Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Stachura.
Hi Alicia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
When I first joined Main Street Murfreesboro, I never imagined where the journey would lead. I simply knew I loved our community and believed that downtown had a story worth telling.
I started by managing social media and promoting events, but I quickly realized that marketing could do much more than advertise. It could connect people, support small businesses, preserve our historic downtown, and create a sense of community.
As I became more involved in the Main Street movement, I looked for every opportunity to learn and grow. I attended conferences, earned professional certifications, studied industry trends, and embraced new marketing platforms. Whether it was developing strategic marketing campaigns, creating videos, launching new social media initiatives, or telling the stories behind our local businesses, I was always searching for new ways to help downtown thrive.
Successful downtowns aren’t built by one person. They are built by businesses, volunteers, local government, nonprofit partners, and residents who believe in their community.
One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is helping people see downtown differently. It’s more than a collection of businesses. It’s where memories are made, traditions begin, entrepreneurs pursue their dreams, and neighbors come together. If our marketing encourages someone to shop locally, attend an event, or discover a business they’ve never visited before, then we’ve strengthened our community. Main Street has challenged me to grow professionally, think creatively, and serve a mission much bigger than myself. I’m excited to continue telling the stories that inspire people to experience, support, and invest in historic downtown Murfreesboro for years to come.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve learned to wear many hats and adapt quickly. Marketing is constantly evolving, so I’ve had to continually learn new platforms, technologies, and strategies while balancing limited budgets and resources.
One of the biggest challenges has been helping others see that small business and event marketing is more than creating social media posts or promoting sales. There have been campaigns that needed to be adjusted, events that required last-minute changes, and situations that demanded flexibility. Rather than viewing those moments as failures, I’ve learned to see them as opportunities to listen, improve, and grow.
Those experiences have made me a better marketer, a better communicator, and a stronger advocate for our downtown. They’ve taught me resilience, creativity, and the importance of building relationships because lasting community success is never achieved alone.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Main Street Murfreesboro is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and enhancing our historic downtown as the heart of our community. While many people know us for organizing signature events like the Murfreesboro Saturday Market, Friday Night Live, Sip, Shop & Stroll Downtown After 5, and holiday celebrations, our work extends far beyond events.
Our mission is to strengthen downtown through economic vitality, historic preservation, community partnerships, and strategic marketing. We work alongside local businesses, property owners, city leaders, volunteers, and residents to create a vibrant downtown where people want to shop, dine, work, invest, and gather.
What many people don’t realize is that Main Street Murfreesboro is part of Main Street America, a nationally recognized network dedicated to preserving and revitalizing historic downtowns across the country. Through this affiliation, we have access to proven revitalization strategies, professional development, national resources, and a network of communities working toward the same goal. At Main Street Murfreesboro, we believe a strong downtown benefits the entire community. Every time someone chooses to shop local, attend an event, dine at a local restaurant, or simply spend time downtown, they are investing in the economic and cultural vitality of Murfreesboro. Our role is to help tell those stories, create meaningful experiences, and ensure that our historic downtown continues to thrive for generations to come.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I actually began my role with Main Street Murfreesboro as a temporary fill-in to help the organization through a transition. When the Executive Director approached me I told her that I would commit to 6 months. It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with the mission of Main Street and the incredible downtown community. More than five years later, I can’t imagine being anywhere else. Looking back, I truly believe God knew exactly what I needed, even before I did. What started as an opportunity to help has become a calling, and I’m grateful every day that He led me to Main Street Murfreesboro.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mainstreetmurfreesboro.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mainstreetmurfreesboro
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MainStreetMurfreesboro
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/main-street-murfreesboro
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mainstreetmurfreesboro
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mainstreetmurfreesboro
