Dear Valued Supporters and Community Members,

 

     As we close out a successful year and look forward to an even brighter future, I am thrilled to share an update on the tremendous progress made by the Broadway & Missouri Streets Merchants’ Association of West Memphis (BAMWM), formerly Main Street West Memphis. Your commitment has been the driving force behind our efforts to develop and revitalize our downtown district.

 

     The year 2025 was marked by significant achievements that brought our community together and uplifted local commerce:

• We hosted the first-ever Great Delta Domino Tournament, a major success with 19 contestants and a $1,000 first-place prize.

• The inaugural Food Truck Fest drew over 500 people, featuring 13 food trucks and free live music, with many vendors selling out completely.

• The launch of our new, permanent Food Truck Park quickly became a community hub, hosting various successful events including the Ribbon Cutting, Bike Nights, Jeep Night, and Classic Car Night.

• Our fundraising efforts, including the success of Taste of the Town (TOT25), contributed to a phenomenal total of over $51,000 in support from memberships and in-kind donations.

• We continued to support local businesses through our Building Improvement Grants, helping recipients like Deep South Clothing and Afrika Books and Cultural Center with critical restorations.

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     As we transition into 2026, our reach will officially expand across Broadway Avenue and Missouri Street. We have ambitious plans to further empower entrepreneurs and enhance our public spaces:

• We are advancing the development of the West Memphis Musical Heritage Park at 801 E. Broadway, a project we look forward to unveiling soon as the 8th Street Blues Park.

• We plan to launch a Mural Fest as part of our beautification and arts initiatives, further leveraging our local artists to bring color and life to the district.

• We are growing our successful grant program and establishing the Small Business Innovation Hub, which will offer shared working spaces, educational resources, networking, and critical technical assistance to our small business owners and startups.

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     To continue this momentum, we need your help. Last year, your generosity helped us raise an incredible $31,200. This year, we are setting an ambitious goal of $40,000 to directly fund our Building Improvement Grants, support our new Small Business Innovation Hub, and bring the new 8th Street Blues Park to life.

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     Please consider making a donation today. Every dollar you contribute is an investment in the growth and revitalization of our downtown district. Together, we can ensure 2026 is our most impactful year yet!

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     DID YOU KNOW: When you spend money locally at independent businesses, significantly more stays in the community (around 67-70 cents on the dollar) compared to spending at a chain store, where only about 13-43 cents recirculates locally, creating a powerful local multiplier effect for wages, local suppliers, and taxes, boosting the local economy's strength and unique character. 

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     Thank you again for your continued support and belief in our mission. We are excited to continue this work with you.

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Sincerely,

 

Raymond Whiteside

 

Executive Director, BAMWM