annual Aggregate                                                    $2,000,000
   2. Per Occurrence                                                         $1,000,000
2. Commercial Auto Liability Insurance                                        $ 300,000
3. Worker’s Compensation Insurance                                           $1,000,000
4. Fidelity Bonding (25% of Contract Amount)

 
Subrogation Clause: The Subrecipient and all of its insurers shall, waive all rights of recovery or subrogation against the CFWC, its officers, partners, agents or employees and its insurance companies.
 
Additional Insured Clause: the policy must be endorsed to name the CFWC as an additional insured.
 
Note: Insurance limits are subject to change.
 
VI.Submission:
If Respondent is currently in default, or has received a notice of default, or will be (due to the passage of time) in default on any loan or financing agreement, specify relevant dates, circumstances, and prospects for resolution. 
 
In addition, Respondent should be a company in good standing with state law and not a federally debarred contractor.
 
VII.Review timeline and process:

1. All responses must follow the guidelines detailed below. If interested in applying, please respond no later than 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, August 24, 2022. All SOQs must be submitted pursuant to the instructions below. It is the Offeror’s sole responsibility to ensure that the SOQ is delivered in the manner required by this RFQ by the Due Date and Time. Owner has the right to reject any SOQs not properly delivered.

 

1. Send Responses TO: One (1) original statement of qualification plus two (2) copies must be mailed or hand-delivered to the attention of Melanie Powell, Executive Director, Community Foundation of Washington County. MAILING ADDRESS: PO Box 5910, Greenville, Mississippi 38702 or PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 342 Washington Avenue, Greenville, Mississippi 38701

 
EMAIL QUESTIONS TO: mpowell@cfwashco.org

1. The CFWC is an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) employer. Minorities, women, other socially disadvantaged groups, and agencies are encouraged to apply.

JACKSON, Miss. (June 16, 2022) – The Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) celebrated achievements of Mississippi Main Street Communities at the Annual Awards Luncheon at The South Warehouse in downtown Jackson. 
 
The annual awards luncheon honors Main Street directors, board members and volunteers and recognizes the most outstanding downtown development and preservation projects and events from Main Street communities in Mississippi. 

“The Annual Awards Luncheon is the highlight of our year where we get to celebrate the people, projects, and initiatives that make Mississippi’s downtowns the hub of activity in their communities,” said Thomas Gregory, MMSA Executive Director. “Our local Main Street programs work hard to implement a strategic plan of work focused on downtown revitalization, and we are proud to recognize the success stories that our programs accomplished over the past year.”
 
MMSA staff presented the 2022 awards to recipients from Designated Main Street Communities throughout the state.
 
This year's award recipients are:
 
Biloxi Main Street
Team Cleveland Main Street
Main Street Clinton
Main Street Columbus
Main Street Greenville
Main Street Greenwood, Inc.
Downtown Hattiesburg Association
Holly Springs Main Street Chamber
Laurel Main Street
Nettleton Main Street
New Albany Main Street
Ocean Springs Main Street
Main Street Pascagoula
Picayune Main Street, Inc.
Pontotoc County Main Street Chamber
Ripley Main Street
Senatobia Main Street
Sumrall Main Street Association
Starkville Main Street Association
Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association
Vicksburg Main Street Program
West Point Main Street
Woodville/Wilkinson County Main Street Association
 
2021-2022 MMSA Board President Chris Chain of Renovations of Mississippi recognized award sponsors, annual investors, and special guests before presiding over the general business meeting.
 
In addition, the 2022 Nationally Accredited Main Street programs were recognized, as well as new community members, and Main Street directors who have served for 10 years or longer in their communities. 
 
This year’s Annual Awards Sponsors include Hotel 27, Atmos Energy, the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Belinda Stewart Architects, Mississippi State University Extension, the Fred Carl Jr. Small Town Center, Main Street Pascagoula, and New Albany Main Street. Mrs. Paula Beasley of Gulfport provided the Charles Beasley Scholarship Award for the Outstanding Main Street Director of the Year.
 
The Mississippi Development Authority, Entergy Mississippi, Mississippi Power, and Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area were recognized as corporate sponsors of this year’s awards program.
 
