This episode of the Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast, Jim Hunt interviews Nikki Bowman Ways to rally a city behind new ideas to build downtowns during Covid-19 Getting creative to help downtown restaurants Why asking how can we make this work is better than why won’t this work Why these creative ideas are key for success in these pandemic times and are important going into the long-term future How to build urgency to speed up decisions that make sense And, much more   7 Steps to an Amazing City: Attitude Motivation Attention to Detail Zing Inclusiveness Neighborhood Empowerment Green Awareness Thanks for listening and look forward to having you join us for the next episode.  Links Mentions During Show: AmazingCities.org LocalGovPodcasts.com   About Nikki Bowman Mills:     Nikki Bowman Founder, Publisher, and Editor   In 2008, Nikki Bowman, a West Virginia native, founded New South Media, Inc. and serves as president of the company, publisher, and editor-in-chief. Her mission was to create high caliber publications that changed the perceptions of West Virginia by championing the state with positive stories. Because of Nikki’s vision and leadership, what started as a regional publishing company has exponentially grown into a national multimedia company.   A consummate entrepreneur and founder of Turn This Town Around, Nikki champions small business development and entrepreneurship. Because of her efforts, Nikki was honored in 2019 by the West Virginia Hospitality and Tourism Association with the Excellence in Tourism Entrepreneurship Award. She was also recently chosen by SCORE as an American Small Business Champion. In 2016, Nikki was given the WV Excellence in Support of the Arts Award by the WV Division of Culture and History, and in 2015, she received a national award as a Top Woman in Media by Folio. In 2014, she was also honored with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Women Business Champion Award. In addition, the West Virginia Division of Tourism has recognized Nikki and her company with seven Star of the Industry awards. Nikki graduated from West Virginia University and received her master’s degree in writing from DePaul University in Chicago. About Your Host, Jim Hunt: Welcome to the “Building Amazing Cities and Towns Podcast” … The podcast for Mayors, Council Members, Managers, Staff and anyone who is interested in building an Amazing City.   Your host is Jim Hunt, the author of “Bottom Line Green, How American Cities are Saving the Planet and Money Too” and his latest book, “The Amazing City - 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City”   Jim is also the former President of the National League of Cities, 27 year Mayor, Council Member and 2006 Municipal Leader of the Year by American City and County Magazine.   Today, Jim speaks to 1000’s of local government officials each year in the US and abroad.   Jim also consults with businesses that are bringing technology and innovation to local government.   Amazing City Resources:   Buy Jim’s Popular Books: The Amazing City: 7 Steps to Creating an Amazing City: https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/the-amazing-city-7-steps-to-creating-an-amazing-city   Bottom Line Green: How America’s Cities and Saving the Planet (And Money Too) https://www.amazingcities.org/product-page/bottom-line-green-how-america-s-cities-are-saving-the-planet-and-money-too   FREE White Paper: “10 Steps to Revitalize Your Downtown” AmazingCities.org/10-Steps   Hire Jim to Speak at Your Next Event: Tell us about your event and see if dates are available at AmazingCities.org/Speaking   Hire Jim to Consult with Your City or Town: Discover more details at https://www.amazingcities.org/consulting   Discuss Your Business Opportunity/Product to Help Amazing Cities: Complete the form at https://www.amazingcities.org/business-development  Develop a Podcast for Your Amazing City: Discover more at LocalGovPodcasts.com Request a Podcast Launch Kit at LocalGovPodcasts.com/launchkit