Since the January 10 scouting visit from Deluxe’s reality series team, the twin cities of Marinette, Wis. and Menominee, Mich. have been hustling.
“Our team has turned up the volume to spread our message of why we deserve to win the community makeover, and how others outside our area can help,” said Kim Brooks, owner of Main Street Antique Mall. “We’ve been reaching out to the cities, counties, state houses, and governors for official proclamations endorsing our #myMarinetteMenominee movement.”
To date, the team has received nearly a half dozen official proclamations in support. Most notably from the Wisconsin State Senate. “The support we’ve received has been incredibly gratifying, it further validates the mission and our long range goals,” said Cindy Boyle of Boyle Design Group. “This kind of reinforcement is a physical reminder of the broadly shared belief that two communities coming together can make a difference.”
As the only contestants from the Midwest, these small towns have their sights set on a chance to receive a $500,000 community makeover through the Deluxe Corporation’s hit reality show The Small Business Revolution – Main Street. The reality show is co-hosted by Amanda Brinkman and Ty Pennington, the latter is best-known for his previous hit reality show Extreme Home Makeover.
“This entire community is very activation oriented,” said Brinkman during her visit to the twin towns. “We’re very impressed at how the entire community has mobilized around this effort. We advise all communities to start planning for that stage [making the top five], because once we announce it on February 12 it is pedal to the metal and go, go, go. What will that plan be if and when you make it to the top 5 so that you have that action plan ready to go.”
The Marinette and Menominee teams do have an action plan, community leaders are asking for help to get them across the finish line. It will literally take millions of votes, which is more than these two communities can muster on their own. “When we learn that we are in the top 5 we have exactly 7 days to get millions of votes. We need everybody to vote every day on every device you have,” said Brooks. “Encourage your friends, your family, your networks, whoever is in your email box, let them know this is coming and encourage them to get ready to vote for Marinette/Menominee.”
Five communities will be chosen next month in the next round of finalists, and those five towns will face off in a one-week online voting contest. The community that receives the most votes will be featured on the show. Winner will be featured in an eight-part series will air in the fall. Six small businesses from the winning community will be showcased on the show and will also receive a combined $500,000 from Deluxe Corporation.
Over 12,000 towns applied from across the United States, the field has already been narrowed to 10, but there can only be one winner of the community makeover. To learn more, go towww.myMarinetteMenominee.com or visit their Facebook page. Information about the show can be found at www.deluxe.com/small-business-revolution
