Episode 118 - Downtown Discussion: Jackie Swihart(Main Street America) | Andrea Kern (OCRA)

Downtowns are often described as the "heartbeats" of their respective communities. When a downtown thrives - the community as a whole is successful. Two experts helping main streets thrive, in the State of Indiana, and the United States, join us on Episode 118 of the #LovinLebanon Podcast. Jackie Swihart is the Program Officer for Revitalization Services for Main Street America and Andrea Kern is the Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA).  Andrea and Jackie spent three days in Lebanon, meeting with various downtown Lebanon stakeholders. Their visit culminated on Friday, May 5th, with a Community Exchange, hosted by the City's Main Street organization, The Heart of Lebanon. The pair shares why downtown's are so important, and what makes the heartbeat of the Lebanon Community so special.