By JON WILSON, Consulting Editor, TB Reporter

The state conference focused on developing business communities opens Aug. 17 at the Vinoy Renaissance. 

ST. PETERSBURG — Three St. Petersburg business districts — Deuces Live, Grand Central and The Edge — are hosts for this year’s Florida Main Street Conference, along with the City of St. Petersburg. The gathering of officials and community leaders dedicated to preserving and improving older business districts is Aug. 17-19 at the Vinoy Renaissance Resort and Golf Club.

Events are open to the public (registration is required), and include tours and educational sessions about such topics as economic development, marketing and fundraising. Theme for this year’s event is “Arts and Culture on Main Street.” Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner will be present.

Keynote Speaker for the conference will be Peter Kageyama, author of For the Love of Cities and Love Where You Live. A St. Petersburg resident, Kageyama has spoken worldwide about community development, place-making and the major impact a small number of people can have in their city.

The Florida Main Street program, which is affiliated with the national program of the same name, is 30 years old this year. Since 1985, more than $2.3-billion in public and private money has been invested to help the revival of aging business sections.

For more information about the conference, visit www.stpetefms.com .

St. Petersburg | Local News | Deuces Live | The Edge | Grand Central | Business

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