Melbourne Main Street Rebrand (DTMB) Nabs State Award

In the nearly 100 years of existence for the Melbourne Regional Chamber, one focus has been actively working toward the development and promotion of the Space Coast and Historic Downtown Melbourne. The aim is to create a thriving city that fosters business growth, boosts tourism, and empowers the community as a whole. 

We achieve this goal in partnership with Melbourne Main Street and their Executive Director, Kim Agee. Through her past service as a Chamber board chair and her ongoing commitment to service on the Chamber board, Kim has always prioritized the revitalization of Downtown Melbourne.

Annually, Florida Secretary of State Cord Boyd, recognizes exceptional Main Street initiatives across Florida’s 57 communities, for the positive impact made by individuals, organizations, and businesses. As a key partner of the community, we are proud that Melbourne Main Street and representatives earned Local Leader of the Year, Board Member of the Year and Telling Your Story at the 38th Annual Preservation on Main Street Conference.

Congratulations to Melbourne Main Street, Mayor Paul Alfrey, and Corey Runte on their well-deserved recognition. With these achievements, our community eagerly anticipates the continued progress and growth of Historic Downtown Melbourne in the years to come.

Local Leader of the Year – Paul Alfrey Mayor 

Mayor Paul Alfrey has played a pivotal role in driving the progress of Downtown Melbourne. As a native of Melbourne, he has a personal connection to the area and is committed to seeing Melbourne reach its full potential. Mayor Alfrey is a visionary leader who understands the intricacies of public policy, public safety, and city finances. Mayor Alfrey, currently an Investor Board Member of the Chamber, recognizes the importance of economic development and actively embraces new ideas, working collaboratively with property owners, developers, and key partners to identify the best opportunities and projects for Downtown Melbourne. 

Board Member of the Year – Corey Runte 

Corey Runte, Chair of the Melbourne Main Street Board, and also a board member for the Chamber, has been recognized as the Main Street Board Member of the Year for his exceptional service to Melbourne Main Street. With over 12 years of involvement in various capacities, Runte has made significant contributions to the organization. During his 2.5-year tenure as a board member, he guided the organization through a comprehensive transformation and restructuring. 

Runte’s unwavering dedication to the betterment of downtown is evident through the countless hours he has devoted to building relationships with board and committee members, businesses, property owners, city council, and city staff. Under his leadership, Melbourne Main Street has experienced record revenue increases, revitalized events with high customer satisfaction, repaired relationships, and fostered a sense of enjoyment within the community. 

Telling Your Story (Category B) 

Melbourne Main Street is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to establishing Historic Downtown Melbourne as the vibrant heart of our community and the preferred destination for authentic economic activity. Recognizing the importance of a modern and engaging brand, Executive Director Kim Agee and the Melbourne Main Street board of directors made a significant investment in a comprehensive rebrand. 

Through a strategic partnership with MTN Advertising, a local advertising and marketing company that shares our passion for the improvement of Downtown Melbourne, they were able to successfully craft a captivating brand that propels our community forward. As part of the rebranding process, the acronym DTMB (Downtown Melbourne) was introduced to simplify digital communication. This newly added acronym has aided in effectively marketing the mission of Melbourne Main Street for revitalization. It allows better connection with the community and visitors, providing visitors and locals alike with a memorable and engaging way to market downtown.

I am proud to recognize the efforts of these local Space Coast leaders and the positive difference they are making in our community. Through partnerships like these, the Melbourne Regional Chamber will continue to be a driving force on the Space Coast to foster business growth, boost tourism, and empower the community as a whole.

Meet Our Thought Leader

As president and CEO of the Melbourne Regional Chamber, Michael Ayers is a strategic leader with experience in managing government agencies, political campaigns and community-based organizations. He has spent more than 20 years in government relations, management and political marketing in Washington, D.C., Illinois, Tallahassee and Brevard County.