Main Street Alabama hosted a nationally recognized market strategist, Todd Barman, in Florence Alabama this week. After meeting with representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, City of Florence, and economic development professionals, Barman will conduct a market analysis to showcase existing and new market expansion opportunities in downtown Florence. The study was requested by Florence Main Street’s Executive Director, Teryl Shields, as a tool to further develop their downtown.With more than 20 years of experience in the development field and more than 16 years firsthand Main Street experience, Barman’s expertise in market analysis is widely recognized. As a national leader, Todd convenes discussion groups on ways to better approach market analysis and help communities put economic restructuring principles into practice more effectively. Todd is known throughout the United States and into Canada for his work in downtown development planning and refining Main Street’s asset-based economic development strategies. His areas of expertise include capacity building and evaluation of local Main Street programs, organizational and community planning, entrepreneurship, targeted market research, and commercial district market position.Mary Helmer, State Coordinator of Main Street Alabama, stated “we are pleased to bring this nationally recognized expert to Florence and sponsor the work he is doing for one of our designated communities. A complete market study is one of the many items available to Main Street designated communities in our tiered program of services. Such studies, paired with professional development, help bolster community efforts and position Main Street programs for success.”Main Street Alabama focuses on bringing jobs, dollars and people back to Alabama’s historic communities. Economic development is at the heart of our efforts to revitalize downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.