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August 13, 2026 Volunteers Take on Many Roles Downtown
Despite the obstacles, well-trained and managed volunteers can make a significant contribution to every downtown. The August issue of Downtown Idea Exchange covers examples of volunteers staffing a "Facade Squad" to connect property owners with available resources, guiding commercial property tours, conducting walk-audits, and more. For example, in Macon, GA, the Downtown Macon Hype Team is on the ground promoting the downtown. The squad is made up of 60 volunteers who sport orange T-shirts and serve as ambassadors for downtown. They provide information to visitors, build relationships with merchants, and promote downtown Macon on their personal social media accounts. More on recruiting and working with volunteers appears regularly in Downtown Idea Exchange newsletter. Click below to learn more about Downtown Idea Exchange and other resources for revitalizing downtowns and commercial corridors. 
Second Edition, 6" x 9",
softcover, 246 pages, $94.99. Recommended ReadingTourism Marketing for Cities and TownsA strong tourism program is essential for downtowns of all sizes. In Tourism Marketing for Cities and Towns author Bonita Kolb provides detailed guidance on bringing more tourism dollars to cities, towns, and regions. She outlines a process for involving local stakeholders, including business owners, nonprofit organizations, and community members in determining the unique tourism attractions that a community has to offer. Then, she turns her attention to researching current and potential visitors and determining the best way to reach them with social media and content marketing. This thoroughly researched book presents important ideas and techniques in a very readable format. Equally important, it puts the complex job of tourism marketing within reach of every community. Tourism Marketing for Cities and Towns is just one of the many books on Marketing and Promotion available from the Downtown Development Center. |
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Volunteers are an essential part of every downtown organization. They offer essential insight, credibility, and capacity. However, finding great volunteers, creating meaningful work, and keeping them on board can be a challenge.