During its annual membership meeting to be held Thursday,  the Como Main Street Alliance will welcome Allison Winstead, Community and Economic Development Director of the Mississippi Arts Commission.

Winstead will be speaking on how the arts and creative economies are driving growth in small towns.

The event, to be held at 7 p.m. at the Main Street Gallery, is free and open to the public.

Winstead works with Mississippi communities to find ways that the arts, creativity and culture can weave themselves into the fabric of everyday life through creative economy and creative placemaking.

“We have so many creative minds in Como working to make a difference. Our group is excited to have the opportunity to hear Allison speak,” said John Land, president of the Como Main Street Alliance.

CMSA will hold a members-only social hour and business meeting at 6 p.m.

Founded in 2012, the Como Main Street Alliance is a network member of the Mississippi Main Street Association. CMSA is dedicated to the preservation, promotion, design and economic development of Como.