State, national representatives visit Main Street Washington

WASHINGTON — A pair of affiliates with Main Street Iowa and Main Street America spent the day in Washington Sept. 25, where they met with numerous Main Street Washington businesses and partners.

The trip was part brainstorming session, part accreditation visit, as the groups check in on MSW’s long-term plans, leadership, funding, volunteer efforts and ongoing projects that qualify it for funding from the larger groups.

Carol Lilly, the state coordinator for Main Street Iowa, said the group was in the swing of a two-year effort to visit every Main Street Iowa affiliate in the state, a venture that’s sent her across the state several times over.

  Buy Photo

“We’re working directly with staff at Main Street America to evaluate the organizations,” she said. “Their strength, their sustainability, and to help create stronger Main Street programs so they can continue to do the good work they’ve been doing. Next year, Main Street Iowa turns 40, and we’re looking at how we’re going to support communities for the next 40, and beyond.”

Joined by a rotating cast of Main Street Washington volunteers, businesses, and Executive Director Samantha Meyer, the organization affiliates took a tour of Washington’s downtown, stopping at the Washington Public Library, a soon-to-open business called Libations on Iowa, the Greiner Plaza, Koller +, and a handful of other destinations.

They also held a conference with numerous members of Main Street Washington’s committees.

At that meeting, Main Street America Senior Program Officer Joi Cuartero Austin had largely positive things to say about the visit.

  Buy Photo

“You’ve been able to promote each other really well, and bring visibility to the strengths of what different groups can do here,” she said, before sharing an anecdote about overhearing kids playing in Washington’s central park the night prior. “Most of the time, downtowns, they close down at five, they shut down, nobody really comes out … I think that was very nice to see.”

Main Street Washington Executive Director Samantha Meyer said she agreed that the day was a success.

“We had a blast showing Joi (MSA) and Carol (MSI) our historic downtown during the accreditation visit, but the true highlight was them getting to meet the dedicated community members who drive our program,” she said in a comment the day after the tour. “We used the Four Point Approach to effectively showcase who we are and articulate our future plans. As director, I'm incredibly proud of this organization and the wonderful community support we receive."

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com