Foley Main Street Hosts Idea Exchange

Foley Main Street hosted its biannual Idea Exchange on June 23, bringing together elected officials, board members, volunteers, supporters and local entrepreneurs to celebrate a period of historic growth and technological innovation in the downtown district. Led by Wes Abrams, the meeting highlighted Foley Main Street’s recent successes in securing significant funding, launching digital initiatives and welcoming 12 new businesses to the downtown footprint since November 2025. The organization unveiled the Downtown Foley Digital Passport, a geo-based mobile tool that allows visitors to collect points as they explore downtown shops and restaurants, which can then be redeemed for rewards. Since the last biannual meeting, it also hosted four professional workshops that helped provide downtown business owners with skills and tools necessary to help them thrive in a competitive market. Mayor Ralph Hellmich provides updates on major municipal projects including the new Foley Library, the transition to underground utilities to improve aesthetics and reliability and the upcoming upgrade of the Dyas parking lot.