Strategic initiatives for Winston-Salem, North Carolina (pop. 185,000), included redeveloping the downtown, retaining the 18- to 35-year-old population, and pursuing hi-tech economic development. Toward these ends, a bond issue funded the development of a six-block downtown area with wide sidewalks for outside dining and pedestrian-friendly shopping. Grants and low-interest loans helped 4th Street become known as 'restaurant row'. By overlaying that development with wireless technologies, the city was able to establish a wireless internet "hot spot" downtown, encouraging local students and others to frequent the downtown area as an extended cyber-café with free internet access. A cooperative effort of the city's information technology, redevelopment, transportation, communications, and marketing staff, the technology involved little up-front investment and continues to reap rewards for downtown businesses.

New, Reduced Membership Dues

A new, reduced dues rate is available for CAOs/ACAOs, along with additional discounts for those in smaller communities, has been implemented. Learn more and be sure to join or renew today!

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