We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Julie Della-Maria. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Julie below.
Julie, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
The Downtown Sykesville Connection, Inc (DSC) was awarded the titles of “Coolest Small Town in America” by Budget Travel (2016) and “Best Main Street in America” by Independent We Stand amid the Covid-19 pandemic (2020), highlighting our promotion and marketing program as one of the organization’s strongest assets. A record-setting 1.5 million total votes were cast in the 2020 contest, 160,000 for Sykesville, shy of 4,800 residents. It positioned the DSC as the innovative conductor of new virtual relationships.
The DSC continued to establish its value as the builder of emotional connections between community members or the community and its downtown through the 2016 contest. From the block party announcing Sykesville’s participation to the event celebrating the win, the DSC witnessed Sykesville community pride grow. Our Main Street program has nurtured this sense of pride and belonging ever since, and we still feel it on Main Street today. It is the cornerstone of our identity and a qualitative measure of the validity of the Main Street Program.
The “Coolest and Best” titles represent the recognition of our Main Street organization as an indispensable driver of economic and community development. They have allowed the DSC to establish its brand and continue developing marketing campaigns, programs, and merchandise.
Our Main Street program’s success was honored in 2023 when it was selected as a semifinalist for the prestigious Great American Main Street Award. This recognition came from an expert panel at the National Main Street Center, acknowledging our initiative as one of the top eight community and economic development programs out of more than 1,200 across the United States.
Julie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Julie Della-Maria, and I serve as the Executive Director of the Downtown Sykesville Connection (DSC). My journey into this industry is driven by a deep passion for community development and urban revitalization. With a strong commitment to equity and inclusion, I have dedicated my career to making Sykesville a thriving and inclusive place for everyone.
My career path began in the research science sector, where I gained valuable experience and developed a passion for evidence-based approaches to problem-solving. Upon pivoting careers through seasons of life, I discovered the power of community engagement and the impact of revitalizing downtown areas. I was drawn to the Main Street Program because of its holistic approach to economic development, historic preservation, and community building. This program resonated with my belief that a vibrant downtown is the heart of a strong community.
Our Main Street Program offers a range of services designed to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in downtown Sykesville. Our services include:
Business Support: We work closely with local businesses, providing resources, marketing support, and networking opportunities to help them thrive.
Community Events: We organize events that bring the community together, such as farmers’ markets, festivals, and cultural activities.
Beautification Projects: We implement public art projects, landscaping, and other beautification efforts to make our downtown a welcoming and attractive place.
Historic Preservation: We advocate for the preservation of Sykesville’s historic buildings and heritage, ensuring that our town’s unique character is maintained.
Our work addresses several key issues:
Economic Development: By supporting local businesses, we help stimulate the local economy and create job opportunities.
Community Engagement: Our events and projects foster a sense of community and belonging among residents.
Urban Revitalization: Through beautification and preservation efforts, we enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of downtown Sykesville.
Sustainability: We promote sustainable practices in all our projects, contributing to the long-term health of our community.
What sets DSC apart is its holistic and inclusive approach. We focus on economic growth and prioritize creating a welcoming and equitable environment for all. Our strong relationships with the business community, town officials, and residents allow us to address a wide range of needs and opportunities.
I am most proud of our ability to bring the community together and create positive change. One of our recent successes was being selected as the US host for the Global Roots Mosaic Mural, Friends & Family Edition, which showcased our commitment to public art and cultural exchange.
For potential sponsors, followers, and fans, it’s important to know that DSC is dedicated to enhancing the vibrancy and inclusivity of downtown Sykesville. We are driven by a passion for community service, and every project we undertake is aimed at making Sykesville a better place to live, work, and visit. We believe in the power of collaboration and invite everyone to join us in our mission to create a thriving, sustainable community.
Together, we can continue to make Sykesville a place where everyone feels welcome and proud to call home.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Our journey to building a strong social media presence began with a clear vision: to stay true to our identity and foster a sense of belonging for everyone in the Sykesville community. From the outset, we understood that our online presence needed to reflect the vibrant, inclusive, and creative spirit of downtown Sykesville.
We started by sharing genuine stories from our community. Highlighting local businesses, featuring residents, and showcasing events allowed us to create content that resonated with our audience. People could see their own stories reflected in our posts, fostering a sense of connection and authenticity.
Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We made it a priority to celebrate the diversity within our community. This meant featuring a wide range of voices and perspectives, ensuring everyone felt represented. Our posts often spotlighted community members’ unique contributions, helping to create an inclusive online space where everyone felt valued.
We infused creativity into our social media strategy. From interactive posts to live event coverage and behind-the-scenes glimpses, we kept our content dynamic and engaging. Creative storytelling, vibrant visuals, and compelling videos helped capture attention and build a loyal following across all our platforms. We adapt content to the specific audience of each of these platforms.
If we have one piece of advice, it would be to stay true to your identity: authenticity is key. Share your true story, values, and mission. People are drawn to genuine narratives and will connect more deeply with your brand if they sense honesty and integrity.
Ensure your content is inclusive and represents the diversity of your audience. Highlight different voices and stories, and make everyone feel welcome.
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Use a mix of content types—photos, videos, stories, and live streams—to keep your audience engaged. Creative storytelling can set you apart and make your content memorable.
Social media is not just about broadcasting; it’s about building relationships and nurturing emotions. Respond to comments, engage with your followers, and create opportunities for them to participate. Show that you value their input and appreciate their support.
Regular posting and maintaining a consistent voice and style help build recognition and trust. Develop a content calendar to keep your efforts organized and ensure you’re consistently providing value to your audience.
Building a social media presence is a journey that requires patience, creativity, and a genuine commitment to your community. By staying true to our identity, focusing on inclusion, and engaging creatively, we have built a strong and supportive online community that reflects the best of Sykesville. We believe you can do the same with dedication and a clear vision.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
A story that truly illustrates our resilience at the Downtown Sykesville Connection (DSC) revolves around our ongoing efforts to continually reinvent ourselves to stay competitive and relevant in an ever-evolving landscape. Our journey is a testament to the power of creative thinking that embraces historical preservation while propelling us into the forefront of innovation for commerce, arts, and accessibility.
In recent years, we faced the challenge of keeping our downtown vibrant and attractive in the face of changing economic conditions and evolving community needs. To stay competitive, it became clear that we needed to constantly reinvent ourselves, balancing our rich historical heritage with innovative programming and projects.
One of our most ambitious projects involved transforming our historic Main Street into a dynamic hub of activity. This required a delicate balance between preserving the charm and character of our historic buildings while integrating modern amenities such as our speaker system and innovative virtual storymaps to attract both businesses and visitors.
We embarked on a series of initiatives to achieve this:
Historical Preservation: We prioritized the restoration and preservation of our historic buildings through grant-funded Facade Improvement Programs, ensuring they retained their unique architectural features. This not only honored our town’s heritage but also provided a picturesque and appealing environment for new businesses.
Innovative Marketing: To boost local commerce, we introduced innovative marketing campaigns and produced engaging printed advertisements or billboards. We collaborated with entrepreneurs to create unique and collaborative concepts that drew visitors and supported local businesses.
Artistic Endeavors: We integrated public art installations, such as murals, pole flags, lights, and urban transformation, into our downtown area. These projects not only beautified our streets but also created a sense of community pride and became focal points for cultural engagement.
Accessibility Enhancements: We implemented accessibility improvements to ensure that our downtown was welcoming to all. This included upgrading, adding American Sign Language interpreters at our events, adding wheelchair lifts in the back of historic buildings, and creating inclusive spaces that catered to people of all abilities.
Our efforts to reinvent and innovate have paid off immensely. Our historic downtown has become a vibrant and thriving center of commerce, art, and community engagement. The blend of historic charm and modern innovation has attracted a diverse array of businesses and visitors, making Sykesville a destination for both locals and tourists.
The resilience and adaptability we displayed throughout this journey have been key to our success. By embracing creative thinking and constantly seeking new ways to enhance our downtown, we have managed to stay ahead of the curve and ensure our community remains competitive and vibrant.
Our story of reinvention and innovation is a powerful example of how resilience is about more than just overcoming challenges—it’s about continually evolving and striving for excellence. The projects we have undertaken reflect our commitment to historical preservation while embracing the future through cutting-edge innovations in commerce, art, and accessibility.
This experience has taught us that resilience requires a willingness to constantly reinvent ourselves and embrace new ideas. By staying true to our roots while boldly stepping into the future, we have created a downtown that is not only historically significant but also a beacon of modern innovation and inclusivity.
We are incredibly proud of how our community has come together to support these efforts. The collective creativity and determination have made Sykesville a model for other towns looking to blend heritage with progress. This journey of resilience and reinvention serves as a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we embrace change with an open mind and a forward-thinking spirit.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.downtownsykesville.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/downtownsykesville
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sykesville/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/downtown-sykesville-connection
Image Credits
Carroll County Times and Carroll Magazine