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Siloam Springs A Top 5 Finalist For Hulu TV Show

SILOAM SPRINGS (KFSM) — A public vote will decide whether downtown Siloam Springs is featured on Hulu’s third season of “The Small Business Revoluti...

SILOAM SPRINGS (KFSM) — A public vote will decide whether downtown Siloam Springs is featured on Hulu's third season of "The Small Business Revolution."

The city got word about 6:30 a.m. Tuesday (Feb. 13) that it was one of five finalists, according to Nathan Reed, director of economic development for the city's Chamber of Commerce.

Online voting is open for the next seven days. Residents are encouraged to share #MySiloamSprings to help spread the word.

Siloam Springs is competing against towns in Illinois, Massachusetts, Texas and California to be on the show, which helps set up small businesses for long-term sustainability to spur community growth, according to Kelsey Howard with Downtown Siloam Springs.

The winning city will receive $500,000 to stimulate downtown revitalization.

Siloam Springs A Top 5 Finalist For Hulu TV Show

On Wednesday (Feb. 14), Arkansas House members joined Rep. Robin Lundstrom (R-Elm Springs) at the House chambers to encourage residents to vote for Siloam Springs to be on the show.

“This is a great opportunity for Siloam Springs and for Arkansas to be featured on a national stage,” Lundstrum said.

“A large investment like this into local businesses can help continue the revitalization process ... we need everyone to vote to help make this a reality."

Gov. Asa Hutchinson concurred, calling Siloam Springs an "Arkansas gem."

"Its charm and entrepreneurial spirit make it a natural fit for this show. Hard-working small business owners drive Arkansas’s economy," Hutchinson said.

"If Siloam Springs wins the competition, this opportunity will only further create an environment where local business can succeed."

Howard said last fall her team applied for a spot on the show, and officials relish the chance to show off the progress of Northwest Arkansas

“Last year, over seven and a half million dollars was reinvested in Downtown Siloam Springs," Howard said, adding that the diverse downtown businesses make the city unique.

Amanda Brinkman, chief brand and communications officer with Deluxe Corporation, said her team was impressed with Siloam Springs when they toured the city in January. Deluxe helped spearhead the TV series in 2015.

"There are so many incredible residents, community advocates, civic leaders and small businesses," Brinkman said. "We loved Creekside Taproom, The Foundry — The Brick Ballroom is beautiful. And the the list goes on."

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