In 2021, Mississippi Main Street's Designated Communities generated 193 net new businesses, 49 business expansions to existing businesses, 603 net new jobs, 58 building rehabilitations, and 241 downtown residential units. In addition, 95 public improvement projects were completed as well as 14 new construction projects in downtown business districts. More than $186 million was invested by the public and private sectors in 2021, and more than 28,452 volunteer hours were recorded. 

Every dollar spent in this organization results in $80 of private investment, the highest return on investment of any economic activity in the state. Since 1993, MMSA has generated more than $5.9 billion in private and public investment (including more than $1.6 billion in public investment).

MMSA currently has 48 Designated Main Street Communities, five Network Communities, and 13 Associate Communities.

 
2022 Award Winners

Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) is a catalyst for the preservation and economic revitalization of Mississippi’s historic downtowns and districts. As a Main Street America™ Coordinating Program, MMSA helps lead a powerful, grassroots network consisting of more than 40 Coordinating Programs and over 1,200 neighborhoods and communities across the country committed to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. 

Award photos will be available within 24 hours. For award photos, project photos and awards narratives, please email jeannie@msmainstreet.com. 

For more information about MMSA, visit www.msmainstreet.com.

Greenville, MS – Main Street Greenville has been designated as an Accredited Main Street America™ program for meeting rigorous performance standards. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of Accredited programs to recognize their exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™.
 
“We are extremely proud to recognize this year’s 863 nationally Accredited Main Street America programs that have worked tirelessly to advance economic vitality and quality of life in their downtowns and commercial districts,” said Patrice Frey, President & CEO of Main Street America. “During another incredibly challenging year, these programs demonstrated the power of the Main Street movement to respond to the needs of their communities. I am inspired by their steadfast leadership and innovative solutions to drive essential local recovery efforts, support small businesses, and nurture vibrant downtown districts.”
 
In 2021, Main Street America programs generated $5.76 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 6,601 net new businesses, generated 30,402 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 10,595 historic buildings, and leveraged 1,427,729 volunteer hours. On average, for every dollar that a Main Street program spent to support their operations, it generated $19.34 of new investment back into Main Street communities.
 
Main Street Greenville’s performance is annually evaluated by the Mississippi Main Street Association which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet rigorous national performance standards. Evaluation criteria determines the communities that are building meaningful and sustainable revitalization programs and include standards such as, fostering strong public-private partnerships, supporting small and locally owned businesses, and actively preserving historic places, spaces, and cultural assets.
 
“Main Street Greenville is a vital part of our downtown landscape. The programs and events it administers create a significant impact on our local small businesses and city,” said Douglas Wade, Board President.
 
Since 1990, Main Street Greenville has invested its resources in downtown historic renovations, design and implementation of downtown green spaces, socio-economic impact projects such as the Delta Hot Tamale Festival, and providing local small businesses with business planning assistance, façade and other improvement grants, and tax abatement programs. In 2021, Main Street Greenville restored over 12,000 square feet of historic building space, reopened 34,472 square feet of unused retail space in the Central Business District, created 13 new jobs, matched $44,500 in grant monies, and reinvested $475,201 into local  businesses.
 
To learn more about Main Street Greenville and its programs, please visit www.MainStreetGreenville.com. 

GREENVILLE, April 13, 2022 – The U.S. Department of Justice has awarded an $800,000 grant to a collaborative developed by four local organizations through the Bryne Criminal Justice Innovation (BCJI) Program to create the Greenville Safety Collaborative Project.

The Community Foundation of Washington County, Washington County Economic Alliance, Greater Greenville Development Foundation, Greenville Police Department, and Rural LISC have partnered to complete the 3-year project within the Central Business District of Downtown Greenville, Mississippi, utilizing Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design training and practices. The Greenville Safety Collaborative Project was one of twenty (20) award recipients nationally, and it is the only recipient of this award in the State of Mississippi. “We have momentum in our Washington County communities,” said WCEA Executive Director, Will Coppage. “It is an honor to have been selected by the U.S. Department of Justice. This program will provide an opportunity to create echos of positive, dynamic change.”

