Inspiring Conversations with Amy Breinich of TROY MAIN STREET, INC.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Breinich.

Hi Amy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey in community and downtown revitalization has been one deeply rooted in connection, collaboration, and a love for seeing people gather in places that feel alive. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to help bring that sense of vitality and belonging to two incredible downtowns; Sidney and Troy, Ohio.

I began my work with Sidney Alive in 2016, where I had the privilege of leading a talented team and a dedicated group of volunteers who believed in the power of small-town downtowns. Together, we worked to strengthen our historic core through economic development, creative placemaking, and events that brought new energy to our community.

During my time in Sidney, our collective efforts were recognized statewide, In 2024, Sidney Alive received Heritage Ohio’s “Best Downtown Placemaking Award”, honoring the transformation of our public spaces and the way we used design and community programming to make downtown Sidney more vibrant and inviting. That same year, the organization was also nominated by the Dayton Business Journal for Best Nonprofits of the Year, a reflection of the impact our team made.

In late 2024, I began a new chapter as the Executive Director of Troy Main Street, Inc., where I now focus on continuing that same spirit of innovation and connection in Downtown Troy. My work centers on supporting local businesses, preserving Troy’s historic character, and ensuring our downtown remains a place where residents, visitors, and entrepreneurs all feel a strong sense of belonging.

Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about ongoing learning and collaboration. Attending conferences and connecting with peers through Heritage Ohio and Main Street America keeps me inspired and informed about best practices in economic development, placemaking, and downtown management.

At the heart of everything I do is a belief that downtowns are not just physical spaces but that they’re the heartbeats of our communities. They tell our stories, connect our people, and remind us what makes our towns truly special. I’m grateful to continue that mission every day here in Troy.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Revitalizing a downtown district is one of the most rewarding, and challenging, experiences a person can undertake. It’s not just about beautifying buildings or planning events; it’s about balancing the heart of a community with the realities of economics, personalities, and progress.

Running a nonprofit dedicated to downtown development means operating at the intersection of passion and practicality. We work to support small businesses that are often navigating the same financial pressures we are: inflation, changing consumer habits, and the ongoing need to innovate in a fast-moving economy. Every decision we make impacts real people: business owners who have risked everything to follow their dreams, property owners who care deeply about the integrity of their spaces, and residents who want their downtown to feel both historic and relevant.

There are also the human challenges; the different personalities, perspectives, and priorities that come with community work. Downtown revitalization requires patience, empathy, and diplomacy. It means finding common ground between those who long for tradition and those pushing for change. It also means accepting that progress rarely happens in a straight line – it comes in waves, often slower than we’d like, and sometimes at the expense of personal time, energy, and peace of mind.

Leading a nonprofit adds another layer of complexity. Resources are limited, expectations are high, and the work never really stops. Balancing budgets, building partnerships, and keeping volunteers, businesses, and board members aligned requires not just skill, but heart. It asks you to stay optimistic when circumstances are difficult and to keep showing up for your community even when the path forward isn’t easy.

Yet despite these challenges, there’s nothing quite like watching a downtown come alive, Seeing storefronts full, hearing music echo through the streets, and witnessing neighbors reconnect in spaces that once sat empty. Those moments remind me why this work matters. Downtowns are more than economic centers; they are reflections of who we are as communities: resilient, creative, and full of hope for what’s next.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about TROY MAIN STREET, INC.?
Troy Main Street, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting, preserving, and enhancing the downtown district as the vibrant heart of Troy, Ohio. By supporting local businesses, fostering community engagement, and championing historic preservation, Troy Main Street helps ensure that downtown remains a thriving destination for residents, visitors, and entrepreneurs alike.

As an accredited Main Street America community, Troy Main Street is part of a national network of downtown revitalization programs rooted in grassroots collaboration. The Main Street Approach, developed by Main Street America, empowers local leaders to take ownership of their community’s future through four key areas: Economic Vitality, Design, Promotion, and Organization. This proven framework balances the preservation of local character with the pursuit of sustainable economic growth.

What makes the Main Street model so impactful is its bottom-up philosophy. Change doesn’t come from outside consultants or one-time grants, it comes from the people who live, work, and invest in their community every day. By leveraging local talent, creativity, and pride, Main Street programs build authentic places that reflect a city’s unique identity. These efforts create more than just economic outcomes; they foster connection, belonging, and civic pride.

For communities seeking to revitalize their downtowns or reimagine their public spaces, engaging with their state Main Street program, and in Ohio’s case, Heritage Ohio, is an invaluable step. State programs provide technical assistance, training, and a network of peer communities that share ideas, lessons learned, and encouragement. They help local programs build capacity, develop sustainable funding strategies, and implement the Main Street Four-Point Approach effectively. This network is sustainable, supportive, and far outlasts the one-time consultant relationship.

In Troy, that partnership has led to meaningful results: active storefronts, thriving events that draw thousands, enhanced public spaces, and a renewed sense of excitement for what downtown can be. By staying connected to the state and national Main Street networks, Troy Main Street continues to evolve and adapt, ensuring that the heart of the community remains strong for generations to come.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
One of the greatest strengths of being part of the Heritage Ohio and Main Street America networks is the access to a deep, collaborative community of professionals and volunteers who are passionate about revitalizing their cities. The work of downtown development can be complex but no community has to navigate it alone.

Through Heritage Ohio, I was able gain direct access to experienced mentors and peers across the state who share practical strategies, success stories, and lessons learned. Whether it’s improving downtown design standards, expanding business support programs, or strengthening board governance, there’s a culture of openness and shared purpose. Heritage Ohio regularly hosts regional meetups, workshops, and the annual statewide conference, which bring together Main Street leaders, city officials, and economic development professionals to exchange ideas and collaborate on common challenges. There is something about meeting up with those who are facing similar wins and challenges that keep you centered and grounded.

At the national level, Main Street America connects thousands of communities across the country through its national conference, webinars, and professional certification programs. This network provides small-town leaders with the same access to knowledge and innovation as larger urban centers. It’s a space where ideas about placemaking, business recruitment, and downtown vibrancy are shared freely, allowing local programs to adapt proven models that fit their unique character and scale. I was able to attend the national conference for the first time this year and it was amazing to see what is going on in states all over the country! Desert towns, mountain villages, etc.

This mentorship-driven network helps me never isolated in my r work. There’s always someone to call for guidance, encouragement, or a fresh perspective. Communities learn from each other’s experiences, celebrate one another’s successes, and collectively raise the bar for what thriving downtowns can look like in Ohio and across the nation.

For Troy Main Street, this support system has been instrumental in sustaining progress and staying inspired. Being part of the Main Street movement means being part of something bigger: a shared commitment to preserving local heritage while fostering economic vitality and connection for the next generation. I’m proud to be part of that network of people for over a dozen years now.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://troymainstreet.org
• Instagram: @troymainstreet
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/troymainstreet