When we launched the Mainstreet Daily News membership program just over two years ago, we did so in large part to give readers the opportunity to partner in our work.  

Traditionally, someone who wanted to support their local news outlet could do that by subscribing, but the path to support was different for us. How do you support an outlet that gives away all the news? 

Thus, the Mainstreet membership program was born, and we have been very pleased with its growth over the last 26 months. Today, we have almost 900 members who are taking a stand for independent local news—and earning some cool perks along the way.  

These neighbors play a vital role in providing this community resource and keeping it free for all.  

As successful as the membership program has been, it did not answer every question. We’ve heard from numerous businesses and organizations that want to partner with Mainstreet, but it was not always clear how they could do that—particularly for those who may have no need to advertise.  

Well, the answer has arrived. We are thrilled to announce the launch of our Newsroom Partner Program for local businesses and organizations.  

Newsroom Partners are organizations that want to be active participants in building a stronger community. Research has repeatedly shown that communities with a strong local news presence are healthier, including increased civic engagement, less corruption, and even lower municipal borrowing costs.  

I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the four founding Newsroom Partners:  

• Coke Florida  

• COX Communications 

• The Domains at San Felasco Tech City 

• UF Small Business Relations 

As our way of saying thank you, these organizations will receive individual memberships for employees and a quarterly newsletter. You will also find their logos on our Newsroom Partners page and in our revamped staff box in the newspaper.  

We are placing these logos in the staff box to show these are partners in our work, but I want to emphasize that these organizations will not receive special treatment in news coverage. Our editorial team will continue to deliver the same independent, fair and trustworthy reporting they always have.  

We are excited about this new step forward for Mainstreet and look forward to deepening our relationships with organizations throughout Gainesville and beyond. Working together, we will continue building a stronger community.  

If you (or someone you know) have a business or organization and recognize the vital role of independent, quality local news, please check out our Newsroom Partners page. Feel free to let us know what you think and ask questions. We would be happy to share more about the exciting projects we’re working on and our vision for thriving local news in North Central Florida.