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), a division of the The U.S. Department of Justice, launched the Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation (BCJI) program in 2012 to encourage data-driven, comprehensive, and community-led strategies to reduce crime and spur revitalization. The Greenville Safety Collaborative Project will verify chronic violent crime micro-hot spot locations within the Central Business District, identify strategies to reduce crime, engage community stakeholders in trust building with the City, law enforcement and other partners, and identify specific strategies to reduce crime. “Greenville, Mississippi is a wonderful place to live, work, and play,” said Rural LISC’s Workforce Development Program Director, Justin Burch. “The city has seen real momentum with downtown redevelopment, and we see this programming as only furthering Greenville’s revitalization as the Delta’s premier community.”

Reiterating the positive impact of collaboration, Melanie Powell, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Washington County, commented “Communities are stronger when nonprofit organizations, local businesses, and government work together collectively. This project will be a success as a result of that.”

 A component of the BCJI grant includes the revitalization of blighted areas within the targeted community. In recent years, the Central Business District has seen private investments in community-oriented businesses including resturants, floral and gift shops, and boutique stores.  These investments, coupled with the recent acquisition of the Hafter Properties by the Greater Greenville Development Foundation and the anticipated construction of a new multi-million-dollar Federal Courthouse, have sparked new interest in the return to downtown. “Revitalization efforts are continuing in Downtown Greenville. The funds received for the implementation of the Greenville Safety Collaborative Project will propel these efforts, creating a safe environment for businesses, patrons, and residents in the Central Business District,” remarked Daniel Boggs, CEO of Greater Greenville Development Foundation.
​
For more information please contact:
Angelica Motton, Workforce & Special Programs Coordinator
Washington County Economic Alliance
662-378-3141

In December of 2014, the City of Greenville approved a 20-year comprehensive strategic plan, which was developed to help community leaders navigate future growth and investments within the area. Through a broad community input and engagement process, this plan outlined nine strategic directions for Greenville moving forward. Revitalizing the Central Business District into a “beautiful and vibrant downtown” was listed as a primary goal of this plan, and Main Street Greenville was identified as the lead partner for this endeavor. As such, Main Street Greenville, a division of the Greater Greenville Development Foundation (hereinafter referred to as “Greater Greenville”), started the process of identifying properties within the district that could be purchased and redeveloped, in a strategic and innovative way, to help accommodate the growing needs of the Greenville community.

Approximately five years after the organization’s initial inquiry into the buildings collectively known as the “Hafter Properties,” Main Street Greenville and the Hafter family reached an agreement to purchase 15 storefronts along Washington Avenue. The acquisition included over 103,000 square feet of mixed-use space along three blocks of Washington Avenue, with the majority of the properties located in the 300 block.  In their prime, some of the buildings were home to J.W. Duggar Cotton Company, Hafter’s Department Store, and Farnsworth Jewelers. The buildings located in the 300 block are the oldest of the collection.  Records indicate that these structures were built in the 1890’s and as the city expanded eastward more buildings were erected. The last group of properties are located in the 600 block of Washington Avenue and date back to the 1950s. Daniel Boggs, CEO of Greater Greenville, says, “Each property has a significant place in the growth of Greenville, and preserving their historical features while also modernizing their infrastructure will be the key to breathing new life into these structures”.

Greater Greenville was organized in 1990 for the purpose of promoting events and issues which are relevant to the quality of life for the residents of Greenville, Washington County, and the Mississippi Delta, including but not limited to, economic planning and development, education, housing, cultural development, as well as to recognize and encourage literary, artistic, and scientific accomplishments. Once completed, this initiative should produce 18 new, adequately sized, commercial spaces and approximately 44 residential units which will be comprised of efficiency, 1- and 2-bedroom units. “As Greenville anticipates the development of a new multi-million-dollar Federal Courthouse within its Central Business District, coupled with recent private investments in community-oriented businesses, this community is now poised to redefine the face of its downtown, and we are excited about being a part of that transformation,” says Boggs.
The demand and appeal of downtown properties have increased in recent years. Many Mississippi communities have seen a similar renaissance in their Downtown areas, creating a live-work-play atmosphere. Having a successful downtown is dependent upon having people to support it. Converting office buildings into apartments on the second floor of many of these buildings increases the traffic downtown organically, thus creating a need for supporting businesses. Douglas Wade, President of the Board for Greater Greenville says, “As an accredited Main Street organization, we recognize the importance of having a strong, healthy and vibrant downtown. As such, our organization has invested a substantial amount of time, resources, and effort into improving the Central Business District over the past several years. We are excited about this new opportunity to bring appropriately sized retail spaces and quality housing options to the downtown area, and we would like to thank the Hafter family for allowing us to further our mission through these efforts.”

