Close to 40 representatives of local Main Street organizations came to Emporia for the official relaunch of Kansas Main Street.
Director Scott Sewell was pleased with the turnout Wednesday and the feedback from communities since the relaunch was announced. He says the new version of the statewide economic development program can help new programs or established ones like Emporia.
Emporia Main Street Director Casey Woods says the local Main Street was not directly affiliated with Kansas Main Street when it shut down seven years ago, and although Emporia Main Street received no direct funding, it still felt the effect through the loss of different networking and information opportunities that will now be revived. He says having Kansas Main Street as a partner is good for new and emerging businesses, both here and elsewhere.
Kansas Main Street was shelved in 2012 during Sam Brownback’s time as governor as the state used a different approach to combine trade, business and community development programs. Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Patty Clark tells KVOE News the state missed out on a range of economic development opportunities as a result.
Kansas Main Street uses a four-point approach to help downtowns. It also utilizes the National Main Street’s eight guiding principles, including self-help, partnerships, capitalizing on existing assets, quality and change. Clark says Kansas Main Street has had an “excellent” track record, giving communities a strategic framework to renovate or re-establish their downtown corridors and thus creating a successful vibe for both downtowns and entire towns.
For more information about Kansas Main Street, call 785-296-7288 or go online to www.kansascommerce.gov/mainstreet.
