June 25th Mainstreet Vision Spark Session Recap

Mainstreet Vision Spark Session Recap: Hope, Identity, and Community Action

On June 25th, the Andrews Mainstreet Vision team gathered at Morning Fog for an inspiring Spark Session — a morning filled with optimism, collaboration, and shared purpose. Residents, business owners, and community leaders came together to imagine a vibrant, thriving future for downtown Andrews.

What inspired participants most?

Hope. Positivity. The energy of neighbors showing up to make a difference. Many shared how encouraged they were by the turnout and the passion in the room — especially the mix of longtime residents and newer neighbors eager to work together to make the town better. From small business owners investing in the town’s future to civic leaders dedicated to revitalization, there was a sense that Andrews is on the cusp of something special.

What can we do to support the work?

Attendees offered their skills, networks, and enthusiasm — from connecting local initiatives and encouraging tourism to sharing history, beautifying public spaces, and reaching out to the Hispanic community. The group embraced an asset-based mindset, focusing on the strengths already here: creativity, collaboration, and community pride.

How might we work together?

Dozens of ideas took shape:

• Building bridges between organizations, businesses, and residents.

• Strengthening Andrews identity

• Attracting new businesses and developers while maintaining local character.

• Expanding youth activities, affordable housing, and outdoor recreation.

• Beautifying Main Street and cleaning up shared spaces.

• Creating incentives for entrepreneurship, broadband expansion, and tourism growth.

Shared themes emerged clearly: trust, mutual respect, unity, and a strong sense of community pride. Participants emphasized that if Andrews doesn’t craft its own identity, others will do it for us — and now is the time to define who we are and where we’re going.

The Spark Session closed with renewed hope and commitment. As one attendee said, “Everything to gain, nothing to lose.” With open conversations and strong leadership, the Andrews Mainstreet Vision is already coming to life — one idea, one connection, and one shared purpose at a time.