167: How America’s Main Streets Are Fighting Back—The Wabash Playbook
Nearly every American town has the same heart-in-crisis story: a once-bustling Main Street hollowed out by big-box stores, sprawl, and online shopping. In this episode, Shane zooms out to look at the nationwide Main Street movement—then zooms in on Wabash, Indiana as a living lab that shows what’s possible anywhere. You’ll hear the origin of the National Main Street Center’s “Four-Point Approach,” meet the people who tested it on the ground, and pick up practical lessons you can apply whether you’re in Vermont, Texas, or Alaska.Featured Cities & Towns- Wabash, IN- Madison, IN- Kansas City, MO- Fort Wayne, IN- Richmond, IN- Indianapolis, IN- Minneapolis, MNIf you are intersted in learning more about Wabash County, Indiana check out the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast.Voices & ContributorsKathy La Plante – Vice President of Coordinating Programs, Main Street AmericaSteve Downs – Former Executive Director and current Board Member, Downtown Wabash, Inc.Kellie Brace – Artist; former downtown business & building owner; co-founder, Wabash First FridayScott Long – Mayor, City of Wabash, IndianaChristine Flohr – Executive Director, Visit Wabash CountyTyler Karst – Former Project Coordinator, Downtown Wabash, Inc.Amanda Lopez – President, Transform Consulting Group; Chair, Board of Directors, Downtown Wabash, Inc.Kelly Bever – Owner, Downtown NutritionKelly Thompson – Manager, Modoc’s MarketLinks & ResourcesMain Street America: https://www.mainstreet.orgDowntown Wabash, Inc.: https://downtownwabash.orgCall to Action- Show Some Main-Street Love: Share your own downtown comeback (or cautionary tale) on Facebook or Instagram with #HometownHistory and tag @itshometownhistory so we can highlight your story- Spread the Word: Enjoyed the show? Leave a quick rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your 60 seconds helps other history lovers find the podcast.- Support the Mission: Unlock ad-free episodes, bonus interviews, and behind-the-scenes research by joining Apple Podcasts Premium or PatreonAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy