Benjamin Moore announces 20 communities selected for its 2013 Main Street Matters program

With nearly half a million votes and an incredible outpouring of stories, viral videos and passionate pleas on www.paintwhatmatters.com andwww.paintwhatmatters.ca – 20 communities across the US and Canada have been selected for  2013 Main Street Matters to receive revitalizations by Benjamin Moore. From Sandy-stricken Sea Bright, New Jersey to colourful Texarkana to historic Penticton, BC the 2013 towns will receive a revitalization package including exterior painting of downtown businesses along a 2-to-3-block stretch in each location. “We’re thrilled about the enthusiasm and passion from local businesses and communities around for Main Street Matters,” said David Melançon, Chief Marketing Officer of Benjamin Moore & Co. “The incredible response is a testament to how strongly people feel for their community and we hope this movement continues to drive support for local businesses as every Main Street has a story.” Throughout the six week voting period, more than 130 communities rallied onwww.paintwhatmatters.com and www.paintwhatmatters.ca to encourage excitement and votes in hopes of garnering a 2013 selection. Support for Main Street Matters didn’t stop there – officials, citizens and business owners from Joplin, MO to Hilo, HA used YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest to creatively encourage votes. Halifax Mayor Mike Savage and the town of Ellicott City, Maryland each took to video with a comedic approach appealing to Brad Pitt as a follow-up to his voiceover for the Main Street Matters advertising campaign, while actor Mark Ruffalo rallied his followers on Twitter. The 2013 Main Street Matters selected towns include: Attleboro, Massachusetts; Ellicott City, Maryland; Flint, Michigan; Greeley, Colorado; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Hawley, Pennsylvania; Hilo, Hawaii; Joplin, Missouri; Macon, Georgia; Martinez, California; Nyack, New York; Penticton, British Columbia; Placerville, California; Sanford, North Carolina; Sea Bright, New Jersey; Sheboygan, Wisconsin; Stouffville, Ontario; Texarkana, Texas; Westerly, Rhode Island; and Xenia, Ohio. The projects are due to begin this summer and continue through early 2014 and will be undertaken with the help of multiple partner organizations including Benjamin Moore’s longtime partner Make It Right, its network of independent dealers, plus local municipalities, small businesses and local Chambers of Commerce. Benjamin Moore will provide all necessary paint, stain and supplies for façades, porches, railings, shutters and other exterior building trims. The areas to be painted will be determined jointly with town representatives and residents, and Benjamin Moore colour experts will consult on colour choices. To learn more about Main Street Matters, follow the revitalization process and learn about other partner organizations and businesses that will join Benjamin Moore in this movement, please visit www.paintwhatmatters.com orwww.paintwhatmatters.ca.