Core Committee Seeks Main Street Iowa, Independence Support
Michelle Reck, Independence Area Chamber of Commerce Director
Throughout the summer bustle of vacations, cookouts, festivals, sporting events, and everything in between, there have been a small group community members coming together weekly, in supports of the future of Independence; involvement, growth, preservation, and pride; Main Street Iowa.
In which part of Independence was business and community development founded and spiraled upon? Where is the heart in which all veins connect to? The answer is the Main Street District of Independence. Down first street, reaching its arms through second street, third street, and crossing through third and sixth avenue.
Over the years, as more businesses have developed, and by-passing routes have been made, Independence’s Main Street has taken a backseat. Initially the hub of all activity, as our community has greatly and positively grown, our Main Street still provides quality experience, products, and community benefactors.
Launched in the 1980’s, the Main Street Iowa Program is designed to “Improve the social and economic well-being of Iowa’s communities by assisting selected communities to capitalize on the unique identity, assets and character of their historic commercial district” (iowaeconomicdevelopment.com). Since its beginning, over 11,000 new jobs have been created in Main Street Iowa districts; Waverly, Dubuque, West Union, Charles City, and more to name a few, $1.1 billion dollars have been invested in buildings in these districts, Main Street communities grew 1.7% within those populated between 5,000 to 50,000, and more than 3,800 businesses have started-up, relocated to, or expanded in designated Main Street Iowa districts. These communities have revitalized downtown lofts for living space, revitalized outside and inside appearance to best resemble historic accuracy, and have created events and activities for citizens to enjoy, drawing many community members as well as visitors to this hub of motion, to name a few.
Each Main Street community receives thousands of dollars annually in training and technical assistance through this highly participatory and volunteer driven program. Becoming a MSI community is no easy task. Applicants must show support from local organizations, business and lawmakers; funding and in-kind support must be secured before being considered, as well and long term goals and historical preservation and revitalization.
Many, however, may ask, “Why Main Street Iowa?” Benefits are limitless for all community businesses; within the Main Street District and outside of the district, as well as civic groups, community members, financial institutions, schools, local government, property owners, and industry. With a prideful and active Main Street, just like layers of an onion, the community and its businesses and residents will greatly benefit. In Main Street Iowa communities, many families have relocated to the areas for jobs and quality of community living, greatly presented by a vibrant Main Street.
By becoming a Main Street Iowa community, with the hopeful acceptance in February of 2014, this program won’t work without you driving the success in volunteer positions, and monetary investment. Any participation in this program, aside from your investment, is purely voluntary. To show the commitment within applying for this incredible program, our core group of business owners, building owners, and community leaders are asking for your pledge. For business and building owners, an investment of a three year commitment of $150 annually is encouraged, and a three year commitment of $75 annually from any patron and/or resident. These investments will be invoiced in February 2014, upon acceptance into the Main Street Iowa program. Through your desire, and kind investment, our Main Street will become alive once again and continue to be a landmark location of our community. Although these base amounts of $150 and $75 are suggested, your interest and passion within this program may be reflected within your pledge of investment. This is a community effort and will not proceed without support, encouragement, and deep interest.
The Main Street Core Committee of local community members will hold an informal information session regarding Main Street Iowa on Wednesday, August 28th at 8am at Bill’s Pizza and Smokehouse in Independence. All are welcome, and all questions, concerns, and words of support are encouraged.
To pledge your commitment, please call the Independence Area Chamber of Commerce at 319-334-7178 or mail the following form to the Independence Area Chamber of Commerce at PO Box 104, Independence, IA 50644
Members of the core committee include Michelle Reck 334-7178, Kriss McGraw 334-9355, Connie Brown 334-7224, Amanda Coonrad 334-3666, Laree Randall 334-6703, Tricia Beatty 334-7181, and Steve Diers 334-2780