Prior to this official announcement of the redevelopment, Greater Greenville had 11 prospective tenants interested in moving into its soon to be renovated apartments downtown, and a waiting list of 28 businesses interested in establishing themselves downtown. “Having that kind of interest in a development before its ‘official’ unveiling is huge. There is obviously a desire by both individuals and businesses in this community to move downtown, and the success of this project will support and springboard our current and future programs and events,” says Boggs.
​
Programs that are administered by Main Street Greenville currently include providing façade grants for downtown businesses, managing the Greenville Farmers’ Market, managing the local Tax Reappraisal/Abatement Program (a State incentive program for redevelopments in a communities’ Central Business District), administering the Greenville Christmas Parade, administering the Deck the Windows contest, producing the Fourth of July fireworks, operating Hotel 27, and producing the Delta Hot Tamale Festival which has over a $7M economic impact on Greenville and the surrounding communities annually.  Net proceeds from these projects and programs continually help support and advance the mission of Greater Greenville.
For leasing information please contact Deanne New, Marketing Coordinator for Greater Greenville, at 662-378-3121.

​The historic Greenville Inn and Suites will reopen this fall under new management. Main Street Greenville, a division of Greater Greenville Development Foundation, purchased the property in June with intentions of rebranding and reopening the 36 room boutique hotel in September.

Peter Nimrod, Chief Engineer of the Levee Board said, “The Levee Board appreciates the partnership it has had with the Trop Casino Greenville over the past 24 years. They did a great job upgrading and maintaining the original buildings.” Nimrod continued, “In March, the Trop decided to not renew its lease. The Levee Board is thrilled that the Greater Greenville Development Foundation wanted to purchase the hotel. It is a win-win for downtown Greenville, GGDF, and the Levee Board. They will do an excellent job in preserving a downtown landmark and will run a very successful and unique hotel for visitors to stay while visiting Greenville."

The property was originally comprised of two free-standing structures. A bank on the corner of Walnut and Main was constructed in 1880, and the Levee Board Building, located approximately fifty feet to the south, was erected in 1883. The Levee Board acquired the bank building in 1919. The two served as the Levee Board’s offices for over 100 years. In 1997, the property was converted into a hotel. A third building housing the bulk of the hotel rooms was erected creating a courtyard between the two original buildings. The hotel underwent partial room renovations in 2018, and the Trop managed the operations until its closure in 2020.  Mississippi Levee Board President Kenny Rodgers said, “After 138 years, the Levee Board is very pleased to have this building in the capable hands of Greater Greenville Development Foundation.”

Main Street Greenville plans to breathe new life into the property by continuing renovations in the hotel’s common areas.  While still embodying the storied past of the buildings and the area surrounding them, a posh new design is planned for the lobby, breakfast area, fitness and business centers. “The original buildings have so much history and character. We plan to embrace the Italianate style of the building while adding modern finishes to create a truly unique Delta Southern experience,” says Greater Greenville Development Foundation’s CEO Daniel Boggs.

Refreshing guestrooms will boast the comforts of home, each with a convenient beverage station, microwave, and minifridge, fresh new bathrooms featuring walk-in showers, and crisp new bed linens. A remodeled fitness center and new business center will offer guests the opportunity to enjoy the conveniences of a modern hotel.

Entertaining guests beyond the hotel, Main Street Greenville anticipates the courtyard as the quaint backdrop to a variety of functions. A revitalization of that space is also planned to accommodate weary travelers, outdoor business meetings, and community functions.  

