The North Carolina Department of Commerce, Rural Economic Development Division (REDD) is seeking a vendor for Photography, Videography and Drone Videography services for the NC Main to Main Trail program which promotes economic recovery and community development in 72 North Carolina Main Street communities by connecting the downtown districts with the natural and cultural assets of the regions for rich local experiences. This stage of the NC Main to Main Trail initiative is to provide local community photography and videography of the downtown districts in all 72 designated Main Street communities. Vendors can access more information about the Main to Main Trail program by visiting the website https://www.maintomaintrail.com. The North Carolina Main to Main Trail initiative is a community economic development project of the North Carolina Main Street & Rural Planning Center that leverages North Carolina’s regional natural assets for prosperity and Covid-19 economic recovery in 72 North Carolina Main Street communities. The goals of this program include developing regional connections among neighboring Main Street programs, attracting new and diverse visitors to the regions, and enhancing local experience and livability within each community. To make the NC Main to Main Trail program a success, local Main Street programs need professional assistance with learning how to tell unique stories in their communities through professional photography, videography, and drone videography for their local individual community websites. This task has proven to be a struggle for most communities as they have not had strong support from their local or statewide tourism resources. The North Carolina Main Street program is collaborating with NC Tourism and the North Carolina Department of Natural & Cultural Resources, Hello NC Initiative, to strategize best ways to use the NC Main to Main Trail tool to support local tourism. Currently there is no specific financial support for providing Main Street leaders the training and tools to ensure their local websites will attract visitors. REDD received a State Outdoor Recreation, Travel & Tourism Grant from the US Economic Development Administration (EDA). $675,000 of that grant is earmarked for Main Street photography and videography for local individual community websites.