With the purchase of the inn, Main Street Greenville hopes to further its mission of being a catalyst of economic growth in Downtown Greenville. “The addition of this hotel to our portfolio puts our organization in the distinct position of growing with downtown,” Boggs continued, “we are the third Main Street organization in Mississippi to open a hotel and are excited about the opportunity to work with local businesses to create a harmonious enviroment.”

​To spur that economic growth, the reopening of the hotel under new management will restore 10-12 jobs lost to the COVID pandemic. Main Street Greenville seeks to hire hotel management and staff in the coming months. To apply for one of its positions, please email your resume to deanne@greatergreenville.com. 

 
JACKSON, Miss. (June 17, 2021) – The Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) celebrated achievements of Mississippi Main Street Communities at the Annual Awards Luncheon in downtown Jackson. 
 
The annual awards luncheon honors Main Street directors, board members and volunteers and recognizes the most outstanding downtown development projects and events from Main Street communities in Mississippi. 

“After a year without face-to-face meetings, we are excited to celebrate the achievements of our Main Street communities again in person,” said Thomas Gregory, MMSA State Coordinator. “As difficult as 2020 was for our communities, we still saw economic growth in our downtowns and resiliency from the small businesses in our downtown districts.”
 
“Our local Main Street directors have worked tirelessly to provide services to small businesses and create innovative ways to connect people together during the pandemic, and we are proud to celebrate their successes at our annual awards,” Gregory added.
 
MMSA staff presented the 2021 awards to recipients from Designated Main Street programs throughout the state.
 
This year's award recipients are:
 
·       Aberdeen Main Street
·       Batesville Main Street
·       Biloxi Main Street
·       Team Cleveland Main Street
·       Main Street Clinton
·       Main Street Columbus
·       Main Street Corinth
·       Main Street Greenville
·       Main Street Greenwood, Inc.
·       Downtown Hattiesburg Association
·       Hernando Main Street Chamber
·       Kosciusko Main Street
·       Louisville/Noxapater Main Street
·       New Albany Main Street
·       Ocean Springs Main Street
·       Main Street Pascagoula
·       Picayune Main Street, Inc.
·       Senatobia Main Street
·       Starkville Main Street Association
·       Tunica Main Street
·       Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association
·       Vicksburg Main Street Program
·       Water Valley Main Street Association
·       West Point Main Street
 
2020-2021 MMSA Board President Steven Dick of Mississippi Power passed the gavel to 2021-2022 MMSA Board President Chris Chain of Renovations of Mississippi during the general business meeting.
 
In addition, the 2021 nationally accredited programs were recognized, as well as new MMSA communities, Pearl and Itawamba County, several new associate members, and Main Street directors who have served for 10 years or longer in their communities. 
 
The Downtown Tupelo Main Street Association was also recognized for winning the Great American Main Street Award in 2020, the most prestigious award given by Main Street America.
 
The Mississippi Development Authority, Entergy Mississippi, and Mississippi Power were recognized as corporate sponsors of the annual awards, and the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Belinda Stewart Architects, and the Mississippi Urban Forestry Commission were recognized as event sponsors of this year’s awards program.
 
In 2020, Mississippi Main Street's Designated Communities generated 191 net new businesses, 52 business expansions to existing businesses, 584 net new jobs, 74 building rehabilitations and 746 downtown residential units. In addition, 75 public improvement projects were completed as well as 26 new construction projects in downtown business districts. More than $227 million was invested by the public and private sectors in 2020, and more than 22,185 volunteer hours were recorded. 

Every dollar spent in this organization results in $80 of private investment, the highest return on investment of any economic activity in the state.

Since 1993, MMSA has generated more than $5.8 billion in private and public investment (including more than $1.5 billion in public investment).

MMSA currently has 47 Designated Main Street Communities, four Network members, and 11 Associate members.
 
2021 Award Winners

Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) is a catalyst for the preservation and economic revitalization of Mississippi’s historic downtowns and districts. As a Main Street America™ Coordinating Program, MMSA helps lead a powerful, grassroots network consisting of more than 40 Coordinating Programs and over 1,200 neighborhoods and communities across the country committed to creating high-quality places and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. 

For individual project photos and awards narratives, please email jeannie@msmainstreet.com.

For more information about MMSA, visit www.msmainstreet.com.

With only four months left until the 10th Annual Delta Hot Tamale Festival, Greater Greenville Development Foundation, the parent company of Main Street Greenville and the administrator of the festival, is busy making plans for the October affair.  After the cancellation of last year’s festival due to COVID-19, the organization is looking to reemerge in blockbuster fashion. Tuesday afternoon, Greater Greenville Development Foundation announced that Big Head Todd and the Monsters will headline the free Friday night concert in downtown Greenville. “The Friday night concert was one aspect we wanted to bring back to the festival,” said Daniel Boggs, CEO of Greater Greenville Development Foundation.  He continued “our entertainment committee worked very hard to find a band that exemplified the theme of the festival, while also attracting a cross-sector audience from within our region.”     
 
Big Head Todd and the Monsters certainly fit that bill. Co-founder Todd Park Mohr describes the band’s latest album, New World Arisin’, as, “straight up rock-pop”, while their previous decade of music includes a side project dubbed Big Head Blues Club, which paid homage to Robert Johnson.
 
The band’s uncanny ability to stretch their musical talents from mainstream hits like “Bittersweet” and “Broken Hearted Savior” to John Lee Hooker and Jimi Hendrix remakes, “Boom Boom” and “Room Full of Mirrors” makes them the proverbial saltine to the Delta hot tamale. “We couldn’t be more pleased to bring a band of this caliber to the Delta Hot Tamale Festival,” said Boggs of the announcement.
 
In their 30+ year career, Big Head Todd and the Monsters have sold out the famed Red Rocks Amphitheater 19 times, collaborated with legends B.B. King and John Lee Hooker, and charted 5 times on Billboard’s US Mainstream Rock Chart. They are sure to complement the Delta Hot Tamale Festival’s 3-day line-up of activities, which start with a Welcome Dinner Thursday night and close after a Saturday filled with cook-offs, crafts, kid’s activities, and local music acts.
 
For future announcements concerning the 10th annual Delta Hot Tamale Festival, organizers suggest following them on Facebook or visiting www.mainstreetgreenville.com. For more information on Big Head Todd and the Monsters, please visit www.bigheadtodd.com.
 

According to Mississippi Magazine’s 2021 Best of Mississippi Readers’ Poll, the Delta Hot Tamale Festival is the Best Fair or Festival in the state of Mississippi. After being nominated for this award in previous years, 2021 marks the first time the festival has received top honors.

Each spring readers from all over the region participate in Mississippi Magazine’s annual poll. This year’s contest featured several notable fairs and festivals across the state, including the Canton Flea Market, Double Decker Arts Festival in Oxford, Laurel Loblolly Festival, Mississippi Book Festival, Mississippi Comic Con, Mississippi Science Festival, Mississippi State Fair, Neshoba County Fair, and the Peter Anderson Festival in Ocean Springs – with the Delta Hot Tamale Festival emerging as the winner after all ballots were counted.  “We are truly honored and humbled by this recognition,” said Daniel Boggs, CEO of Greater Greenville Development Foundation, Inc., “all of the nominees are well accomplished in our state, drawing a significant number of attendees from both inside and outside of Mississippi’s borders. We are proud to be listed among them.”

Held the third weekend in October each year, the Delta Hot Tamale Festival is a 3-day long literary, culinary, and musical celebration that attracts over 28,000 festivalgoers from 17 different states and 3 different countries. As the “Hot Tamale Capital of the World,” Greenville has been honoring its favorite delicacy with a festival since 2012. The tradition has grown to include over 100 craft vendors, 2 days of nonstop music on three separate stages, and some of the most unique hot tamale vendors within the region.
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Plans for the 2021 festival are underway, and Main Street Greenville, the administrators of the event, says to expect a few changes. “We strive to make the festival better each year by thoroughly examining every aspect,” says Boggs, “This year is no different. While October’s festival will have many of the familiar events of the past, we are excited about the enhancements to this year’s festival.”